christmas

I've had enough of the snow now, pretty as it is maybe through the window, it's starting to get in the way. Today is the day to take down and put away Christmas decorations, I want to put the snow away too!

I must tell you how kind Kathie from Massachusetts is, she sent me a key. It's a key for my wind up, tin toy, Russian dolls. Thanks to Kathie I can now watch my pair of Russian dolls rotate and twirl.

All in all we did have an enjoyable family Christmas. Alice, my daughter, played nurse when I wasn't feeling well and she came good helping with the Christmas dinner. As you can see from the photo, Alice is proud to show the roast vegetables she cooked, a la 'Jamie's Family Christmas'.

Christmas preparations, for me, have been on hold for the last few days. I've had a nasty virus that made me take to my bed, I'm beginning to feel a bit more human today and trying to get Christmas back on track. Steve, Ashley and Alice have been great doing the shopping and Alice is prepared to cook the Christmas dinner if needs be, I think she is looking forward to the challenge!

Here's wishing you all a very happy Christmas.

I love this Christmas decoration, felt skates, such a clever idea that looks simple to make. The use of a paperclip for the blade is inspired. If you want to make this decoration there is a very clear photographic tutorial at Not Quite Vintage 

This year, as part of my Christmas decorations, I wanted some red and white bunting. If you want to make this simple trimming just follow my tutorial above. With a little adult supervision children could easily make this too.

On Saturday 5th December, it's the Aboyne Lodge School Christmas Fair. My children use to go to the school and for many years I was on the school committee (ALSA), helping to raise funds for the school. This year a friend and I have been invited to have a stall at the fair. We will be selling some of our crafts, knitted, sewn and crocheted. So if you're looking for gifts and decorations, something a little different at reasonable prices, and your in the area pop in.

These birds are so easy to make, the instructions and free pattern to make them are here  on an older Pom Pom Emporium post.

I couldn't resist these little rubber ducks, but at this time of year I think they need jumpers. With Christmas on the horizon what could be better than to emulate their festive cousin, the robin. I devised a little pattern, very simple, and the red breast I achieved with Swiss darning.

These traditional woven heart baskets look very festive hanging on a tree either empty or filled with sweets. I have made mine in red and white felt but they can be constructed from paper. There is a choice of two templates to download, one is for 4 x 4 square heart and the other is for 3 x 3 square heart, you choose.  Down load the templates. Glue them on to card, cereal packet card or similar. When dried, carefully cut them out. Cut out the channels between the strips to 5 mm (1/4 inch) approx.

I really like this idea of turning teacups into lights. All you do is pop a tea light candle into the base of a cup, so simple. If you don't possess a bone china cup and saucer, It's easy to find the odd cup and saucer in a charity shop or car boot sale. I think a grouping of mismatched china adds more interest than a matching set. The translucent teacups give off a lovely soft warm glow.