Pressies, Painted stuff and Pretty Tassles :o).

I got a lovely surprise in the mail today from Janet at Wildcraft Farm. She's running a 'last minute' Christmas Swap for those of us that weren't doing one and reeeeally wanted to ...... and she's sent a pressie already!!! She's left the card blank - and I think that's in case I want to give it as a gift ..... he he - no chance - this one is staying with ME ;o)!!! Thanks so much Janet .... you're such a sweety!!!!! I'm pleased to report that my parcel for my swap partner will be in the mail on Friday - NOT TO BE OPENED TIL CHRISTMAS!!!!! he he

I was reading Kris' blog (at Tagalong Teddies) post here last week and admiring her beautiful painted roses. It reminded me of when I used to paint (several years ago now) although I hasten to add - my roses never even came close to as good as the ones on Kris' blog!!! I haven't picked up a brush in so long I'm not sure I'd remember what to do with it if I did LOL!!!!!! But I do remember that I used to enjoy it very much ..........This cute little possum is on our keyrack ... I did him (her????) in 1995 ..... I think most of these were painted around the same time...... Could you tell I like bears LOL!!?!!? ..... This one is looking a bit tatty, but I still use it cos I love the looks on their little faces. Do you love the little Harrods bear that my DD1 sent over from London for my birthday????? Bless :o).I bought these gorgeous tassles as kits yesterday and instead of stitching this morning I made them up. They are for Christmas presents ......... well, all except for the one on the left .... the kitty is MINE!!! ;o). The blue tassle is for my darling Mum, the white one with the purple scissors is for Jill and the red scissors and tassle is for my MIL. Hope they like them ...... they were fun to make ;o). Not sure I'm going to become a beader, but it's fun to do something different for a change.

That's all for now .......................

Take care,

Hugs,

Joy :o)

Out and About again :o)

One of the very bestest parts of my 'job' (... I hesitate to call it that because it's something I just LOVE to do) is visiting patchwork shops. This one is my local and I shop there a LOT :o) - it's where I got that most beautiful blue trim that I simply couldn't resist!!... they are at Ross Court, Cleveland if you are a Brissy Blogger and want to check it out ... you won't be disappointed :o). Say Hi to Margaret and Brenda for me :o)!! They have SO much to see and their prices are good too!!!

I headed out to the Northside of Brissy yesterday and I got to call in to some of my favourite shops ..... I saw Claudia at QuiltEssentials at Eatons Hill - I got caught up with chatting and I forgot to take piccies, but you'll love her store - and her new BOM - so cute. Also minus a piccy is Caboolture Sewing Machines and Patchwork - always great fun to visit the girls there - you must drop in if you're in the area, they are at Morayfield Village, just near Overflow!!! I promise to take piccies of both of these stores next time I'm out there :o).

Here's another place I visited just yesterday (and I remembered to take a piccy!!), they have the best range of jelly-rolls, honey-buns (I think that's what they're called, they're 1 and 1/2" strips, like a jelly roll), layer cakes and charm packs that I've seen - all in the very latest fabrics!!! I have a very strong feeling I'm going to be going back again, and quite soon. Only a new shop but WOW, it's grown in the past few months since I was there last. It's Peppermint Stitches, in Sylvan Road at Toowong. You can't miss the gorgeous red store. Say hi to Stacey when you visit :o)!!!Well I finally got my goodies together to send to ****** across the sea!!! I've only shown the wrapped parcel just in case she checks out my blog ... he he I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise!!! I've had a blast getting all my Polka dot and Ric Rac pressies together - I think I could quite easily become a 'swap addict' ...... LOL what a way to go!!!But it's not over for me ... I've joined a 'last minute' Christmas Swap with Janet over at Wildcraft Farm and I'm so excited to be doing another. I've been going through my fabrics and making up my mind what I'll make ......... and I haven't even got the low down on what we are to send yet??!!!? I'm sure some of the things I have in mind will match up ;o). If you want to join in the fun I think you still have time ......... I think it's closing on the weekend, SO HURRY :o) :o).

Well that's it from me for now .... I'd better go and make DD2's lunch.

Take care,

Hugs,

Joy :o)