The little birds...

If you watch little birds you will see they are busy and happy! Using whatever they can find they create the most gorgeous little nest.
I would be the little bird with some glittery thread in her nest!
We can be like this. Happily working away with the things that are available to us to create a beautiful and happy home.
All the while with a little song in our heart.

Banner by Free Pretty Things for You.

Tuesday, 7 March 2017

The Christmas Challenge. Feb Show and Tell Part 2.

Here we go again! If you thought last week was good wait until you see what everyone has been making this week!  We have some really new ideas here too!

First of all we have a beautiful blanket made by Maria G.  Maria found out that she had a long lost cousin she never knew of! She was so thrilled and her cousins name is Lucy.  (good name!) They hit it off right away. Lucy has been sick and having medical treatment so Maria set to making her a rug...


This is just stunning. Maria you have an eye for putting colours together. It makes me think of Peacocks.

Allie made soap. When she was helping me paint we talked a lot about soap making and she got started...


Allie is mad keen on coffee so I know coffee was involved!

Cherilyn made some amazing things. These are whole new ideas for me!  Firstly she made an etched baking dish...


Brilliant! For anyone who is always taking baking to other peoples places a dish with their name on it is such a good idea! I thought also how about a verse or saying... or even a recipe? There are just so many things to do with this lovely idea!

Next Cherilyn burned images into wooden spoons...


and onto trivets or chopping boards...


What a good idea for gifts! This is so clever! It beautiful work too so neat and perfect!

She also made this most stunning baby blanket for her Great Nephew and in the colours of his nursery...


This is just divine.  Incredible work. Thank you so much for sharing this with us Cherilyn.

Barb got back to craft making and she has a wonderful device that presses lovely patterns into your card... I could have a lot of fun with one of these...


I am glad you are crafting again Barb!

Cookie has also been busy!  
Firstly we have candles that she has painted...




I love the flowers but of course I especially love the nests and eggs!


Cookie has told me you don't have to be artistic to paint... there are steps you can follow and you tube videos to help. I think she might do a tutorial for us!  

And she also made purses...




What beautiful gifts! You did so much for February Cookie!

Kelley made pot holders from old jeans. She made a whole pile of them!  When you think about it denim is tough and thick... good idea! 



Kelley is brilliant with making beautiful things that are up cycled!  I love this!

So you can see a lot has been achieved so far this year. Next week I will show you some of what I have been up to.
How are you going with your present making? It really is a year round thing. I have been ahead with birthday presents and also was able to take out two baby rugs and donate them to a lady Mum knows who sends things to a Romanian orphanage. Knowing this I will get crocheting and make some more rugs.  Sometimes people say to me they don't have anyone to make things for. Yes you do! There are countless orphanages, hospitals and shelters that need hats for premature babies, warm clothing etc. Quite likely someone in the neighbourhood does too.
I am loving that so many of us are using up supplies we have. I hope you found some new ideas here!

Now we are already well into March!  I am starting to think about Easter too.
I hope your week is going well!
What are you working on and how is your gift cupboard going? xxx
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55 comments:

  1. Fiona7 March 2017 at 17:22

    Wow what lovely things. I am very impressed at the knitting and crochet work. Gorgeous. And the etching is something I am just about to do too. I bought a bottle of Martha Stewart etching goop a couple of weeks ago. It was quite expensive but it will go a long way. I am doing a mirror for my son/fiancee who are about to be married. Will do their names and wedding date on it.
    Great to see Allie starting to make soap, it's something we could all do. I am eagerly awaiting my soap to be dry enough to use, i made some recently, can't for the life of me think when, but know it needs several weeks or longer to dry before using. Still making baby things and did one more embroidery on the machine for my two hot water bottle covers. And some gardening and potting up plants so pretty busy.

    Great post as usual Annabel, you have brought some wonderful clever ladies together.
    Fi xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annabel8 March 2017 at 19:30

      Dear Fiona,
      I love the sound of the gift your are making! That will be so special! I think they will love it! And I want to see when we are allowed to after the event!
      I am waiting for my soap to dry too so I can package it up.
      I have been to the nursery lately and I can say potting up plants is worth a small fortune! Thats my conclusion! And the hot water bottle covers must be divine! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
    2. Unknown9 March 2017 at 21:21

      Fiona,
      The etching was easier than I was expecting. Also, apparently, you can use an old credit card as a sort of squeegee and re use the etching solution several times. I made three pans with mostly the same solution, just adding a bit each time. I hope your project goes well! Thanks, for your kind words!
      Cherilyn (I show up as Anne online. It's my middle name and there was an early on internet kerfuffle. ;-)

