A little break in the proceedings with a floral tribute.

Good afternoon.  Merry Christmas everyone!  Did you survive?
We had a very quiet one with me working up to Christmas and hubby working the next few days we didn't travel to catch up with family but had a nice relaxing time at home.
I finally sat down at 10 p.m. on Christmas eve with everything done and dusted except for the baking I had planned to do, which I shall do this week instead.  I don't think it matters if we make a gingerbread house before or after Christmas, do you?
This was my final job on Christmas eve....

Throwing together a Christmas table decoration whilst supping a wee glass of mulled wine.

The boys got what they wanted for Christmas and soon disappeared upstairs to play leaving me to get one with the dinner.
The dog was the funniest, she tried to get up around 5 and was straight to her presents starting to open them.  She's worse than the kids, they actually managed to wait till 6.30!
You think they'd get later as they get older but mine don't, they've always been early risers.
I got a few crafty bits and baking bits which I am looking forwards to playing with but my main present was a fitbit or as the male members of the house have named it "a fatbit!"
This is because other than cooking, play board games, watch TV and eat I have done very little over the last couple of days.
Today was a day to catch up with some jobs around the house, do some washing, make Christmas soup with the last of the left overs and then head to the cinema.
We had planned to see the new Star Wars film but when we got there it was full.  Instead I managed a quick visit into work to top up on supplies and bagging myself a few lingering bargains (if you know what I mean?!)

As for the rest of the day I think we are planning a film at home instead, popcorn at the ready.
I really should be taking advantage of this time to get in some crafting, I don't know about you, my enthusiasm to craft always takes a head dive after Christmas.
I'm away to try and remove my boys from the electronics for a little family time instead.
Catch you soon.

Who doesn't love a Gingerbread man?

Good evening and how are you this Tuesday?

Another busy day at work today, phew, glad that's over!

Only one more day for me to work as I am off Christmas Eve.

I'll let you into a secret, I think I quite like it at work when it is crazy busy, I must be mad.

Tonight I really need to get myself into gear and get some more wrapping done and dusted.

Tea first and then time to get busy.

One of my pals at work had asked me could I make this card as a friend was having trouble getting something suitable for a wee boy to give to his parents.  Apparently in the shops you can get for the female equivalent but not the male.  In the present climate I think this is unfair to have for one gender and not the other so I gladly agreed to make the card.

What better die than a Christmas Gingerbread man?

The die is by Sizzix and I have used kraft card, scraps of red gingham and card.  The eyes are brads and then I've used white pen and Distress ink Vintage photo to finish before matte and layering on coordinated cardstock.  Inside reads "Looking forwards to a "sweet" Christmas with you both".

I do love to get feedback and apparently both Daddies loved it.  Bargain.

That's all from me today, I better go and see how tea is getting on.  

Enjoy the rest of your evening.

And now time for a little CAKE!

Good evening, how are you this Monday evening?
I had a crazy Saturday at work and an even crazier day today.  Food glorious food, oh me oh my, how much?
All for a couple of days.
Sunday was supposed to be spent getting my final shopping done, Christmas food and wrapping as my boys were having a day out together.  Unfortunately my little one decided he didn't want go so all my plans went out of the window.  I am even further behind the drag curve now!
I did manage a little wrapping of certain things, if you know what I mean.  I also managed to finally ice my Christmas cakes.  I  may have made them early but it was last minute decorating again.

The first one I decorated with the children in mind, although they don't eat Christmas cake.

A little penguin island with a little pond.  I melted some boiled sweets and blue food colouring to create the pond.  The penguins were made by my crafty friend Elaine, I did use them last year too but they're too cute not to use again.
I was a little disappointed with my icing on the sides because it was dark and late in the day when I did it and I missed a couple of air bubbles.  It's too late in the day to worry about it, I have minimised them as much as I can and it will still taste the same.
My second cake I have gone for more of an adult theme.

This cake iced much better but once finished I wish I'd made the snowflakes thinner.  I know for next time.
This crafting lark is a constant learning curve!
Each time I try something I learn more on what not to do next time and how to improve what I am doing.  Always aiming for perfection and never quite getting there.  At least the curve is going up the way and I am learning and not down.
On the upside I cut into this one this evening and it is good, very moist and boozy, just how I like it.

