Sponsor Shoutout: Felt.co.nz

Back again with a spotlight on Felt, only our favourite place to shop in all of the NZ based online-land!  I've had the opportunity to meet the creator, graphic designer Lucy Arnold, on several occasions now, and she is just LOVELY!  She is joined on the team by Jo (support desk and blog) and Marcel (site maintenance and development) - working from a heritage building overlooking the Avon River in Christchurch, where they watch kingfishers alight from the tree outside their window.  Sounds kind of amazing right?

Felt is constantly on the grow, with more than half a million visitors in the past year, and over 22,000 products listed by the hand-makers of Aotearoa.  That's pretty epic!  There are sooooo many amazing products on there, such easy peasy Christmas shopping.  And to make it even easier for you, Felt-elves have also created a most excellent Christmas guide too.  Boom!

There are a bunch of different categories that cover all the bases, and I've already bookmarked some adorable items for this Christmas and for birthdays next year...  Here are some more of my faves, though there are SO many beaut items in there, it's pretty hard to pick.... (clockwise from top left)

1. Pillow Fighting Clubs.  2. Matakana Plant Markers.  3. Rainbow Raincloud Hanging. 4. Moths & Flowers Art Print.

1. Felt Donuts.  2. Resin Bangle.  3. Wooden Flying Bird.  4. Little Monster Softie

Go and have a look at their selection of handpicked Christmas gifts, there are so many beautiful handmade items listed... xx

Atticus Elf - Days 4, 5 & 6

Seems like I might be reliving my childhood...

It's a little bit TOO much fun creating these Elf on the Shelf arrangements, even when I'm stupid-tired I find the energy.

Over the last couple of days I've been tying in Atticus' appearances with the advent activity for that day.  Above ^ on his decorated bike (the kids decorated theirs for our local Christmas Carnival).  Below - with craft supplies for Christmas card making...

Like I said, too much fun...

More Christmas books that I love.

So Angela thought it would be fun to do a follow up of last year's Christmas book postings, and I was all "YEP".  I haven't found a ton of new favourites in that time, but I do have a couple of new ones to share...  And before I go any further - Angela is posting her new favourite Christmas books here and here, so if this post doesn't satisfy...

In no particular order:

1. 1001 Things to Spot at Christmas - Usborne

These kinds of books make the best Christmas presents.  Once all the presents are unwrapped, food consumed and new toys broken, the only thing to do is to settle in with a new book.  This one is a perfect time filler, and easy to use for those who don't read, as they include illustrations of all the items to be found.  Winner.

2. Paddington and the Christmas Surprise - Michael Bond

This is a must have for Paddington fans, and is on our list for future Christmases.  Colourful, fun, sweet.  Garland's fave.

3. Another Night Before Christmas - Carol Ann Duffy

Not only is this story sweet, the illustrations are adorable!!!  This one is winging it's way to our house for Christmas and I am super duper excited to read it to my babes.  My fave.  We looooove The Night Before Christmas too.

4. The Snow Globe Family - Jane O'Connor

Not technically a Christmas book, but this definitely helps set the tone, if you're into the white Christmas thing (I am).  The illustrations are very stylized and cool (in my books), and the premise is fun.  Eleanor's fave.

5. Lighthouse Christmas - Toni Buzzeo

And I'm cheating a little by adding this one in as I haven't read it yet, but if you read the outline you may guess why I immediately bought it for my guys.  It sounds soooo super lovely, can't wait to read it!

So, what are your favourite Christmas books?  Care to share? x

Advent Wreath

We kinda missed day one of Advent, but made up for it with some fun crafting on day two.  I've had this DIY Paper Wreath by giddy giddy pinned for.ever, and it was very gratifying to finally make one.  Of course, Crafting Alongside is always super challenging, and I was working as quickly as my fingers could fly.  Still, by using that which was already on hand, this was an easy and cheap way to fill a morning with craft.  Nothing fancy, some colour to add to our festivities this year.  Was super cute watching Eleanor make hers.  I was actually pretty impressed at how well she went...

Not all of our Advent activities are craft/baking/making oriented, and many include activities that are common for us (play dates, ice-creams at the beach and so on), but the novelty of finding a note each morning and finding out what the activity will be... Well, fun for all of us.

This tiny wee wreath was a combined effort by Garland and myself.  He picked colours, I taped them on.  It will def be our Elf wreath.  Two birds.

Elf Antics

Love 'em or hate 'em, you can't deny that these little soft toys bring some serious magic to the Christmas season...  In 2012 we invited one of these little dudes into our home for the first time, so.much.fun.

Last year our elf arrived to the sound of ringing bells.  With a sack of belongings on his back, a letter of introduction and a frozen expression on his face (why's he looking sideways?  Makes me distrust him).  Eleanor was ecstatic.

I extensively searched Pinterest for ideas and found heaps.  We mixed in a few of our own, and these are the scenarios E found him in each morning...  To be honest, I think we were a little tame (boring) last year, and we are def amping things up this year (helps that the kids are older and there are now two babes whose interest will be piqued).  I will be making a bookshelf cubby house again though, that was too, too much fun...

Well done if you made it this far!  Are you guys inviting an Elf into your home this year?  If so, leave a comment so that we can check out what mischief yours gets into... I'll be back very soon with the first of our Elf pics x

Advent Activities...

I had so much fun last year, putting all these Advent Activities together.  Looking back though, I have NO idea where I found the energy...  Anyway, thought I'd share (re-hash) some of my favourite projects from the series.

Walnut Decorations

Decorated Christmas Drinks 1. & 2.

Chalkboard Painting:  Stones & Santa Plates

Pom Pom Decorations

Christmas Cracker Makeover

Snow Globe Cookies

Scallop Design Popcorn Bucket

Elf Treats: Striped Stockings, Elf books, Mini Pancakes

Kiddo Christmas Party

Mini Chocolate Wreaths

Snowmen Sandwiches

Check out the entire Christmas Advent Series here... Next up, Elf-ish Mischief.