A couple of weeks ago I did a round up of some Christmas craft ideas, when I still had hope we’d replicate last years happy Christmas crafty month.

We’ve not quite achieved that so far, but there is still time and we finally made a start on it on Monday,yesterday and today – thank heavens for kind friends who take over mothering for me; at least this does mean they’ve done some stuff, even if not all of it with me so far.

Monday they spent with Zoe and her girls and so craft #1 was pudding making which were boiled today and smelt as lovely as ever. I’m not sure if they did 2 or 3 things there – I know craft #2 was Fimo decorations. Maddy did an awesome Christmas tree which she is going to dictate instructions to me for (it is built around a cocktail stick) and Amelie did an unintentionally rather rude angel. (I’m still reeling from her announcement today that she doesn’t wear nighties on Xmas Eve in case FC checks under the duvet to see if her bottom is clean )

I’m perpetually disappointed by not getting enough done in the run up to Xmas – I always want to be so much more inventive than I am.

Yesterday we went to see the Beans and there was much fun and frolicking. They made minty chocolate with sprinkles (we did this last year with dark chocolate and extra strong mints but when at the home a a veggie or 4, we used polos) Very yummy.That was craft #3 – I think we’ll do that again too it we have time.

Then they raided the garden for greenery and we spent a happy couple of hours twisting wreaths together; they were all very different and all very gorgeous. We came home with 2 for the house and one for a staff member who the girls see a lot of and who was very pleased with it.

(I’ve lost my camera totally, forgive the cruddy phone pics.)

So wreaths were craft #4. I l do love having a fresh one on the door; suits my more earth based winter festive feelings much better.

The quick lantern and star colouring craft was #5 – they all liked that.

Then this  #6 turned out to be surprisingly satisfying; we bought some florist wires and cut them in half to make lengths of about 5 inches; bend one end over into a loop, then thread 12ish pony beads or plastic shaped beads on to them, make another 2 the same, twist the 3 together in the middle and hang up as a decoration.

Skye did a lovely one with 4 stalks – my children were more random with their colours but very happy with them. I think, with gold wires and glass beads, they’d look completely gorgeous actually but all the kids, from 12 down to 6, enjoyed making them. I think they’d be good with Hama Beads too actually.

The girls and I have done more today; I’ll blog those tomorrow when hopefully I can find the camera. But at least we’re being creative now.