Christmas Creative

Three Wise Men

2012-01-10T00:13:00.002-08:00

My son showed me the inside of one of the cards he received from his friend at Christmas.

Ben had drawn these wise men. I think it's an amazing drawing and just had to share it with you.

What now?

2012-01-06T01:43:00.001-08:00

We have reached the twelfth day of Christmas, The day when traditionally in the UK the Christmas celebrations are over. The tree's lights and decorations come down and are stored away until advent arrives the next year.
And what of a blog that celebrates christmas?
Should it too be put away, only to be dragged out again at the start of the Christmas Crafting season?
I think not.
You see Christmas is the perfect time to start sharing. It’s a time of celebration, a time when in the recess' of peoples minds there is some vague recollection of a manger and a baby. By simply saying to someone ““this is what Christmas means to me” you are giving them the best Christmas present you could ever dream of. It’s better than an x box 360, an It ouch, a transformer, a kindle……. You will be giving them the gift of a saviour, of a baby born in a manger, & the love of a man who held his arms out on a cross for them. But as Christians, our Christmas can be every day, We can daily celebrate God's gift to us and continue to do so all through the year.
So with that in mind, I shall continue to post every so often during the year.

Epiphany 6th January

2012-01-06T01:32:00.001-08:00

Recycling Christmas

2012-01-02T02:12:00.001-08:00

While today will be my Christmas put away day, I shall not actually be throwing out much if anything.

The greenery that was decorating my mirror and room will head to the compost heap, the tree (artificial) will be put away for next year, as will all the decorations. The wrapping paper will be ironed out and put to good crafting use next year. The cards will be recycled into fronts and backs. The special ones will be put into my sketch books and the others will be put into the craft cupboard. The backs will go to the cardboard recycling. The tins that held the chocolates are currently holding quality street wrappers and other sweet wrappers that will "come in useful". The boxes from chocolates may be come card recycling or they may be used for craft projects.

So rather than just sit and waffle, I should go and get on with it.

Packing up

2012-01-02T02:04:00.000-08:00

Today I shall be taking down my cards, packing up my tree and clearing the piles of greenery from around my house. I'm always sad to do it, but clearing away all the clutter gives me a huge uplift as the room suddenly becomes spacey and the walls clearer.
It reminds me of the squash and a squeeze story by children's laureate Julia Donaldson

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Crafts Forum Secret Santa

2011-12-31T07:26:00.000-08:00

I was involved in three swaps this Christmas. One of them was through the UK Crafts Forum.
I was very lucky to receive this beautiful Tea cosy (She knows me so well) and egg cosy's. They are made by Roslet.

The words featured on them are very special and meaningful words for the Christmas season. In fact those of you who read my blog regularly will know that the word JOY is especially dear to me.

Thank you Ros, they are incredibly special and will be enjoyed and treasured for years to come.
If you want to see more of Ros's work, you can visit her Etsy store

Christmas Movies ~ Elf

2011-12-31T06:32:00.001-08:00

Frerrero Rocher Rose

2011-12-31T05:28:00.000-08:00

Who needs an excuse to eat chocolate?

Well here is the perfect excuse. Susan has spent Christmas making these amazing roses.

I think they are beautiful. You can see more details on her blog HERE

Putting down the Christmas Tree

2011-12-30T04:54:00.001-08:00

A New Page

2011-12-29T06:24:00.001-08:00

The Christmas day service from South Cave Church

Storing your Christmas Tree

2011-12-29T05:49:00.001-08:00

A little bit of Christmas Decorating

2011-12-21T03:53:00.000-08:00

my Christmas Decorations

The Scrappy Bauble Challenge

2011-12-21T03:43:00.001-08:00

What a lovely surprise I got in the post this morning. I received a beautifully wrapped gift of this gingerbread house which is amazingly created with so much to look at.

It was part of the Scrappy bauble challenge and was made for me by Jenny Kearney of The Gingerbread House

Thank you Jenny, It now has pride of place on my mantle shelf with my Nativity.

