Tuesday, 7 February 2017

The Christmas Challenge. Show and Tell from January, Part 2.

I am so impressed by how much everyone achieved in January!  After last week I wondered if there would be much more but there sure is!

I hope you find both ideas and inspiration!

Our first pictures are from Kelley.

First of all she has been stitching greeting cards. What an idea! How special, personal and lovely!



Seeing this I wondered why on earth I never thought of it! Thank you Kelley this is an idea I can use for sure!  I won't be the only one thinking this!



And another idea...  Kelley had a purchased embroidery floss holder. Using that as a template she used a tissue box to get started on cutting out more.


And she kept going until she organised all her embroidery floss!


She also made some cards suitable for Valentines Day...


Thank you Kelley you have managed to combine card making and embroider, inexpensive and lovely plus recycling! 

Next we have Cookie. Remember the beautiful jars that Cookie painted? Previously we have had fabric baskets and a variety of other things ... she also quilts!

                                                                                                         
This year she is having a "use it up" challenge and she used bigger bits in this quilt and smaller bits in this one...



Beautiful. An enormous amount of work to have achieved so early in the year!  I was trying to use x ray vision to see Cookie... if that is her behind these quilts!  You have used your winter really well Cookie!

Jane sent me more photos. She featured last week as well.  This is wonderful to see!
She made bath bombs...


They look so professional. They are so expensive in the stores!

She also made Lavender Salve and re useable make up wipes...



The makeup wipes are something I really need to make. Brilliant idea.

And Frangipani Bath Bombs...  Frangipani to me is so beautiful. Amazing work Jane. Plus I'm guessing you had a lot of fun working on all of this!


Leigh made wrist warmers for her daughter....



And Lip Balm. These look lovely. 



For more information see her blog at A Chat over Coffee.   Thank you Leigh these are beautiful.

Jan world a beautiful edging which she sewed onto a towel...



I love edgings.  This is a stunning one!

If you didn't find any ideas from everyones efforts I am going to throw in the towel! haha not really but there are wonderful things that make me want to try more things and get crafting as the last couple of weeks I have mainly been cooking.

I hope I haven't forgotten anyone. It has been a really busy week.  Lucy and Scarlett are home from hospital and I got to help bath her last night! Oh my goodness she is so cute!
Today and tomorrow are  41 degrees ( about 106) which I don't love!

Kelley has asked for prayers for her precious Mum who is 77 and had just been diagnosed with
cancer.   She could really do with some lifting up at this time.  We didn't get the nickname "crafty prayer warriors" for nothing so lets get to it!

See you on Friday! xxx
at

63 comments:

  1. Mrs. Kelley Dibble7 February 2017 at 16:12

    That spools-of-thread quilt is so wonderful! I loved all of the contributions, but those quilts... whoa!

    Christmas-on!

    *hugs*
    Kelley~

    P.S. Thanks, Bluebird Nation, for your prayers for my mother. xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous8 February 2017 at 03:00



      Kelley, I'm glad you've identified yourself!! Your work is stunningly beautiful! It is a joy to see! Quality materials, though simple, certainly can become beautiful gifts, as yours are!! Thank you!

      For your dear mother, may the Eternal lead her on His path, where the fears of the enemy are replaced with the peace that surpasses all understanding, through Christ's atonement for us all!

      Regards,
      Rachel

      Delete
    2. Mrs. Kelley Dibble8 February 2017 at 04:19

      Rachel,

      Your kindness is deeply appreciated.

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

      Delete
    3. Anonymous8 February 2017 at 09:53

      Kelley, I absolutely LOVE your clever embroidered cards, especially the Valentine's ones. I am praying for your mom.

      Jeanette

      Delete
    4. Anonymous9 February 2017 at 19:41

      I'll pray for your Mum too, Kelley. Love, Bridge

      Delete
  2. Kath Mattus7 February 2017 at 16:13

    Kelley ((((hugs))) praying for your Mom! You are a so talented with a needle and thread! Must say I like the first card you made, what a special name... lol (wink)

    And look at those quilts! I am a quilter also, and can very much appreciate the time involved in creating such beautiful art. I currently have 4 or 5 I need to finish off. I love piecing the top, but when it comes to filling and backing...well, not so good. Time I gave myself a kick in the seat and finished them!

