There seems to be a break in Southern California’s parade of rain.  It’s been so dark these past few days, I almost felt like we’ve been enclosed in a gigantic submarine finding its way along the bottom of the ocean floor.  Now we’ve finally come back up to the surface, hurray!  So here it is, beautiful and white winter light.   They say, though, more rain is on its way.

Dark days aren’t the best for picture-taking but they are quite suitable to hunkering down in blankets and quilts, sipping hot chocolate (I’ve basically replaced water, tea and any other beverage with hot cocoa which may not be the healthiest way to go but it certainly is delicious), and lots of reading.

I’ve been reading so many good books lately.  I’ve just started “The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate” and I’m already in love.  You know how sometimes when you start reading a book, especially by an author who is new to you, and you may have to stumble a bit getting used to his or her voice before getting sucked into the story?  Not with this one.  From the first word on the page I was immediately drawn into that world.  Like going to sleep and falling into a dream, mid-scene.

I’m so glad Christmas and the new year are on their way.  I haven’t decided if I’m going to close down shop for a few days but I’m always reachable via email or this blog.

OH!  I’m going to move my current Etsy shop to a new one: http://thefabledneedle.etsy.com sometime before or in the beginning of January.   Yes, it’s all part of the big name change from love, Liette to The Fabled Needle.   This should be the last of it!

Happy Solstice and Happy Holidays, everyone!  Be well and I’ll be back soon.

Thank you so much for entering my Vintage Paper Garland Giveaway.  Without further ado, the winner is #16…Also Jen!

(Jen, I’ll be emailing you shortly to get your mailing address.)

…….

Gosh, I can hardly believe Christmas is only 10 days away, how the holidays are just zipping by.  Luckily I’m pretty much done with gift shopping, shipping, etc.  And in just about 2 weeks I’ll be turning 35, which really hasn’t sunken in.   I mean, I don’t feel or act 35 that’s for certain!

The weather has cooled off again (it just doesn’t feel like Christmas to me when it’s 80 degrees outside) and I’m very glad of it.  We’ve been enjoying a parade of warm and hearty soups here at the Fabled Needle house including shrimp wonton, Whaler’s Stew, chicken cilantro and, most likely today, split pea with bacon.

I hope you are enjoying the holidays, or at least our official transition into winter (or summer for our Southern Hemi friends)!

This year we got a little tree, an “elf” tree if you will.  Maybe 3′ tall, it’s so cute!  I was afraid it would be “enough” but my husband and I really like it.  I kept the decorations simple and mostly red: homemade magic mushrooms, glittery poison apples, Seuss-ian candy globes, fairy lights and, of course, my vintage paper garland.

Speaking of, if you haven’t already, make sure to enter the Vintage Paper Garland Giveaway.  It’s a short run (ends later Tuesday night) so I don’t want anyone to miss a chance to win your very own paper garland made by me!  A winner will be randomly selected Wednesday, December 15th,  and announced on the blog.

Happy Weekend, folks!  I’m working on a big-ish illustration project that is consuming most of my creativity right now (although I might stop for a sewing break at one point).

I hope it’s not too late to incorporate a little handmade something into your holiday decorating!  Here’s a merry little giveaway just for you…

A few years ago I stumbled upon this vintage 1940s gift wrap in the $1 bin at the flea market.  The vendor seemed more than happy to be rid of it and even made a comment like “Well, if you think you can do something with it.”  Granted, the paper was quite fragile but the sweet illustrations more than made up for that.  I knew immediately what I would make of it but alas, during the rush of the holiday season it never became a priority.  But finally I decided to check it off my mental to do list so I wouldn’t have to think about it anymore!

Here it is, a 9′ garland (plus a little extra string at the ends) made from vintage Christmas wrapping, kraft paper, red & white striped candy twine and a dusting of gold glitter.  I had so much fun making it, I made 2.  One for me and one for a lucky Fabled Needle reader.

All you need to do is leave a comment and tell me what your favorite DIY holiday craft is.  It could be anything really: decor, food, clothing, cards, etc.  It could be something you’ve made, something you’ve received or something you hope to make!  (And like me, it’s taken you a while to get ’round to it.)

Because the season is upon us, this giveaway only goes through Tuesday, December 14th and closes at Midnight PT; open to everyone.  I hope you’ll participate – good luck, dears!