This and That

The last few weeks have seen a crafting frenzy going on in this little cottage of ours.  I have had so much fun, planning little gifts for everyone.  I love the process of browsing through books and patterns, making lists and then making.  Even better the wrapping and embellishing of the gift, I love to make toppers and bows for my gifts.  A gift within a gift if you will...

I have decided to once again wrap in brown paper, so these bright burlap bows will give a touch of colour.  I did use a bow maker for the bows above and adjusted the rods to get a variety of sizes.  The Christmas music is now on and Gerard can often be heard singing along.  We like to get our jobs done and sit down for a film together about 3 o' clock, it is usually the Christmas channel.

Then I added to the pile some poinsettias adorned with a beautiful button, you do need wired ribbon but again they can be differing sizes.  One very quickly becomes two and so on.

I have also added some more soap, this time small Christmas trees.   Once again using melt and pour base soap and adding the scent of Christmas tree.

These have been put into a couple of glass jars and a linen stamped topper used to finish it off.   The stamp used was a Christmas tree to reflect its contents.  The perfect solution to any gift that needs adding to or spares for those unexpected guests.

Honey our youngest Grandaughter requested a picnic blanket so that she could have tea with her friends.  They all know who to phone when they want something making.  It was quickly made and posted so she could enjoy afternoon tea.

It certainly is a wonderful time of year.  Although I am aware how hard it can be for some.  The list is going down quite quickly as I cross each little thing off.  At one point I was adding more than I was ticking off, the frenzy before the calm.  Are you a list maker?  I have added some more Harris Tweed notebooks for that very thing, list making.  Another little gift, made with love.

Gerard is going across the moor today for his assessment I will go with him and have a walk around the town and the new An Lanntair display.  We are then across again tomorrow as I have an appointment with the Consultant regarding my shoulder which is still very painful.

As always I thank you for your visit, support and comments.

See you soon.

Sandalwood Soap

Another day and this time another soap.  I needed something a little more masculine so that  I had a additional gift for the men in my life.  This time still using melt and pour so nothing to taxing a scent of Sandalwood added and little orange colouring.

I did have fun with the swirls which adds a little interest to the finished product.  Alcohol rubbing oil was sprayed over them and became the glue which keeps the whole thing together.  I did have difficulty locating it as the chemist in town didn't stock it and when I tried to order it on line they wouldn't deliver to the Island.  Those that would the postal charges were more than the spray.  All is well that ends well, I have some now.

The orange section at the bottom was an argon oil based melt and pour that I added a little orange colouring to.

Packed in cellophane and tied with some natural twine.

We are going to have an easy day today, I may do a little crafting but Gerard has had a flare up of RA.  It is affecting his ankles and knees and he his struggling so we will keep warm and rest today.  Tomorrow is another day.

Hope all is well with you.

See you soon.

Another Fun Filled Day

Thank you so much for all your comments regarding the bag, it was a kit that came with die cut shapes that I ironed onto some fabric and then stitched to a canvas bag.   I found  the kit whilst on a trip to Florida USA,  an exciting find that cost 50 cents.   It also included a craft sheet so that I can cut out the pattern again.  A real bargain.

I have added some needle cases to the gift cupboard, they are a perfect pop into a card type gift.  A little something to let someone know they are in your thoughts.  I am a great fan of Harris Tweed so this was the fabric of choice and the inner I used felt.

I have also had a little fun with making a soap each for the Grand children.  They really enjoyed using the ones that I made some time ago which included a mini dinosaur.  This time I chose their favourite animal and encased it between two layers with a rather nice Christmas  tree scent.

A quick squirt of alcohol rub soon got rid of the air bubbles and a little push soon immersed the figure completely into the soap.

Soon ready for wrapping and labelling.  This time a wooden button used to enhance the name tag and give them a clue as to the scent.

I can always fill my day and enjoy the process of making and crafting.  I may have to slow down for awhile as I am having an issue with my shoulder but I have plenty of books that I want to read.  Each day is a blessing and I take each day as it comes.  We have no real plans for the weekend.  Have you anything exciting planned on your calendar?

See you soon.

Soap Making

I am feeling so much better today, I have got up feeling so much more refreshed and rejuvenated after taking time out to rest.  Unfortunately I or should I say "we" have had a tummy bug which laid us both low.  Thankfully it didn't last long and some normality can resume.

I was asked about the herbs that I dry.  I haven't any special equipment for this I just cut the herb such as mint into bunches, tie with string and hang in the kitchen to dry.  This usually takes about 4 - 6 weeks.  I then using forefinger and thumb rub the dried leaf until it crumbles, taking out the stems.  I also use a ice cube tray for freezing fresh herbs adding a little water to pre-cut herbs.  All ready to add to stews and casseroles.  Hope that helps.

Prior to having the tummy upset I did have some fun in the kitchen making soap.  Actually, I used melt and pour so I didn't technically make it.    I did have so much fun, adding colour and scent.  Dried cranberries, oats and lavender buds added to the fun too.

It was a slow process building up the layers, using an alcohol rub to ensure they stuck together.  It was fun adding colour and making swirls down the middle.

I even used some of the dried mint in one.

My kitchen was a feast for the senses for several hours.  It was left overnight to dry and the I had more fun wrapping the soaps in cellophane.

Raffia, a tag and finished with a button.  I really enjoyed going through the buttons choosing each one to match the colour scheme.

Five different varieties, thirty soaps in all.  All ready for stockings and gifts for Christmas.

Thank you for all your comments and emails.  Gerard managed to drive to town and back on his own but it stressed me out a little and he was tired when he returned.  We are going back to the old routine for little while longer and I will do the food shop while he is in rehab and then I can drive back.

See you soon.

PS Can you spot the deliberate spelling mistake?  I have just noticed I have spelt lavender wrong...