Adventures to be had

In a few days time my parents will be going on a well deserved holiday, so this weekend we will be having a little 'goodbye' lunch with all the family.  Over the years I have made a few little things to adorn their caravan, so when I saw this pattern on Pinterest I knew that I had to make this for their next trip.  Something a little different to the usual crochet and knitting that I do, but something I still really enjoyed making.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and get to indulge in all sorts of crafty goodness.

Anna
XO

M.I.A

Wow, has it really been that long since my last post? That’s a bit naughty on my part. But it wasn’t like I was sitting there with idle hands, I have so much to share. Where to begin….hmmm….

I guess first and foremost I need to wish you all a belated Merry Christmas, Season’s Greetings and Happy New Year. I hope that you all enjoyed this special time and you spent it with loved ones, those that mean the most to you.

We had a very special Christmas this year in the world of Esme Rudy. I was very lucky to have spent it with my wonderful family (all 30 something of us). Yes you read that right, 30 plus relatives all together for 5 days in the one spot. This year I got to spend Christmas with some of my family who haven’t been together at this time of the year in over 10 years.  Four generations all together.

And of course when we all get together, celebrations are called for and when you are having a party, decorations are in order. Of course me being me, I couldn’t help myself, so I was in charge of this.

Using my favourite source of inspiration (Pinterest) I was overwhelmed with ideas but in the end I had my favourites. So here was our handmade, homemade Christmas…

                   Hung up above the fire place was our christmas Wreath.


Details on how to make the deer head can be found here.

       
          Our Christmas tree (wonderfully decorated by all the grandchildren) 



Details on how to make the Christmas tree can be found here.  The link to make the paper star on top of the tree can be found here.

                                 Mini stockings for all made by me.

    We decided not to have a chocolate advent calendar this year, so here is the Santa’s beard advent calendar that we used.

I did lots of cooking during the Christmas period as well. Cakes and biscuits but my favourite would have to have been the choc fudge balls and Cranberry, Pistachio, dark chocolate bark. Every time I made a batch of either they disappeared quicker than I could blink.

Also during this time there was lots of hooky and sewing time, gifts for other people and also a few little things for us;

                         An Owl wall hanging for a special little baby girl,

                                             A Little boy frog,

 

 

A Felt fairy for a special little niece,

 

                    Front door wreath for our home (inspired by Me Me Rose)

                   Peppa pig for Little O (I got to be a pattern tester for a
                                    wonderful friend Bebe Rouge)

Now it’s time to get stuck into all my new projects that I have been saving for the New Year.  Is it just me, do you have a list a mile long too?:)

Happy crafting everyone.

Anna
XO

Hook'in Goodness

Over the past few weeks I have been making a special little project, this time not for anyone but for me.  And not for a specific purpose in mind but just to see if I can actually do it.  I have been out hunting and gathering (well maybe not so much the hunting, but definitely the gathering) and I had several attempts at it by myself but just couldn’t get it right so I had to enlist in the help of a friend.  I am very grateful to this friend as he lent me something I think most of the male species hold very dear to their heart... he lent me one of his power tools.  And as my Dad said he must trust me very much as I think men don’t even like lending their tools to other men.  So one afternoon with a bit of guidance (and Little O being babysat) I busted open this baby and had a go and I think I’m addicted.

I don’t even know what this tool is but I love it, it cut, sanded and polished all in one and the tiny little polishing tools made my life so much easier.

And here is the finished product.

I actually made my own crochet hooks (picture big smile across my face).  I am very impressed with myself that I have managed to actually make these using a power tool and have come away with all my fingers and toes still intact.  I’m the type of person who gets paper cuts from opening a book (yes that actually happened).  So now I am in two minds about whether I oil them in some way or just leave them as they are. They are made out of eucalyptus so I’m not sure what would be the best for them.  But then I do love the look of the natural wood. Decisions, decisions...


Anna
XO

Oh, if you are interested in having a go at making your own,I found this link on Pinterest.  http://www.livingcrafts.com/blog/woodwork/carve-crochet-hook-from-twig