I'm Here!

Hello Dear Friends!
No, I haven't forgotten about blogging...I have just been under the weather and am finally coming out of it. It seems I had a virus of sorts that attacked my bronchials...so I have been laying low and healing.
Thank you to those that sent me messages in concern...it was very sweet and helped my body heal so much faster I'm sure!

THAT means I have SO much to do!! Thankfully I had all my Christmas shopping done early with the exception of a few small items. But my holiday sewing is nowhere to be seen, so it's crunch time!!

A good friend of mine Kym who has a blog you can find here do an occasional crafty exchange, last time we did a Halloween exchange, this is our first Christmas exchange and I hope we make it a yearly tradition now :)
You can find the video she made to thank me for the gifts I sent HERE
I really appreciate Kym taking the time to make that video...it's very special to me. I look forward to receiving Kym's package in the mail...soon!

Meanwhile Kym did this fun blogpost today and I was tagged...so here goes! Enjoy!

1.  FAVORITE WINTER NAIL POLISH: I normally keep my nails very short and like wearing a buff, nude or ballet pink colour...however during the holidays I go for Red to look more festive.

2.  FAVORITE WINTER LIP PRODUCT: I'm a Burt's Bees girl!

3.  MOST WORN WINTER CLOTHING PIECE:  I would have to say moccasins...i wear them all day, every day around the house and have been known to go get the mail or visit a neighbour in them...they are fur lined and very cozy.

4. MOST WORN WINTER ACCESSORY:  I would have to say boots, I have 4 pairs of boots and i love wearing them with everything to keep my feet toasty. I love them! 

5. FAVORITE WINTER CANDLE:  Right now I am burning a Chocolate Mint candle from Bath and Body Works, but it's making me hungry. I prefer soft vanilla candles usually.

6. FAVORITE WINTER BEVERAGE:  My favourite beverage would have to be Red Rose Tea with a lemon wedge.

7. FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MOVIE:  I have SO many! but I guess if I have to pick just one it would have to be Little House On The Prairie 'Christmas in Plum Creek' I enjoy it every year since I was a child and now I watch it with my children.

8. FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONG:  I have always liked Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas...but truth be told I love them all...Right now I am singing to the new Boney M Christmas CD :) 

9. FAVORITE HOLIDAY FOOD:  Christmas Eve we traditionally eat alot of seafood, and we have a few dishes that are my fav's but my most favourite is Steamed Clams with garlic and butter....Mmmm...

10. FAVORITE CHRISTMAS DECORATION:  Every year I love unpacking all the ornaments I had tucked away so nicely last year....My most favourite are all the ornaments my children have made me over the years...my son is 16 and my daughter 13 1/2....that's alot of ornaments! They all make me smile and make my heart melt.

11. WHAT IS ON TOP OF YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST?  I am looking forward to this Christmas as the whole family will be together, our relatives in California and Pennsylvania will all be here with us to spend Christmas together...but on the top of my Santa list is a new purse to go with my newest boots...I have been eyeing one...."are you watching Santa?" :)

12. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE HOLIDAY THIS YEAR?  Oh, it'll be crazy! It always is....There will be visiting friends and family in their homes, and then in ours, there will be plenty of playing between cousins, and aunts/uncles and nieces/nephews, grandparents and grandchildren....It's awesome crazy fun!
And then, when it's all over...I hope to spend time with my hubby and kids...and just enjoy each other.

Instead of Tagging 5 friends, I encourage you to assume yourself tagged! It's a great way to get to know one another better....

Hope all is well in your little corners of the world....
Keep Crafty,
Laurie Anne xo

Edible Fossils

Hello Friends! it's been crazy busy this last week, I feel like I have hardly set foot in my craft room, although I have popped in just to stare longingly at my stacks of books, fabrics and notions.

Years ago, I made these cookies for my nephew and it was a big hit, so recently I made another batch for another sweet boy in our lives.

 I used a sugar cookie recipe, any recipe you have will do, I  have even used a peanut butter cookie recipe and it worked perfectly! Just use smooth peanut butter for a better stamp effect.

For the stamp, I dipped into my kids old toys and pulled out any creepy crawly critters. If you don't have any appropriate toys to use, head to your local dollar store and pick up some creepy crawly buggy toys and get creative! DO NOT FORGET TO WASH YOUR TOYS BEFORE USING THEM! :)

Enjoy!

Have a lovely day,
Keep Crafty!

Laurie Anne xx

What I'm up to...

 Hello and Happy Monday!
I trust you all had a wonderful weekend, filled with family, friends, good food, alot of laughter and of course some crafting!

This weekend I picked up a copy of 'Stitch' gifts...to enjoy on the car ride to the cottage. We went up to drain the well and re-bait the mouse traps and visit with friends.

MAN! was it cold up north! But once we got the wood stove going and snuggled on the couch under a quilt it was all good :)

 This issue of Stitch is packed with great ideas! Quick last minute Christmas gifts or any time of year gifts really. It's a whopping $14.99 but it's worth it!

And here is a sneak peak at the current embroidery project I am working on....
It's a little Holiday Steampunk Bird...I love how it's turning out.

Are any of you involved in any "stitch and bitch" type groups? If so, how do they start? I have been interested in either joining one already in progress but I can't seem to find one.  I may have to start my own in my area. Do you have any tips? pointers?


Off to stitch!
Keep Crafty,
Laurie Anne xx