Christmas craft | organised castle

We have been away for a few days at the beach with our guests. The weather was not great – cool and rainy. Unfortunately, you cannot plan on good weather but we had a relaxing time and a change of scenery.

Yesterday evening I was inspired to create a Christmas table centrepiece using a hard plastic cone which had contained Ferrero Rocher chocolates. I did not buy them but it had been brought by a guest at a function we hosted a couple of weeks ago and it seemed too good to throw out. I filled it with a few baubles and Christmas decorations. Then I reattached the base with sticky tape and added some gold ribbon trim before placing it on a stand made from part of the insert which held the chocolates.

It has been hot today so I have stayed indoors and done some sewing. I made these bags from some fabric gifted from a friend.

Then I finished refashioning the sundress for Miss14. I cut a small amount from the hem to create straps to tie over the shoulders. These replace the rather flimsy adjustable shoestring straps that were on it originally. She is happy with the result.

A few other alterations for Miss16. I shortened a newish pair of cargo pants which were just a bit too long and dragging on the ground as well as turning a pair of older black leggings with holes in the lower leg into a functional pair of bike shorts. These are always in high demand in their household for wearing under netball uniforms.

Finally, I am working on some minor alterations to this dress. It is for Miss16 and we found it in an op shop while we were away. She is notoriously fussy and difficult to please but fell in love with this one. I have unpicked the side seams of the bodice to take it in slightly under the arms. I also intend to redo the hem so that it has an overall better finish. I think it was $7.50 well spent as she is planning to wear it to her semi-formal in the middle of next year.

I did not post yesterday because I was spending the time with my precious family. Miss O and Izz were here so we pulled out the Christmas tree and decorated it. Here they are with the creation.

We went to look at the Christmas light displays last night and the wonder and delight on their faces was priceless.

I also took Miss O to the Carols at Twilight in Maleny. Due to a terrific thunderstorm about an hour beforehand the occasion was relocated in the hall rather than the park. Miss O could not believe her eyes and ears at the music and colour. She sat entranced during the entire event.

This morning I helped the girls make a gift for Belle. It is a string tin.

A coffee tin covered with pieces cut from a local magazine. The paper is glued on, a hole punched in the lid and a ball of string inside. I will finish the outside with some clear varnish to seal it and we have a practical gift that small hands can make (with a bit of help) at no cost apart from the ball of string.