christmas ideas

i couldnt sleep last night because my mind was racing. one of the things it kept coming back to was christmas card designs and gift ideas. i very much want to hand make most of my gifts this year. is this going to be harder? i dont know. i will let you know. today a friend gave me a wonderful vintage baby memory book from 1955. in great shape (still in the box!) and full of wonderful vintage illustrations. i am delighted with the whole thing, but the best part about the book is that all the way through it is sprinkled with these wonderful softies that remind me quite a bit of mama duck from little birds. so many great ideas!! i had to scan my favorites to share.


i think i am seriously in love with this giraffe... is that weird? i just love it...


the red elephant is killing me...


too sweet for words perhaps? i think so.


have i ever mentioned that i was obsessed with scotties when i was 12? i was. we are talking scottie notepads, stationary, pins to go with my scottie sweaters. about the only thing scottie i didnt have was a live dog. much too expensive. i feel the obsession kicking back in when i look at this picture. must be careful...


but maybe i wll begin a new obsession with doxies? maybe? ok, i might be just a little too excited about these pictures, but i have a lot of babies/toddlers on my christmas list this year!! im envisioning lots of wool felt and most definitely the little collars with bells. any advice on actually making softies is more than welcome, since i have only tried once or twice and i dont really know what im doing. also, who was it that had a good source for inexpensive wool roving/stuffing? i think its time to get a little organized on this whole gift making thing, to get my softies in a row so to speak. hee, hee...