This week has all been about Christmas. I’ve started my Christmas shopping and have decided on what I’m making for my handmade gifts. This year I’ve tried to stick to my rule of handmade either by myself or another crafter (found through Folksy, twitter and of course handmade Monday). This proves quite difficult for my close family, however I will supplement the conventional gifts with handmade items too.
Sorry it has taken me so long to post about my Christmas day present from Emma, but as I spent Christmas away in a cottage in the Forrest of Dean, I’m only just catching up after getting back on Wednesday. Emma gave me the most beautiful handmade cushion cover, with a intricate hand drawn pattern on the front
It is going to take pride of place in my sewing room 
Thanks to Emma for all her hard work in making and putting together my advent parcels. I have enjoyed the swap so much and have already signed up for 2 smaller swaps through popular crafts
I thought I would share with you some of my favourite presents that I got for Christmas. I got some fantastic books, which I have already read from cover to cover!
Nic gave me the Alice in Wonderland book. It has some fab projects in it and I am going to use it as inspiration for my vintage themed 30th birthday party next year!
I also got the most beautiful purse and an owl sewing kit from my hubby
The purse is made from a pattern fabric and has bits of tape measure ribbon and buttons on it, I absolutely love it!
If all these things weren’t nice enough I also treated myself to a vintage tea set from J’adore Vintage
I can’t believe where 2011 has gone! I have had the most fantastic year, starting off with getting married in May, expanding my sewing skills and also starting some ventures with Maeri with The Make and Do Studio. I have also had so much fun going along to the clandestine cake club and have made a fantastic friend in Nic. Most all after starting my blog in August I have met some fantastic people and want to thank you all for sticking with me and giving me encouraging comments. If 2012 is as good as 2011 then I will be a very lucky lady! I am going to post about my new years resolutions and plans for 2012 over the weekend, have any of you made resolutions for the new year? Check out Nics 2011 achievements, I might do 30 things I want to achieve next year
Sarah x
…my advent partner gave to me…
The sweetest little magnet with a cupcake on, it’s so lovely! Can’t believe there’s only one more advent present left till Christmas!
Sarah x
…my advent partner gave to me…
2 lovely ceramic buttons for my craft stash 3 more sleeps till Christmas!!
Sarah x
…my advent partner gave to me…
The most beautiful handmade fabric covered notebook – so pretty! Will be nice to use for all my sewing ideas
Please pop over to Emma’s blog to see my presents to her so far. It’s getting closer to Christmas and very excited about opening my Christmas day present from Em
Sarah x
…my advent partner gave to me…
The Most beautiful handmade candle in a tea cup with matching saucer. I have often looked at these in the shops and lusted after them! It is so pretty and will look lovely in my sewing room – thank you Emma for all my lovely presents so far
Sarah x
…my advent partner gave to me…
Some beautiful ribbon to add to my craft stash thanks Emma!
Sarah x
…my advent partner gave to me…
The most lovely handmade crochet brooch. Em really is a very talented lady and has definitely inspired me to learn how to crochet!
One more week till Christmas!
Sarah x
So here we are, one week till Christmas! Where has the time gone?! I have found myself slowly starting to panic as the days tick by and my list gets longer not shorter!
I thought for handmade Monday this week I would share with you some of the handmade things I have made and bought for presents.
I bought this lovely mosaic bird bath for my mum and dad. I bought it from Jo Sara during the CRAFTfest weekend. I had found her folksy page a couple of months ago and thought the bird bath would be a perfect present, so I was delighted I could support her by buying from the CRAFTfest stall!
Here are some things I have bought and made myself
On the left is a ear warmer (bought for my brother-in-laws girlfriend, but I couldn’t resist buying one for myself too!) from Victoria Rose Crafts. In the centre of the picture is a handmade Stanley lavender dog, and on the right is some hand knitted sushi made by knits and nacksfor my mum (she has a thing for sushi!) I also bought 2 of Penny’s beautiful felted Robbins, one of which is a present for mum – I know she’ll love him!
So today was my finishing off jobs day and I made 2 more presents
An iPad cover for my mum, made from lovely fabric kindly donated by Maeri from The Make and do studio and also 2 lavender heat packs which I made following this tutorial.
The last job of the day was to do some baking. Friends are coming over for a little Christmas party tonight so hubby made some lovely mince pies and I decided to make these rather sparkly cookies!
Tomorrow is the Warrington Clandestine cake club social, where all club rules have been thrown out of the window, so in the spirit of Christmas I decided to make mince pie cupcakes! Here is them half finished
I just need to add a brandy buttercream and they are done!
So a lovely end to a very busy making week! Please pop by Wendy’s blog to see what everyone else has been up to for handmade Monday this week. I hope you all have a very merry Christmas
Sarah x
…my advent partner gave to me…
2 lovely handmade felt and fabric hearts. I love the Cath Kidston fabric!
Please pop over to Emma’s blog to see my presents to her so far.
Sarah x
