Happy New Year!

Well I can not believe that 2010 is coming to an end - it's been a very good year for dots and spots, me personally and the whole family! I have been very lucky to have the support of my family and appreciate all the help and advice that has come my way, particularly my husband - Jeff.

I have a lot to look forward to in the New year - the good side of turning 40 is that I have my night with Take That booked in June!! and my one and only New Years Resolution is to be Thin by Take That! It had been thin by 40! but as that has now passed me by...

So all it leaves me to say is, Thank You for your custom, interest and support throughout the year and I wish you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year.

Tidying up for the end of the year

I have spent the day in my studio - looking out at the grey, miserable sorry for it's self, garden! It always looks it's worst at this time of year. I've been tidying up all the loose ends of 2010 - paying outstanding bills, packaging up post Christmas orders and turning my attention to list making! So many things to do in 2011.

I also took a moment to look back through my blog and when I got to this photo, I stopped and sighed. This photo was taken at the end of April this year - hard to think that in 4 months time the garden could be looking like this again - fresh and green and with the promise of some warmer days ahead.
Roll on Spring!

Christmas at the Peabody's

So at last, the day we'd all been waiting for - at a very reasonable 7.00am, we were all downstairs opening presents and at last 3 members of the family were very happy to get a Wii!

Father Christmas was very good to us all again this year.

The table was set for 7 and although I say so myself Christmas dinner was delicious!


Everyone has now gone home, we've cleared a little space, the Wii has been 'activated' and I'm now in for a very quiet few days as they all fight it out to win! I'm taking today and tomorrow off completely, then I'll disappear and do some jobs towards Top Drawer - a large design led trade fair in London in mid January.

I've had a little tidy up using our fab Pudding bin bags! and had a little look through the gifts I've received - it's always a blur on the actual day.

I am now a the proud owner of a fancy phone - I'm so not a gadget/ technological person so I am being given a lesson later today (probably by my 8year old!) on how to use it.

I was also very lucky to receive the Julie Arkell book and some spotty bits and pieces - of course!

So I will sign off and wish you all a continued happy Christmas and start focusing on New Year and the dreaded resolutions I make and never find time to do!.

Merry Christmas to you all

So it's Christmas Eve tomorrow - the final food shop has been done (we have plenty), the house is having it's final clean and I have an afternoon of baking booked in.

Last night the final few presents were wrapped whilst listening to Christmas carols.

My wrapping this year was quite an eclectic mix - using up some old papers and adding a few new designs.


I LOVE the Ikea papers this year.



We still have the snow lingering - I know it won't be an official white Christmas but it will be lovely if the white stuff hangs around for Christmas day.

I know my parents in Cornwall haven't had the snow like we have, and if they have, it certainly hasn't hung around so I think plenty of snowy walks will be on the agenda!

So I will be signing off now for the festive season well until Christmas weekend is over. It just leaves me to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and just in case I don't pop back in a very Happy New Year.

All I want for Christmas is

I love giving presents, thinking what others might like but I am hopeless at giving people ideas of what I might like. But I have been inspired for a while by the work of Julie Arkell and whilst turning the pages of my Country living magazine ....

.... I was reminded that I really wanted her book but had had trouble previously tracking down a copy from Amazon

I find her figures mesmerising and would love one day, to attend one of her workshops but fear my lack of sewing and knitting capabilities may be a disadvantage.


This post has also been inspired by a very talented lady - Vanessa Cabban. She is a woman of many talents, a children's book illustrator, colourful knitter, inspiring blogger and now the creator of some amazing papier mache figures.

When I first saw this picture I couldn't help study it in every little detail. This piece is my favourite - it captures such a magical little character.

''She's called Evangeline.
And she's having a break from the dusting. She's heard an old favourite tune, and it makes her want to dance. ''

This second piece is so detailed and really would look lovely on my mantelpiece.

''The little girl is called Emily, and her piggy has won Best in Show at a country fair. They were both awarded rosettes. ''

Vanessa attended one of Julie Arkell's workshops and has continued to develop her own projects, which are beautiful. Follow her blog if you want to be inspired.


So, I'm really hoping I may get a copy of this book under the Christmas tree this year, maybe a figure of my own one year or a day at one of her workshops! Shouldn't be greedy - the book will do fine. And Vanessa, if you ever start to sell your lovely creations please do let me know. Now all I have to do is find a little 'me' time to have a go myself.

The igloo

I'm finding very hard to motivate myself to enter my studio at the moment - which is aptly call the Igloo during the winter months. This is the view out of the side windows.

It certainly feels like I am in a snow cave as I'm surrounded by the white stuff!

The view from my desk is mesmerizing as the snow falls (again!)

Out the front of the house, great huge icicles are forming!

I'm not a huge fan of the white stuff - it looks lovely but I'd rather be cosy inside. Hope my little heater has warmed things up in there - am about to go and do some work!

Magical

Every year, without fail we visit Father Christmas at Longleat - this is our 10th year. It is so popular you have to book it in May but it is worth every penny and to top it off this year - we had snow!

It was always Grandma's treat, she sadly passed away 3 years ago but Grandpa has kept the tradition going and it so special getting all the Grandchildren together ranging from a very unamused 14year old to the youngest at 2.

You take the little steam train through the forest, then once through the dark tunnel you arrive at Father Christmas's cabin in a wooded glade, lit spectacularly in fairy lights. It really does take your breath away.

There is a big roaring fire to warm yourself by, which was very welcoming as it was -4 today.

The trees looked truly beautiful.

There is a stable where you can peg up a letter to Father Christmas, a sleigh and a cabin serving Hot Chocolate - perfect festive treat.



Then there is Father Christmas's cabin it's self and 2 very excited children.

Inside all the presents are named and are age appropriate so that Father Christmas calls out the children's names and gives them their own special gift.

Father Christmas even comes down and stands by the fire and waves the train on it's way. It really is a truly magical experience and will always hold a very special Christmas memory for us all. A perfect time to share as a family and swap Christmas gifts in the car park!

Remember you need to book early to get a good time / date.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow....

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas is playing and how apt, when we woke up this morning to this!

It all looks picture postcard perfect!

Our view from the landing window.

Of course Sam couldn't wait to get out there and make the first mark in the snow.

And measure just how much snow we had. After much debate he decided to use a ruler - 12cm.

The trees look beautiful.

You can just make out the bunting!

Wonder if we will have a white Christmas this year?

I Love giving presents

Yesterday I took a little treat over to my printers - they are so good to me and I know I can probably sometimes be a pain - so I thought I ought to keep them sweet with a mug and a packet of biscuits each!

Today is the turn of the teachers. A jar of cookies and a simple but lovely Christmas star.

I've started to wrap other presents - just one or two.

Today is my last day with the children at school and that I am at home - so today is present wrapping day - all day! What a great way to spend a day!