Christmas crafts

So I have been busy trying to craft as many gifts as I know how for my family this Christmas. So far I have knit mittens, socks and a baby hood, and have another pair of baby booties to go. I have made several wheat and lavender packs from lovely organic plusch material, two of which I made for children in the shape of bunny rabbits (the adult ones were boring rectangles!). I made knitting needles from hazel wood twigs (sharpen one end with a pencil sharpener, sand the whole thing very smooth and glue or wedge a bead to the other end). My sons and I have made dozens of beeswax candles, rolled from sheets and I have made a little pouch doll in a carry bed. I still have a duplicate of the little doll to make for another child. I have bath salts to make up, granola to make and jar and some chocolate truffles to melt, set, roll and box. It is all good though, I am typing this down as I remember and it doesn't seem like much, I will do it at night and during those little lulls of time during the day when the boys are busy without me. We have been making lots and lots of decorations for our windows, Isaac make a fantastic tissue paper fish that I will photograph when it is light tomorrow. Here are some other pictures:








And the nature shelf (which is now moved and a bit different but hey this is mostly it)


I am going to pick up a spinning wheel on Friday! Ohh I am excited! It belongs to the Spinners and Weavers guild and is a spare wheel they lend out to interested folk. The lady I pick it up from is going to give me a quick lesson to get me started and some fleece. The boys and I will meet Don for swimming and then whilst they swim I'll go for the wheel.

Our days are fantastically busy - or could be. For some reason - probably that celebratory feeling, everyone is more sociable and are having get togethers. I am striving for more calm but really we are all having a good time after so long spent without friends at our last address. Every day we have invitations and phone calls and there are things planned by other home educators that we could take up. Last week we were out every day and by Friday I had to pull over at the side of the road (we went out to get a tree) just for five minutes rest. This week I have refused some offers and we have had two home days to one day out. That is much better for me. I could stay at home much more but I have sociable little children!