Christmas Music ~ In the Bleak Midwinter

2011-12-17T07:29:00.001-08:00

Make A Snowflake

2011-12-17T06:55:00.001-08:00

We've been having loads of fun this afternoon making snowflakes

You can do it too using this fantastic site

Christmas Music ~ Glorious Impossible

2011-12-16T05:42:00.001-08:00

Another Knitted Tree

2011-12-16T05:39:00.000-08:00

After my post about a knitted tree, I have now discovered another one. This one is also in a church.
Knitters have been producing the 1200 squares that have made up the tree. Like the previous one, after christmas these squares will be knotted into blankets.
You can see this tree at St Aldherms church, Poole

Beatrix Potter Christmas

2011-12-15T06:46:00.001-08:00

Christmas Shortbread tutorial

2011-12-15T06:44:00.001-08:00

3D snowflakes ~ step by step

2011-12-10T07:03:00.001-08:00

I have been asked how you make the snowflakes and stars like these ones. There is a video in the post below showing the actual making of them or you can follow these step by step instructions http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-3D-Paper-Snowflake

3D Snowflakes

2011-12-10T06:58:00.001-08:00

Are You A Chef?

2011-12-08T03:51:00.001-08:00

This morning I found this plea from Crisis We REALLY need a chef to cook Xmas dinner for 500 people at our Rough Sleepers' centre! 3-11pm - email ccvolunteering@crisis.org.uk
You can read more about the work that Crisis do over the year, not just over Christmas time by clicking HERE

Christmas Music ~ O Little Town of Bethlehem

2011-12-07T01:55:00.001-08:00

It's today

2011-12-07T01:15:00.001-08:00

The First Wednesday in December has become the date I always hold my open house. This year it is Wednesday 7th December. Hopefully the weather will be a bit kinder this year and the two foot snow drifts won't shut the world out of the village.
I'm really enjoying making Christmas decorations and this year will have loads of new styles for you to see.
it will be running from 9am until 2.45pm and then in the evening from 7pm until 9pm.
All are welcome to come and browse whilst enjoying free Christmas refreshments!
4, Nunnery Walk, South Cave, HU15 2JA

The Nativity Part 4

2011-12-06T09:08:00.001-08:00

You can see part 1
You can see Part 2
You can see part 3

The Nativity Part 3

2011-12-05T07:01:00.001-08:00

You can see part 1
You can see Part 2

A Facebook Nativity

2011-12-05T06:57:00.001-08:00

Happy Christmas Open House

2011-12-05T05:52:00.001-08:00

Christmas Comes But Once A Year

2011-12-05T01:39:00.001-08:00

O Christmas Tree~ How knitted are your branches

2011-12-03T07:48:00.001-08:00

This tree has been knitted by a group of knitters from Poulton le Fyde. Members of the methodist church, a library knitting group and a retirement home all knitted to produce this 18 foot tree.
After Christmas the tree will be disassembled and stitched together to form blankets for needy nations.
More details HERE

It came without ribbons

2011-12-03T06:16:00.001-08:00

It came with out ribbons, it came without tags

It came with out packging, boxes or bags

A Nativity Set

2011-12-03T05:39:00.001-08:00

This Nativity set is available HERE

The Nativity Part 2

2011-12-03T02:05:00.001-08:00

You can watch the other parts in this series too
Part 1

Nadolig Llawen ~ Wish Your Welsh Friends A Marry Christmas

2011-12-03T01:47:00.001-08:00

This is the perfect way to wish your welsh friends a merry Christmas. The beautiful pastel toned card has been created by Ello Design and it could be your lucky day as she is having a one day sale on this item TODAY!
More details HERE

Christmas Cakes ~ Red Velvet Cake

2011-12-03T01:40:00.001-08:00

This recipe has been shared by Muffinella. You can see more of her amazing cakes and biscuits on her blog

Red Velvet Cake
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 pound cream cheese, softened
2 sticks butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
Chopped pecans and fresh raspberries or strawberries, for garnish

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 (12-cup) muffin pans with cupcake papers.

In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In a large bowl gently beat together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla with a handheld electric mixer. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet and mix until smooth and thoroughly combined.

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake tins about 2/3 filled. Bake in oven for about 20 to 22 minutes, turning the pans once, half way through. Test the cupcakes with a toothpick for doneness. Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla together until smooth. Add the sugar and on low speed, beat until incorporated. Increase the speed to high and mix until very light and fluffy.