      Delete
  2. Mrs. Chrissy T7 March 2017 at 17:51

    Oh my! What talent. I love the baking dish, spoons, and cutting boards.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annabel8 March 2017 at 19:27

      Thank you for encouraging everyone Chrissy! xxx

      Delete
    2. Unknown9 March 2017 at 20:53

      Thank you, Chrissy! I really appreciate your kind words. I love to receive homemade gifts, but there are some people I still worry about giving them to. It is always nice when other people say the gift is good. Then, I feel a little braver!
      Cherilyn (btw, I show up as Anne online. It is my middle name.)

      Delete
  3. Mimi7 March 2017 at 18:02

    Just beautiful. All of it. Soaps, blankets, cards, candles, spoons, dishes, purses, potholders, hearts. Gorgeous. I'm so behind, but I do have other priorities this year, so I'm being kind to myself and lapping up the inspiration. Thankyou Annabel and everyone...Mimi xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annabel8 March 2017 at 19:27

      Dear Mimi, Thank you! Well I like the look of your painting a lot and that is a big task! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  4. Nanna Chel7 March 2017 at 18:31

    Such beautiful work by those ladies, Annabel. It takes me forever just to make one thing never mind lots of them :-) I love looking at what others have made as it is always inspiring. Thanks for sharing the photos.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annabel8 March 2017 at 19:28

      Dear Nanna Chel, Your knitting is looking very nice! Many thanks! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  5. Anonymous7 March 2017 at 18:38

    Dear Annabel,
    Thank you for showing us these lovely creations. Everything is just beautiful and each picture had me thinking, Wow! Ladies, each of you are so talented.
    Saturday I went to the craft store and they were running a good sale on flannel, so I bought heaps to make into baby things. I have things I need to finish before I start sewing but I can hardly wait!
    Annabel, I have been trying to email you but as usual my phone is not cooperating and I can't send messages from it. I will try from a different device tomorrow. I hope everyone is having a good week!
    Love, Kelsey

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annabel8 March 2017 at 19:26

      Dear Kelsey,
      I am glad you got my email thank you for letting me know. Fingers crossed another device works!
      Flannel is so soft. You are going to have such a nice time sewing things for your own baby! I hope your week is going well! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  6. Jane7 March 2017 at 19:18

    My oh my! The talent level in this group is simply amazing! Every time I see the Show and Tell I get ideas to extend my own skill levels. I have to say a great big thank you to one and all for that.
    Annabel I am looking forward to seeing what you have been up to.
    Life is good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annabel8 March 2017 at 23:41

      Dear Jane,
      Every time we have show and tell I get ideas too! Plus,especially, I want to fire up my painting skills and learn to paint better!
      I have been up to something with a road side find! :) and a bit of crochet... With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  7. Anonymous7 March 2017 at 19:51

    A lovely display of talent again ladies! You are all so skilled and do such lovely work!
    Barb I'm glad your crafting again and I hope you are feeling better,
    Cookie your painting is amazing! I love everything you painted!
    XOXO
    Vicky

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annabel8 March 2017 at 19:24

      Dear Vicky,
      They are a clever bunch aren't they! In think soon Cookie will have us all painting. I am practicing birds nests! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
    2. Anonymous9 March 2017 at 04:13

      Thank you Vicky. P.S. Since I know that you save cans too, I thought you should know, if you haven't already figured it out, that the pedestals are upside down cleaned tuna fish cans that got painted and have some scrap quilt batting glued to them so they won't scratch any furniture.
      Blessing, Cookie

      Delete
  8. Mrs. Kelley Dibble7 March 2017 at 21:40

    Annabel,

    I am GONE on Cookie's art played out on candles. A-MAZE-ING!!!!

    Loved everyone's offerings! Inspiring!!!

