Lilac Time

I think this must be the most beautiful time of year, isn't it?  Just about everything that can bloom here is doing so:  the apple and cherry trees are frothy with blossoms and buzzing with bees, and the lilacs are showing off like I have never seen them do before.  I guess they are all grateful our extra cold winter is behind us too!

Last weekend was Mother's Day, and I thought it might be fun to have tea outside as the weather could not have been better.  I got out my pretty dishes and Murchies Earl Grey; Mr. Crafty World bought some lovely sweet cakes from the Italian bakery.

Every time I pull out my silver tea pot I keep thinking, "I really need a tea cozy for this one".  So promptly after tea was finished I set to work making one.  I used the 'Gather Lilacs' tea cozy pattern from Issue 51  of Bustle and Sew magazine.  I have to tell you it was quite the sensory delight to stitch lilacs outside while being able to smell the lilacs all around me!  That afternoon I got the embroidery finished and on Friday night I constructed the cozy.

It was a lot of fun choosing the fabric for the patchwork.  It's a good thing I don't have a huge selection of purple fabrics or I probably would have been paralyzed by indecision!

The lilac fabric was perfect for the backing.  I have been waiting for a chance to use it.

The inside is another piece of thrifted fabric.  I thought it had a nice, vintage look to it with its green background and purple roses.

Tea, anyone?

Thanks for visiting!

xoJenn

December 2014

It came in a flash and went out just as quickly: now we are on the eve of a new year and new stuff to do!  I really wanted to maximize what little spare time I felt I had in December to do seasonal things, and avoid feeling stressed at what should be a happy time of year.   I think I rather like posting at the end of the month because I get a better feeling of accomplishment.
I started the month with a finished family room!  This project had been in process for a while, and even longer in my head.  Now this is probably my favourite room in the house:

I have to confess I am not so great about sending Christmas cards.  I always want to make my own, yet can't seem to find the time to sit down and make them.  I keep hoping I will do it and then it becomes so late I either send out those ones from the Diabetes association to arrive after the holiday or none at all.  Guilt, guilt, guilt.  This year I was on top of the game:  home made cards for (almost) everybody and mailed before December 12!  My secret?  I made these cards last year, too late to send then, but just waiting for my messages this year.

My only gaffe was in not sending one to our friends in Australia; I miss the international mail deadline every year, so have decided to send one to them at another time of year.  That way I can write a nice long and newsy letter.  Promise!

Eighteen little snowmen were created; most of them as favours for a tea I had for the volunteers I work with:

 I got a fair bit of other crafting done as well, making it a very satisfying month:

An enjoyable little stitching project from a British craft magazine.

Hearts made from the left-overs of my thrifted sweater pillow:

A new bauble wreath to brighten the front door:  this time made with unbreakable baubles:

Two of eight clothes-pin snowflakes made on a craft morning with a neighbour.  I hung these in my front window and they looked really pretty from outside.  I may even keep them up for January.

The only cross stitch ornament I made this holiday:  gifted to friends who had visited Paris this summer. Stitched over one on 28 ct. fabric this nearly did my eyes in!

More pillows made from thrifted fabrics:  this time a navy cabled sweater and wool kilt.

In the lazy afterglow of the big day I have been making away as well.  My Favourite Girl convinced me this fabric would be perfect for my crafting space so I used it to re-cover my swivel chair.  She's a smart girl, that one!

 I made these chubby little bugs from a Tilda book borrowed from the library.  I think it's Tilda's Spring Ideas.  My Favourite Girl said they look like Teletubbies with wings and I think she's right:

And there you have it:  December.  Now the decorations are packed away; the cookies almost eaten; the tree will come down tomorrow ('cause we're a little superstitious in our family about that) and we can embrace a new year.

Wishing you a New Year filled with health, happiness, creativity and all things good!

Aromatherapy

Our crafty world has been smelling very good these last few days.  Starting with these:

 ...pilferred from the neighbors tree.  Since they were hanging well over our side of the fence I felt justified in cutting them off.  Oh my did they smell heavenly!

On Thursday Mr. Crafty World and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary, and he brought home this lovely bouquet of roses:

Over the weekend I decided to dabble a bit with some embroidery. 

 Those bullion roses are enough to drive anyone up the wall!  For my first attempt I'm happy enough with it, and finished it off as a small sweet bag filled with lavender.

Today while My Favorite Boy happily kneaded and squished some homemade playdough (scented with coconut extract!), I made some bath fizzers. 

 I haven't made these in years, and it was lovely to get back into it. 

On the left I have coconut/mango/pineapple with chunky sea salt and on the right is lily of the valley.  I used a vintage baking mold and I love how they look like little cakes.  I ran out of a few ingredients, but am definitely planning on making some more.  I have tried a lot of recipes for making fizzers, but this one has always been my favorite. 

Bath Fizzers

2 tablespoons of citric acid

2 tablespoons corn starch

1/2 cup baking soda

2-3 tablespoons light oil - I use almond oil, but you can use grapeseed, apricot kernel, even sunflower though it's a bit heavier.  Just make sure you aren't allergic to whatever oil you use!  I used 2 tablespoons.

1/4 or so teaspoons fragrance/essential oil

3-6 drops food coloring if you want

Mix everything in a bowl.  You will probably have to get in there with your fingers and rub it all together.  Shape it into balls (if you used lots of oil), or pack it into a mold.  Let it rest and dry out for a few hours before storing in an airtight container. 

Have fun!

I had four people express interest in the Polstitches chart.  I used the ultra scientific method of throwing a dice to pick the recipient.  I rolled a two, so that means it's going to Annette.  Annette, can you please email me and give me your address?  I will send it off shortly. 

Thank you to all those who left me nice messages; it really makes my day!