Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Making, baking






At the risk of sounding up myself, I think I'm ready for Christmas. Cards are sent, presents wrapped and sent/under the tree, baking done, house decorated, grocery shopping done ....

Of course, publicly declaring that I'm organised may yet bite me on the bum - surely I MUST have forgotten something (something important, not just not sending cards to a few people who have sent me cards and will now receive a new year message sometime in 2011).

Making: I got round to making some ornaments this year. Two hexy ornaments went to my daughter Rosy in China, along with a scarf I made for her from some lovely Japanese fabric (20-25 cm by WOF, stitched on three sides with a gap for turning, pressed, gap stitched, self patted on back - easy peasy).

Another two hexy ornaments went to Linda in California, my partner in Chookyblue's SSCS swap. She displayed them so beautifully on her blog. I put together a kit purchased from Aussie designer Marg Low (fabric, felt, pattern, rusty bell and a wooden angel cut-out designed by Barb Smith from Theodora Cleave); it went together so nicely and looks great on my Christmas tree.

And speaking of Christmas trees - the tree ornament at the left in the top pic came from my other swap partner in the SSCS swap, Trash in England. Love it - and the fact that I've met Trash twice while she's been visiting family (and doing crafty things) in Australia.I can't wait to see what's in the parcel she sent that I'm not allowed to open yet.

And my three brothers received little Santa bags to hang on a door handle. I hope they can work out what those small bags are for!

Baking: - can't show you any of that because it's safely tucked away in the freezer, out of sight, out of mind (hopefully). I made my usual Weight Watchers' Christmas cake (because I like it - the recipe involves lots of dried fruit, coffee, a bar of chocolate and flour, very easy and it always turns out well), spice biscuits, shortbread from my late dad's recipe and mandorla, Italian biscuits made mainly from almond meal and egg whites and topped with a glace cherry - delicious.

So - apart from being unable to work out how to put my photos in the right places, that's my Christmas sorted. If you haven't finished shopping yet, good luck finding a parking spot. And a very merry Christmas to all my bloggy friends and your families; hope you have a wonderful time.

7 comments:

Vicki said...

It's refreshing to hear that someone is ready for the big day, Jan!I still have some wrapping to do and the bits and pieces, but other than that and 2 pressies to finish off, that's about it for me as well. Card arrived today, thank you :) XXXXXXXXXXX

Sue Niven said...

I have a couple of pressies left to make, You inspire me to get a move on!

Allie said...

I am in awe - love all your projects and that sweet ornament - looks like you have plenty of time to see if you forgot anything! I'm going to start my shopping tomorrow, lol. Today was my mum's birthday, we ran to Ikea to get her gift - oddly enough, we were in and out in record time! Merry Christmas!

trash said...

Thank goodness your parcel arrived! Glad you like the tree, I was pleased with how it turned out. As for the parcel, I really hope you like it. I would hate it to turn out to be a 'Scarey Mary'!

Chookyblue...... said...

lovely ornaments......you had better come and get me organise for xmas.......

Annie said...

Well Done Jan, and have a lovely Christmas - might have to investigate that WW cake recipe - sounds delicious. I'm experimenting with Mum's knitting machine and being eaten alive by BIG mozzies.

Unknown said...

hello jan,

nice blog