    *hugs*
    Kelley~

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annabel8 March 2017 at 19:23

      Thank you for your pot holders pics Kelley! It is another idea I love. I hope all is going well there and your Mum is feeling better everyday! xxx

      Delete
    2. Anonymous9 March 2017 at 04:09

      Thank you Kelley. Blessings, Cookie

      Delete
  9. Maria8 March 2017 at 01:23

    What a lot of inspirational ideas from Kelley, Cherilyn, Cookie, Allie and Barb...love all their items!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annabel8 March 2017 at 16:12

      Dear Maria, Thank you so much for sharing with us your work. I really love it and your colours! A gift of love that I know will be treasured! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  10. Anonymous8 March 2017 at 04:05

    What beautiful gifts from some obviously talented and skilled ladies. Very inspiring!
    I am looking forward to seeing what you have been making, Annabel.
    Glad to hear you are feeling better, Annabel

    Kerrie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annabel8 March 2017 at 16:12

      Thank you Kerrie! I have been a bit slowed down but do have something good to report that I am excited about! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  11. Anonymous8 March 2017 at 04:50

    Just gorgeous! And just think: not one of these things could be bought in a store! I love all the ideas; everyone is so talented!

    xx Jen in NS

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annabel8 March 2017 at 16:10

      Dear Jen, I agree! I know you are crafting away there... I hope your hand is better! With much love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  12. Glenda8 March 2017 at 08:37

    Dear Annabel and Bluebird Friends,
    What beautiful creations from Maria, Allie, Cherilyn, Barb, Cookie, and Kelley. I love the painted candles. They remind me of the paintings my great grandmother and great aunt used to do on plates.
    Thank all of you for sharing your talents with us.
    Blessings to all,
    Glenda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annabel8 March 2017 at 16:09

      Dear Glenda,
      Thank you for commenting on everyones work! Your Great Grandmother and Great Aunt sound like they were very creative and artistic! I love that!
      With much love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
    2. Anonymous9 March 2017 at 04:08

      Thank you Glenda. Blessings, Cookie

      Delete
  13. Anonymous8 March 2017 at 12:54

    HiAnnabel...love yr blog...read Jan post...it really inspired me to use my stash of fabric and wool to make really nice items to give as gifts. So far I gave made a lap quilt which I gave as a gift for a 60th wedding anniv. And I am currently completing a baby qulit for a baby shower and a knitted snake (unallocated atm!). Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annabel8 March 2017 at 16:08

      Thank you for telling me this! Your presents sound wonderful! I hope you might share some photos too in our next show and tell. Welcome! I am glad to have you here, with love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  14. Precious People Preschool8 March 2017 at 20:59

    This is Patti's daughter Kristi. I just read this post to her. What lovely gifts! I need get crafting! She wanted me to ask if you ladies would pray for her. She is having vision problems. Both of her eyes are in a lot of pain and light sensitive amongst other things. The doctors are having her put drops in them to hopefully help. They aren't sure what is causing the issues at this time. Possibly her thyroid but they don't know. I am praying for wisdom for the doctors and a speedy recovery with no lasting damage.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annabel9 March 2017 at 01:39

      Thank you I am very grateful to you for letting us know this! I will make sure everyone knows about it tomorrow too in case they don't all see this. Can you please tell your Mum we will all be praying for her! She is very well loved her amongst us and so kind to others. It was very good of you to write. Please tell her we hope there are answers soon and she is feeling much better and her eyes improve. Thank you very much, with love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
    2. Anonymous9 March 2017 at 04:07

      Kristi,
      Please give your Mom a hug for me and let her know that my prayers join with yours for the wisdom of the doctors,a speedy recovery and no lasting damage. Blessings, Cookie

      Delete
    3. Anonymous9 March 2017 at 04:27


      Thank you, Kristi, for being devoted to your mother! You both have precious attributes that point us to the comforting old ways.
      As you ask, may your mother's healing be quick, without permanent damage. May wisdom guide you both, and by faithfulness may these eyes be made well - through Christ's atonement for us all.
      Regards,
      Rachel

      Delete
    4. Jane9 March 2017 at 13:47

      Dear Kristi sending prayers for answers and pain reduction for Patti. Give her a big hug and kiss from me. Love Jane

      Delete
    5. Unknown9 March 2017 at 20:56

      Our family is praying for Patti! I hope the doctors are able to resolve everything quickly and permanently! Much love, Cherilyn (Anne)

      Delete
    6. Precious People Preschool11 March 2017 at 14:11

      Thank you so much for all of your prayers and kind words. My mom has been diagnosed with Iritis. They still aren't sure what the underlying cause is. She is still in pain and dealing with other symptoms but was very encouraged by your prayers and words.
      Thank you,
      Kristi

      Delete
  15. Anonymous8 March 2017 at 21:33



    Hi Annabel and Beautiful Bluebirds!!

    It is so nice to sit back and see the fruit of labours shown here! It is refreshing!

    Barb, I'm really pleased to see your embossed card work! It is a beautiful design. Even much simpler embossing can make a touching gift, I think! Enjoy your crafting, and enjoy sharing your work! I am grateful to see it!!!!

