More gifts to GIVEAWAY

This week in the studio…

Who knew a roll of toilet paper could keep a puppy busy for hours?

In between chasing an old dog and a mischievous puppy, I’ve been very productive this week making lots of new arty things which will be for sale in the Woodberry Designs Boutique in the very near future. Lots of Christmas home decor and gift giving gorgeousness!!

As well as making ‘things’, I’ve been producing more tutorials and fun activities for ‘Simply Christmas’. Are you enjoying the early preparations for our stress-free Christmas?

Before I get onto today’s topic, there are a few Giveaways to announce.

Firstly, a big thank you to Jen from Melei who did the wonderful button bracelet tutorial on Wednesday of last week. A winner was drawn by Jen on Wednesday for her ‘mystery prize’ which is being modelled by Miss Penny and baby Guin…

The winner of the Melei button bracelet and hairclip is

Carmelina from Creative Carmelina in Canada.

 

 

Which brings us to our ‘Simply Christmas’ Friday Giveaway draw.

This week’s winner of the Blackboard Santa is Kylie from ‘A Bite of Country Cupcakes’.

I know there will be many disappointed followers…. so if you really must have one of these cute Blackboard Santa’s so your children can do the Christmas Countdown, pop over here to my boutique where I have a few available to purchase, OR if you would like to paint your own, the E-pattern is available here.

Can you believe we are already at the end of our first month of Simply Christmas? Don’t the weeks just zoom by at this busy time of year; all the more reason to plan and prepare now, so we can simply enjoy Christmas. Don’t forget, if you’d like to make your own Christmas Planner so you can cut through the holiday clutter and keep planning on track, the Christmas Planner E-course is now available at the crazy price of $25.

 

 

The Christmas card list – Have you filled your list out yet?

Personally, I love to receive beautiful Christmas cards. Having them hang around the house like a decorative bunting just adds to the festive spirit. Many people send cards to family and friends, both at home and overseas which can be a fairly big task, especially if you write a personal message in each one. Some people add a photo of the family for far away friends or an annual Christmas letter to keep them up-to-date. There’s even a new trend of sending email Christmas cards!! Personally, I detest email Christmas cards unless they are from overseas friends and family. Call me old fashioned, but I like to send real cards and I like to receive real cards.

No matter what system you use, sending cards can be costly and time consuming so it needs to be organised. I find keeping it simple and task orientated is the best way.

• Start by writing a list. If you haven’t already downloaded my Christmas Planner lists you can click here to download.
• You need to know just how many people are on your list. If you actually make your cards then you need to make an early start on this project. Realistically, card making can be a time consuming job, so think carefully about who you will give these special cards too.
• Once you know how many people you need cards for buy/make your cards allowing a few extra. Don’t forget to pick up the stamps as well.
• Having a large extended family spread out all over Australia, I have quite a few cards to write so I make the job more manageable by breaking it down. I set myself a week to complete it all in November and tackle a set quantity each day.
• For those cards that require a letter, I write a short letter that is suitable for everyone. There’s always room at the bottom to write a personal note if need be. I just giving a simple run-down on how everyone is doing and include a recent family photo. And, I don’t send letters to everyone – some people hate them and I have to admit, I cringe a bit when I receive huge letters that border on boasting or bragging. Keep it simple.
• Being the old fashioned girl I am I post my cards on December 1^st!!!

So, I hope you have had the chance to fill in your Christmas Card list for 2010 and are ready to make a start.

Just before I go, I’ve enjoyed visiting the participants of Simply Christmas this week and seeing all the wonderful projects you are working on. Halloween has kept most people in the US busy this past few weeks, but I bet you’ll be eager to make a start on Christmas now. Toni at Miss T.J’s has finished her Christmas planner and she has coloured my downloadable lists, which look lovely.

Hugs ~ Kerryanne