All the Other Advent Gifts!

I had to decide whether to open all the advent gifts before I went away for Christmas, which felt like cheating, or save them for when I got back from my family Christmas. I'm so happy I saved them as I had a wonderful time today, opening so many!
These are all the other gifts from Kaisa.
Littlekits for lots of buildings and cars.

Two mugs. One with a photo of my dog, and proving Kaisa has a great sense of humour, the other has a photo of me on my scooter wearing a helmet!

 For the little baker some very useful recipe books.

 A great shelf unit! Very useful, just what the bakery needs.

 To complete the set, another fabulous bag!

 Some nature posters for the children's room.

 I think maybe Kaisa's little girl helped make this gift with her lovely artwork! There is even a tiny eraser,

And , oh my goodness, Kaisa has made me a desk and seat! The desk opens to hold the papers and pencils.

Very thoughtful maps of England and one of Spain!

 I was so surprised to see that Kaisa had these cards printed for me! What a thoughtful and generous gift!

 And look at this! Kaisa is so good with her saw. It has such a lovely, detailed back and the shaped mirror just finishes this fabulous dresser.

 It's been a great swap, exciting and fun. Thank you so much Kaisa, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Advent Swap Day 7 and Cans for the Home Baker

Even in mini life our little mothers are rushed off their tiny feet at this time of year. Now there is help! Quick toppings and pie fillings to speed up the baking and free up some time in the kitchen.

 There are cake toppings in all flavours, Marshmallow Cream and Raspberry Pie filling

My little housewife has no qualms about making her life easier.
Now she has more time she's going out to buy her Christmas gifts and she's taking her beautiful new purse that Kaisa sent for me to open today.

Thank you, I love this purse!
Today I sent fabric packs to Kaisa.

  

It's now the weekend again, I hope you have a good one.

Zips, Art Dolls and - Christmas?

Another buy from a few years ago which I just found amongst my hoard of useful stash in my most embarrasing, messy drawer were these pressed metal zips which I bought from The Dollshouse Mall

Glue each one onto a piece of ribbon for quite an effective look in a work basket or hung on a card with your haberdashery. Here they are on a real size zip.

 Oly and I did wander off subject for a while during the summer as we were excited about trying to make some cloth art dolls. Oly has made several for gifts and they get better and better as she goes. My first attempt is ok and I'm giving her to my friend who collects fairies. Here is Titania from the book by Jan Horrox.

She was fun to make and a relief from the intensity of making miniatures. Now I'm working on another doll; this one is to be a gift for my mother! She's called Gertrude and she's one of the 'Slightly Weathered Ladies' by Jill Maas. Excuse the nudity!

Now, I'm planning Christmas, can you believe?!! Kaisa has asked me to swap an Advent Calendar with her. I'm really looking forward to choosing all the little things for her to open.
Christmas seems a long way off from here - we have yet another beautiful, sunshiny day!
Thanks for calling in,

Last but not Least!

Caterina had to tell me to look in the little bag for another present! Inside was a tiny but perfectly readable Christmas story book with pictures. It's beautifully made and has a jacket too! Thank you again Caterina! X