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Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah

Phoebe and Bertie stare at their first Christmas tree, photo by Elizabeth RuffingMerry Christmas and happy Hanukkah! I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays. Phoebe and Bertie are having their first Christmas, and this is their first tree. We just brought it into the house today. They were impressed, but Phoebe thought it smelled weird at first.

Phoebe and Bertie stare at their first Christmas tree, photo by Elizabeth RuffingWe found some shatter-resistant ornaments at Michael’s. Phoebe has been pulling them, one at a time, off the tree, chasing them around on the carpet, and rolling with them in the hall. Bertie is hanging out right next to the tree, sniffing it, and occasionally tasting it. She might have a little cold this week, which may be why she is doing more hanging out than chasing.

Phoebe swats a Christmas ornament, photo by Elizabeth RuffingDuring the night, I am sure they will be swatting at the decorations. This is Josephine’s first Christmas tree too. She hasn’t been as interested as the kittens, even though she is almost a kitten herself. She will likely join in after dark. We have two fat bungee cords strapped around the table to keep that tree in place. We’ll see if that works!

Bertie stands next to her first Christmas tree, photo by Elizabeth RuffingIn addition to helping me decorate the tree, Bertie helped my mom address cards this year. There is still baking to do. Bertie probably won’t be so interested in that part, but she does like to try to swipe people food, no surprise since Phoebe and Bertie came from a restaurant.

Bertie helps mom write Christmas cards, photo by Elizabeth RuffingWe did all our errands so we can stick close to home this weekend, and avoid all the last-minute shoppers. I will probably do some sewing, watch movies, and relax. This Hug Me Toad is one of the many handmade art toys I made and sent out to new homes for the holidays. It is fun to think of my toys surprising people and making them smile. I hope you all have a very happy week! I will be posting my new handmade stuffed animal toys in our Ruffing’s shop.

Green Hug Me Toad, sitting in a tree, original sock doll art toy by Elizabeth Ruffing

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Hug Me Bugs handmade stuffed animals and a birthday

Green polka dot fleece Hug Me Bug, original art toy by Elizabeth RuffingI made some fun new Hug Me Bugs this week, in novelty fleece. I also experimented with taking their portraits on bright, cheerful colors.

Pink flowered fleece Hug Me Bug, original art toy by Elizabeth RuffingI sewed up bugs with polka dots, flowers, and even pink camouflage.

Pink camouflage fleece Hug Me Bug, original art toy by Elizabeth RuffingI will be posting my new handmade stuffed animal toys in our Ruffing’s shop.

Lavender fleece Hug Me Bug, original art toy by Elizabeth RuffingOthers are waiting under trees for Christmas morning, or maybe they’ve been discovered and unwrapped early. I made a pink fleece Hug Me Kitten too. She’s also a gift for someone this weekend.

blue and pink camouflage fleece Hug Me Bugs, medium pink fleece Hug Me Kitten original art toys by Elizabeth RuffingI had some nice gifts of my own this week. My mom made me this beautiful cheesecake for my birthday.

Cheesecake out of the oven, photo by Elizabeth RuffingWe ate it with strawberries on top, after having Chinese food.

Beautiful birthday cheesecake, photo by Elizabeth RuffingI received some fancy cookies, and this super box of 100% cotton Mettler thread. There is plenty of room for even more colors. It came with a nice selection, but I will add some more too.

Mettler 100% cotton thread set in organizer, photo by Elizabeth RuffingA few purples, light blue, and bright light green, and I think I will have a color for just about any fabric.

Mettler 100% cotton thread set in organizer, photo by Elizabeth RuffingHancock Fabrics had a big sale on fleece this week, and so we went to look. I couldn’t resist getting some, even though I have lots of fleece. I wanted to add to my bright colors.

Bright fleece, drying on the porch, photo by Elizabeth RuffingI pre-washed all of it, and put it out to dry on the porch.

Bertie lounging in window, photo by Elizabeth RuffingWe had sleepy, gray weather this week, perfect for napping, and for sitting on the bed, doing my hand sewing. I was beaten to my favorite spot by cats. I kept trying to fit in around them.

Phoebe napping on Berkshire Fluffie Blanket, photo by Elizabeth Ruffing