“The RoseBouquet”

Remember that I said last week to watch this spot for progress on Deacon’s Teddy bear? Well, here he is. I got him done last night, about midnight. (Now I just have to get Trevor and Joanne’s new address so I can send him to Deacon, my newest great-nephew).

It is that time of year when I start fussin’ and fiddling with this and that to make gifts, and get my Christmas mailing ready for my relatives and friends. I’ve forgotten just now how many years I’ve been doing an annual Christmas story as my gift. Usually that involves less bulky packaging, and less postage, and it is always original. No one can ever say they got another story-gift just like mine!

Well, I think I have that story written for this year, and my card designed, but I didn’t quite get the annual letter done last night that I send with it. It needs more editing polish and I think a few more photos inserted. It may take me the rest of this week yet.

My next problem will be to keep the ink cartridges in the printer filled. Last year I ended up making over 100 each of the card, the s tory and the letter. My cartridges need to be re-inked about every 40-50 sheets that go through, so I’m very glad I’ve ordered some bulk inks from ink-inkrefills-ink.com and can inject more ink. However, after about 13 refills, the cartridges need to be replaced too.

Last night as I was stitching on this teddy’s nose, I got to thinking, “I don’t enjoy crafts as much as I used to - maybe because I live in a different world most of my work days? Maybe because they take time - slow time.”

It would be great to streamline the printing process too, so if I can afford it, I might even go get a batch done at a place like Office Depot in the city.

I need to start on gifts soon as well, for the special ones!

So how much extra work do you make for yourself in preparing for Christmas?