Can't Believe It's Christmas...

Another week down and now it is only 28 sleeps till christmas. We will be keeping to the Riches Stitches tradition of putting up our tree and decorations on Monday 1st December we feel that 1 month is long enough for having these things around. Quite a few of the decorations are handmade by me and have become favourites. Up until last year (when we got a new and bigger christmas tree) nearly all of the tree ornaments were handmade. I used to put on christmas bears, which I remember making I think for No.1 sons first christmas and also plain gold and red tartan bows. I must admit that I think it looked pretty nice... I managed to dig up a photo.

Now it is covered with coffee, latte and purple coloured baubles and coffee coloured tinsle. I had thought of making some cappuccino cup ornaments but they were going to be too heavy so still have to think that one through not to mention the amount I would need to make so that it doesn't look tacky. The only "odd" ornaments are the baubles that are for "Our first Christmas" and "Baby's First Christmas", I really like to have a neat and coordinated tree otherwise I think it looks messy. I also made a Christmas tree skirt for the bottom to hide the stand. It is a Bareroots pattern that was in Homespun No. 30 Vol.6 No.4. I think it looks lovely under the tree. 

The kids favourite is the advent calendar. This was also from a craft magazine but I  can't remember which one it was. I did change it from the original as I didn't like santa on it as we believe that Jesus it the reason for the season. It is hard coming up with new ideas to put in the little stockings each year but I think the last year was a hit with using Cadbury Favourites.

And lastly (for now) is the angel wall hanging that hangs by the front door. For the rest of the year it hangs upstairs in the foyer to our bedroom.

It is kind of sad that we put in a lot of work and effort on these projects and they only get seen for such a short period of time. But I guess thats one of the things that make the season special.

8o)

Spirit of Christmas Swap

Well I found out who my swap partner is and because she has me also I guess I can tell you. I was given Blossom so am looking forward to sending a special package her way. I really need to get busy with this as it needs to be posted by next week. I found out that she is very fond of purple, mauve, lilac violet lavender as well as pretty greens like sage and pinks. She likes just about anything except orange and yellow (that is fine by me). Like me she is not that fond of prim but likes brights and florals. She also doesn't mind a bit of shabby chic. Well armed with this information I think I should be able to russle up a little something from my stash as it seems that I have a bit of all of those things in there. I have already chosen the things I am going to create and put together so I will quickly do my chores and then maybe I can get started. It is amazing how quickly the housework can get done when there is a carrot dangling at the end of it (ie crafting time). As this is a surprise meant for Christmas I will not be able to post any photos until after Christmas day as Miss Blossom may be checking out my blog. I am truly looking forward to sharing the Spirit of Christmas with you Blossom.

8o)

Love Ikea

Last Saturday we met up with some great friends at Ikea for breakfast. If you haven't been there for breakfast before you don't know what you are missing out on. We got all of this

tomatoes, bacon, sausage, hash browns, scrambled eggs, baked beans and toast for just $4. A very affordable morning out for the family. We also paid $1.50 for bottomless cup of "real" coffee. We sat talking with our friends for 3 1/2 hours so had quite a few coffees then had a browse through the store. I truly recommend this outing to anyone as it is a value for money day out for the family.

I bought some great Heidi Swapp papers and rub ons at Spotlight a while ago and finally took the plunge and used it to make this thank you card for the lovely lady who co ordinates our Friday Craft group. I think I will have to make another one as it turned our really cute and I absolutely love it. 

I also love to decorate the envelopes as well especially on cards that I don't need to post as it covers up those lovely orange post code squares.

8o)

When a Handbag is not a Handbag (but something way more cute)

Look what arrived in my mail box today....

Isn't it wonderful? I love everything about this kit and the wonderful thing is that there is enough materials to make both the pincushion and the needle case. Notice the needle topper, it has a little house on it and is really cute. This was one of the sneak peeks that made me sign up for the pincushion of the month club in the first place. I can't wait to get making this one and will hopefully have a finished product to show you soon.

I also wanted to show you what I get to play with every Friday morning at craft.....

I love this machine it is so easy to use and is so much fun, it makes me feel as though I am a real barista. I find it a real joy to serve the ladies at craft each week and it is a real privilege to make them cafe style drinks. I honestly enjoy doing this as much as making craft items. I guess it is a craft in itself anyway. I guess that one of the things that God has gifted me with is a passion to serve people and I just love doing things for others. It makes me feel good to know that I can use this gift each week and put my whole self into it.

Hope you all have a great weekend. I am looking forward to hearing from Janet at Wildcraft farm to see who I am partnered with for her "Christmas Spirit" Swap. Entries are now closed.

8o)

Christmas Swap Open

Janet at Wildcraft Farm has opened the Christmas Swap till the end of the week as she was inundated with response from blogland (over 50 people). Because she can't possibly swap with everyone she is going to be pairing people up, so if you would like to join in, just jump on over to her site and sign yourself up.

8o)

Day After Craft Fair

I made it to the craft fair yesterday although I didn't really get to stay quite long enough. I was on a bit of a time schedule as I had to be back to help with Cafe Church. I ended up going with my lovely mum which was really great as we haven't been able to spend much time together lately. I only made a few purchases ....

I bought this lovely pattern for a Quilters Pocket from Blue Willow Cottage. I also bought some pretty Ric rac and three lots of cute buttons. I am looking forward to using all of these items. Unfortunately I didn't get to buy any fabric as I ran out of time. I did get to meet the lovely Sarah from Quilt Fabric Delights. It is really quite strange to meet people in real life that you read all about in blogland, you feel as though you have already met before as you have been reading all about their lives over a long (or short) period of time.

On another note, I have joined a one on one Christmas swap with Janet from Wildcraft Farm. She was so busy with life that she didn't get to sign up for the Secret Santa Swap held by Chooky Blue this year so sent a call out for someone to swap with her. As I didn't get to sign up either (I thought about it for too long and left it too late) I volunteered to swap with her. It seems that she had a few responses so she will now be very busy. I am looking forward to sending off some special gifts to her and hope that she likes them.

Dorcas Day & Slipper Night Done and Dusted.

Well I had Dorcas day today and I made another two teacup purses and a thread bin. I labeled and priced everything and managed to sell just one item which was one of my "Needley Bit" stitcheries. All I can say is that I am a step ahead for next craft camp where they have a craft shop and I may have more success there. 

Tonight we had a craft night which is called "Slipper Night". We have "Slipper Night" once a term and each one has a theme. The the idea is to come in your slippers which match the theme. Tonight I ran the cafe and I made Vanilla Slice and Jelly Slice for supper and I think they turned out pretty good. 

I am hoping to go to the Adelaide Craft Fair on Sunday so can't wait to see what is there and hopefully will be able to spend a little bit of pocket money there. I will let you know on Monday how it went.

I am guessing that Sara at Quilting Fabric Delights is very busy with the craft fair so has been unable to send our new Pin Cushion of the Month as yet. I can tell you that I am eagerly awaiting the next one and can't wait to see what it is.

8o)

Getting Busy

I woke up feeling very blah today so I took the day off work. Instead I worked on this...

at least now I have something to sell at Dorcas Day on Friday and with any luck may get a few more bits and pieces done.

8o)