::post*7::

Tootie who has an online shop called Reform School sent
this very intriguing package wrapped in old newspaper.
Inside was a lovely Yule Log that is now hanging on the tree.
Speaking of which, I think I will have to keep the tree up for another
few weeks as I love the decorations I received & am not quite
ready for them to be put away for another year!

Trying to get that feeling...

The week before Christmas we made a trip back to Ireland, R's Nana passed away, so we went back for the funeral & to be with the family. It was sad, there were tears, but there was also plenty of laughter as stories and memories were shared. She was a well loved member of the family & will be missed. We got to see a lot of family and friends that we hadn't seen in a long time.
But I didn't want to leave, I wanted to stay at home. When we did make it back to London, as much as I love it, I just didn't want to be here....I was so home sick! R's parents flew over to be with us for Christmas & it was lovely to be with family again.
It's a funny one this Christmas lark! I truly believe in the spirit of Christmas , in the excitement, the build up, the mystery, the story, but this year I found it really hard to get into the swing of it all. Normally, I get so excited. Yet, it seemed that no matter how many times I listened to 'Last Christmas', the feeling was not there.
'I've been up, down, tryin' to get the feeling again
All around, tryin' to get the feeling again...'
to quote Barry Manilow {yes, it's true I used to be a huge Manilow fan, well I was 10!}
My sister and nephew are arriving today for new years & I'm looking forward to spending time with them, watching fireworks, lighting sparklers, drinking cava & trying to get that feeling again!

Happy Christmas!

Have a very Happy Christmas filled with many blessings!

::post*6::

Linda who is a ceramics designer from Pennsylvania
made this fantastic ornament and sent it my way.

Everyone I've shown it to have oohed & awed...thanks
Linda, I love it. It may even stay up all year round!

::post*5::

This ornament came from Things are better with a parrott,
by Sarah. Not only is the ornament beautiful but there
was so much thought put into the the way it was wrapped.

I have a fascination with tags and was so delighted to
see this wrapped around the package.

Thanks Sarah it is so lovely!

::post*4::

The walnut arrived from Kathleen at Cake & Pie who was
one of the organisers of the swap.


It is very adorable, thank you Kathleen!

::post*3::

This is what arrived from Kuala Lumpar tooday!

I was thrilled when I found out Irene was in my ornament
swap group, as I sit down most mornings to read her inspiring
design blog Bloesem


It is proudly hanging in my window for all to see! Thank you
so much Irene.

::post*2::

Oh my goodness, I really feel like a kid at Christmas...each
day I can hardly wait to see if the postman has arrived with
another little package.


Racheal who is based in New York, prints & designs her
own stationary, have a look at her stunning work here
This beautifully delicate decoration is hand printed on
100% cotton paper.


Thanks so much Rachael, I love it!

::Post::

The postman arrived today with the first of the ornaments
from the 2007 Holiday Ornament Swap.

I was very excited & had a little opening ceremony to
honour the occasion. I made myself a special cup of
Christmas Spiced Tea put on some Christmas tunes.
Well, actually only Last Christmas by Wham, on repeat
{I can never get enough of that song!}...& just look at the
lovely little treat that was sent to me!


This lovely hand stitched ornament was made by Meshell,
who sent it all the way from Perth, Australia. Take a look
at her blog here.
Thank you so much Meshell it's hanging proudly on my
Christmas tree!

{drum roll please}...new work!

Allow me to introduce you to the evolution of
The Red Lady. I have continued to keep her close
to my heart, although there were times I was
completely fed up and felt like ripping her up
& throwing her in the bin time! I have also
continued working with vintage wallpaper, in
particular concerning the memories they evoke.
This, like the Red Lady is quickly becoming an
obsession. I'll introduce you to this at some
stage in the future...ie. when I've actually produced
some!

::a closer look::


Apologies...These dark days unfortunately are not allowing
me to take good quality photos...well that's my excuse anyway!

...& so to the post office

{a sneak preview}

Here's just a little peek at the
Christmas decorations that I've
been making for the swap.

I'm in the middle of packing them
up & as soon as that's finished I'll
head out to post them off!