Another crazy day at work tomorrow and Wednesday then it will be all hands on deck at home to try and get everything sorted for Christmas day.  How are your plans coming on?
I hope you are having more success than I am.
Enjoy your Monday evening and I shall have more again for you tomorrow.

It's the weekend and you know what that means....time to tickle that creative funny bone with a festive feel.

Good morning and how are you this Saturday?

Are you nearly ready for the big event?

I am having traditional crafting withdrawal symptoms as work increases, and the final Christmas preparations.  Bah Humbug!

Today are wearing Christmas jumpers at work, I couldn't find mine.  Oh no!  

I did the only thing a crafter would do, got out an old long sleeved t-shirt and altered it.  

I must take a photo to show you next week.

As I am rushing about wishing I had extra arms and legs at work, also wishing I was twenty years younger these are the final crafty funnies before Christmas.  Have you made everything you planned to?

I have still got a few things in mine but I probably won't get the chance now.  

I  always seem to say next year!

On the upside I made more gifts and cards this year than I have in a while so that has to be a good thing.  

This first quote is for those of you who are hard core crocheters who have the sheer determination to get all those gifts finished in the next six days.  Good luck. 

This made me giggle.  Us crafters are an easy bunch to please at Christmas, you name it, buttons, ribbon, paper, thread, yarn, material, even glue or sticky tape.  

All or any of the above would easily keep us happy especially if we got the time to create too.

Finally I haven't ever thought of my yarn stash like this but this quote made me smile.  

To me I now have a perfectly good reason to stock up on yarn.  Mind you looking at the weather we have had over the last couple of days I think we'll be needing our woollies for the Spring.

It's Friday, time to share an oldie.

I was sat looking at the computer and the dates, whilst thinking of what to write today, this time next week it will be Christmas morning. 
This therefore will be the last oldie before the "big day," I know both you and I will have plenty to do on Christmas morning, usually in the kitchen.

Are you joining me for the first time?
If so, on a Friday I re-share an old crafty project, re-blogging something I have made in the past.  I also encourage you to join me.  It can be anything that you have made yourself, all I ask is that you comment below.  This is purely to let me know you are joining in, it makes it easy for me to then pop over to your blog and share the love of crafting, I will comment on all.

Today I have my last Christmas oldie to share till next year.  This is what I have picked.

To make this box I have used Spellbinder Grand Hexagon Petal envelope die together with the A4 embossing folder Lattice.  I have also used a roll of acetate with Spellbinder dies Create a flake 3 and 2010 Snowflake pendant. 
The hexagon envelopes create the top and bottom of the box and I have used 8 of the snowflake die inside to create the 3D snowflake, I recommend using paper rather than card as it makes threading the ribbon and a bell easier for hanging inside the box.  The snowflakes on the top are the 2010 pendant and Create a flake 3 layered on top with 3D foam.

It isn't the best of photographs but if you click on it the bigger size gives you a better idea.
I have finished the festive season with a box instead of a card but you can share any crafting project.

That's all from me today, I am working again today and tomorrow, then a busy run up to Christmas eve next week.  It's going to get a little bit crazy in the next 7 days.
I'd like to take the opportunity to thank you for taking the time to join me today, I look forwards to blog hopping later this evening to see what you have shared too.

I hope you have a super weekend and a lot more fun than I guarantee I will be having at work.
Ho, ho, ho!

Doggonit....don't forget your handmade gifts for pets at Christmas!

I had actually planned this next present over the weekend having printed a dog biscuit recipe from the wonderful site that is Pinterest.
Then imagine my surprise when Kirstie made something similar this week on her show, how did she know?!
There are loads of recipes out there for making your own dog treats, I went for a simple one with only four ingredients and cut them in Christmas stars.  Mine contain oats, banana, coconut oil and peanut butter.  Holly loves peanut butter!
I made enough for two jars, one for Holly and one for my BFF dog.
Here is the finished result.

Photographed at a jaunty wee angle!  Can you see the biscuits, they're the same colour as my unit, I think I should have noticed that earlier.
I have added the ingredients to the back of the labels and instructions to keep them fresh.
On the upside Holly, my chief tester loved them.  Bargain.
I don't think I'll be buying anymore dog treats.

Why not pick a recipe and give it a go?
I have recycled a couple of jam jars, sterilising them, as I would if making jam.
The twine is by Boutique and the stamped image on kraft is by Unity stamps.  Simples!