Garnish with chopped pecans and a fresh raspberry or strawberry.

Cook's Note: Frost the cupcakes with a butter knife or pipe it on with a big star tip.

Felted Nativity

2011-12-02T00:31:00.001-08:00

Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and the donkey

Shepherds with their sheep

Wise men with their camel

Handfelted Nativity by Jewell Felt. Find out further details HERE

The Nativity Part 1

2011-12-02T00:20:00.001-08:00

For the next ten days I plan to show a segment of the 2006 film The Nativity directed by Catherine Hardwicke.

Colouring Crayons

2011-12-01T09:05:00.001-08:00

Colour Me Fun makes some amazing colouring crayons that would be great for stocking fillers,for Christmas party bags, The range includes these christmas crayons, lego men crayons and animals as well as a host of other styles. You can see more details HERE

A Beach Hut Advent Calender in Bridlington

2011-12-01T01:21:00.001-08:00

A fantastic approach to the advent calender

Have fun!

Christmas Music ~ The first Nowell

2011-11-30T04:06:00.001-08:00

Joy

2011-11-30T03:55:00.001-08:00

The perfect word for Christmas. JOY. The feeling over overwhelming pleasure. A feeling that happens in the Nativity story when the shepherds and wise men gaze at the new born King.
You can find out more about this Funky Mosaics creation by clicking HERE

The Nativity Story

2011-11-30T03:47:00.001-08:00

Mary and Joseph and Baby Jesus

Angels brought the message to the shepherds that a saviour had been born

Wise men from the East came seeking the newborn king

They came to Bethlehem and found the baby lying in a manger and they worshipped him.

These nativity figures have been individually painted ad you can find more about them HERE

See The Shepherds Hurry Down To Bethlehem

2011-11-30T03:40:00.001-08:00

I love this Shepherd Christmas card created by Diane Burton. It's a 2D card made with a selection of card and images. The tile in the bottom corner is embossed with the "Christmas Greetings".
You can see more details HERE

Christmas Colouring Book

2011-11-30T03:38:00.001-08:00

This fabulous image is just one of the lovely images drawn by Ghost Goose and featured in her Christmas colouring book. This book has proved extremely popular with one client purchasing 100!

you can get your copy HERE

Open House ~ South Cave , East Yorkshire

2011-11-29T04:37:00.001-08:00

Advent Song ~ Longing For Light

2011-11-28T05:30:00.001-08:00

A Beautiful Advent Calender Keepsake

2011-11-28T05:13:00.001-08:00

In our house, every year we get out our beautiful advent calender book. It is a stunning collection of tiny stories and poem books held in a beautiful advent calender book.

Inside are 25 little books all with a different story, tradition or poem about Christmas, The stopry of the poinsettia, Good King Wenseslas, snippets from Childrens classics like little women. It's a beautiful and amazing way to spend in the build up to Christmas. When the children are little you can read to them and as they get older, they can read with you and finally to you.

I really love the fact that unlike many advent calenders, the set also includes a special book for Christmas day with the nativity story. It's a great culmination to the calender.

The bnooks can all be taken out and hung on the tree with the little satin tags that are attached to each book.

If you would like to purchase one in time for your advent celebrations (there is still time) click HERE

Advent Calender ~ Cathy Sews

2011-11-28T05:01:00.001-08:00

Here is another stunning advent calender. This one is by Cathy Sews and features an eclectic mix of Christmas fabric pockets on a demin background.

Advent thoughts ~ Week 1

2011-11-28T00:39:00.001-08:00

Advent ~ A time of anticipation and Preparation

2011-11-28T00:18:00.001-08:00

The fourth Sunday before Chrismas is the start of Advent. This is the Churches New Year. It's a time when Christians prepare to celebrate the first coming of Jesus as a baby in a manger and also anticipate the time when he will come again.
Advent tradition in Churches includes candles which symbolise the Light of Christ coming into a dark world.
The purple candles symbolise: Prayer, Penance and Preparatory sacrifice (good works) and the purple is also the colour of kingship whilst the rose candle lit on the third Sunday is a celebration of Gaudette day, a day of rejoicing because the faithful have arrived at the midpoint of advent.
The White central candle represents Jesus Christ, Light in our darkness and this is lit on Christmas day.
The evergreens used to decorate the base are also representative.
Laurel ~ Victory over persecution and suffering
Pine, holly and yew ~ Immortality
Holly ~ reminds us of the crown of thorns that symbolise Christs death, the red berries are representative of Christs blood.

