yule
Winter celebrations 2025!
27 December 2025
The run up to xmas is always a bit hectic with jewellery orders, which came later this year for some reason, meaning very tight December deadlines for me. I'm so pleased to have got them all completed on time. It is such a fulfilling moment when I can make a lovely xmas for my children so they are not missing out just because I'm a single parent (always a worry I have).
We bought our tree at the end of November, this year we got a little tree in a pot which even came with a small birds nest in! These days I just let the kids do the tree and I do the rest of our flat. My son and I made a brass garland with stars and he did the moon.
Our tiny tree sapling from a few years ago is still alive!
It is a bit tight without a separate dinning room. We always have Xmas dinner in the evening (family tradition) so that we can have candlelit dinner. So for lunch I just put some snacks out. I used this little victorian wash stand (that used to be my daughters desk) which is handy because you can put plates and cutlery in the draw! My mum came over for xmas day this year.
I love that our dog has her own stocking and presents and really joins in the whole fun. We all laugh and spend a few minutes to give her belly rub and help her open her gifts.
Remote controlled concentration.
I have had these vintage star baking tins for years as they perfectly hold a tealight.
It has been a great year, a sense of stability with regards to my business, Only Through Shadows, which is 5 years old now! Considering all the obstacles this year for the jewellery trade, I'm so proud that I have managed to keep going and keep making. I can't wait to make new things, so many ideas always whizzing around in my head! I have also been keeping quite fit by walking my dog so much. I would never find the motivation without her, she's the best! So enthusiastic for life (and cheese)
P and L are doing well too, its a funny age gap now, as my daughter is now a teen and my son still at Primary school, so they are not as close as the used to be in some ways. Sometimes I think you just have to accept the ebb and flow of children growing up, changing one minute and then reverting back the next minute. I now just trust the process. At least at xmas they are both like little kids again which is lovely.
As for me, I am just happy to be growing old, grateful for that privilege. Next year I will be 48!
I'm sure I will be back here with a similar blog post...
Best wishes to you all for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
Thank you for visiting my blog, love from us...Artemis, P, L and Otterdog xxxx
Xmas 2024!
26 December 2024
Happy Xmas everyone! Here are some pictures of xmas dinner number two (we had a big family dinner on the 21st), just us three and the dog in the end. Although they did not consume any alcohol, it was like an evening with two small drunk people.
Otterdog was a bit bonkers too and ended up having a seat at the table.
...Early morning stocking chaos, I even had a stocking myself which I was glad I had forgotten what I put in it, so it was actually quite exciting!
I love having all the fairy lights and candles everywhere, its the best bit of xmas for me.
I was so tired, I just melted into the sofa.
I wish you all a very merry rest of the year, and a wonderful, best ever new shiny year!
Happy 2025!! From Me, P, L & Otterdog xxx
The First week of December
7 December 2024
Happy December everyone! As usual this month is a bit hectic with jewellery orders and getting our home all ready for xmas too. I have been collecting some greenery and berries whilst out on dog walks, and I tried my best to make a 'circular' wreath. It's a bit wonky. I really love these little cardboard trees and house that my son made out of a delivery box. Think I'll keep them forever.
This year is the first xmas with a mantlepiece in our flat! I made it and installed some panelling and pegs too, which are just right for hanging our stockings (yes, I fill my own stocking, what of it?) The dog gets one too of course.
That baby tree is from last year and it survived a whole summer of not being watered. That's my kind of tree.
I'm trying out some led candles too, because there was so much black soot on the walls I had to repaint already. I prefer flames though so we'll see.
The kid's job is to decorate the tree...I love these owls tucked in amongst the branches...
I have washed the sofa covers and they're still not dry, hence various blankets ands rugs instead. Everything non xmassy get relegated to the top of the cabinet.
We even had some snow last month! A very rare occurrence here in the Isle of Wight. It lasted 45 minutes then melted.
I will be taking jewellery orders until the 17th December (as it takes me a few days to make each order) so there is still time if you are considering purchasing. Some things will take too long to make for xmas, but most things are still available. Message me if in any questions!
I hope you are all keeping warm and safe out there during this storm...
Thanks for reading, Artemis x
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