Despite having the last week off work I think I've been at my most productive over the last couple of days. I managed to get all of the cutting out done for 2 more cushion requests yesterday and make a complete cushion cover. I also squeezed in three baking activities - Onion and Stilton Soup (a Nigel Slater recipe from the Sainsbury Magazine which was divine), Stilton biscuits (from the same magazine - they don't look great but taste delicious) and a Pineapple Upside Down cake that didn't go terribly well.....It went wrong in the making the syrup stage, which I've never done before (and possibly won't again!). The sponge was lovely, and we just picked off the pineapple and had lashings of custard, but if you know a)how I went wrong with the syrup, or even better b)which syrup to use rather than make from scratch, I'd love to know because I'd like to make it again.

Today's photos are of the Christmas present labels that I made with my Mum last week. They have turned out just as I hoped they would. I can't wait to wrap my presents now so that I can use them! I can honestly say that I had a warm feeling inside when I was making these labels - watching the embossing glitter start to sparkle when it was heated with the heat gun I felt really Christmassy (yes - I do need to get out more). Paper craft is Mum's area of expertise so I'm sure she watches such marvels everyday but to a novice like me it was amazing and left me with a big grin on my face. I also made a few birthday tags as I have many friends who (like Mum and I) have birthdays right on top of Christmas. I'll definitely make some more - I'll never buy a label again!
I think 7 weeks today it's Christmas eve.........eek!
Love Natalie