Thursday 23 December 2010

Season's Greetings!



Only a few days to Christmas - where does the whole year go to? Like most people I've got plenty of jobs still to do before the big weekend has been and gone! I should be wrapping presents right now ... but at least I've ticked off the mince pie baking, decorating, and the dreaded "final" shop.In fact I'm feeling quite smug about the last one; I got up before 6am and went straight to Tesco! The wide aisles were clear , nobody had "trolley rage" and there was an empty checkout waiting for us! My fridge, freezer and cupboards are full and no blood was shed - not bad going, especially as it was still -6 temperatures outside and the (non-gritted) roads were all a-sparkle.Like everybody in the UK I am so over that whole White Christmas thing!!!

Here's a peek at my mantel piece; I used the butterfly masks to decorate my table at Sheffield.They are far too gorgeous to stash away, and I adore these new, glittery, die-cut Victorian style cards - which I'll be keeping as decorations permanently!


I've also used them in my wall unit, where they go so well with roses, white bells and vintage photos...


I decided to make some Teacup Candles as Christmas presents this year, and I was really pleased with how they turned out. Having trawled my favourite vintage and collectible haunts for pretty cups and saucers (all from the Staffordshire potteries) I also picked up a bundle of assorted silver plated spoons for added decoration.I used an Antique Ivory dye, and Vanilla and Cinnamon perfumes mixed together. Next I made some tiny little "Gingerbread cookie" sachets ... ssshhhhh don't tell anyone they're filled with cut pieces of vanilla scented Magic Tree, and polyester stuffing ...




This one is "Pansies" by Royal Grafton.

I haven't done any proper sewing for well over a week; which is starting to make my fingers itchy! However I did manage to squeeze in a lovely bear swap through TBACA before The BBAAs weekend away. I sent my little 3" "Gingerbread Angel" to Lesley Stipanov (Les Bears), and despite crossing continents and the continued bad weather here we've both received our swaps in time for Christmas :0)


I will definitely be making more of these bears with decorated gingerbread wings - oh yummy!
Here is my new little fella from Lesley - he's only 1.75" tall!




Happy Christmas to Everybody out there! With every Good Wish for a peaceful and joyful holiday for you and your loved ones XXX

Ruth xxx :0)

5 comments:

Lyn Parker said...

Merry Christmas from downunder Ruth.
Hope your winter weather settles for you although from the land of Christmas sun it's very pretty to look at. Love the tea cup candles they should smell wonderful.
Hugs
Lyn

Ruth said...

Thank you Lyn - and a very Merry Christmas to you too! It cheers me up no end to think of the beautiful balmy days and sunsets you're getting right now!
Tiny little Hugs to the bears too :0)

Ruth x

Anonymous said...

I just love your mantel piece, the victorian cards are just lovely.
Merry Christmas from one bear maker to another.
Hugs
Kay

Bearly Sane said...

You mantel looks really pretty Ruth and I love your Christmas gifts and the Gingerbread Angel you designed for Lesley...you're such a creative lady.
I also wanted to thank you for the lovely Christmas card you made me...it has pride of place.
Hope you have a wonderful "Chrimbo" and big hugs to the family and especially your mum.
Warmest Hugs,
Sandi @ Ess D'Ess Bears and Bearly Sane Studio

Ruth said...

Thank you Kay, and Sandi :0) I really appreciate you stopping by - in fact I'm just about to drop by your blogs to leave another Happy Christmas for you there.

With every Good Wish for a wonderful Christmas xxxx

Ruth