A Couple of Garlands

I've got a couple of new garlands strung up around the boat. This first one is just outside our main doorway, hanging from a beam against the plastic (inside).

This next one is crocheted circles, with embroidered hearts on top. It is hanging above our bed. (I wish I could get that '80's wall paper border off, but it tears the '70's panelling. Not sure which I dislike more!)

Needle Felted Ball Tree

My initial plan was to use a glue gun to attach my needle felted balls to a tree branch, but I ended up attaching them with a needle and thread. Much more time consuming, but this way I can remove and reuse the balls at a later date without them being damaged by the glue. Also, I kind of like the little indent/dimple that the needle and thread make. Sort of looks like berries.

New Blog Banner

If you're reading my blog in a reader, pop out for a second and you can see my new blog banner. Time for a little change. ;)

Felted Wool Balls and Crocheted Circles

Last night I crocheted these little circles and needled felted some more wool balls while watching Mad Men. I've got something planned for the balls...

More Needle Felting

This Christmas weekend I have been needle felting, in amongst the cooking. :) This is a new craft for me that I think I'll be keeping around for awhile. What fun!

Here's little Mr. Birdie with a crocheted scarf:

This is his friend, Miss Bunny, with a little crocheted scarf too.
This needle felted toadstool will be their home, once it is finished.
More needle felted balls. These ones have been strung into a garland.
Here they are hanging by the galley kitchen curtains...
... and along the chalkboard, above the settee.

I hope you're having a great Christmas weekend!

Needle Felted Balls

I tried making needle felted balls the other day. What fun! I'm not sure yet what these will become, but I may string them up together for a garland. Yesterday I popped into a local yarn shop and found that they had wool for felting and needles also, so now I know where I can get this stuff (without limiting myself to online shopping). I picked up some other colours so am hoping to make up some more felted balls this weekend. Yes, I know it's Christmas time, but who says I can't fit a little crafting in?!

Have yourself

Ornament Tree

Most of these ornaments are from the 2009 Holiday Ornament Swap.

In Search of a Little More Snow

We just arrived home yesterday from a nice visit at my Mom's. She has more snow than we do and so the kids had fun tobaggoning down her hill.

Here Eireann is playing with one of the thrifted doll houses that I have stored at Mom's.

Holiday Baking

We made several gifts in a jar of chocolate peppermint bark for gifts. It is so yummy! I've seen this recipe from Orangette linked all over blogland the last little while. This is pretty much what we did, except we crushed candy canes in it instead of peppermints.

We also made some gingerbread men. The kids had fun decorating them.

Amigurumi Animals/Dolls

This is my first foray into Amigurumi - the Japanese term for making a crocheted project and stuffing it with poly fill. At least, that's how I understand it! I made these little guys for the kids for Christmas presents. Oh, and they needed little sleeping bags too.

The blue monkey is for Lochlan and has a 'super' cape. The sleeping bag is made from a thrifted quilted pillow sham I found at a church bazaar.

Eireann's is a pink doll with little embroidered dress and kerchief. She has a little pink sleeping bag as well.

Mini Needle Felted Animals

I've been experimenting with needle felting lately. These are my first little guys. Quite fun to do, but I need to get some more colours of wool and need lots more practice.
Not sure what these little guys are... maybe guinea pigs? ;)

Craftaholics Handmade Gift Swap

Here is a photo of the handmade things I received from Jaimi for the Craftaholics swap. Thanks, Jaimi!

Winter Aboard

This is our view north, looking out our side door. (This was taken before we had the plastic and frame up.)

We haven't received much snow at all here so far, compared to the surrounding areas. Something about living on the lake... :) We have put up a few decorations on our railing (that's the bbq attached on top).

A view of the play area on the back deck. Nice and warm back there on a sunny day.

T took L out for a dinghy ride while it was snowing one day. He loved it!