From our home to yours . . .

Wishing you a wonderful, happy and safe Christmas . . . whether it's with family, friends or in your own company . . . may you find peace and joy and contentment.

Merry Christmas!

Build your own dessert

We usually find some tasty little treat for dessert after our family dinners. In the spirit of the festive season, this time it was "build your own . . . Santa".

Take a strawberry . . . add some cream . . . chocolate and vanilla fudge in a tube . . . mixed with a bit of imagination. And what do you get???

Strawberry Santas, of course . . .

Or birds.

Or wierd little guys.

Or smiley faces.

In the midst of all the laughter we did manage to eat a few strawberries - and they were so sweet and tasty. There's nothing quite like a bit of "interactive dessert" to ensure that much laughter and fun is had by all!

Plum Pudding anyone?

I know, I know . . . it's too early for Christmas.

Or is it?

I made a couple of these cute little Plum Pudding decorations quite a few years ago, and I thought I'd add a couple more to my collection.

Just out of curiosity, when does it stop being a collection and how many does it take before collection becomes obsession??

If you fancy making one of these yourself, here's a simple "how to" . . .

Ingredients:

• 1 polystyrene ball - I've used a couple of different sizes, but prefer the ones that are just about 1 1/2"
• Pins - Lills Pins (Short) - one container will make a few puddings, plus 1 longer pin for the hanging loop
• Sequins - 2 colours, darker for the "pudding" and lighter for the "custard/cream"
• Beads - little ones to suit the lighter sequins, plus 1 slightly larger red one for the berry
• Holly - Either metallic ones found in the bead section of your local craft store, or my preferred option, Holly cake picks

Method:

1. Use a pen or fine marker to draw a line around the ball to mark the "custard" line. There's no right or wrong - just whatever is pleasing to your eye.
2. Starting at the bottom, in the centre, pin dark sequins, cupped side DOWN, to the ball until the entire "pudding" is filled up to the "custard" line. Ensure that the sequins slightly overlap each other so no polystyrene is visible
3. Load your pin with one little bead, then a lighter sequin, cupped side UP.
4. Starting at the "custard" line, working your way around and then up to the centre top, pin bead/sequins in place. As with the bottom sequins, ensure the sequins slightly overlap each other so no polystyrene is visible. Leave a small area at the top to add the holly.
5. Trim the stem of the holly to somewhere between 3/4 & 1" (long enough to poke into the ball, but not so long that it pokes out the other end!) 
6. Using a small amount of glue (suitable for polystyrene) on the stem of the holly, poke the stem into the ball.
7. Tie a knot in the end of a looped length of metallic thread for the hanger.
8. Load a small clear bead and then the red bead onto the larger pin (if you've got a larger head on your pin and it doesn't fall through the bead, then don't worry about the clear bead). Poke the pin through the knot of the hanger thread.
9. Again, using a small amount of glue on the pin, poke the pin into the ball, in front of the holly. I then adjusted the hanger thread so that it wrapped around to the back of the holly leaves (it seemed to hang a bit neater that way). If your holly cake pick comes with a couple of berries attached, you're done. If not, add a couple more red beads on longer pins in front of the holly to make a cluster of berries.
10. Let the glue dry thoroughly before hanging your "Pudding". Trust me on this - the pins will eventually come out if you don't glue, or don't let the glue dry thoroughly. And no-one wants their pudding falling off the tree prematurely!!
11. All that's left to do is enjoy these little puddings hanging on your tree (and they sparkle quite nicely if you have lights on your tree, too).

These sequined Plum Puddings make great decorations and great little gifts. They are delightful and calorie-free! Will you stop at just one??

Merry Christmas

From our home to yours . . .

As you make special memories today, may you enjoy a safe and happy Christmas. I hope this day brings you love and laughter, peace and contentment . . .

The Surrogate Angel

tradition [trəˈdɪʃən]n

1. the handing down from generation to generation of the same customs, beliefs, etc., esp by word of mouth

2. the body of customs, thought, practices, etc., belonging to a particular country, people, family, or institution over a relatively long period

3. a specific custom or practice of long standing

One of our Christmas traditions includes our kids taking turns, year about, to put the angel on the top of the tree . . . they may be grown up now, but the tradition continues.

Last year we got a living tree, which was a bit small for the angel, so we had to find her a new temporary location at short notice - she went on top of a nearby cupboard!

This year, the tree it still too small, so we're going with a surrogate angel.

