Merry Christmas!

My Final post for 2013 - I wanted to share some of the last-minute makes that I've completed over the last few days and of course stop-by to wish all who visit my blog a very Merry Christmas!
First some of the craft projects...

A fairly plain hat box that I wanted to make-over...
I used a selection of antique French fabrics to re-cover the inside and outside of the box... 

A small fragment of hand stitched quilt was perfect for the top of the lid, which I finished with velvet ribbon.

The inside.

Here it is in its place at home...
Next to a bunch of lichen-covered twigs I was able to pick up on my local walk after the storms, placed inside an antique French vase...

A few vintage glass baubles and frosty nest complete the arrangement.

I made some paper pockets from vintage sheet music, scraps of lace and hearts cut from velvet. I tucked old French postcards inside.

These are a work in progress, but using some rusty tin pots, I wanted to create cupcake pincushions.

I will be adding some ribbons around the paper cases and maybe a few other embellishments to finish them off...But I ran out of time on the last day at my shop...

Thanks to all who sent Christmas cards to me...
Despite the torrential rain on Saturday, I had a successful final day at the shop before the Christmas break.

Once home, it was time to get down to making some things for family and friends...

Mince pies made with my daughter...

A simple table centerpiece.

Using the recipe on this blog, I made cinnamon, honey butter for my friend Anne.
I'd not tried it before, but it was so easy to make and tasted wonderful...a lovely wintry comfort food.

It accompanied a few other little treats.

Then there was more wrapping, this time the gifts for my friend Debbie...
Who some of you know! :)

I also made a wreath for her front door, in the same way as I made the one for our home earlier this month...

Here it is in place on the porch door of her pretty cottage. 

I've been delivering the gifts this afternoon, so took the opportunity to take a few pictures inside Deb's cottage too...Thought you'd like to see her beautiful decorating scheme...Sorry they are a little dark...the storm was raging outside - I hope you are all safe and warm!

And here's the lovely present I've been given by Debbie...

Its almost too pretty to unwrap! 

She gave me a gorgeous bouquet of flowers too! 

***

So although I had decided my blog would become purely a place to share my business news and as a showcase for my handmade creations, I think at this special time of year, it's nice to give a little more...

I'd like to wish all who visit my blog, Facebook and Pinterest pages, and of course those who visit my shop and on-line catalogue 

a Very Happy Christmas. 

I hope you have a fabulous time...

And also I wish you a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

Merry Christmas from our home to yours...

Niki x