Christmas In July

We are certainly not getting the weather that you would expect to be getting in July.  There has been a lot of wind around and rain which is a little disappointing.  What this does mean of course is that we are not getting out and about as much as we would hope.  We have succumbed to the lure of Christmas in July...it was a great temptation and it didn't take a lot of persuading.   I love it!  We have many lists and are ticking them off slowly whilst watching Christmas movies on movies 24 channel.  What fun.  Gift bags have been made with enormous tassels that have been put together with fabric, lace, ribbon and added embellishments such as bells and charms.

Beads and coil less safety pins add to the glamour of these wonderful additions.  To add to the pleasure a few buttons, a favourite pastime of mine sorting through my enormous collection of buttons.  The tassels soon became addictive and I also made one for my bible choosing the blue and green hues to match its cover.

I have also had some fun with oil ready for the Winter store cupboard.  This time an oil infused with citrus fruit, lemon, lime and mandarin.  The beautiful colour of the peel making it look very appealing, I hope it is as good as it looks.

The fruits didn't go to waste, very little goes to waste in my kitchen.  A citrus fruit cake was made and I can testify that it is indeed very tasty.  A drizzle and some peel added texture and taste.

I have also added another bottle of chive vinegar and some mixed herb oil to the store.

We are starting to harvest from the garden which brings us great pleasure, rocket and a variety of salad leaves are a daily occurrence and are so tasty.  More and more of the herbs are been picked and dried, so we feel good. 

Finally I had a package delivered on Friday which contained a book from Marilyn Moseley Through Love's Eyes.  I was delighted to receive it and will give you a proper review on my next post.  We have also just received our shielding letter, so plans are afoot for us to travel to see family in August.  I am hoping and praying that the guidelines remain positive so that we are able to do this.  It makes my heart sing knowing that I will be able to see them soon.

Take care wherever you are in the world and stay safe.  As always I thank you for your visit here to my blog and your comments.

See you soon.

Christmas In July

Sadly we have not been enjoying the lazy, hazy days of Summer.  The Summer weather seems to have passed us by but we have a lot to be thankful for so I am not complaining too much.  The incessant rain and lower than average temperatures have kept me indoors a little more than normal.  I have therefore taken advantage of the time and spent a wonderful few days enjoying Christmas in July.  I found a channel on the TV which shows some rather cheesy but uplifting Christmas films so there has been a lot of list making, planning and crafting going on.  We have now also made plans and booked our Christmas holiday away, so exciting times.

A start has been made on some of the wonderful panels that I brought back from America a couple of years ago...a swinging Santa holder and a Santa door panel.

These will become part of the package I sent to each of our daughters as an advent gift.  I am also working on a quilted table runner for another gift as part of a package.

I have trimmed a couple of tea towels to line baskets for hampers, they were fun to do sorting through my box of lace and crochet edges was quite the adventure.

Simple but effective and a lovely touch.

Mini rag wreaths were next on the agenda, using a curtain ring and scraps of fabric.  The fabric was cut to 1/2" by 5" strips and tied around the ring, a very easy and quick make which I intend to use as gift toppers.

Some coloured natural twine used for hanging to finish off.  One quickly became two and so on, I think you get the picture.

Not for everyone Christmas in July, but as a lover of Christmas I have quite enjoyed the process. 

See you soon.