Sweet Mary

MERRY CHRISTMAS all !!!

I usually like my Christmas trees to be traditional, decorated with memories, old and new. I always start with a theme but by the end I have hung just about everything on it but the kitchen sink. However, this tree on Ponsonby Road in Auckland took my fancy when visiting last weekend. Shining brightly through the night with seriously addictive colour changes.

I bought these two gorgeous girls from Bedside Manor in Havelock North village - beautifully handmade by the owner. Originally they were going to be gifts for small ones but I found I couldn't part with them so on my tree they hang, smiling at me every time I pass.

A few years ago I wanted to make a red and white quilt for our bed. Over quite a few months it became quite an obsession to collect different fabrics - everywhere I looked I found red and white prettiness. Somehow that quilt never got made so today I decided to make Christmas bunting out of some of it. Delightfully time consuming but very easy and fun when you make it with a friend - thank you Donna for the lovely company, the delicious lunch and the beautiful Bonne Maman jars for my buttons - and thanks for those too! The finished product, all 10 metres of it, to decorate the gazebo under which we will eat our Christmas meal, summer weather permitting.

I have had a couple of phone calls from customers asking if I have any Sweet Mary Christmas decorations left. Unfortunately I don't but the Redcurrent shops in Havelock North and Wellington do. So, if you have the need, pop in there for a little seasonal shopping.

Early morning set-up, last Sunday at the first and very successful Hawke's Bay Design Market organised by Julia and Paula. Held at Ormlie Lodge on what turned into a hot, hot Hawke's Bay day Have to move down here because no matter how much I try the cursor will not let me click after the "y". Anyone know what the problem is? Anyway, the temperature hit a high of 30 degrees celcius and it certainly felt very hot in my sunny bay window spot. The crowds poured in from the 10am opening which mean't the sales were excellent. The atmosphere was great and everyone seemed to be having a good time despite the heat. Lots of friends stopped by to say hello and some to shop. And the two lovely ladies below, fellow stall holders, made sure I had breaks for food, drink and a quick browse. Thank you all x Photo: Charlotte and Caroline from Charlotte Rowlands Jewellery (gorgeous stuff) browsing my Sweet Mary stall.