Early Christmas Flowers!

On the stitching and knitting front everything is a big secret at the moment (gifts and exchanges) so I can't show anything. Fortunately if you've been reading this blog for a while you may remember that at around this time every year our local florist  runs a festive workshop, so I do have some floral stuff to share:-

A table decoration with a funky wire collar. I'll have to replace the fresh flowers in this between now and Christmas of course but the basic arrangement should be OK.

A novel alternative to a wreath for the front door. This is made using a block of oasis and a small log fixed to a triangular backing board

And a hanging swag type decoration.  I have no idea why blogger has turned this on it's side, you are just going to have to lean your heads over!
The two outdoor ones are sitting in the garage at the moment, I don't feel right about putting them up in November.

Spoilers Sweetie ~ Or How to Make River Song's Journal

I have no idea how my baby girl could possibly be 16 already, but 16 she was on Friday.
She is a complete Whovian (I simply can't imagine where she gets that from, can you?) so I decided to make her a journal like River's.

For those who are as sad discerning as us, and need to know how to be River, you will need:-
A small journal, preferably with a blue cover
Two sheets of Funky Foam, one blue and one navy
Double sided tape or glue
Navy blue shoe polish
A craft knife, a ruler and some kind of embossing tool (I used a knitting needle)

Using the front cover of your journal as a template cut a piece of the blue foam to fit it exactly.

From the navy foam cut 8 small squares. The size you will need will depend on the size of the journal you used, mine was an A6 journal and the squares were about 7/8", you need them the right size to fit two vertical columns of  4 squares down the front. Using your embossing tool mark an L shape in one corner of each square to give the effect of a 3D panel
Cut 8 corresponding "windows" in the cover piece (You might want to draft it out on paper first to make sure you have the spacing right). You are aiming for a nice snug fit so cut them just on the small side. As you can see I got one a bit wrong and one of my squares ended up a rectangle.
Fit the squares into the windows and emboss a long rectangle around each column of squares.

Stick the whole piece to the front of your journal. Finally rub a tiny bit of blue shoe polish on in places to distress it and make it look old.

Approach random strangers in the street, brandish the journal and ask " Where we are now?"

Linking up to Think Pink Sundays on Flamingo Toes.

My Army Grows...

my plan for world domination is almost complete. Bwa ha ha ha!
Or, to paraphrase Capt. Jack Harkness, "Three Lokis? I can't tell you what I'm thinking right now"

A Challenge, a Tangent and a Future Project

This is my finish for the Needlecraft Haven October Challenge. The original design, by Carmela at Balades et Broderies  (found here) is square but I rearranged the elements to make a stocking shape. The album of challenge finishes is here.

Last week I was a little cryptic about a tangent I'd gone off on after stitching my zombie kitty. I made a comment about having "an army". Jo came nearest to guessing, getting the right movie, (Avengers Assemble) but the wrong character.

So now we have kittens and Loki (Tom Hiddlestone) seen here saying "I have an army"

Isn't that picture adorable? (the kittens are quite nice too)

So, if you cross Loki and kittens you get LoKitty.
The basic kitty is the same as Carolyn's original zombie design but I re-drafted him to add a cape and a horned helmet
And I really am going to have to stitch an army of these, this one has been claimed already.

Finally I just wanted to show you this little cabinet, which I found second hand. Not much to look at is it? I have big plans for it though. Watch this space as they say...

Oh and do remember to pop on over to Nancy's blog for another fantastic giveaway

Hallowe'en Blog Hop

Hi there, and welcome if you have found this blog through Jo's Hallowe'en Blog Hop.

The letter you are looking for is 

W

The next blog on your list is This and That

Happy Hopping!

All he wants is a nice saucer of milk (and your brains)

As soon as Jo from Serendipitous Stitching showed me her stitched Zombie Kitty I knew I had to stitch one too.
Here he is. Pattern from Carolyn here
Isn't he just the sweetest little thing that ever tore you limb from limb? He is stitched using DMC Light Effects threads and is my first, (and probably last as I'm not too impressed with the effect) finish using a pre-made tuck pillow.
I told Jo I'd probably stitch an army of them, but I stopped at one because my army comment sent me thinking at a bit of a tangent. I'll be able to show the stitched results of that tangent in a few days. I wonder if any of you can guess before then...

A spot of upcycling and a ghoulish little make

Our downstairs loo has been without a curtain since we moved in here eleven years ago. This state of affairs has officially gone on long enough. Don't get the wrong idea, it is obscured glass, there was no danger of frightening the neighbours but I was tired of it looking bare.
Behold! My lovely new window dressing, made from a vintage pillowcase (purchased from the excellent Rag Rescue) and a length of curtain wire. Honestly, it took me about 20 minutes, I don't know why I waited so long.

So, anyway, I was trawling around on Pinterest, (I know, I really, really shouldn't, but at least I was looking on the crafty boards not the geeky ones for a change), and I found something  certain young ladies would adore. Here is my version as modelled by Naomi.
A blood drip necklace.
Yes, you too can look as if you have had your throat cut, or had a little alone time with your vampire of choice.

Here are a few candidates. Mr Ian Somerhalder, Mr Alexander Skarsgaard and Mr Aiden Turner.
You're welcome.