The Netherlands ...

I love the Netherlands ....

In fact I think I would like to live there ... Not that I've ever been ...

But they have wonderful traditions ... Like welcoming Saint Nicholas on 5th December...

They have the prettiest tulips and the sweetest of people...

People like my dear friend Stella  who just sent me this package

which contained this ...

...beautiful die cuts and a huge letter "R" made of chocolate ... another of their lovely traditions

And would you believe that on the very same day, this arrived?

A traditional Dutch Christmas card, a handmade tea light holder complete with tea light " ... to lighten my darkest hours ..." and the most beautiful handmade yoyo's and crocheted snowflakes ... not to mention... 

yep, another one of those yummy chocolate bars

and these all came from the lovely Jeanneke ... who just happens to be one of Stella's many sisters!

But my happy mail did not stop there ... no, no ... The next day I received this absolutely STUNNING card from none other than the very talented Ira

This is even more beautiful in real life

So yep, I love the Netherlands and the kindness of these lovely ladies ... 

Thank You so much Stella, Jeanneke and Ira ....

I'm so glad we're friends 

Enjoy your Sunday 

~ Ros ~

An angel got her wings

It's Friday ... and another busy week has gone by ... 
Last night at club I learned that one of our sweet young girls Louise aged just 29 passed away in her sleep...
It is always so very sad to lose someone special and to my group of special needs it is always traumatic ... 
 They talked about it constantly - unable to comprehend that another one of their friends won't be coming back ... won't be dancing the night away at our Christmas party next week ... something Louise was well known for ... My room was so full I had to open up an adjoining one to accommodate everyone ... I had 4 wheelchairs too ... But keeping them occupied with creating helped...
 My heart goes out to Louise's family 


On a good note 
I am thrilled to say that my little Christmas House is being  shown on the Melissa Frances blog today!!

The original post with some Christmas cards using the same papers can be found Here 

(Gotta love those papers)

 Thank you Melissa Frances!

Have a wonderful day 

~ Ros ~

Second Post

A very quick second posting today ... 

I'm just scraping in with my very last entry for Jingle Belles Rock - our 48th card! 

Candy Kisses is the prompt ... I apologise for the poor quality photos ... it's night time here

I'm afraid this little chipboard candy canes is all I had for this pompt

A big ThankYou to Lauren and Stef who started this challenge and have worked hard all year so that those of us who joined in would have 48 Christmas cards done before 1st December!

You Gals Rock!

Till soon

~ Ros ~

Winter Wreath

I haven't entered any challenges in such a while ... but seeing the new challenge over at one of my favourite challenge blogs

The Shabby Tea Room 

 ... and this gorgeous photo 

Well I had to join in ... The challenge is to use neutral colours white / cream ... glitter and silver ... and I adore neutrals ... not to mention glitter 

I bought a plain white wicker heart for £3 a while ago with the intention of decorating it for Christmas and this was the perfect chance ... Sorry I forgot to photograph the heart beforehand so I'll show you a photo of the reverse which is just the same 

I made a whole bunch of flowers ... from paper, fabric and card and grabbed lots of trinkets I had around and this is the finished version

It's been so difficult to photograph so there are a lot of pictures in the hope you an see the glitter and the little trinkets too 

There are glittered and plain silver baubles ... pretty pieces of glass

I made lots of paper roses using sheet music and glittered every one

The snowflake and bell is a Christmas ornament covered in glitter and it sparkles beautifully

Icicles made from earrings

... hand sewn fabric flowers mixed with rolled cardstock flowers

I am really pleased with how this turned out and it looks so pretty hanging on the door

A lovely challenge ... right up my street

Have yourselves a wonderful day - Thanks for stopping by

~ Ros ~

City Crafter Santa Claus is Coming...

It's Tuesday already... my the weeks are flying by ... 

Before we know it the guy in the red suit will be on his way... 

So this week at City Crafter our hostess Linda is asking that we create a card or project with a Santa on ... 
Well I got that covered ... 

... Twice!

together with this little guy ...

and his frosty friend 

And I am thrilled to tell you that we have the very talented Jacira Guest Designing for us this week! 

Plus we have a fabulous sponsor Crop Stop who are offering a $15 gift certificate to the winner... 

So I hope you will join us ... we love to see your amazing creations

Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by

~ Ros ~

Shabby Wings

Sharing a little gift that will soon be heading across the ocean ...

To a sweet blog friend ... she'll understand the significance of these ...

... a little something I've been wanting to try ... do they look like the tattered wings of an angel?

I hope so ... 

... Cut from a tiny piece of a book and sealed into the box ... You can just see the seam ...

... all boxed up and ready to go...

"May Angels watch over you today..."

~Ros ~