Christmas Stamps 2011

2011-11-25T03:08:00.001-08:00

How wonderful that not only do these stamps feature images of the Christmas Story, but tthe biblical references as well. A chance to spread the Christmas Message with your post.

Madonna and Child
Inspired by Matthew 1:23, ‘Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us’
The wider format of the Large stamp reveals the stable in the background.

Baby Jesus in the Manger
Inspired by Luke 2:7, ‘And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn’.

Shepherds visited by the Angel
Inspired by Luke 2:10, ‘And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people’.

Wise Men and Star
Inspired by Matthew 2:10: ‘When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy’.

Christmas Story Time ~ How The Grinch stole Christmas by Dr Seuss

2011-11-25T02:14:00.001-08:00

My favourite Christmas Story of all.

Make A Peg Advent Calender

2011-11-25T02:07:00.001-08:00

Handmade Advent Calenders ~ Quilted

2011-11-25T01:54:00.001-08:00

I love this snowman advent calendar created by Lilac elephant. it contains pockets to put small gifts sweets, or messages in. 50 71 cms.
You can find more details HERE

The Lego Tree At St Pancras

2011-11-24T06:30:00.001-08:00

St Pancras station in London has today unveiled it's lego christmas tree.

It has been created with over 600000 lego bricks abd had 100 lego baubles

Mary And Joseph

2011-11-24T04:21:00.001-08:00

My Mary and Joseph's are selling fast. They are a rustic style decoration. Available HERE

Mini Christmas Envelopes

2011-11-24T02:05:00.001-08:00

Imaging all the things you could do with these fabulous mini envelopes created with a Christmas Theme. They have been created by Swirlyarts (creator of the original cheeky chickens!) and you can find more details HERE

Amazing way to cook your Turkey this Christmas

2011-11-23T06:44:00.001-08:00

The Nutcracker

2011-11-23T05:32:00.001-08:00

Christmas Craft Tutorial ~ Victorian sugar plums

2011-11-23T05:24:00.001-08:00

Angels with dirty faces wreath

2011-11-23T05:13:00.001-08:00

What a fantastic Christmas wreath featuring angels. It's been made with a fresh green fleece interspaced with "angels with dirty faces" jingle bells and gingham ribbon. I think it is fantastic. It has been created by Sharon Mcleod and you can find more pout about Sharon and the wreath HERE

Wooden Angel

2011-11-22T03:34:00.001-08:00

A beautiful English hardwoods angel made by Work In Wood. A really beautiful composition that looks beautiful and satin smooth.

Christmas Craft Tutorial ~ Victorian Ivy Ribbons

2011-11-22T03:30:00.001-08:00

Bethlehem Stable

2011-11-22T03:18:00.001-08:00

String art Card by Pop Up Zoo Greetings cards showing the manger and stable in gold thread.

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
      are only a small village among all the people of Judah.
   Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you,
      one whose origins are from the distant past

Sing Noel

2011-11-21T06:51:00.001-08:00

An Event for Everyone

2011-11-21T06:33:00.001-08:00

meercat shepherds By Nifty knitts

There were shepherds camping in the neighbourhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."

At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises:

Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.

As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the shepherds were impressed.

Christmas Craft Tutorial ~ Match box advent calander

2011-11-17T05:56:00.001-08:00

The tutorial to make this advent calander is here

Christmas Music ~ Hallelujah Chorus

2011-11-17T04:04:00.001-08:00

Traditional Glass Christmas Decorations

2011-11-17T02:55:00.001-08:00

More Beautiful Glass Decorations from The Grimm Exhibition.

This set contains 6 decorations and other sets are available too.

Great for your traditional christmas

What Will You Be Doing This Christmas?

2011-11-17T02:44:00.001-08:00

Victorian Tree Decorations

2011-11-16T06:22:00.001-08:00

Inspirational Victorian Christmas Style

2011-11-16T06:18:00.001-08:00

Floral Christmas Trees

2011-11-16T06:12:00.001-08:00

Aren't these unusual, but incredibly striking and perfect for the contemporary Christmas Home. They have been made by Dolly What Not.