Another present ticked off the gift list plus they're the perfect job to get the children to help with, unfortunately mine are now of the age where a constant electrical supply is a necessity.

Back to today I shall hopefully have taken my wee man to school enabling me to get to work.
This should be followed by more of the usual house tasks and if I'm lucky a little more wrapping.
Enjoy your Thursday folks, apparently we are going to have lovely weather.  If only the nights were getting lighter then we could enjoy it after work.  

Do you have any traditions at Christmas time that you like to follow?

Good morning and how are you today?
It was grotty out earlier with the dog, wet, wet, wet, only made better with my BFF joining me as we both have the day off.
This morning I was supposed to be going to see my youngest boys Christmas play but I was called at work yesterday and asked to collect him, as he was unwell.  I only had a couple of hours left of my shift so my hubby had a longer lunch until I could get home, hence no post from me yesterday.
On the upside the wee man seemed to have bounced back quickly and although looking a little pale, he is feeling a bit better.
I do think sometimes at this time of year, come the end of the term all that is going on can get too much.  The kids are excited to be breaking up for the holidays but tired also.

I don't know about you but crafting seems to have taken a back seat or so I thought till I watched Kirstie Allsopp's show again last night, it got me thinking.
I might not be making anything just now but I am still crafting in my own way.
I have been wrapping presents. (I would have loved to have done that wrapping competition on the show last night!)  I like to wrap in batches rather than leave all till last minute.  I find that way I spend a little more time and effort with each one, especially those going outside the family.
I've also got a table decoration to do but for that I need a wee trip into the woods and a pair of garden secateurs, that might have to wait till Sunday.   Can I find my oasis, I am sure I have some in my craft room, any ideas where I might have put it?

First I thought I would share one of my traditions with you.
Every Christmas I like to either make or buy a new tree decoration.  Over the years I have done both, when I first had a tree and had no decorations I made mostly.  When the boys were small they enjoyed making decorations too.  Then there is always the opportunity whilst Christmas shopping to pick up something new or a little different.
Over the years I have collected lots of different styles of decorations but red seems to be my favourite shade, as for the style I think the American New England style sums me up best.
Today I thought I'd share with you one of my favourite handmade tree decorations and one of my bought ones.
Do you have a favourite too?  I'd love to hear what it is.

First the handmade one, this is a bit sparkling to be a rustic New England style but what I love about it is, being made with foam and sequins once on the tree the light hits it and it sparkles beautifully.
I bought this in a kit over 25 years ago and it still comes out every Christmas, I have never grown tired of my Santa's boots (I have a pair).  I firmly believe it is because of the way the light hits them whilst hanging on the tree.

A very simple idea but just perfect for a Christmas tree.

My bought Christmas decoration is a little more rustic and right up my street, again probably bought at least 16 years ago.  As soon as I saw this wee chap I just had to have him.

I can't decide whether his is supposed to be a reindeer or a moose but either way he is fab.

Finally I have finished feeding my Christmas cakes, they're nice and soggy now and probably a little lethal.  :)

All marzipanned up and ready to be iced.  I can't decide whether to go for a clean and simple white effect or more traditionally decorated.  With two I guess I could do one of each.  Decisions, decisions.

I better go and see how my wee man is and try and get some lunch down him.  I think today is going to be a quiet one.  Maybe a little housework and baking will be the order of the day.  Enjoy your Wednesday, more from me tomorrow.

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

Ho, ho, ho!
It's definitely coming now.

Not the best light to take a photograph, but it was dark going to work and then going dark coming home too.  You get the idea.  The tree is over six foot but is doesn't look that big in the photo, we have high ceilings which makes it look a lot smaller.

You will also be pleased to hear that the suite arrived at long last on Friday, this is the chair that everyone wants to sit in.

It's so big you can get two people in it and it rotates around, which as you can imagine the boys think is great fun.  The carpet looks beige in the photo but it is actually a warmer grey.
I have had a quiet weekend, getting jobs done, decorating and chilling with my boys.  On Saturday evening I enjoyed my first glass of mulled wine whilst watching Strictly, together with some homemade mince pies.
To be honest I don't know where the weekend went.  I guess time always flies when having fun!

On to today and after a busy day at work I have some wrapping to do this evening.  I hate leaving it all till Christmas eve.  I have a couple of presents to post too so I need to get them away.
That's all from me today I better go and think about starting the tea.  Enjoy your evening.  
"What no crafting!"  I am having withdrawal symptoms but it is always the same at this time of year, too many other things to be doing.

