Merry christmas

I have been so busy over the last few weeks that I haven't had a chance to post all my Christmas activities. So I thought I would pop by to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. The chalkboard is one of my advent swap gifts from Julie at tales from toadstool house.

The tree was up quite early in December but it took a few days to get around to decorating it.

 Some more gifts from Julie.

I went to an evening course in a local village pub to make a door wreath and table decoration.

A few handmade gifts were finished off.

Last minutes stockings were made last night for the baby and my sister's new born who is now 12 days old.

Some teacher's presents were made- stem ginger cookies from "The great British book of baking" and decorated with crocheted holly sprigs from Attic 24. I hadn't time to take a picture of them as soon as I had sew the last few leaves at breakfast we had to scoot out of the door to school to deliver them... very close to the wire as always.

A last minute hat was finished for a friend's daughter as a surprise Christmas present. ( free pattern from Ravelry)

I won a giveaway at hand knitted things which now takes pride of place by the fireplace- until I find a more permanent home.

What seems like millions of presents have been wrapped.

Mince pies have been made from the mincemeat I made in November....and devoured with lashings of cream.


I think we are just about ready for the big day. I wish I could have made more handmade presents this year, but time seems to slip away too quickly with two little kiddlywinks to look after. Maybe next year...

Happy Christmas to everyone...
And a Happy New Year.

Advent fun!

I entered in my first advent giveaway this year and I was lucky enough to get Julie from A tale from toadstool house as my swap partner. I forgot to take pictures of the swaps I sent to julie so you will have to visit her to see them. I recieved a huge box wrapped in red spotty Paper and inside 12 wrapped gifts one to open every other day in advent. We felt 24 presents was too many and to be honest it's hard to think of that many presents to give.

This was day 1 a gorgeous advent calendar incorporating all of my favourite things toadstools, owls and snow, it's so cute. And Julie made the cute little robin inspired by something she saw in country living.

Day 2 was a lovely red scarf which I have forgotten to photograph but I have already worn it loads especially in the recent snow.

Day 3 was a lovely candle in a tin tea cup, also super cute.

Day 4 was a Christmas tree pencil topper and some cath kidston pencils.

Thank you Julie I am really enjoying opening these presents.