A Blessing for the New Year...

...with thanks to the lovely Faerwillow at www.tofallorstumbleupon.blog spot.com for sharing.

Happy New Year one and all. I hope to see you in 2012. X

Hearth and Home // Falling again...

...into a world of magic as woven by masters of word craft and storytelling.

In the past few days I have immersed myself in my most favourite of pastimes - reading. Not for work, for study or school - but for my own joy. I have finally made the time to read these recommendations, both of which I absolutely loved.

This is largely because I was incredibly lucky to be treated to an iPad for Christmas and therefore have instant access to a wealth of literature almost anywhere. But perhaps also because as the year draws to a close I am reflecting on where I am and where I want to be - and realising that I have neglected this love of mine. Wherever I find myself next year, I would like it to always be a small step away from falling back into that world of magical word craft.

Merry Christmas - Seasons Greetings

To those of you who have already celebrated it - belated Yule blessings.

To those of you who are celebrating Christmas tonight and tomorrow, may it be filled with joy.

And to anyone else out there reading this - I hope the last week in December is cheerful, and I look forward to seeing you in the New Year. 

Love and light,

Hearthwitch. xx

Three Word Thursday

One day left...

Hearth and Home // Yuletide Movies

After autumn's seasonal movie marathon, I am now working my way through my traditional Yuletide movie list.

These are my favourites...

That last one we always watch on Christmas Eve...I love family holiday traditions. 

What are your favourite Christmas, winter or Yuletide movies?

Hearth and Home // Crafting a Robin Branch

As promised last week, this post will hopefully show you how to craft a beautiful Yuletide branch of robins as a seasonal decoration. It is so simple, it barely needs any explanation!

You will need: 

* Feather robin ornaments (as many as you wish). Ours came from a garden centre, but you should be able to find them at craft shops or on ebay too.

* A log or branch which is big enough to sit your robins on.

* A drill with a small drill bit.

As the robin ornaments are intended to adorn a Christmas tree, they come with wire already attached. If you have robins which don't, simply use a large embroidery needle to make a hole in the robin and push some craft wire into the underside, looped in half and twisted to secure in place - or twist the wire around their little feet.

Once your robins are ready, you will need to drill small holes in your log - one for each robin. Twist the wire attached to the robin until it is thick enough to push into the hole and stay in place.

All done!

You could spray the log with fake snow, or glitter - or for a natural look adorn with some pieces of real holly, glued in place. 

Yuletide blessings and happy crafting!

Three Word Thursday

Tis the season...

Hearth and Home // Holidays are coming...

B and I have had a wonderful weekend at home, which is a rare pleasure these days.

We decided, as we are now into December (how did that happen?!) that we would put up a little tree...

It is our first Christmas tree as last year I opted for foliage from the hedgerow instead.

We decorated it together, made ourselves some winter spiced tea, ate mince pies and listened to Christmas tunes. Now I really feel in the festive spirit.

Don't you just love those cute little robins sitting in a row on a branch? There are some flying their way over to  me in the next few days and once they arrive I will share some crafty tips on how to make your own little robin branch decoration just in time for Yule.

Festive blessings everyone!