It's beginning to look a bit like Christmas...

Merry Christmas to come, to anyone reading this during the advent season. Grudgingly, even this old Grinch needs to accept that it's getting close now that December is well upon us. though I refuse to decorate the cottage until at least a fortnight of the month is passed. However, my eldest spotted something on her estate recently, sent me a pic and asked if I might be able to replicate:

A pair of rustic reindeer? Challenge accepted, just needed to await our log delivery scheduled for earlier this week, and pick out some suitable branches. The end result is suitably festive, and with screws for eyes, twigs for antlers and red buttons for noses, a pair of Rudolphs were created. Ready to fly to Spencers Wood next time we go to visit Granddaughter #1.

Whilst getting into the festive spirit (early!!!) and having visited a craft fair in Ramsdell last weekend and chatting to a wood turner over there, I thought I'd copy something I saw, and make some christmas bells from a piece of seasoned cherry.

Parted off and finished, they now adorn one of the light fittings in the cottage, prior to the tree being erected when i can be bothered....

And whilst in the workshop with a mince pie, listening to the christmas back catalogue of half a century being played on the radio, I turned a wonky christmas tree from an apple branch lying around in the wood store.

So now well on the way, the smell of mulled wine emanating from the kitchen, it's time for that most awesome of festive films on the telly tonight. Die Hard!

Merry Christmas.