    Maria!! Again, your beautiful opal colours shine through, and what a precious story you are a part of! You're a treasure!!

    Allie, you give your soaps a genuine artisan look! I love it!! Mmmm, are you sure your soaps are not edible?!!!!

    Cherilyn, your glass etching, even if an investment, is a wonderful concept. I like Annabel's line of thinking - regarding having quotes and scripture around the home! I see that Fiona is using etching, also. Annabel, is there a future post in this?!!!! As for your wood engraving, timber kitchen boards and delightful knitting-crochet, I am enjoying your air of home beautifying with music, good food and warmth! Please share more in future Shows!

    Ha ha!! Cookie, I was looking forward to seeing your work!! I am delighted that you have a pupil beginning with A who is painting bird nests! I love it!!!! The fabric you used for your purses is just right! You really are a natural in the way you work with colour! I'm looking forward to future posts featuring your work!

    Kelley, as always, the making-do crafts, to me, have a unique attraction. The simplest things can be the most relaxing to see and enjoy! Keep up the noble work! I really, really love it!!!! May our Rock be our strength; He has brought us this far, and we need His strength to go on!

    Thank you, Annabel, for yet another wonderful Show! Your posts are, indeed, treasures!

    With very warm regards,
    Rachel Holt
    P.S. Ha ha!! I am so pleased! Cookie has got Annabel painting!!!! I could be giggling for a long time!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annabel9 March 2017 at 01:46

      Dear Rachel,
      Isn't it funny how things spread and catch on... first with the bread and now the painting Cookie is having an influence far and wide! It was the nests that did it for me! This is not saying my painted birds nests will be any good! But I will give them a go!
      Thank you for encouraging everyone, as always, Rachel, including myself! With much love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
    2. Unknown9 March 2017 at 20:59

      Thank you, Rachel! My in-laws are very musical. They are also active in their church. I did the pan, spoon, and trivet set for them to take to church dinners. "Come and Dine" on the trivet is an old gospel hymn. I don't know if it's southern US specific or if it's sung in other places. Thank you, so much for your kind words!
      Anne (Cherilyn)

      Delete
  16. Mel8 March 2017 at 23:44

    Darling Annabel what another inspirational post from you and the most talented Bluebird Team. I am planning on making some heat packs using rice for Easter and I have the fabric just need to get myself organised. I am slowly starting to reset myself and get more into a routine and a little more motivated (been lacking). Loved all the gorgeous gifts shown today so very lovely.
    Love Mel S

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annabel9 March 2017 at 02:12

      Dear Mel,
      I think heat packs are a lovely gift and autumn is a good time for them. I have always loved warm things such as pjs' slippers, dressing gowns, scarves etc at Easter as the whole winter is ahead of us (this must confuse everyone in the US and UK!)
      If you are feeling a little better and your craftiness is coming back then that is a really good sign.... and it will be good for you too. It is good for us all and I need my crafty times. With lots of love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  17. Anonymous9 March 2017 at 04:04

    Dear Annabel and Bluebirds,
    Sorry I'm a little late in posting. Computer glitches will do it every time, but at least they're fixed now and I can see and enjoy all of the absolutely beautiful things everyone has done.

    Maria, your the rug is just gorgeous. I love the use of the different blues and purples together.

    Allie's soaps are delightful. A great skill that you've passed on to all of us Annabel. I'd read about the use of coffee in soap for to clean a gardeners hands. Hmm, something to try in the near future.

    Cherilyn's etching and woodburning are so unique. I hope we'll see more of it from her in the future. Incredibly unique and personal gifts. Wow.

    Barb - I too am glad you're crafting again. I loved the embossed pattern. The roses look like the boullion roses. Beautiful.

    Kelly- The denim potholder is so dear and has inspired me to get busy with some of the worn out jeans that are in my stash.

    Thank you for your kind words on the painted candles. They were fun to create. I'm delighted, Annabel, that you'll be giving painting a go. I learned to paint through the blessing of Youtube video clips. Blessings, Cookie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annabel9 March 2017 at 15:53

      Dear Cookie,
      Thank you so much for sharing your work and along with the bread this is impacting other households! I find that wonderful since we are so far apart yet you have helped and inspired many of us!
      Thank you too for encouraging everyone with their work!
      Goodness knows what March will hold! With love and thanks, Annabel.xxx

      Delete
    2. Unknown9 March 2017 at 21:01

      Cookie,
      Thank you! I've been a lurker here for ages, but I'm trying to brave up and join up more. I always enjoy reading your kind comments!
      Anne (Cherilyn)

      Delete
  18. Anonymous9 March 2017 at 11:34

    I love seeing what everyone has been up to craft-wise! Every week things are just as clever and beautiful as the week before. I am still working on my fingerless gloves. I have made 3 singles so far, two of one color, and one of another. I had to learn to do the Kitchener stitch to sew up the seam for them.

