Advent of the season

OK, so having kids who love chocolate calenders is normal, who doesn't love a treat every morning? but the average, hum drum, character calenders are starting to make me feel like all the excitement and joy is getting sucked dry. the kids only notice whats on the front for 2 seconds and then move on to the chocolates. so whats the alternatives? and is there really time to look at anything else now??
so firstly, to those reading this after Christmas 2014, well done! you are far more organized than i am. unless you are just like me, gathering ideas that may well be lost in the chaos. oops.
for all the rest of us looking at others preparation with envy, don't despair. There is still a few nights to save the day. so i have a small collection of fun calenders. Hopefully these will spark your creative imagination,  and without too much effort to make. plus a few for those who like other peoples handmade efforts ;)

starting with this match box garland  I just love the details!

 Just in case details give you a headache, or you are a guy (not a real man, because they love details) these frugal living tags are simple but certainly do the trick














If you happen to have 100 craft sticks lying around this advent puts them to good use!

 this DIY burlap and tags advent is a traditional choice


















 I love this little french advent with white packages and neon pink string. Perfection.

These free german printables are super cute and will win the heart of most!














Not to be confused as one of your five a day, this gingerbread advent is pretty awesome...nom! nom! nom!/

 Find the free prinables for 25 gifts christ gives to us. A great way to teach (with scriptures) and remember its not all chocolate

what would you put on your numbers? maybe someone you can call? a special treat stuck to the back? or even just a positive word? Its versatile and cute.

 This quick and simple grinch advent, just has to be done! Every child needs to feel the benefits of your heart growing three times bigger.

These Treats come in all shapes, sizes, and actions. and since it all started with a family, why not make family time the main focus every day?

So thats where all the socks went....simple easy and fun. I love it

 Be warned. Adorable viewing below.

 yes, foxes, clouds and mountains in one advent. I need this in my life right now.....








These three have won my heart. i don't know how or where but my home will make space for these. even if they are not used as advents. I think they are awesome enough to be used year round.

 But you don't have to be sucked in by the cuteness alone, and rather than focusing on treats

 how about getting up and doing something positive each day? You can even print these and use them with any of the advents shown.

   This might take the most effort but its worth focusing on the real reason for the treats and season.

 Cheers
Angie xx

crochet Christmas puddings

 

Alot has been going on in the fox household over the last few months which i will be sure to share very soon. including weddings in london, manchester contemporary craft fair, time exploring Edinburgh and a rather amazing crochet cupcake throw. all exciting stuff i know.
but right now i thought you might like to try a
 quick crochet pattern i put together for christmas puddings. totally inspired by &made's christmas puddings and twinkie chans cupcake garland on rock and roll brides blog.

you'll need

a small amount of double knit  wool in dark brown, cream and red
a small peice of green felt
a tapestry needle
sharpe needle and thread.

in brown
Ch 3 and sl st to first ch to form loop.
Row 1: Ch 2 (acts as your first dc), work 8 more dc into loop. Turn. (9 sts)
Row 2: (Ch 3, tr) in same st, (2 tr) each in next 8 dc. Turn. (18 sts)
Row 3: (Ch 2, dc) in same st, 1 dc in next st. [(2 dc), 1 dc] 8 times. Don’t break off  leave 6inches for sewing together


using twinkie chans cupcake topping -
in cream
ch 3 and sl st to first ch to form loop.
Row 1: Ch 3 (acts as your first dc), work 5 more dc into loop. Turn. (6 sts)
Row 2: (Ch 3, dc) in same st, (2 dc) each in next 5 dc. Turn. (12 sts)
Row 3: (Ch 3, dc) in same st, 1 dc in next st. [(2 dc), 1 dc] 5 times. (18 sts). Don’t break off.
Rotate your completed half-circle clockwise. On the straight edge of this half-circle, you will be working a row of 4 scallops. Imagine breaking the straight edge into 4 quadrants. (Fig.1)

Row 1: Ch 1, (4 dc) into first 1/8, sl st into 2/8. (4 dc) into 3/8, sl st into 4/8. (4 dc) into 5/8, sl st into 6/8. (4 dc) into 7/8, sl st into 2nd ch of the main piece. leave 6inches for sewing.

 turn the icing/frosting right way up and lay over the brown pudding body, using your six inches extra wool and a tapestry needle weave/sew together as pictured.

cut out 2 'holly leaves' from your green felt,

using sharpe needle and thread sew to top of icing/frosting


make a berry to be sewn over leaves
berry in red wool,
Round 1: Ch 2. Work 6 sc into 1 st ch. Sl st to first sc to join.
Round 2: Ch 1,  sc to end. Sl st to first sc to join. cast off leaving 6inches and turn inside out.
stitch over holly leaves. using end wool as needed

to make a christmas tree decoration chain 10 in any colour you like and weave into back of christmas pudding.

or make loads and attach to a chain. i left the space of about 3inches inbetween each pudding but its entirely up to you and what your using it for, where you want to hang it??? for a miniture garland follow instructions but use a 4ply wool and a 2.5 hook. they would look great on cards, as a brooch, or where ever takes your fancy.

merry christmas
xxx