Just found out that Billyboy is the Whiskas Cat of the Week on Facebook. This was his winning photo, him enjoying his cat activity centre, that is, the Christmas Tree. He leaps up into the branches and plays with the baubles. He loves it and it's hard to be mad at him.
I've got the tree wedged into the corner so it can't fall down. Sometimes he can resist and just sleep on his little indian chair. He's such a cutie. To think that two years ago he was found as a little 6 month old stray, living on the streets. He has blossomed into a wonderful cat, full of life and vigour, well known in the neighbourhood, making friends with people and making them smile.
December has been such a busy month, lots of crafting and making, that I haven't shared the Secret Santa ornaments I received in a swap on Milliande. I had this lovely parcel from someone in the US, a sweet Mary and Jesus ornament, in a couple of cigar boxes, together with a vintage glass ornament and ephemera. 
The glass bauble obviously can't go on the tree because of Billy but this handmade paper and fabric ornament is high on the tree, out of his way.
I also received this gorgeous vintage style photo frame from Stephanie in Belgium. It is painted with a wonderful crackle effect with gorgeous angels and sequins. I love it. Both ornaments will be coming out year on year. 
I've been busy in the studio of late; christmas gifts in the making. I thought I'd share some glimpses of some of the journals I've been making.
Less than a week till the big day. I think I'm on schedule, how about you??
Busy making hanging christmas cards! And secret Christmas pressies, sssssh! All will be revealed on the 25th. Hope you're having a good festive season so far, off to finish putting up the tree now xx
This is my first festive make, think I need to get my skates on, ho, ho, ho......
I was lucky enough to win the giveaway over at Love Stitching Red and received this gorgeous crystal snowflake from Carolyn. Isn't it gorgeous? A big thank you to Carolyn as this 'bauble' is destined to be a favourite for many years to come.
Just a quick post to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a Peaceful and Creative New Year. And many thanks to Suzi in Canada for sending me this postcard :)
So happy!! My christmas tree is up, my new free tree as well, thank goodness for Freecycle. This is a beautiful 6ft tall as my old tree was just becoming far too small for my collection of baubles and trimmings, lol. It's up in my dining room this year so that when I have friends over for dinner we have a more festive atmosphere, as we invariably just stay chatting round the table when the meal is done.
Now for a tour of some of my favourite decorations. I adore this embroidered heart that I bought in Libertys many years ago
This is a contender for the oldest decoration on the tree, a children's dummy, that I think came from my 'auntie' Hilda, who lived across the street from us when I was a very small child. 
Here is my poodle in a shoe and wooden heart. Love poodles, don't know why as I'm very much a cat lover but there is just something about poodles, and I love hearts.
This little sailor is only 2 inches high and could be very old, he's been in our family since I was a child but his origins are lost in the mists of time.
This little cheeky cherub is made of stockinette and I love her, again another purchase from Libertys. She always has to be well up the tree so she is away from the cat claws. Incidently have you tried putting up a christmas tree with 4 cats behaving as 10 week old kittens, it makes it interesting to say the least, lol.
Went off to Birmingham this week, to visit the German market. It was a freezing cold day, little snow flurries all day but the trains didn't let us down. Both there and back the trains were on time and we all got a seat, not something that happens normally. I just loved this stand, all red and lit up, with santas and angels going round at the top.
We climbed up and had a mug of mulled wine, whilst stamping our feet and soaking up the atmosphere.
I just loved this stall, a big polar bear offering you refreshments, now you don't see that every day, lol.
I've made some vintage style ATCs for a swap
I went into full production, or at least that's what it felt like, making hanging ATCs that can be put on the Christmas tree.
And I'm still admiring my chrissies, 3 weeks old now and I think they still look smashing. Probably the cold in the garden room has helped, it's soooo cold even with the heating on. All the cats are in, huddled up on chairs and on the bed, so it must be cold outside. Hope it's warmer where you are :)
