Handmade Christmas - next year

(image from here)

Christmas is over for another year. Tomorrow we will take down the christmas tree and pack away the decorations. I want to say thank-you again to Tracy for hosting the Handmade Christmas Challenge. I had all of the best intentions in September when I willingly put up my hand for her challenge, but during the months of October and November, our little world got so very busy, leaving me with little time for crafting. But what I did manage, was to have my christmas shopping all done by the beginning of December. This is a first for me. And with the exception of books, all of the presents under the tree, were either hand made by me or handmade by someone else. This made me very happy.

However, there were many things on the christmas handmade list that did not get made. Here is the list of things I would like to have done by next christmas!



• I love these jar jumpers (sweaters) and crocheted garland from 'dottie angel'. "How to's" can be found here and here. Of course I will need to learn how to crochet first. A minor detail.





• embroider some linen napkins for our christmas table, I love these from 'mousehouse'



• make these felted christmas trees from 'purl bee'



• embroider christmas aprons, something like this from' red, red completely red.'



• embroider pillows for the children, maybe something like this, from 'cats and quilts'



• I love these from 'smiley sunday', since I've never cross stitched, I might just have to buy these!





• make some christmas decorations, something like this from 'light blue grey'. So beautiful.



• make a snowflake garland like this one from 'little glowing lights'. Oh how I wish I had a mantlepiece. Snowflake templates can be found here.



• make christmas decorations like these, from 'mom in madison'



• make a simple countdown calender to countdown the days just like this one from red, red, completely red.

• make these snow globes with the kids.

• make origami star garlands like these for the windows.

• I love these gift ideas, a photo book, something like this or this and photo pillows

• make a new countdown (advent) calender. Our is made from paper bags and after fours years is looking a little worst for wear. See a picture of our current countdown calender here.

Handmade Christmas

(this image is from here. so very sweet)

I want to welcome my newest follower, Tracy from Knicky Knacks. Tracy is the person behind the Handmade Christmas Challenge that I have signed up for. (see my side bar)

I'm a little embarrassed to say that I have not got very far with my own handmade Christmas projects. Since starting these bowling bunnies way back when, there has sadly been no more progress to report. I have, however, been buying handmade gifts. I am finding this to be much more satisfying right now. I am discovering some very creative people and products, that unfortunately, I won't be able to share with you here, until Christmas. It simply would not do to spoil the surprise for my loved ones reading this!

So, if I don't get all of my handmade projects finished (I do have a list) I have sourced some great alternatives handmade by somebody else. Which is the whole point of it really.

This year I will not be running around K-mart two days before Christmas, buying tins of Christmas biscuits and horrible plastic toys. And for that, Tracy, I thank-you.

By the way, just in case you are wondering, as I write it is only 59 days until Christmas. You can keep up to date with the Christmas Countdown over at Knicky Knacks.

New things

(this photo is from this book that Miss Moo Moo picked out at the library, if you you are lucky enough to know how to knit you can make some. They are so cute.)

You may have noticed I have added a 'challenge' to my side bar. Knicky Knacks Handmade Christmas Challenge.

I know........ Christmas? But last week Spunky Monkey asked "How long until Christmas?" And even though I have been asked this question almost daily since last Christmas, I counted up the months and realised, that it is not that far away. So hopefully, with a bit of encouragement from this challenge, I will find myself during the final countdown to Christmas; calm, relaxed and with handmade gifts under the tree.

Welcome to my newest follower, Megan. You can see some of the things that Megan makes on her blog, 'mousehouse.' Not only does she make some really beautiful things, but shares tips and tutorials, making anything seem possible. Thanks Megan, for introducing me to this great Christmas challenge

I have also discovered 'small acorns' lovely blog (also via mousehouse) and Amanda is having a great giveaway, see my sidebar for details to win, there are still couple of days left to enter.

And...... petalplum has also got a great book to giveaway too. "Craft Hope", If I don't win I might just have to buy one of these books anyway. Inspiration of the very best kind.

And......cakies also has some great giveaways - Yipee! But you have to be in it to win it. You have until Friday for this one.