    Lovely work ladies!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous8 February 2017 at 03:03

      Kathryn, your name certainly is extra pretty today!
      Just think of how wonderful you will feel when just one quilt has its batting and backing in place, and then is all quilted and bound! It will be very satisfying to reach the end!
      Regards,
      Rachel

      Delete
    2. Mrs. Kelley Dibble8 February 2017 at 04:20

      Kathryn,

      Thank so much for your thoughts and prayers.

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

      Delete
    3. Annabel8 February 2017 at 15:09

      Kathryn when you are finished them I hope we get to see! xxx

      Delete
  3. Nanna Chel7 February 2017 at 17:55

    Annabel some beautiful ideas there already so early in the year. Congratulations on the arrival of little Scarlett! How lovely that you were able to help with her bath. You are a good Nanna and I am sure Lucy loves having you nearby to give her a hand. I will keep Kelley's mum in my prayers.

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous8 February 2017 at 03:23

      Thank you kindly, Nanna Chel, for your comments! It has been wonderful to see how your sourdough has taken over Annabel's home (ha ha!!), and how we can all inspire each other!
      Regards,
      Rachel

      Delete
    2. Mrs. Kelley Dibble8 February 2017 at 04:21

      Nanna Chel,

      Thank you so much for your prayers for Mum.

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

      Delete
  4. patsy7 February 2017 at 18:14

    Annabel, where do I even start! What beautiful work everyone has done! I love them all, the cards, the bath bombs, the embroidery floss holders, the quilts, the crocheting, the lip balm and the reusable make-up wipes! My to-do list from your blog is getting longer and longer!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous8 February 2017 at 03:20

      Hi Patsy!
      Thank you for calling by! It's therapeutic to see such homely dedication in action, isn't it?!
      Regards,
      Rachel

      Delete
  5. Anonymous7 February 2017 at 18:43

    Dear Annabel and bluebirds,
    Firstly, Kelley I will keep your mum in my thoughts and send best wishes your way.
    Wow ladies you are all so talented , I will have to get moving and create something worthy of show and tell next month. I am making cards but I must try at least one new idea seen here today. Thank you Ladies , I love all of your creative works , the bath bombs look excellent , the quilts are amazingly beautiful, the makeup wipes are a genius invention, the lip balm looks lovely , the edging on the towel is exquisite , the wrist warmers are colourful and practical. Lovely ladies , you have outdone yourselves and it is only February!. I am ready to create something different to my usual cards I might look back over the show and tells from a few months plus I have some new blogs and Pinterest etc to look at. I will get moving soon and put ideas into action!. I hope baby Scarlett continues to bring you joy Annabel, how lovely that you got to bath her . Take care everyone . Love Barb W.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous8 February 2017 at 03:06

      I'm looking forward to seeing your handmade cards, Barb! Will there be any special reflective effects like last year?!!!!
      Regards,
      Rachel

      Delete
    2. Mrs. Kelley Dibble8 February 2017 at 04:22

      Barb,

      Go for it! Look forward to your new creations!

      ~Kelley

      Delete
    3. Annabel8 February 2017 at 15:12

      Dear Barb, In the hot weather it is good to have something inside to quietly work on. I hope you get lots of cards made. It is very hot here yesterday and today. And yesterday they turned the power off to 40,000 houses so we are worried for today especially at Lucy's
      house. thank you for encouraging everyone! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  6. Fiona7 February 2017 at 18:51

    Amazing work everyone. So impressive especially considering it's so hot. I got my sewing machine back from its first service on Friday. I've made a few tea towels and embroidered them and a couple of baby things but nothing worth showing.

