giving fever.......
If, like us, your mailbox is exploding with Christmas offers of various shapes and sizes then you will understand why we have been reluctant to add to your deleting duties. However we can resist no longer and here is an eclectic array of our favourite arty-crafty, creative ideas (things that we would love to receive, in no particular order) that have passed through our in-box over the past few weeks and that we thought we'd pass along for each of the 12 days of Christmas just in case you're still stuck for the odd stocking filler or two......
And, of course, if you want to treat yourself this Christmas (because, let's face it, you're worth it), we still have a few places left on our creative workshops next year. Whether it's folk art or music, laughter or cooking you're interested in, we're offering a 5% discount if you book a place before the end of 2018 (10% if you're a past participant!). Just quote 2018/5% on our booking form
Make your own lavender or laundry bags with some scrummy vintage French linen from Beyond France.
If you're lucky enough to live where the seasons are reversed, you might be looking for a frock that's a little special for the festivities. Meta Melbourne could be the answer.
Australia's answer to Delia Smith, Donna Hay recipes never fail to deliver and we recommend a subscription to her yummy magazine - download the Christmas edition full of seasonal recipes.
How about a charming print (or commission a painting) by the gifted watercolourist and past participant at LSA, Kay Elliott (no relation, I promise )?
Another of our past participants, Jone Hallmark of Santa Fe, is a prolific and creative force. Her delightful felt broaches and "magic" mushrooms are all available on her Etsy page and are perfect for young and old alike!
We've been searching for a full-finger mitten pattern we really love for quite some time. Download this Ossify Mitt pattern in short order and you might have that homemade gift to present to your beloved on Christmas Day!
Ah..... what can we say about Cashmere Tights that isn't implicit in those very words? 100% comfort and warmth and soooo current.....
If you have a little more change in your pocket for something special then some wonderful calligraphy stitched onto an equally beautiful quilt might be just the ticket. Coma Workshops of Colorado.
A little heartfelt gift for anyone who is constantly in danger of losing their keys (we have a red one that's easy to see in our handbag or desk). Gorgeous soft leather keyring, in a variety of colours with your phone number embossed in case of loss.
Morgan Brig's extraordinary mixed media sculptures are simultaneously startling and equisite. Available through several galleries in the US, they would be perfect for someone with a taste for the avant-garde.
More interested in des choses traditionnelles? You're bound to find something of interest at Suzie Meek's French Country Living website with its constantly updated array of vintage French "finds" like this magi crown, perfect for the season.
Christopher Neimann is an illustrator, artist, and author whose quirky work has appeared on the covers of The New Yorker, WIRED and The New York Times Magazine. We particularly enjoy his cats cradle poster though you can buy his original drawings as well.
All our very best seasonal wishes and looking forward to meeting (again) some of you.
Katie, Susie and Carol
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