A Year of a Twiggy Pom Pom Tree

Last year I made some twiggy trees in jam jars to decorate the tables at our office Christmas party. Dog wood twigs from the garden painted and sprinkled with glitter, topped with red wool pom poms created the tree framework. With cheapo star battery lights from Poundland woven through the twigs, a Happy Christmas garland made from ink stamping, bakers twine and an old book completed the look.

After the party I gave each of my Pom pom crew (the girls helped make the pom poms) a tree and took one home for myself, adding a vase in place of the jar and my twigs have gone a full year and decorated our table and mantel with each season.

Christmas 2012

Easter 2013

with the edition of handmade fabric eggs

Summer 2013

Multi coloured poms and a robin!

Christmas 2013

Silver mini baubles in place of poms, a feather bird and glitter festive greeting (lights still working!)

Now 2014 

Loads of feathered birds and a pom to match each one, adding a little colour

on these wet, windy days.

My twiggy tree has made me smile with happiness all year, not sure my OH would agree though!

The birds came from Tiger (2013) and only cost a few pounds 

The lights - Poundland £1!

Multi Pack batteries for lights ( I had originally 6 sets of lights) Poundland £1

Paint, Glitter and Wool for Pompoms - already owned.

Mouse about this house...

For Christmas I got a stash of craft books, another guilty pleasure to go with many others!

One of them has quick things to knit and crochet from stash oddments with a festive theme. The book is "Little Christmas Decorations to knit and crochet by Sue Stratford & Val Pierce". 40 projects of all capabilities to get stuck into. A few of the decorations, if you give the Christmas extras amiss, would do for any time of year.

 

So may I introduce you to Tina the Twirling Birthday mouse!

You knit her in the flat and sew the seams together,  with a little persuasion she eventually looked mouse like! Her arms and tail are worked as an icord, and ears in two parts then stitched together.

My only wish was a picture show you what she looked like in the flat, as a one point I nearly started again as it looked really, really wrong!

She's now twirled off wrapped in tissue paper to my chum, Cheryl. Happy Birthday x

Taking it easy

Well that's the "Big Day" done, now we're on the wind down. Elastic trousers are the order of the day as is festive socks and a plump array of cushions.

I've made my way through two Carry On's and I'm waiting for Carry On Camping (at your Convenience is my favourite).

 I've nibbled through my own body weight in mince pies, homemade chocs, toasted cheese sandwiches and not to mention my first ever attempt at a Homemade Christmas Cake! (very nice it is too)

I hope you all had a wonderful day and have enjoyed it as much as we have x

The night before Christmas...

Finally it's here, after colds, a heavy work load, more colds, crafting, Christmas shopping, wrapping presents, cake making, biscuit making, finishing work and secret Santa, and of course the Strictly Final (phew) we're finally here!

my Christmas mice an idea from Prima

my Mum and Sister at Winchester Christmas Market (it was freezing!)

my TREE!

Pom poms in my Kitchen

and the love of Secret Santa!

so now i'm in my jim-jams watching telly waiting for Santa

Merry Christmas 

to you all

Enjoy xxx