    Kelley healing thoughts for your mum

    Fi xx

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous8 February 2017 at 03:09

      Fiona!! Nothing worth showing?!!!! Now, that's against the rules!
      I'd love to see your creations - next time! I love tea towels, and baby things are so cute!!
      Ha ha!
      Regards,
      Rachel

      Delete
    2. Mrs. Kelley Dibble8 February 2017 at 04:23

      Fiona,

      Thank you very much for your thoughts for Mum.

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

      Delete
    3. Annabel8 February 2017 at 15:41

      Dear Fiona, I am just glad you have time to sew again as your work is beautiful! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  7. Anonymous7 February 2017 at 19:26

    Dear Annabel,
    What lovely things everyone has made! I can see the detail that went into creating each item. Just wonderful. I think if I received a card like the ones Kelley embroidered, I would have to frame it. Kelley, I will be praying for your mother and family.
    How exciting to have precious Scarlett to finally hold! I am glad to hear that she and Lucy are doing well. I felt my own little Bluebird fluttering around for the first time on Thursday and have every day since! It is quite a sensation, one that makes me smile every time I feel it. I am at seventeen weeks now.
    I hope your spider bite is healing nicely, Annabel. Have a lovely week, ladies!
    With love, Kelsey

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous8 February 2017 at 03:13

      Dear Kelsey, you're nearly half way! Yours is real show and tell!!
      May the steps of your little one be ordered before the LORD, and may you find true peace in trusting Him!!
      Maybe you will play the banjo together someday!
      Regards,
      Rachel

      Delete
    2. Mrs. Kelley Dibble8 February 2017 at 04:24

      Kelsey,

      You're so kind. Thanks for your prayers for Mum.

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

      Delete
    3. Annabel9 February 2017 at 14:35

      Dear Kelsey,
      Your little bluebirds is really coming along! You never forget that moment when you first feel a baby moving! So exciting!
      I hope you are feeling much better now as time moves on! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
    4. Anonymous9 February 2017 at 19:41

      Dear Kelsey, such wonderful news you are 17 weeks. Pretty much half way! It won't be long and you will have baby in your arms. I'm thinking of you and praying for you all the time. I can't wait for that Bluebirds Show and Tell! You will make the best mum. Lucky baby! Lots of love, Bridge

      Delete
  8. Precious People Preschool7 February 2017 at 21:50

    Prayers for your mom Kelley. I will be lifting you and her up this week. Ladies such wonderful! Such lovely gifts. Annabel Scarlett is so beautiful. Such a lovely blessing that you are
    close enough that you get to hold and love on her lots. Kelsey how fun that you can feel the baby moving. Everyone have a blessed week.
    Love,
    Patti

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous8 February 2017 at 03:17

      Patti, thank you for your warm comments! Your contributions in this manner are encouraging - in precious ways!
      Regards,
      Rachel

      Delete
    2. Mrs. Kelley Dibble8 February 2017 at 04:25

      Patti,

      Your prayers are appreciated.

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

      Delete
    3. Annabel8 February 2017 at 15:43

      Dear Patti,
      Thank you! I am so glad too. I had two days I didn't see Harper as I wasn't well... and I felt it terribly. On the third day I was just desperate to be with her and then felt such a relief.
      I am so excited about Kelsey's baby too! Best news ever! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  9. Janine7 February 2017 at 21:55

    Wonderful work, Bluebirders! I'd love to be on any of your gift lists as everything is so beautiful.

    I'm way behind with gifts compared with last year, but I have every intention of catching up - it was so good to know I could 'shop the cupboard' when a gift was needed and not make a mad dash to the stores.