Christmas Craft Tutorial ~ Orange Votive Holders

2011-11-16T00:45:00.001-08:00

How beautiful and fragrant these orange and clove votive light holders must be. Perfect for the winter table decorations.

You can find the tutorial on Beekman1802

Christmas Cards ~ Silver Charm Cards

2011-11-15T05:06:00.001-08:00

I've just found these lovely cards on Adien Crafts Shop on Folksy. They copme as a set of two and you can personalise the greeting inside the card. they are handpainted and embossed and feature adorable little silver coloured metal charms.

We Three Kings

2011-11-15T04:37:00.001-08:00

Love the uniqueness and modern styling of these three kings made by Hearts of Dough. They can be used as Christmas cards or as decorations.

South Cave Victorian Christmas Market

2011-11-15T03:07:00.001-08:00

Sock Monkey

2011-11-15T02:42:00.001-08:00

I would like to introduce you to the latest monkeys I have made. These cheeky monkeys were made just last week and after an outing to the farmers market where some of their friends went to new homes, these ones have now been added to my online store. Ra Ra Bazaar

Penny

Rufus

Lola

Thinking Of Others

2011-11-15T01:58:00.001-08:00

Christmas Card ~ Encaustic Art Winter Scene

2011-11-14T09:42:00.001-08:00

What a beautiful winter wonderland scene made by Polly Crafts This is an amazing piece of art that has been created with polished wax and a hot iron tool. You can find further details about the process and how to purchase this original artwork HERE.

An Act Of Rememberence

2011-11-11T00:40:00.001-08:00

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

2011-11-10T04:20:00.000-08:00

I've been busy making Christmas spiders and retelling the two legends that will accompany the spiders on a gift card. You can click on the photo of each spider to be taken to the shop page

Beaded Christmas Tree

2011-11-09T09:20:00.000-08:00

Isn't this little beaded christmas tree. There must be hundreds of beads on it. it has been created by Beaded Magic Gallery and more details can be found HERE

Gifts From The East

2011-11-09T02:43:00.000-08:00

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory— this was during Herod's kingship—a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, "Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We're on pilgrimage to worship him."

When word of their inquiry got to Herod, he was terrified—and not Herod alone, but most of Jerusalem as well. Herod lost no time. He gathered all the high priests and religion scholars in the city together and asked, "Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?"

They told him, "Bethlehem, Judah territory. The prophet Micah wrote it plainly:

   It's you, Bethlehem, in Judah's land,
      no longer bringing up the rear.
   From you will come the leader
      who will shepherd-rule my people, my Israel."

Herod then arranged a secret meeting with the scholars from the East. Pretending to be as devout as they were, he got them to tell him exactly when the birth-announcement star appeared. Then he told them the prophecy about Bethlehem, and said, "Go find this child. Leave no stone unturned. As soon as you find him, send word and I'll join you at once in your worship."

Instructed by the king, they set off. Then the star appeared again, the same star they had seen in the eastern skies. It led them on until it hovered over the place of the child. They could hardly contain themselves: They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time!

They entered the house and saw the child in the arms of Mary, his mother. Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped him. Then they opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh.

In a dream, they were warned not to report back to Herod. So they worked out another route, left the territory without being seen, and returned to their own country.

CHristmas Pot Pourri ~ Treasures from the East

2011-11-09T02:38:00.000-08:00

I have finally bagged up my Christmas Pot pourri and put it in the shop. I'm really pleased with the look and scent.
Bring an aromatic ambience to your Christmas celebrations with this handmade Pot Pourri.
Treasures from the flora and hedge rows of the East Riding of Yorkshire have been gathered, dried and combined with the warm spices from the Far East to make this Winter Pot Pourri.
The pot pourri is presented in a clear cellophance bag with a beautiful header tag.
The bag of pot pourri measures: 9" x 6" x 2.5 "
23c, x 15cm x 6cm (The header Tag is not included in these measurements)
It is available HERE

Christmas Star

2011-11-07T09:20:00.000-08:00

The wise men went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Christmas Wall Hanging

2011-11-07T07:45:00.000-08:00

I love the colours and styling of this beautiful wall hanging. Blues, greens and golds look stunning together.
The star motif is perfect for Christmas.
This can also be used as a table runner. It's been made by Sew Flair.

