Empress Wu Designs with Wilma

Christmas Countdown ... 13....  Christmas beetle is the common name for an Australian beetle Anonplognathus.  They are known as Christmas beetles because they are abundant in both urban and rural areas close to Christmas   Christmas beetles are large (20-30 mm long) members of the scarab family that are noisy and clumsy fliers. They are easily spotted in the sunshine because of their iridescent colours. It's not all good news about Christmas beetles, as some of the species have been implicated in dieback of Australian eucalypt trees. 

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 ...