Time to tickle you funny bone, festive style.

Good morning, a lazy start to the day for me today.  Today I am hoping to get my Christmas head on.  I had been really looking forwards to going to the Victorian market.  My hubby has been away all week again, he had mentioned the market to me.  Only problem is he told me it was this Saturday and it turns out it is next week!  When I am working.  Boo! 
So today I shall be getting the house sorted for Christmas and maybe it is time to get the marzipan on my Christmas cakes.  I did have time off work next week but I had a call yesterday which means come Monday I shall be working most days till the magic day.  Best I get organised then!
I did half expect it as work can be crazy busy at this time of year.  Ho, ho, ho.

Today's funnies have a festive feel so lets get started.

Not everyone appreciates homemade gifts! 

I love the look on this child's face. 

You can just tell he really wanted a bunny suit instead of a boring old iPad! 

Personally come Easter I think this costume would fab for delivering eggs.

Moving to snow, I think I won't look at snowflakes the same again!

Giving credit where it is due, Mr Snowman is very talented.

Finally do you remember the toilet roll I posted recently? 

I've found another one for you.

Is it just me or should the final word not be behind?!
I can think of another word that would fit better, can't you?  :)
You really would have to know the person well to get away with this present.

That's all from me today.  Have a super weekend.
For all that asked my new suite did arrive eventually around 8 with a very apologetic driver.  He'd been on the road since 6 in the morning.  That is a long day, especially with another hours drive to return the lorry before going home.  Phew. 
I took pity on him and his helper and made tea, biscuits and mince pies. 
All was well at the end of the day and my suite is lovely.

Time for me to go and get my Christmas head on.  Enjoy your weekend and the run up to Christmas.  I might not get much crafting time in the coming week as we ramp up for the final onslaught at work.  It can get quite frantic and tiring.
I'm so glad I work part-time.
More from me soon.

Share an oldie.....it's that time again. FRIDAY!

Good morning, it's that time of the week where I encourage you to re-post an old crafting make or as I have named it "sharing an oldie!"
Today's oldie from me is another Christmas card.....not long now.

This Spellbinder die is 2012 Heirloom ornament with papers from MME 12 days of Christmas.  The bauble is created using 8 dies glued together and I have made a gusset at the bottom of the card to hold it together when standing which is concertinaed so it will still fold flat to go into an envelope.  The sentiment is by PI and comes from Kirsty Wiseman's Many Greetings.  The card size is C6 but long ways on (11 x 29.8 cms (A4 length)).

I'd love it if you would join me sharing your oldie, all I ask is that you leave a wee message below, that is the only way I will know you have joined me.  
I'd like the opportunity to visit your blog too and leave you feedback.  I will visit all over the coming weekend.  
Lets share the joy of crafting!

I have this weekend off work.  Yippee.  I can't wait. 
There is a Victorian market in our local town so I am looking forwards to that.  
Have a good one!

I'm still waiting.

Today didn't turn out as planned.  The morning was good.  A long walk with the dog along the beach with the "wake you up" freshness that is a Scottish winter morning.  Back home I had my cleaning head on.  This doesn't happen very often so I took full advantage of it.  The front room and bathroom were bottomed as was one of the boys bedrooms.
I'm now waiting!
My suite was supposed to be delivered between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. which meant I had to make arrangements for my eldest to get home via different means and for the dog to be walked as I waited. It is now after 7 p.m and I am still sat waiting.....it's just like watching paint dry.

Only I have to say without the sofa!
Grrrr!
I'm now beginning to wish I'd ordered from work and not DFS at Inverness.
Up to now the after service hasn't been great.
Am I the only one that gets frustrated waiting for a delivery especially if they don't come when they say they will?  Surely I can't be?
I don't really feel I can start something in case I have to stop in mid flow.
Not a happy bunny today but hopefully they might make it before bedtime?!

A little golden number.

Good evening all.  How are you this Wednesday?
Another busy day in this house with lots going on.  Today I thought I'd share with you a little more of the same but this time a golden number.

Anyone else finding photographing work a problem at the moment?
It is dark when I head to work and dark when I get home.
It doesn't make for the best samples sorry.
Again I have used my Imagination crafts products.
I think it is time to now put them away and get something else out!
I do like that tree though, can you tell?

