Monday, 31 December 2012

Last Day.

So this is the last day of 2012.
The weather over Christmas has been pretty wet around here, but today determination took over - We will go out for a walk!! Even as we got in the car the heavens opened (who's idea was a walk?)
 
We headed once again to the local country park. Up to the summit to take in the misty lovely view.
 

We managed to stay dry and the wind blew away the cobwebs.


Wishing everyone a Happy New Year (and for me a more productive one).

Wednesday, 26 December 2012

Christmas Camping.

So for the last couple of years my children have built ginger bread houses at Christmas. First we started with Ikeas own ginger bread house. Then last year we made a small village of ginger bread houses (three houses). Sadly on boxing day the village had collapsed!

This year we decided on something smaller, so that we could store it in our cake carrier.

So Christmas camping!!


Some of the sweets and icing didn't make it onto the tents!
 
 
 
 
I'm pleased to report all the tents are still standing!!

Sunday, 23 December 2012

Don't Panic!!

So Christmas is nearly upon us. Many jobs over the last week have been rushed (not photographed) or completely abandoned!!

I did complete an important task, I bottled my home made wine. This year I used two shop bought kits.

 
 
I made a couple of drawstring bags for a friend.
 
 
This week I also attended a couple of carol services, a church nativity, tidied the house, purchased panto tickets, bought last minute gifts, tidied the house, wrapped all the presents, posted the scout post, posted my last Christmas cards, had a job interview, visited family, put up the last of the decorations, bought a turkey and all the veg, attended the panto (very good), made ginger biscuits, visited Santa's reindeer's at the local nature reserve, oh and tidied the house (again).
 
Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and we will be decorating our 'ginger tent creations!' .
Then off to the carol service.
 
Wishing you all a Happy Christmas.
Sarah.
 

Tuesday, 18 December 2012

Another Christmas Wreath!!

Many weeks ago I found myself at the kitchen sink (nothing new in that) washing leaves, like you do. This was yet another Christmas project. I was a little late collecting the leaves and will definitely be ready next year.

The leaves then went into the Argos spring/summer catalogue between tissue paper! Then you wait with your fingers crossed that no one picks up the catalogue. We also had to eat a cheese cake so we had a circular plastic disc!


Add in some hot glue. . . .


Next year I will collect more leaves to make it bigger. I also thought if you painted it with PVA glue it would be more glossy.

Wednesday, 12 December 2012

A Pig of a project!!

So some projects take time. Planning, making, more planning, waiting for sunny days and compliant pigs.
So after the initial idea from my Daughter I began knitting. No pattern needed, can you guess what it's going to be?


 
Then we move onto a sunny day, the camera on a tripod, a large cardboard box, one willing assistant, lots of laughing and of course two handsome Guinea Pigs. Mr Bugsey and Mr Sparkle.
 
 
 
 
We took loads of photos of the Boys balancing wearing there Christmas hats, until Mr Sparkle got wise and wouldn't wear it.
 
 
So, with the boys I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Here's hoping it won't be grass for my Christmas lunch!!!
 (refering to my last post, be assured no hot glue was required)

Monday, 10 December 2012

Christmas Wreath

How did I manage in life before my hot glue gun?

Yes I recently bought a hot glue gun and my life has changed forever!! (maybe a little dramatic)

The idea for a simple, understated Christmas Wreath began a few weeks ago. So off we all went to the local Country Park to collect fir cones. I would also need a bucket lid, which my other half got from work.

 
Simple and straight forward. Add a little ribbon and hang. Then wait for the wind to drop so I can take a photo. Oh, take the photo with the gusty wind - Action shot!!
 
 
Bye for now!
 
 

Tuesday, 4 December 2012

Christmas Projects!

So after the Christmas wall hanging I thought about packing away the sewing until after Christmas. Then I spotted (excuse the pun) some fabric in the shop. I know I shouldn't have gone in, but it had been a stressful Christmas shopping day and calling at Abakhan was my reward!!


Just enough fabric for some festive cushion covers. Very simple and quick to make (well quickish!!)


 
Sometimes I over think my projects, then never even make them. Not this time!!!
 


If you need help - robin/small bird  -   snowman   -  Christmas sock  -  Christmas tree.
Well that's another thing finished and crossed off my (ever growing) list.
 

Saturday, 1 December 2012

The Christmas Tree is up!

Well not just yet, not the real one anyway. But my new wall hanging is up.


I used my fabric from last weeks outing and some from my small stash. The idea was from Lululollylegs. The idea looks very effective and pretty simple to achieve. Maybe it was just down to my ability, but I found it pretty hard.

  • I should have taken more care when making the circles, because when ironed they seamed to have some flat sides.
  • Also, although it was fast using the sewing machine to attach the circles, I did struggle sewing 'round' (maybe I should stick to straight lines !!)
  •  And lastly my main white fabric was only just big enough, so it got pretty stressful when positioning the lower circle because I was close to the edge.
Christmas Wall Hanging
Finished size 460mm x 620mm