She's a little lighter on the fragile top branches. She's not quite as regal. But I think she's pretty cute.

So we're not breaking with tradition, just modifying a little. After all, you've got to do what you've got to do!

Christmas Planner

Is it too soon to be planning for Christmas?

Inspired by Pinterest, I decided to make myself a little Christmas Planner/Organiser.

I'm a list kind of girl ordinarily, so this is an expansion on the list on a scrap of paper I might usually have in my handbag! It's a fair bit prettier than the scrap of paper. And it's not too big to manage - 4" x 6 12/" when it's folded up.

Using a sheet of chocolate cardstock I had on hand, I added papers from the Kaisercraft 6 1/2" Paper Pad. With it's gorgeous vintage reds, greens and creams (and I love the name "Twig & Berry"), it all came together pretty well. I can slip my lists - Cards, Decorating, Gifts & Food - into the pockets and carry it with me to make notes when inspiration strikes!!! With the stitched on button and twine to wrap around for a closure, it's easy to use.

Now all I have to do is make those lists . . . and plan the gifts . . . and write the cards . . . and  . . .

Is it too soon to be planning for Christmas?


Paper: Kaisercraft "Twig & Berry"
Twine: Maya Road TC2137 "Watermelon"

Tiny Christmas Canvas

I absolutely loved working on this tiny little Christmas canvas piece. It's only 2 inches square.

What is it about miniature things that fascinates me so?

This little piece has a Christmas tree, complete with tinsel decorations.

But . . . if I'm being honest . . . it's really the wreath of French knots on the front door that I love the most. I couldn't wait to get all the stitching done to add this last little detail!


Pattern: Christmas Canvas Work
Designer: Sylvia Frazer
Publication: http://sylviastitch.blogspot.com.au/

Seasonal Stitching

One of the projects from a previous Stitching On The Lake day was this cute little Santa stitchery . . .

Originally designed to be appliqued on to a star decoration, I decided to mix things up a bit.

I've made a little wallet. It could be used for lots of things - like stitching supplies or gift cards. . . this one will be a gift, filled with a variety of sachets of delicious tasting teas - hopefully a perfect gift for the recipient who has everything.

This project was satisfying for me on a few levels, aside from the pleasure of the actual stitching . . . completing a project that's just been waiting to be done, using supplies from my stash and also getting a head start on Christmas gifts. I'm enjoying the feeling of being just a little bit ahead of the game (for now) . . .


Pattern: Sylvia's Stitched Santa Star Decoration
Designer: Sylvia Frazer
Publication: http://sylviastitch.blogspot.com/

It's not too soon for Christmas

I decided it was time to finish off some bits and pieces that have been hanging around . . .

Finish reading a magazine and order another one in digital format - the green alternative, and it frees up space in my house.

Finish having my cup of tea (while reading the magazine).

Finish a couple of Christmas cross stitch ornaments, ready to hang up at the end of the year!

The (red) blackwork angel has been finished for a while.

The Snowman is one that I had previously made for a friend and liked it so much I thought I'd do one for myself. When it was all stitched, it lent itself more to an oval than a circle, so oval it is.

And "Joy" is a finish from last year's Stitching On the Lake day.

I suspect I might make some more Christmas decorations before the end of the year. I had an idea about hanging them in a large frame - a bit artsy, rather than on the tree. That's what I'm thinking now. Let's see what happens at Christmas!

The only thing with these decorations is the finishing. These are all trimmed with DMC, twisted to make a little cord, then stitched over the seams. A hanging loop at the top and a knot or bead at the bottom and the thread "combed" out into the tassel. I like them . . . but . . . if anyone's got an idea for something a little fancier, I'd love to hear.


Pattern: Blackwork Angel
Designer: Fiona - Peaceful Threads By Fiona
Publication: http://peacefulthreads.blogspot.com/
Fabric - Aida,18 count
Thread - DMC 221 - 1 thread

Pattern: Joy
Designer: Fiona - Peaceful Threads By Fiona
Publication: http://peacefulthreads.blogspot.com/
Fabric - Aida, 14 count
Thread - DMC

Pattern: Snowman's Quaker Christmas
Designer: Midnight Stitching
Fabric - Linen, 27 count
Threads - DMC 4045, 4124, 4210, Blanc Neige, Coates 7403 - 1 thread

Christmas Hearts

This Christmas . . .  my heart is overflowing with love for my wonderful family and they joy they bring to my life.

And this says it all . . .

