DIYWEEK.net

Festive DIY demos for parents and children will be on offer in B&Q stores across the UK, supported by online videos and tips for creating a homemade Christmas.
The launch of the new classes was kicked off by B&Q celebrity ambassador Kirstie Allsopp, who ran a series of Christmas You Can Do It classes at B&Q Sutton yesterday.

Ms Allsopp, star of shows such as Kirstie's Handmade Britain, Kirstie's Homemade Christmas and Location, Location, Location, provided participants with a range of DIY Christmas tips to create that extra 'wow' factor for less, including using brown paper to decorate the Christmas tree.

The Christmas masterclasses will be rolled out into selected B&Q stores from mid-November with B&Q experts showing customers how to add some Christmas sparkle and do it themselves.

Ms Allsopp has also filmed a series of 'how to' videos for the retailer, with tips on choosing the right Christmas tree, how to create a festive wreath and even how to wrap gifts. The videos are available online on B&Q's You Tube channel.

Ms Allsopp said of the launch: "I'm thrilled to bring some of my festive ideas to the You Can Do It classes, to show just how easy it can be to make your home look fantastic this Christmas. Its all about those small extra touches, you don't need to spend much money, just use a little imagination and off you go!"

The Christmas demos are an extension of B&Q's popular You Can Do it classes, which launched last year and have seen a 184% increase in bookings as more people look to save money and do it themselves in the current climate.

B&Q marketing director Katherine Paterson said: "The success of our You Can Do It classes illustrate the growing trend for people doing it themselves. We are passionate about making home improvement easier to tackle and the classes give homeowners the skills they need to do it themselves. Kirstie has always been a great advocate of the make-do-and-mend trend so we're delighted that she is helping to kick off the roll out of our Christmas skills classes in our stores with her special money saving festive masterclass."