I'm away to pick my youngest up now as he has had his school dance tonight.  He has gone out looking very smart in new jeans, yes I eventually got a pair.  I know to most it wouldn't be smart but jeans and a shirt when you always wear joggers and a t-shirt, is smart!
I hope he has enjoyed his dancing as it is a traditional Scottish dancing night and not a disco.  One thing for sure if he has been dancing all evening he'll be shattered.

Enjoy the rest of your evening, I hope to get to you a little earlier tomorrow as I am off work.  I shall be at the hairdressers at some point for a quick cut and tidy before Christmas and then waiting in for my new furniture to be delivered.
Catch you tomorrow.

Adding a little sparkle to the end of the day.

Good evening and how are you tonight?
I have finally sat down after another busy day.  It will soon be time to chillaxe but first I wanted to share this with you.
A little sparkle for your evening, remember the production line, well this is the purple version of an earlier card.

Again I have used my Imagination stencil and glitter matting onto purple card with the sentiment from Waltzing Mouse stamps.

I had another busy day at work followed by a trip to the dentist with the boys today.  Home in time for tea and a wet dark walk with the dog, before cracking on with my chores.  Not a very exciting day I'm afraid.
Now it is time to go and get my youngest organised for bed.
Enjoy the rest of your evening and more from me tomorrow.

A felting good work out!

Good morning to you and how are you this Monday morning?
The weather is 50/50 here, if I look out the back, bright blue skies, if I look out the front there is a very dark grey cloud approaching.
My walk along the beach today was a tad chilly and wet, the perfect combination to wake you up for the day whether you want to be or not!
Did you have a good weekend?
I had a VERY busy day at work Saturday, it is definitely Christmas and only set to get worse.
Boo!
Everyone out shopping in festive spirit, NOT!  The joys of retail.  There are advantages to working in the cold room out of sight at this time of year.
We were supposed to have my hubby's night out with work in the evening but having been up since five and on the go all day my energy levels were shouting for a quiet night in, relaxing.
Mrs Sociable!
Plus I had a busy day crafting on Sunday to pack for at our Christmas crop which runs all day rather than just for the afternoon.  We all take food and drink and have a right good craft, chat and feast.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day getting another Christmas present sorted and having a right good felting work out in the process.  I made another version of the bag I made recently.

Before I tried felting I didn't realise how much of a workout it is.  It fairly give those bingo wings a good thrashing.  Then I like the feeling that you've worked on something, I feel the same about work. 

If you don't come home shattered then you're not working hard enough!

Other news from the weekend, can you believe the gorgeous Aljaz and Helen are out of Strictly?  I can't believe that the two couples in the dance off were indeed in the dance off. They should never have been there, but that is just my opinion.  

As for the Jungle I was made up that the "Geordie lass" Vicky won, showing that us Northern lasses are right grand and down to earth, and get stuck into anything and give it a go.  Mind you I think I would have drawn the line at eating a live spider!  Ferne deserved a medal for that.  The poor spider.

I'm working again tomorrow and Wednesday with appointments for the boys after but I do hope to catch you at some point of the day.  Time now for me to crack on with the ironing then I might get some cards finished later in the day.  Enjoy your Monday and I hope you weren't badly affected by the rain this weekend, some areas have had a horrendous time, just before Christmas too, what a nightmare for them.

Stay dry and more from me soon, happy crafting.  

It's Saturday time to tickle that creative funny bone.

Good morning all and how are you this Saturday?
I have programmed this to post whilst I am beavering away at work, here's the funny crafty quotes that tickled my fancy this week!

How about a Christmas wish list?

Spot on and a great list thanks to the guys at Sizzix.  I think I would be happy with any of the above. 
Or how about this, to be a little subtler?

I think that covers it don't you?

Finally have you got this feeling yet?  Every year I have big plans to make lots of Christmas presents and I don't think I ever have finished in time.  I don't however beat myself up anymore, if it doesn't get done, it doesn't get done.
But this has been me in previous years.

Not any more.  If it gets done great, if it doesn't never mind, there is always next year!

That's all from me today, I must get packed up ready for my Christmas crop tomorrow. 
A day of crafty fun, yippee.
More from me on Monday, I hope you enjoyed the quotes I picked out for you today?

Sharing an oldie this Friday.

