greetings

Its a busy time around these parts lately - so I have maintained blog silence for a little while. 

I've posted some of these pics on instagram and facebook and they sum up a lovely festive season -

 Pesky possums - look cute but are really very bold.

 I actually baked!

 and ate far too many cherries...

 gifted some of my little shortbreads...

 drank a few of these amazing margaritas..

 while my friend L downed this little drop...

 wrapped and gave lots of pressies..

 baked again!

and ate a sumptuous feast.

I didn't get a chance to say my few words before our feast so here 'tis

" For all that we have right here, right now may we be truly grateful. "

kanga softie

Back in the day little felt toys were popular as keepsakes  for  children to play with. When I designed this felt softie I had in mind the drawings of Norman Lindsay in the book he illustrated "The Animals Noah Forgot"

I also referenced his drawing for the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 

 Thanks for the design advice sister of mine! M said to put in a tummy panel to give the softie a more rounded shape and  she was right!

 Mumma kanga is made from pure wool felt using non toxic dyes and she has recyled PET bottle  stuffing. She is a thoroughly eco friendly little miss!

She is off to New Zealand with a friend to remind her of home while she is away. I like a bit of

 "old school" sometimes.

christmas wrap up

I was inspired by Clare over at Checks and Spots  to share my little collection of Christmas wrap ideas.
First up is Clare's little stamping idea that I love. I searched in all the obvious places for a reindeer stamp for my wrapping this year and this little tree stamp would have been the bomb. That is if I'd gone into Typo.

And a few pics collected from Sunday Collector. Thanks Briar!

 This horse stencil idea is also from Sunday Collector and you can find her tutorial here.

 and this one too!

I love a good tag. The original post is here

hail the pudding

 Its Christmas Pudding time and once again I have tackled the task with unbridled enthusiasm. If you detect The Grinch hanging around then you are spot on. But I have sent him scurrying and I've gotten on with the task.

I carry out this ritual every year  since I inherited the mantle from my parents. I always have a little laugh as I get all the ingredients ready and I dedicate the pudding to them. Its my bit of nostalgia and an ode to my father in particular.  He was quite a deft hand at Christmas fare and the jam making that comes at this time of the year when the plums ripen. oh the memories....

 I soaked the fruit in lashings of brandy.

I got out the Margaret Fulton recipe - oh Margaret you have served me well.

I threw it all together with the Breville mixer

and made a hideous mess in the kitchen.

The proof of the pudding.....

Only 25 sleeps til Christmas!
What's your favourite Christmas recipe?