Whether it's the family you're born into or the family of loved ones you've gathered around your heart . . . whether they are close by or far away . . .

From my family to yours . . . wishing you a safe and happy Christmas.


Pattern: Christmas Heart
Designer: Christine Book

Stitching On The Lake

Well today I stitched and ate and chatted with some really lovely ladies (thanks Lee, Shirley, Penne and Stella for your company) at the biannual Stitching on the Lake day, hosted once again by the wonderful Sylvia and Fiona . . .

(from the stitching day in May, with thanks to Sylvia for the photo as I didn't take any pics myself today)

On arrival we were each greeted with a goodie bag with starter kits for 6 - yes 6! - projects. Now, I've finally learned from past experience that with all the eating and chatting going on, the likelihood of getting a project finished on the day is pretty slim, so I just chose my project and started stitching.

No deadline.

No stress.

Just relaxing and stitching.

I decided on the "Oh Christmas Tree" stitchery, which is just lovely in real life, very delicate and the leaves remind me of filigree. Lots of chain stitch and lazy daisies on this tree, which I think I will frame over a canvas.

I know it doesn't look like I did too much, but I did stitch all day - I promise!

I won't get this finished tonight, or maybe even this weekend, but one thing I do know - I am enjoying the process with this project, just stitching for pleasure. And really, isn't that what it's all about?


Pattern: Oh Christmas Tree Stitchery
Designer: Sylvia Frazer
Publication: http://sylviastitch.blogspot.com/

Cross Stitch Finishes

This little (red) blackwork Angel is from the Stitching By The Lake day hosted by Sylvia and Fiona last year. I've had the stitching done for a while and now I've made it into a hanging ornament / pin keeper.


And this little Snowman is a gift for a friend . . .



I enjoyed putting these two together . . . choosing the backing fabrics . . . twisting the cord . . . and finishing a project (even if they are little ones). Sometimes the sense of achievement in finishing the little things can be just the motivation you need to keep going with the bigger projects.


Pattern: Blackwork Angel
Designer: Fiona - Peaceful Threads By Fiona
Publication: http://peacefulthreads.blogspot.com/
Fabric - Aida,18 count
Thread - DMC 221 - 1 thread

Pattern: Snowman's Quaker Christmas
Designer: Midnight Stitching
Fabric - Linen, 27 count
Threads - DMC 4045, 4124, 4210, Blanc Neige, Coates 7403 - 2 threads

The one that went astray . . .

This is a little heart that I made for a friend for Christmas, but it seems it went astray in the mail . . .


But if life is really about the journey and not the destination, then I guess having made the heart is the main thing!

I made a heart, as my friend has a "heart thing" going on. And I wanted to try my hand at tiny little cross stitches, so I worked this on quite a fine linen using a single strand of DMC thread. My Luxo magnifying lamp was my best friend while stitching this!

So, while the little heart didn't make its intended destination, I hope the good thoughts I had for my friend while stitching traveled across the miles. Anyway, there's always next Christmas . . .


Pattern: One of the hearts from the European Cushion Cover
Designer: Agnes Delage-Calvet, Anne Sohier-Fournel
Publication: Made In France - Cross Stitch and Embroidery in Red, White and Blue

Merry Christmas

From my family to yours . . .

Wishing you a safe and happy Christmas! I hope your day is filled with good company, good food, love and laughter.

Angel Redwork

This is another little project from the Stitching By The Lake day with Sylvia and Fiona. The pattern calls for the stitching to become the top part of a little cushion/decoration to hang on the Christmas tree, but I'm not quite sure how I'm going to finish it yet. I quite enjoyed working on this tiny, delicate piece of redwork. There's something so appealing to me about things in miniature.

What "little" pieces are you working on?

Unexpected Gift from a Friend

Our craft group went out for our annual Christmas Dinner a while back, which also includes a decoration swap.  This time, though, one of the girls also brought along a surprise gift for each of us.  She had commissioned one of these gorgeous artworks - for each of us!



It’s a collage Babushka by Kate Mason of Something for Kate. You have just got to check out her out. Her work is fantastic!  The texture and colours are just perfect.

So thanks Lyn for the wonderful surprise and thanks Kate for the beautiful work.

Happy New Year

Our family enjoyed a very simple and really fun Christmas day - I think our best one yet!

Our daughter putting the Angel on the tree.

We tried not to overindulge (too much) on the traditional Christmas fare.

We had the carols playing most of the day.

We played games on the Wii.