It's that time again folks, it's FFFriday.  Time to share an old crafting project with me today.  It can be anything you have made yourself and you can have posted it before.  All I ask is that you leave a comment below, it is the only way that I know you are playing along and it means I can visit your blog and share the love of crafting. 
My project for today is this....

I have used;  

Sugar Nellie stamp Rosie.

Gingham Paper by MM kids collection Sam.  Craft and white from my stash.

Spellbinder Nestabilities dies Classic round and Lacey circles,

plus Shapeabilites Holiday tags.

Cuttlebug embossing die spots.

Sentiment stamp by Walzingmouse stamps from their new Complements of the Season range.

Red lace and white seam binding.

White liquid pearl.

Image is coloured with my Prisma pencils and stitched on my machine.

I'd love it if you would join me sharing an old crafty project today, and thank you in anticipation.

A day off for me today, time to catch up with the housework and I better get some food shopping in too.  Then I have a busy Saturday at work tomorrow followed by my Christmas crop on Sunday.  It's going to be a busy weekend.  I hope you have a good one too.

A little foodie interlude.

Good evening to you all, how are you this Thursday?

Another busy day in work today, it is definitely beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.  I don't know where the time has gone this evening. 
Well I do, I have been on line shopping for trousers to fit my youngest.  Who would have thought it could be so difficult?  I can't buy from the high street for him and all on line stores were out of stock.  I ended up ringing Sturdy Kids.  What a lovely lady and so very helpful, I rang at five, a bit late in the day but she still rang me back within the hour with a choice.  Order done and dusted!
He usually lives in joggers but has a formal dance at school next week and wanted something smart.
Does anyone else have this problem?
My eldest was the opposite he could never keep a pair of trousers up when he was younger.
I'd love to be able just to take him shopping the normal way.

Back to today and after cooking tea I decided as the cupboards are getting a little bare I'd bake.  I also had some homemade chunky apple sauce that I had taken out of the freezer and it needed using. 
This is what I came up with.....

Apple Strudel muffins with a crispy crumble top.  I did adapt the recipe as it should have had a grated apple in and I used my apple sauce instead.  They were very yummy warm with a little cream.  Nomm, nomm.
The Christmas diet starts now, LOL. 

I hope you have had a good Thursday?
I'm going to put my feet up now and check out what is going on in the jungle. 
More from me tomorrow with a Christmas oldie. 

Going back in time, crafty style of course.

Good afternoon and how are you this Wednesday afternoon?
I've had a super day today.  My BFF and I had a ride through to Inverness Christmas shopping after dropping the kids at school.
I have managed to get quite a few stocking fillers and had a lovely lunch at Simpsons Garden centre, lots of chatting and great company.  I really don't know why we don't do it more often!

Yesterday time just disappeared after getting home from work for my youngest.  I then had the dog to walk and a couple of parcels to drop off, by the time we got to the beach it was BLACK, oh my, half past four and it was dark.  Boo, hiss, I hate these dark nights.
I then had to pick my eldest boy from rugby and he also had an optical appointment.  By the time we got home, had tea and tidied up it was time for Kirsties new series  Homemade Christmas.  I love her Christmas show.
Oh I also had an early pressie arrive which needed sorting, a new American style fridge freezer!  It nearly didn't get in the house, having to remove a door or two to actually get it into the kitchen.
It is very smart and has a drinks dispenser so it is a hit with the boys.  I like the fact it is lovely and clean!  (Not that my other fridge was bad, honest!  But you know what I mean.)
Plus it has a digital temperature control display.  Since working in M & S I have become rather obsessive about fridge temperatures, it is one of my job requirements to monitor them.
Isn't it funny what makes you happy!

Back to crafting and I was recently asked for a card with cross stitch on it, as the recipient was a keen stitcher.  It is many years since doing any cross stitch and I have to admit I think in that time the holes have shrunk!  My new bifocals were on, then off, then on again.  The joys of getting older.  I used to smile when my mum asked me to thread her needles for her, that time has come!  Still I did enjoy picking up cotton thread again.  This is what I came up with.

I had forgotten how long it takes to stitch.  Some crafts are so much quicker than others, don't you agree?
I went with the flow for this using red and gold thread, then added a little bling to sparkle.

That's all from me today I can hear the calling of a lesser spotted kiddywink "MUM!"  Which can only mean one thing it must be feeding time!
Enjoy the rest of your evening.  Another day in work tomorrow but hopefully I will catch you later.