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Handmade for Christmas

Here is a little Christmas beetle I made this week for a gift swap today. A "Dolly" friend, Chye'in made some beautiful little painted beetles in July and then shared the pattern. So this is my version of the pattern.... using some leftover spotty print fabric and layered fabric I made from scraps.  My dear friend, Connie chose the "number" for my doll and I think she was happy to receive it. 
Thanks Chye'in for the pattern to make these endearing little creatures. Here are Chye'n's originals....
I also received in return a doll using the same pattern.... This is such a cute little girl.
I have been to a few Christmas parties lately and  received beautiful handmade gifts. These delicately perfumed sachets have been hand embroidered by Fay and are absolutely exquisite - such fine work perfectly stitched.
And here is great idea - a fabric bon bon. Not only beautiful but reuseable - a rectangle of lined Christmas fabric, with a plastic insert stitched between the layers of fabric, and a velcro closure. The centre was filled  with laces and sewing bits and pieces, complete with a party hat and a Christmas cracker joke - and of course a snapper!  I was the lucky person to receive this bon bon and goodies in a gift swap. Clever idea, Toni.
Have a great week leading to Christmas... enjoy a relaxing time  - I certainly plan to, even if all my Christmas cards don't get posted in time.
I wish you all a very merry Christmas and special moments shared with family and friends during the festive season.
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