Christmas Cake Recipe ~ My Mums Christmas Cake

2011-11-07T03:09:00.000-08:00

Cake decorated By Cake Journal

My Mums Christmas Cake

Makes a moist, fruity cake

Grease and double line a 9” square or 10 “ round tin with greaseproof

SOAK THE FOLLOWING INGREDIENTS TOGETHER OVERNIGHT (or longer)

12oz sultanas

12oz raisins

12oz glace pineapple

12oz candied peel.

grated zest of 2 lemons and 2 limes

juice of 1 lemon and 1 lime

6 fl oz rum or any spirit

SEIVE TOGETHER

12oz plain flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon nutmeg

0.5 teaspoon ground cloves

0.5 teaspoon allspice

CREAM TOGETHER

10 oz butter

10 oz dark soft brown sugar

OTHER INGREDIENTS

5 size 3 eggs

4oz chopped nuts

2oz ground almonds

4 tablespoons pineapple jam

1 tablespoon treacle

2 tablespoons milk

Method

Beat the eggs and flour into the creamed butter and sugar 1 at a time with one table spoon of flour.

Fold the rest of the flour into the mixture.

Add the fruit and nuts, jam and treacle and finally the milk. Mix well.

Spoon into the lined and greased tin.

Level the surface and push a wooden spoon handle into the cake mixture a few times.

Wrap the tin with several layers of folded newspaper and tie into place with string.

Cover the cake mix with two layers of greaseproof paper

Cook at 140C gas mark 1 for approx 5 3/4 Hours

Cool for 15 mins before removing from a tin and placing on the cooling rack

If you would like your cake recipe published on my blog then email it to me at info(@)beadsbydesign.co.uk (remobed the brackets)

Christmas craft Tutorial ~ Paper Plate Christmas Tree's

2011-11-07T00:29:00.001-08:00

Have a look at this great tutorial for paper Plate Christmas trees at Being Grown Up Blog. I'll definately be having a go soon.

Christmas Craft Tutorial ~ Magazine Christmas tree

2011-11-05T04:27:00.001-07:00

Ribbon Christmas Tree's

2011-11-05T04:00:00.000-07:00

This ribbon Christmas decoration design was something my Grandma showed me how to make using sweets and paper when I was little. Since then, I have developed the idea. The trees are made from satin ribbon and can be made in any colour you'd like.

An ivory and gold tree

Green tree

pink tree

Click the photos for more details

Christmas music ~ Glorious Light

2011-11-04T02:38:00.001-07:00

Christmas Craft Tutorial ~ 3D stars and snowflakes

2011-11-03T10:21:00.001-07:00

Christmas Music ~ Until the day you return to me

2011-11-03T02:32:00.000-07:00

Lonely this Christmas ~ A sensitive approach

2011-11-03T02:09:00.000-07:00

I love Christmas (can you tell?), however in the build up to the event it is becoming more and more obvious that some people find it a real challenge. It's a time when loneliness, illness, bereavement, poverty and unhappiness must come to the fore. So often when asked what does Christmas mean to you? the response is "family and friends". "It's a time when we get together to celebrate" so how must it feel then to be approaching Christmas knowing that you won't be with your loved ones this year because of illness, bereavement etc.
A few weeks ago, I saw these cards (above and below) designed by Ghost Goose to offer a caring approach to those for whom Christmas will be tough. Their beautiful sensitivity will offer comfort to the person receiving them.

Show someone you care this Christmas!

Christmas Music ~ Mary Did You Know?

2011-11-02T02:34:00.000-07:00

Christmas Decorative

2011-11-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

I just happened to look at Twitter when these were publicised. I think they are beautiful. It's lovely to see the focus of Christmas on the reason fopr the season. They are painted by Elfie Morgan. You can see her work HERE

Memory Baubles

2011-11-01T06:32:00.000-07:00

What a great idea from Mommy Savers for saving your memory's by writing the key events in your year onto a bauble using a permanent marker pen

Christmas Music ~ Emmanuel

2011-11-01T06:17:00.001-07:00