Sailing Away for Christmas?

Anthropologie has ...as ever...come up with THE most charming christmas decorations or The Branch Bunch.

Being particularly partial to a badger of course I love this little chap.

Anthropologie

 And I'm definately putting this on the try myself at home list. I used to have quite a thing for old glass condiment sets. This would be a great way to re-use the old odd ones.

Anthropologie

The felt trees and wreaths have the loveliest looking texture to them. How have they done that? Do you wrap the roving around wire?

Anthropologie

 But I think my favourite decoration is the little sailing ship. It stirs up all kinds of notions of sailing storming seas to a safe harbour with family for the holiday. And if I'm brutally honest even clearer fancies of taking off and sailing into a winter sunset away from the impending madness and possibly warmer, sunnier climes!

Anthropologie

 The little Anthropologie ship did remind me of the beautiful sailing boats made by Ann Wood. 

Paper Mache Boat by AnnWood

What a fantastic find on Anne's blog ...a tutorial to make your own little paper mache sail boat. In reality I'm not sure there is going to be a crafty moment available this weekend....ah but in my head I shall definately be having a go at one of these.

Happy sailing my hearties.

x

20% off Mini Mistletoe Wreaths from Rie Elise Larsen

I've been scrabbling about in the loft looking for snowboarding gear in the hope that it will still fit huge teenagers and look what I found....

A handful of just the loveliest Mini mistletoe wreaths cut from re-cycled metal from the very clever Rie Elise Larsen.We sold the larger size a couple of Christmas's backand these babies must have got lost.

Mini Mistletoe Wreath from Rie Elise Larsen available on FollyandGlee

The list of ways you can use these cuties is endless. I've had mine wrapped around a pillar candle before and the shadows cast are lovely. They are instant door handle wreaths and look great just hanging in the window maybe with your own paper angel.

If you'd like one just enter the code MISTLETOE at the checkout in the shop and you'll get an early festive treat - 20% off.

Polish Stars or Porcupines

I have fallen in love with these super cool paper ornaments all over again this morning after seeing some in the new Elle Decor.

They have a great mid-century 50s vibe and seem to work with all kinds of papers and colours.

HowAboutOrange

 I first remember seeing them over on How About Orange last Christmas but as you know with my old procrastinatory ways never got around to trying them.

The good news is the tutorial is still up on Jessica's inspirational blog and they really don't look too hard. Do they?

Tutorial on HowAboutOrange

 If you prefer to watch a video there do seem to be a few out there - just google polish stars or porcupine balls.

I just love all the different ways you can use them. 

Kissadesign on Etsy.com

I think as a tree topper is my favourite. 

Kissadesign on Etsy.com

 But look at these mini ones as place card holders - stunning.

Magnet from KissaDesign on Etsy

 

 

 

Or how about on a magnet to display those Christmas cards - cool.

 

 Those clever girls over at the gorgeous mid century mod haven Winter's Moon have come up trumps and will very shortly have ready made ornaments on sale that they have had commercially made up from an old 50s pattern.  Its looks like there are going to be some recycled news paper stars as well as some bold brights.

 

Winters Moon Blog

 I'm not sure how much they are but its very tempting to bag a few and style into a wreath.

Winters Moon Blog

Oh decisions, decisions.

Christmas Bakers Twine

Look away now if you don't want to have to think about the "C" word yet.

Before FollyandGlee I was definately in the "not before December 1st and then only put the tree up 2 weeks before" camp. Any crafter or retailer will tell you that business changes all that and June /July becomes the time to get your festive hat on and you are kind of over it come October!

But hooray I have been re-inspired.....

We've been promised some of this totally gorgeous Christmas Baker's Twine as soon as its ready. Red, white and green stripes- nice! It's unlikely to be here before the end of November and I'd suggest dropping me a line if you want to pre-order as I have a feeling it will go fast.

Mini spool at FollyandGlee

It never ceases to amaze me how lovely a little bit of stripey twine can be.....especially at Christmas. I re-photographed a few colours at the week end which was fun.

Christmas twine at FollyandGlee

Every season seems to cry out for it. I remember this image from way back - lovely Halloween ideas with orange twine from Butterflyfly Stamps.

Butterflyfly stamps

You know I'd love to do a Baker's Twine calender....anyone else up for that?

Last minute advent calendar from Rie Elise Larsen packaging

Phew - I have the perfect last minute advent calender solution thanks to the gorgeousness of all the lovely Danish christmas packaging we have in the Folly and Glee shop again this year. It was really nice last year but the patterns and colours for 2010 are just brilliant.

Image Rie Elise Larsen

You'll need some assorted gift bags (they come in a mixed bag of 8), a roll of wrapping paper (10 different sheets in a roll), some sequin trim and assorted mini giftboxes.

All images Rie Elise Larsen

Add your advent treats or messages to the gift bags, wrapped mini parcels or boxes and number 1-24 or 25!

All images Rie Elise Larsen

Add your numbers to your parcels and boxes directly or onto some of the gift tags (they come as a mixed set of 12).

String it all together on more ribbon. You may need some florist wire to support it. I think I might be cheating and just creating a big pile around a few selected numbered days on a twiggy branch.

How will you do yours?

Homemade Advent Calenders or Calendars?

Well its the Ist December and you just know that real life has been getting in the way because I haven't made an advent calender (or is it calendar?). So far I've got away with it and no one seems to have noticed. A snow day with no school has provided the perfect distraction.

Somewhat starved of inspiration I've just had a look back through the last few years attempts and I thought I'd share. There is a flick set with a bit more information on each one. None of them are rocket science but if anyone wants some tips on a how to or where to get the supplies let me know. Divine Twine features heavily and so do recycled wool sweaters and blankets. Make sure they are 100% wool and just stick them on a really hot wash and you'd have the perfect felt. I both cold water dyes (in a bucket) and washing machine dyes to get a good range of colours.

Mini advent galvinised pails or buckets

Advent bunting with treat sized pockets

Mini stocking advent calendar

Matchbox advent calendar

Felted birdy advent nest

specials for the big day

Right now what can I do for this year before the wet and hungry troops arrive back? Help?

Christmas comes early

Much excitment as our brave posty battled through a heavy old smattering of the winter white stuff to deliver 3 packages.

Package number one contained my new winter hat. If only I looked this good in it. It's jolly warm and a really comfy fit. Some people have suggested I look even more like the furry one with it on but I know they are only jealous.

River Island Trapper Hat at Asos.com

Package number two was my printed up mid century modern Christmas Cards. I'm very pleased with the folk from Moo. All is as it should be including no unwanted trademarks and the Folly and Glee logo on the back.

Ahhh but package number three...what could it be.....only a Dottie Angel pillow all the way from Tif as a part two to our recent vintage barkcloth fabric swap. He has settled in immediately making good friends with the Ercol and raises a smile every time I pass.

The attention to detail is inspiring as always. Thank you Tif.