Crafting on...

How nice is it to get something you just do not expect through the post...especially from a blogger that you really enjoy reading. This blogger has provided me with so much inspiration this year...as if the inspiration was not enough she sends me this gorgeous bundle of goodness... You all know by now how much I adore gingham...so a gingham hottie, how cool (well hot actually) is that? A beautiful hand sewn Christmas decoration which will adorn my tree for many years to come I hope and...yes...and....a lovely quilted tree card, you can not see the detail on the photo, but it has machine and hand quilting on it and I love the Christmas label...beautiful...I thank you French Knots very much.
So I managed to get all the Christmas cards in the post, I took a few minutes out to type my usual Christmas newsletter and once posted realised there was a typo in it!!! Ah well, I am dyslexic after all at least I have something to blame it on!
A few last minute Christmas cards got made last night whilst I sat with the children at supper time. I used an Ikea decoration from a couple of years ago, this year Ikea have done hearts (so think Valentines day). I have had them up all year as I like them, a little person came round one day and showed a lot of interest in them, so much so they pulled them all apart...so rather than re thread them I have sewn on a button and made a simple card, using a simple styled Greeting stamp in a rustic ink...well...I think its quite cute...
OK this picture is not a craft one but it was the result of our outdoor time in the cold...a rather large collection of ice...yes it is ice and not glass. We had great fun smashing it all up. SO after our outdoor mischief we returned in doors and a little sewing got done. I seem to have a project on the go in every room at the moment, the house really is under a blanket of paper, glue, fabric and wool...I need to do a big clear up soon as my Mom is coming to stay in a few days and she is not one for a mess! Anyway I introduce to you my Sleepy Santa's. The idea came about last year for these, I had a free download for a tree pattern and had drawn in my idea book a Santa I saw on a blog, so this is a direct result from looking at two peoples work, I am ashamed to say I do not have their links to pass on to you, but it is someones else's idea and not my own, I just put the two ideas together...I love the result, the fabric is perfect and they are a little bit of silliness for the season...Don't you just love the light reflection on this picture, I did have a better picture of the Santa's I just thought this was more fun for this time of year when Grey is the usual colour of light around here?

Now this doll is not my own work, it was given to me a few years ago and comes out every year and sits on the fire place. I so love this, it was made just for me by a paper crafts artist...along with it a wonderful letter telling me where each bit of fabric and antique lace had come from and even where the willow was picked for her wings. It is precious and makes me happy!
Now for a little Christmas corner of my home...my knitted Christmas man, I bought this last year from the hospice my Dads spent his last days in. I wanted to buy something for the house that the children would enjoy and this seemed ideal. I like the idea that someone had sat for many hours making this knowing it was going to make someone smile and help a much needed charity. Can you spot the Lego from the advent calender not to mention my bunny from Little Cotton Rabbits?
So back to the stuff I am making...the yo yo's. This time last year I think all craft bloggers had made them, I might be a little behind on this craze but my they are addictive...this is the result of sitting watching a Christmas movie with the children...
Why so many and what am I going to do with them? I am a little nervous at showing you this. I was telling a friend about it last week, I was full of my usual puppy dog enthusiasm and I watched her face screw up and go 'Oh how nice' which most definitely meant the opposite. I felt totally deflated...I know its not something I would chose to make, but, my child has chosen the colours and the Pokemon characters he has even picked the wadding.
It has lots of texture and I agree whilst its not every ones cup of tea it is designed by a child...believe me the child loves it too...I can't wait for it to be finished and see him all cuddled up in it...I think it important to let a child have their own ideas and express them...do you think it will get finished in time for Christmas?