    Have a great week,
    Janine

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous8 February 2017 at 03:15

      Janine, I remember how, last year, Vicky was talking of giving out her address for free samples of gifts! I wonder what happened to that idea?!
      I haven't noticed any sock knitting yet!!
      Regards,
      Rachel

      Delete
    2. Annabel8 February 2017 at 15:43

      Thank you Janine! Yes it is early and you will be ok. I hope Feb. will give you the time you need to work on projects! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  10. Jane7 February 2017 at 22:24

    Kelsey it's wonderful to have your baby Bluebird making itself known. Kelley your cards are something I have never seen before. They are stunning! I had been thinking I needed to by more floss cards. Nope. I can make some. Thanks for the idea. I will be keeping your Mother in my thoughts and prayers.
    Cookie you have a level of patience and colour matching that I will never achieve. If I cant make it quickly on my machine I don't make it at all.
    Jan I love your towel edge. It looks like you have made it and then sewn it onto the towel. Is that right?
    Leigh those hand warmers look deliciously warm and colourful. There is nothing so nice as homemade lip balm, especially in windy winter conditions.
    Life is good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Janine8 February 2017 at 00:02

      "If I cant make it quickly on my machine I don't make it at all."
      I have to admit, this is pretty much me too, Jane.

      Delete
    2. Mrs. Kelley Dibble8 February 2017 at 04:26

      Jane,

      Your comments are so kind. Thanks for your prayers for my mother.

      *hugs*
      Kelley~

      Delete
    3. Annabel8 February 2017 at 15:45

      Dear Jane,
      Yes Jan made it and stitched it on. This possibility means there are many options as ways to do this.
      I love the results.
      Thank you for all your contributions! I love everything you have made! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
    4. Jan11 February 2017 at 20:08

      Hi Jane happy to forward the patterns for knitted towel edging too you if you would like. Knitted in cotton they are incredibly durable The one pictured is a hand towel regards Jan Bendigo VIC

      Delete
  11. JES8 February 2017 at 02:32

    Wow, these are all excellent ideas!!! I didn't get to comment the other day but Cookies hand-painted jar was stunning too! :)

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous8 February 2017 at 03:53


      Jes, I couldn't agree more!!!! Keep watching for more beautiful craft work as time rolls on! The way these Bluebirders make, snap and contribute is precious!
      You are doing beautiful work yourself over at Strangers and Pilgrims!! Thank you!!
      Regards,
      Rachel

      Delete
  12. Anonymous8 February 2017 at 03:47

    Hi Annabel and beautiful Bluebirders!!

    This is such a beautiful Bluebirds magazine!! Thank you for all the beautiful photos, and the wonderful crafts upon which the photos are built!!

    After Kelley's amazing stitching concepts, I was impressed by Jane's beautiful photography! The bath products, wonderful gifts in themselves, looked so prettily presented - especially with the green glass bowl, the type of thing my Grandma would have had! I love how your photos tell a story, Jane. It draws one's eye through the picture, and I can just imagine water splashing around!!

    Cookie, I always love your work! Your fabrics are so beautifully rich in colour - which possibly helps to keep you warm in winter! The top quilt has colours like berries in cream! I really like the cute cotton reel design in the second quilt - - and all on a use-it-up budget! You have to make Jane and Janine envious of these larger projects! Hmmmm, that sounds like a challenge! Ha ha!!

    Leigh, your presentation, too, is beautiful! Those wrist warmers are very nicely crocheted! I have learnt that a certain thickness of yarn, combined with pretty colour/s and softness of texture can make the crochet stitches sit really well. You have achieved this! I love seeing the lip balms on the blue floral plate!

    Jan, last but not least, your crochet work adds an elegance to the towel! It is amazing, to me, how we all develop our own craft styles, even between crocheters! Yours is very nicely done! I like the bobbly look in your middle stitches!! I hope that we see more of your work!

    Regards to all,
    Rachel Holt

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    Replies
    1. Jan11 February 2017 at 20:09

      Hi Rachel thanks so much my hand towel edging is actually knitting....in cotton then sewn on...

      Delete
  13. Anonymous8 February 2017 at 04:05

    Dear Annabel,
    What a treat to help with baby Scarlett. I love her name. She's so perfect. Kelsey, I can just feel your excitement in feeling the Baby Bluebird fluttering around.

    Kelley, your Mom is in our prayers. From my own personal experience the Bluebirders are incredible prayer warriors. Your cards are absolutely stunning and so very special.

    Jane, I love those bath bombs. So pretty and professional looking. I never knew that makeup removers could be made. I'd love to know more about that.

