Sorry, a few days late :-) Hope 2008 has started off very well for you!
I’ve been able to start a few projects but none are near completion. The past week has been full of social outings (wedding and birthdays), preparing for Ava’s 4th birthday in a few weeks time, and culling and cleaning out the house in preparation for a much simpler and uncluttered 2008.
I did want to share a few lovely, lovely things with you from very, very talented people.
Ngoc left a comment a few weeks ago and after a few email exchanges, she wanted to send me some of her handmade stationary just as thank you for providing some inspiration. Wow - her generosity and kindness astounded me. And then I was almost knocked off my feet when the package arrived:

Look at it all! The envelope was bursting at the seams. And all of it is just gorgeous - pears, flowers, fruits, owls . . . love, love, love! Thanks so much Ngoc! I really am touched by your generosity and inspired by your talent.
I must admit that one of the most wonderful and pricless things about having a blog is the ability to “meet” people from all over the globe and establish friendships. Last year, I received the sweetest email from a 12 year old named Remi. She and her younger sister owned a few of my dolls. Remi wanted to try her hand at making a few Happy Chibi Girl dolls for her school project. Without any pattern to follow, Remi and her Mum set about making the dolls and here is the first one she made:

Remember - this is from a 12 year old girl! Amazing!! She even made a few more and donated them to Mikes’ Mirabel Appeal (thanks to Angela for the pic). Like I mentioned to Remi’s Mum, at this rate I may be out of business very soon :-)
And speaking of dolls, I’ve been really encouraged by all the Ruby Dolls popping up over at Flickr. Here are just a few from crafters that take the basic pattern and really make it their own - love that Ruby Rabbit!

1. ami’s ruby doll, 2. Fortune, 3. 2007 November 063, 4. My version of the Ruby Doll
More Ruby Dolls here, and don’t forget you can download the free pattern from the link on the sidebar.
And finally, a few wonderful etsy finds:
I bought this clock as a Christmas present for myself :-) I can’t afford a real cuckoo clock but this is the next best thing!

Find it here (available in different colours).
And I’m saving up for one of Christine’s beautiful dolls:

Her shop is here and her blog is here.
Okay, the little ones are waking from their afternoon siestas - have a lovely weekend!
(P.S. I’m having a little sale over at my shop with a few items 15-20% off until the end of January - making way for new stuff in February).