    I spent last week in Arizona enjoying the time with my oldest daughter and son-in-law. The week just flew past so quickly.

    We had tornadoes in the area on Monday night, with one town losing over 500 homes to varying degrees of destruction, and some blown clean away. Another town to the west of us (only about 12 miles) had quite a bit of damage as well. Thankfully no one was killed, which is a blessing.

    Please say a prayer for my youngest daughter, tomorrow she is having her gallbladder removed at the age of 20! She has been having difficulty with it since she was 16 but after finding out that her gallbladder has 0 percent function, and it gives her extreme pain at times, the decision was made to remove it. She has never had gallstones, just sluggishness and now no function. She is scared and anxious about the surgery, but we should be bringing her home about 3 hours after the operation.

    This weekend will be a quiet one with her recuperating before she heads back to University, so I should be able to get more knitting done.

    Jeanette

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jane9 March 2017 at 13:46

      Dear Jeanette I will be sending up big prayers for you little girl. Poor sweet girl. Here's to greater vitality once the pesky gallbladder is removed.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous9 March 2017 at 15:29

      Dear Jeanette,
      In this time of fear, may Christ be your daughter's comfort and strength.
      Regards,
      Rachel

      Delete
    3. Annabel9 March 2017 at 15:55

      Dear Jeanette,
      I am praying and thinking of your daughter and you also! I cant believe she comes home 3 hours ofter surgery! These times thank goodness for Mothers and home care. I hope it all goes very well and yes knitting and sitting quietly with her over the weekend will be the best thing. With much love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
    4. Unknown9 March 2017 at 21:15

      Annabel and Beautiful Bluebirds,

      Thank you, so much for your kind words and for showing my projects. I was honored to have my things shown with those of the other ladies. The texture of Maria's blanket makes my yarn loving fingers jealous. Cookie's paintings are AMAZING! I would love to have such talent. The other things are great too! I can sew, and I do sew. However, there is very little that tempts me to foul language more than a sewing machine. I have to put John Denver on in order to subdue my baser nature! So, I really admire the purses and pillows.

      I love the supportive community you've built here. The Bluebird Bunch is such an encouraging group. I love the way everyone feels like a friend.

      I wanted to respond you you earlier this week, but we had a family tragedy. My father-in-law passed away VERY unexpectedly. He had complications from a minor medical test, that none of us knew he was having. Our family has been in that bustle of activity that follows a death. Now, the funeral is passed and we are simply trying to let it sink in and face our new reality. Any prayers for our family would be appreciated.

      Anne (Cherilyn)

      Delete
    5. Annabel11 March 2017 at 01:59

      Dear Anne, Thank you so much for participating! Your work is amazing and inspiring!
      I am so sorry to be slow to reply! Im really sorry for your families loss. That must be such a shock! I cant even imagine. I feel so sorry for your husband and your whole family.
      I thought what you said about the sewing machine was something I can relate to!
      I hope the new week will bring calm and I certainly will be praying for you all. With much love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
    6. Precious People Preschool11 March 2017 at 14:14

      Anne,
      My mom and I are praying for you and your family.

      Delete
  19. Anonymous11 March 2017 at 02:12


    Dear Anne!
    You know you are very welcome!! Which name would you prefer to be known by here?
    Bluebirds is built on generosity, and you have been very generous in sharing your home craft skills!! Thank you!!
    On behalf of the Bluebirders, we share your family's loss. May your new reality be softened by the grace and mercy of the LORD.
    Regards,
    Rachel
    'blog secretary'

    ReplyDelete
  20. Unknown12 March 2017 at 15:52

    Annabel and Bluebirders,
    Thank you all for your kind words and your prayers. It means so much to know there are people who care. Have a wonderful week, everyone.
    Anne

    ReplyDelete

I really appreciate your comments thank you! The aim of my blog is the be a place of encouragement and happiness. Very rarely is anyone rude. Actually only twice so far! If you post a rude or aggressive comment I will read it but not publish it, thanks for understanding.xxx

Spam is never published... if you are advertising a product or selling website your comment wont be published. I am inundated with stuff about drugs, horses and weird things! I am not going to publish this stuff! Thank you.




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