    Leigh the handwarmers are lovely. I especially like the pattern you used. Homemade lipbalm is the best.

    Jan, the edging you made is exquisite.

    Thank you all for your kind and generous comments about my quilts. But, shhh, this is a secret and please don't tell anyone.(lol) These quilts were quick and easy and pieced and quilted on my home sewing machine. I love instant gratification when it comes to sewing. Blessings, Cookie



    ReplyDelete
  14. Debby in KS8 February 2017 at 08:06

    Such treasures and so much talent! :::applause:::
    I already made my Valentine's day cards (I sketched & watercolor painted Love Bugs from a Pinterest idea). However, the hearts gave me ideas. I could do initials, stars, and really personalize it.

    Thanks to everyone for sharing & prayers for Kelley & her mom.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Anonymous8 February 2017 at 10:00

    Cookie, your quilts are beautiful! You sure do have an eye for colors and patterns, my quilts would never even come close!

    Jane, do you have a certain recipe you prefer for you bath bombs and what do you use to mold them so professionally? I would love to make some and keep a few for myself! I'm intrigued by your reusable makeup wipes, what did you make them from?

    Leigh, your wrist warmers are darling! I've just begun to knit a pair and I must confess I'm already stuck! The pattern calls for wrapping and turning, which I looked up on YouTube, but now that it has come to short rows, I fear I am lost. I will wait until next week when my knitting group meets again, as the ladies will help me then. Your lip balm looks amazing as well.

    Jan, you edging on your towel is so fancy, I love it! Did you knit it? I've never tried knitted edging, I just might have to give it a go!

    As usual, everyone's gifts are so lovely! I so look forward to seeing all the photos each week.

    Jeanette

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    Replies
    1. Annabel8 February 2017 at 16:21

      Dear Jeanette,
      Thank you for your comments to everyone. I think Jane will post her recipe... if not she sent me the mix for the makeup removers and I will find that... I want to make them too.
      Next week is lovely thanks to Kelley. It is amazing!
      I hope your week is going well! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
    2. Jane8 February 2017 at 17:43

      Jeanette I got the idea for the reusable make up remover pads from 'One Good Thing by Jillee'. The pads are two pieces of fabric, I used some old flannelette. sewn together. The make up remover solution is
      1 cup distilled water
      1 1/2 tablespoons of no tears baby shampoo
      1 tablespoon coconut oil(experiment with this amount. If it is in solid form warm in the microwave to liquid first)
      a few drops of essential oil. I don't use the oil.
      Now this recipe is not the lavender salve that is in the photo. I have very sensitive skin and don't like to rub hard to get my eye make up off. I find the salve does a great job.
      1 cup olive oil
      1 cup coconut oil
      4 tablespoons beeswax pellets
      1/2 teaspoon of vitamin e oil, about one capsules worth. This is optional.
      Melt oils and beeswax carefully together. Place about 10 drops lavender oil in bottom of jar, pour melted oils over into the jar. Mix with a bamboo skewer. Allow to set.
      My DIL uses this salve on my Granddaughters bottom. It really is an all purpose salve. If you don't like lavender oil substitute it for the essential oil you do like. Just experiment but do research what essential oils you can use on your skin.
      I have also crocheted small rounds of cotton and use these as reusable make up remover pads as well.
      Hope this helps.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous8 February 2017 at 20:35

      Dear Jane, thanks so much for the above post of how you make these lovely items, Look forward to trying them out. Love Maria xx

      Delete
    4. Debbie Lever9 February 2017 at 13:45

      Thanks for the recipes Jane, I will be making these

      Delete
    5. Anonymous10 February 2017 at 10:45

      Thank you SO much, Jane! My husband will be away on business this coming week so I will be home alone. I'm going to pick up some of the ingredients that I don't already have on hand and give these a try!

