Handmade Christmas

Wow! I can't believe how long it's been since I last blogged. In fact, I can't believe how quickly this year has gone and Christmas seems to have sprung itself upon us.
We have finally got the decorations up and, this year, there are far more handmade ones than ever before. We have opted for a branch tree this year - Mr Bunny has worked very hard painting it and fixing it into a lovely silver plant pot so that it doesn't fall over. All of the decorations are either handmade or very special - there are some crocheted stars I made last year, 2 beautiful needle felted bunnies (My bunnies) that were made for me last year and even a weeping angel decoration I made for Mr Bunny. It is all very simple but very beautiful!
This afternoon, I finished a mistletoe wreath decoration which is now hanging in the doorway. The tutorial came from a great book I borrowed from the library (sorry I can't remember the name!).
As ever, I've got my rag wreath up and my hand made festive bunting making my home look pretty.
Have a great Christmas!
Sarah x

Swap it!

For a while now, the wonderful Lousie from  the Caithness Craft Collective Podcast, has been organising swaps in her Ravelry group.  I have joined in with all of them and have received some awesome items and gifts and got to know some fabulous people a little better.

The most recent swap was a christmas decoration and handmade letter swap.  My lovely swap partner was Twinset Jan from Pennsylvania and it was so lovely to arrive home one night to an amazing parcel full of goodies.  She had needle felted me 2 little bunnies who look exactly like the gingerbread bunnies, Hansel and Gretel!  They now have pride of place on my tree and will most definitley be coming out every year. 

Hansel and Gretel Decorations

Also in the parcel was a lovely letter, some Herseys chocolate (as this is made in the State where she lives), a packet of mocha mix - which is delicious, and a skien of sock yarn which is the most beautiful blue and has cashmere in it making it smoochingly soft and snuggly.

Gorgeous yarn - what will it become?

I can report that she has received her package from me complete with a felt owl and a felt robbin decoration and other lovely goodies for her to enjoy.

Swapping is a great way to receive 'nice' mail and I love spending time choosing things to put in my parcel and making items for it to.

The next swap has already been announced - dishcloth and recipe swap with an 'unwanted' christmas gift that you can pass on to a loving home.  If you fancy getting involved, pop over to Ravelry and join the Caithness Craft Collective Group.