We played Uno.

We talked.

We laughed.

We were together.

Really, it doesn’t get much better than that for me.

This year, we baked our ham with the maple glaze from Donna Hay’s magazine (issue 48) and it was a huge hit. The vegies roasted beautifully with the glaze, too. The trifle was full of berries and other fruits and really tasty. There were sweets and gingerbread. And leftovers for dinner.

How is it that Christmas seems to come around quicker every year? And how is it that once it's here it's gone in the blink of an eye?

And with Christmas behind us, I’m looking forward to the new year. 2009 was filled with change, loss, and health worries. But good things too – new home, newly engaged daughter, new outlook.

I’m hoping for a 2010 that is SIMPLE.

Simple – as in having what we need and being joyous with that.

Simple – as in uncluttered thoughts and actions.

Simple.

Wishing you and yours a safe and happy new year. May 2010 be good to you and those in your world!

Traditions

It’s funny how you create traditions without even realising it.

When our kids were little we would let them take turns putting the angel on the top of the Christmas tree. One year (1997) we couldn’t remember whose turn it was. So we sorted that out and I decided to make a note so we wouldn’t have the same dilemma the following year. I tucked the note in with the angel and it worked really well.

I wasn’t really a documenter back then.

I wasn’t thinking about how in a few years time I’d want to scrapbook about the things we do and that the bit of paper I tucked in with the angel would become so important to me. So I just grabbed a bit of notepaper. It’s a scratchy old bit of probably not very archivally safe paper. But boy does it hold some history!



It is so much more than just a list now. The kids each wrote their names and the year it was their turn. It’s great looking back and seeing how their writing has changed. And remembering how they each in turn were happy to let the other one have their turn without argument.

This year both our children left home. But we still had to get together to decorate the tree (even though they both had trees of their own). This year they thought it should be our turn to put the angel on the tree. But it just wouldn’t be the same if one of them didn’t do it. So the list came out again this year. And the paper’s just about filled up.  So next year when we need a new bit of paper to continue our tradition, it will be archivally safe – for me and for them. Because this is one tradition I don’t want to lose.

What traditions have you created in your world?

Advent Calendar

This is a pattern from Anni Downs of Hatched and Patched, called “It’s Christmas Time”, which I made quite a few years ago now.

My daughter inherited it when she moved out of home last year. I got it back from her to “fill it up” again for this Christmas. Each little pocket has a couple of sweets and a paper scroll with a joke on it – just a bit of fun leading up to Christmas. My son hasn’t fared quite as well. His advent calendar is a bit makeshift. (Sorry Zack – you know I love you – you’re still my favourite first-born child!) He moved out of home this year and I didn’t really give too much thought to advent calendars – for him or for us – until the other day. So next year I’ll have to make something for him (and myself, too).

How do you count down to Christmas in your world?

Christmas Ornament Swap

I am so glad I signed up for this swap! My new friend Natima has been very generous in welcoming me to blog land, so thank you Natima. I really appreciate it. I’m also very grateful to Clare and Robyn for putting this whole ornament swap together. Thanks for being so generous with your time.

Yesreday I got my parcel of Christmas cheer in the mail from Natima!!!



Inside was a gorgeous collage card. And a card of Christmas buttons. And a beautiful heart to hang on my tree. I love the simplicity of it. And the accent of the yellow French knots. And the button with the beads hanging. I couldn’t be more pleased to receive this beautiful gift from my new “stitching sister” – Natima. Thank you so much!!! Go on over to Natima's blog to find out more about her inspiration for her swap ornament . . .

After exchanging emails with Natima, it seems that we have similar tastes in how we decorate our trees. It’s a bit of an eclectic style, so there was a lot of scope for this project. I decided to go with a bit of Christmas bling and crafted a sequined plum pudding for Natima.



I really enjoyed making this for her and felt a connection, a feeling of kinship – knowing that all around the globe, at the same time as me, other crafty folk were creating their ornaments to swap too.

The little card is from an online Christmas class I did a few years back with Kim Archer. I really liked making them then and enjoyed it just as much this time around. There’s something that really appeals to me about mini things, and this little card is only a couple of inches in size. It's a felt cover with cardstock pages. And the box to hold the plum pudding is a variation on one I made a year or so ago, which I really enjoyed doing. I like the quirkiness of the spots and stripes together. Quirky, I must say, appeals to me quite a bit at the moment. What does that say about me???





Are you getting ready for Christmas in your world?