Ag May ...

Here are my handmade efforts for Christmas this year...  I'm pretty chuffed with the outcome and, with the whole clan in attendance this year, their appreciation made all the late nights so worth it!!!  Love you guys!! Home made star by Little Miss M.  Santa came to visit and forgot to wipe his shoes at the front door! Technically a "Bon Voyage" present - pillow bags with pillows.  I'm so happy with the outcome as it was my own design.  The inspiration, though, came from here .   For the little girls Two of the Three Little Maids   (thanks to Jodie Carlton of Vintage Ric Rac for sharing her awesome designs and sewing know how) Crocheted ballerinas  (I left the finishing of these until last and I'm so glad I did - these little ones killed my hands!!) (Thanks to Mia Zamora for sharing this wonderful design)  With this type of reaction, of course it's worth the effort!!! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

I was really against Advent Calendars before.  I just didn't understand how they fit in the spirit of Christmas.    And then, one day a thoughtful friend (thanks P!) sent me this link which made me rethink the spirit of the Advent calendar and inspired me to make not one, not two but three Advent Activity calendars  (one for Little Miss M and one each for her two cousins)!!    Unfortunately, I didn't get this lightbulb inspiration until the 2nd of December, which was the same day that my Baby Mac was not feeling too great.   So, from none to three, in the space of one late evening, here are my super quick, super simple, Advent Calendars. Want to know how to make them?  Then read on! You'll need - brown crafting or wrapping paper.  I got mine from Woolworths. - ribbon tied into bows - some Christmas stamps or stickers (something to decorate about 5 or 6 brown packets) - a pen/texta to write the numbers (or you can stamp them if