This year I was determined not to get drowned in the busy hellishness that can be the lead up to Christmas. I actually found some time (in amongst packing loads of cake into boxes) to sit down and make some little Christmas gifts for the girls in the family.
Of course I left it all until the last minute so was madly twisting, crimping and wrapping in the final days before Christmas. Got everything finished in time and (hopefully) they liked my designs. It's so nice designing things for people when you really feel you know what they would like. Makes me so excited as I am working thinking about how they will react. See - it really IS possible to enjoy giving more than receiving!
These are a few charm bracelets I made. All sterling silver with Swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls and pretty little star sign and initial charms, so that each one is personalised.
Mum got one of these too, amongst other things. She has been not-so-subtly hinting all year that I have not made her anything yet. She got a mountain of Sweet Little Things jewellery designed by 'moi' this year! I wonder how much time that will buy me??
This one was for sister in law number 1. No particular order on the SILs, just that she was the first one that became one! I did this one because I know she loves green and pink and loads of colour. You could probably also guess she is a Cancer.
I luuurve this little 'hand made' charm. I almost stole the whole bag from one of the girls at beading class, but showed remarkable restraint for the first time in...like...ever!
I took inspiration for these from my favourite bead-buying site Fusion Beads. They had used organza ribbon to tie bows onto some earrings. I also had these silver fans lying around for ages and love them, but didn't know what do do with them. Topped off with some little garnets, I think they are kind of cute! These ones are for the 'soon to be' sister in law. That will be the 3rd one.

and then some swarovski & silver earrings for sister in law number 2. She looks fab in these kinds of greens and yellows.
So, that covered all the girls. Of course I couldn't make anything for the boys that they would like. It's a good thing then that they are happy with cake!
CCxx