      Jeanette

      Delete
  16. Leigh8 February 2017 at 10:57

    Kelley, I just said a prayer for your mother and trust the Lord will keep you all close at this time.
    Ladies, you are so creative! I think I'm doing well to try to replicate what I've seen elsewhere and you all keep coming up with clever twists and new projects. Cookie's quilts are as much a work of art as her painted jars and Kelley's hand stitched cards are adorable.
    Annabel, thanks for sharing all of our handiwork. It's such fun to see and enjoy all of the creativity!
    Blessings, Leigh

    ReplyDelete
  17. Lana8 February 2017 at 14:27

    Kelley, I will be praying for your Mother and you and the family. I am sorry to hear this. Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anonymous8 February 2017 at 15:53

    Dear Annabel and Bluebirders, I tried to post a reply yesterday but lost it, never mind Im here now to give praise to the wonderful work shown above as many have commented on, every item shown is just gorgeous!
    I would also like to try the stitched cards, bath bombs ,and some other makes within my scope of patience lol.
    Rachel- you have a knack of writing the nicest replies to everyone here, a gift with words Id call it :-)
    kelsey-Im pleased at you delight in feeling baby move , that has some poignancy for me. Its such an exciting thing for a new mum =in waiting to feel.
    Kelley -beautiful cards and stitching, prayers sent for your mum,xx
    Annabel- Scarlett is a darling!Like her grandma ;-)
    Lovely work Bluebirders!
    I would also appreciate some prayers and healing for my family going through different stages of grief , thankyou Love Maria xxx

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    Replies
    1. Annabel8 February 2017 at 16:17

      Dear Maria,
      Thank you for trying again! And for kindly commenting on everyones contributions!
      You have had such a time lately. I am praying. I know you must be really feeling worn out and comforting others is what you do but it is still tiring and draining. Thinking of you! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  19. tealady8 February 2017 at 18:40

    So many talented women, never knew the " mittens" I have been using are called wrist warmers. Won 2 years ago. Will have to learn how to make them.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Leslie McKinley8 February 2017 at 19:15

    So lovely! Thank you for sharing everyone! I am so inspired to make some towels with edging. Praying for your mother, Kelly.
    Blessings,
    Leslie
    Enjoy your little one, Annabel.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Teri S8 February 2017 at 20:12

    Dear Annabel, thank you for sharing the pictures of everyones gifts! Such talented Bluebirders!!

    Kelley, our prayers are with you, your mother and family.

    Jane, could you share your recipe for the bath bombs? And what kind of mold you used.

    Annabel, enjoy every moment you can with your sweet Scarlett and Harper! I bet Harper is having a wonderful time being big sister!

    Have a wonderful week! Love, Teri

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    Replies
    1. Annabel8 February 2017 at 21:13

      Dear Teri,
      Thank you! I am enjoying every moment!
      This is the recipe Jane used she sent it to me earlier today...
      https://diyprojects.com/how-to-make-diy-bath-bombs/
      I hope that helps. They look amazing don't they! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
    2. Teri S9 February 2017 at 07:59

      Annabel and Jane, thank you ever so much!! I even have all the ingredients. It's a "use what I have year"! :) Teri

      Delete
  22. Anonymous9 February 2017 at 10:26

    Wow! There is such an assortment of ideas...I love them all! This is definitely a good start to the gift cupboard! Prepping up for a big winter storm due to hit in a few hours...bread is baking right now! :) Lots of love, Jen in NS

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  23. Debbie Lever9 February 2017 at 13:41

    lovely work ladies you have all been busy. those bath bombs look better than the ones that you can buy in any shop. reusable makeup wipes are something I need to make too.
    it is really hot here too and the weekend is to be hotter again. have a lovely weekend and hope you have power Annabel xx

    ReplyDelete
  24. Anonymous9 February 2017 at 19:27

    Such beautiful work ladies. Those cards are gorgeous, Kelley. I love your frangipani bath bombs, Jane (how gorgeous and unique) and Cookie those quilts are perfect and will be so well-loved.Leigh, I'd love some lip balm, it looks so nicely presented. And Jan that is such a stunning edge. Well done, beautiful work! Love, Bridge

    ReplyDelete

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