Handmade Monday No. 97

Christmas is almost here the decorations are up, the freezer full, the drinks cupboard flowing over and this is the last Handmade Monday until after the festivities (what will I do with myself for the next 2 weeks), when we can look forward to a New Year. Making resolutions we are so determined to keep but by the end of January they become a past memory. 

I love a New Year always gets me invigorated thinking 365 days stretching ahead to fill with crafting and all kinds of Vintage visiting, in the blink of an eye only 8 days left and wonder what I have been doing all year. Crafting is all consuming takes you away from the day to day troubles surrounded in my case with fabric, lace, ribbons, pot pourri and more. Next year I am scheduling in fun time with visits to Betty and Violets open day's, The Packhouse Antique centre, Artisan Markets at Tweesledown, Lady Sew and Sew in Henley and anything else that just begs to be visited.

A few blogging stats

62 blog posts this year

20000+ visitors

1000+ comments

Thank you to all my followers and readers makes doing a blog so worthwhile

Got there have been frantically making stockings for the 3 of us, yes this does include the dog, hmpf!! any way finally finished today and quite happy not to see another stocking for another year. You will notice Shiloh's is already full and he has sniffed it out already, wonder how long will remain hanging.

Check out the other blogs at Handmade Harbour for the final tales of the year

"White Christmas"

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the tree tops glisten
And children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
just like the ones I used to know
Where the tree tops glisten
And children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases
May all your Christmases
May all your Christmases be white

I'm dreaming of a white
Christmas with you
Jingle Bells all the way, all the way

Have a very Happy Christmas Crafters and hope your stockings are full of all your crafting dreams.

Handmade Monday No. 96

Just over 15 days until Christmas and although have been crafting cannot show the makes as gifts for special people. No more fairs for me this year and have agreed a B & M business opportunity next year, a new shop opening in Lincoln in time for Easter, my good friend Kim is the proprietor and when opened will be well worth a visit if you are in the area, situated in the historic market town of Alford, they have a regular craft market in the town so look out for Apple Crafts, the owner's card making skills are second to none plus an excellent friendly and approachable teacher at her workshops.

The Christmas edition of Jeanne d'Arc Living is out and does not disappoint, if you love French Shabby Chic then this publication is for you.

 These apples look so festive

Vintage styling at it's best

Who knew porridge could taste so good

These are just 3 of the articles to tickle the senses and taste buds, don't forget if you would like a copy the UK stockist is:

Betty & Violet

Those of you that know me well know I am addicted to stationery and for my 2013 planning just had to find a new journal and walking into Staples what did I see? A perfect journal where you can add pages, dividers, plastic wallets for all those clippings and more, what better way to start a New Year, sad? I know but too old to change now.

Not much else to report and will struggle to blog in the coming weeks but will try to find some snippets for you to read even if links to other inspirational blogs and websites.

Have a good week and remember to check out the other blogs at Handmade Harbour

Handmade Monday No. 95

Due to the sad passing of Mum in Law last weekend have not done much in the way of making as so much to sort out this week.

I made the following for a dear friend's Birthday on the 28th November, Happy Birthday Kim, am sure she would not mind me showing you. A gift and tote bag  and a good way for her to advertise her business. The writing looks blurry but not on the photo think something to do with the shading made by the stitches.

On the Christmas front now must start making like mad for the gift and card side for family and friends.  Do not have a big family and only a select group of friends, not into gifts for all and sundry would rather concentrate on those that mean something to us. All will be revealed after the big day just in case any of the recipients have a nose at my blog.

On the home front all gifts are wrapped and under the tree, decorations up and the freezer is almost full, so ahead of schedule with Waitrose booked up to the big day.

Check out the other blogs at Handmade Harbour