Decorating with Nutcrackers

Wikipedia says "Nutcrackers in the form of wooden carvings of a soldier, knight, king, or other profession have existed since at least the 15th century...

1991 Revisited

The back of these painted ceramic ornaments say "Jane '91" which means they are twenty years old! Can you believe it?

Large Sparkly Snowflakes

It's been back to the snowflakes again around here - and this time with a different larger version which is clear. They're quite pretty to begin with, and I've used them on my own trees, but they'repositivey transformed when covered in glitter.

30 Days

The Christmas countdown clock says 30 days ...GULP! Why that's no time at all for cards and presents and wrapping and cooking and baking and cleaning and decorating and entertaining and ... phew. There is nothing to be done but embrace it. It's the Christmas season!

Wired for the Bride

It seems ages since I did any of the crochet wire necklaces, and it was a bit of a fight with a spool of wire that thought it was a slinky toy today as I reaquainted myself with the technique, but I have a special project. For a very special friend it gets special beads, and this beautiful square glass bead is in the perfect shades to set the tone.

This necklaces is potentially for a very special occasion. My friend Lynn is busy knitting away a gorgeous red sweater with a lovely scoop neck and almost architectural detailing. The other jewelry being worn is gold with a more amber/orange. So we wanted something that would incorporate the spectrum through the golds, amber/orange and into cranberry.

The special event will take place on 11-11-11, so I have incorporated 11 different feature beads. If there is a theme, you may as well continue it. Seed beads in two golds and a shiny deep red run through as well, but we're not counting them - they're just foundation.

The main work is done, I've just left the back detailing and closure so that we can get the perfect length. If it doesn't work out to suit Lynn, I'll finish it up and post on Etsy as it would be particularly lovely for the holiday season. I held it up around my neck, and it is looking very nice indeed. But will the bride to be like it?

Beads in the post!

Beads in the post! I love getting beads in the post - especially when they're as pretty as these. And it's a fun development in my crafting that I am now seeking out specific sizes and colours to work up specific things. Of course there will still be a lot of 'opportunity' adding to the stock, but it's great to start finding places to shop when you need a certain 8/0 metalic gold bead, or 6/0 shiny purple. It's so much fun when they arrive and open new worlds of possibilities.

This is one my new favourite sources on Etsy - Wandering Star Beads

Foam Gingerbread House

Well I don't know about you, but the Christmas Countdown is starting to freak me out a bit. Just 51 days to go, and despite being busy with "christmas things" for some time now, I have that all too familiar 'how will everything get done' feeling. Ahh, the joys of the season already starting to creep in.