Robyn's First Birthday

I believe that babies bring out the best in us. When it comes to milestones, it is indeed a pleasure to be able to share the joy of the occasion. Michael and I went for our grand-daughter's first birthday party and the occasion was beautifully themed. Minnie mouse made her presence felt and that reminds me, I must book a ticket for Disneyland before the child in me disappears.

The gorgeous angel was the centre of attention and had no lack of kisses and hugs and presents. I decided to make her a card and a cat - way before I went back to Malaysia because I knew that with the jet lag and all, my creative cells would go into slumber mode.

The materials for the card came from a variety of places: the background card stock which I've embossed is from Gorjuss (Scotland), the toppers are from Craftcuts (Philippines), flowers, heart doily and bling from Big (Malaysia).

The cat is made from Cath Kidston print and I still have some of the material left over to make into a shopping bag.

The proud parents

The handsome grand pas

One for the album

And not forgetting Minnie Mouse, created in 1928, but has never aged since.

Chinese New Year Cards

It has been a while since I went near the crafting room as I was away on holiday in Malaysia and Bali in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration. This year, Chinese New Year falls on 31st January till 14th February, a total of 15 days of fun and festivity. It is also the year of the wooden horse according to the Chinese Zodiac. The best part of this festival is the meeting of friends and family and of course lots of food.

Michael and I met up with my primary school friends and we had a great meal at Royale Chulan hotel in Kuala Lumpur. One of the highlights of the occasion was the tossing of the Chinese raw fish salad ('Yee Sang') for prosperity and for everything good. Other items associated with the new year celebration include mandarin oranges, the lion dance, drum performance and exotic food like waxed ducks and sausages.

Prior to the new year celebration, we observe the tradition of sending out cards. Last year we celebrated Chinese New Year in Ireland, so I made loads of cards as there were none available in Ireland. This year I made only two cards as there were lots of beautiful Chinese New Year cards sold in shops in Malaysia.

Christmas bags and memories

My friend Sarita mailed me some shots of creative looking bags and said, 'I bet you can whip something up as well'. So I went to my collection of paper bags (I know, I collect all sorts of things...) and tried my hand at 3. I subsequently gave them away to loving homes.

I enjoy Raymond Briggs' stories and hand drawn cartoons. So here is my version of The Snowman on a bag.

Then I tried my hand at paper folding to create a Christmas tree

And finally, a Santa suit complete with a satin bow tie and a belt buckle which can be adjusted, in case he puts on more weight what with all the cookies and milk

Once the bags were completed I moved on to create memory boxes as Christmas gifts. Beautiful memories are precious.

Christmas Jamboree in Athlone

Went up to Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone with Cathi for a Christmas Jamboree organised by Create with Kate. We set out early in the morning with Cathi at the wheel (much appreciated!) and had a full day of crafting and fun. 

The view of the bay was magnificent and the air was so clean and fresh.

The Christmas atmosphere was certainly in the air and a huge tree that was decorated beautifully captured my eye instantly.

 There was a huge array of crafting/scrapbooking stuff and I could resist all things but temptation.

It was nice to meet up with fellow crafters but I guess it is always nice to meet up with Santa himself.

Santa said I had been a good girl and gave me a beautiful pressie and not a piece of coal. He knew a number of things about me and my country and for a moment I wondered whether he was the real thing?! He also said I could continue to correspond with him even after Christmas and that I was to email him at Santa@northpole.com

The workshops went swimmingly well and these were my creations.

Soap in a Box

A Wardrobe

for my miniature china

Craft Fair at Quay Arts

Finally the day has arrived. After a month of preparation, Michael and I made our way to the craft fair. The doors opened at 11a.m. and already most of the stall vendors had set up their stalls! Praise God I had a lovely table to display my crafts.

Two of my friends had also booked tables to display their wares.

Maria and her daughter Laura were there with their lovely tatting pieces - collars, christmas ornaments etc.

Kathleen showcased her home-made scrubs and creams.....lovely smells

The best part for me was when my friends came from far and near. It felt good to see familiar faces and it was certainly very encouraging.

And I made new friends too -  Jill with her handpainted cards and Lisa with her Christmas stuff.

It was wonderful to see people admiring and buying the stuff that I made. God has given us many talents and gifts. And these are some of the stuff that I did...

So, for now I'm going to fold my hands and go for a lovely, relaxing holiday ...