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, 30 May 2017

The Christmas Challenge. May 2017. Part 2.

Just before the new month (and the start of our winter) this is the second part of what everyone has been up to during May.

First of all I found out some of what Jane had been making because she sent me luxuries for my new bath!  Gorgeous cotton crochet wash cloths, soaps and bath bombs!  This was just beautiful and lovely!


Thank you so much Jane!  I am sill at the stage that every night it seems like such a treat to have a bath.  



Jane has also been sewing. It is almost her Grand Daughters first birthday.  Everything was made using patterns and fabrics she already had.


They are all warmer things as we are coming in to winter.  I think your daughter in law will be thrilled Jane!

Cookie has been using up left over ribbons to make roses.  She says they are fun and easy to make.  I think they would be lovely on clips for a little girl or as parcel ribbons. Or incorporated into embroidery also would be interesting...



Jeanette crocheted a shrug.  I love the shape of a shrug myself as I am a cardigan wearer and scarf wearer...  This is her youngest daughter being a model...




Beautiful daughter Jeanette and beautiful shrug!  

And I am happy today to include Lucy!  I am noticing she is doing some of the things I loved to do when the girls were young. She saw pin up boards in a gorgeous catalogue.  She sent me the pictures and we agreed that something very similar could be made for a fraction of the cost.


I didn't help except for sourcing the butterflies and on how to paint them!  


These look lovely in Harper's room and  cost a fraction of the ones we loved.  Yay!
Lucy is starting her own blog. This might be good for the young Mum's as she likes doing things that look lovely but don't break the bank!   I always have thought you really can have just about anything if you can figure out how to make it!

Between last weeks pictures and this weeks we can say that May was a very productive month!
Ok now to June!  We are almost mid year!  I don't know how time has gone so fast!
Tomorrow is the first day of winter.   This is the quietest time in the garden and outside generally and so usually I make lots of things!  I really want to add a lot to my present cupboard during the next three months!

I hope your week is going well!   We have sunshine after days of rain! xxx
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38 comments:

  1. The Nesting Hen30 May 2017 at 19:16

    I am excited for you that Lucy is starting to be creative too. Lovely work too Lucy. XX

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    1. Anonymous1 June 2017 at 04:58


      Yes, when values are passed down through the generations, then that is really something! Thank you for participating!
      Regards,
      Rachel
      ('Blog secretary')

      Delete
  2. Glenda30 May 2017 at 19:16

    Every item is beautiful. The Bluebird ladies are very talented.
    Good for Lucy starting a blog!
    Blessings to all,
    Glenda

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    1. Anonymous1 June 2017 at 05:00

      Thank you for your uplifting words, Glenda! We're hoping to see your talented sewing, too! Really!!
      Regards,
      Rachel

      Delete
  3. Anonymous30 May 2017 at 19:22

    Dear Annabel,
    I love the show and tell this week and last week too! I am so happy about your new bath. You will love using Jane's soaps and washcloths. Jane, the outfits you made for Tilly are so cute and I'm sure will be well-received.
    Cookie, those flowers are beautiful. Can you share where I might find a tutorial? I would like to make some!
    Jeanette, the shrug is lovely and shows off your talent. I agree with Annabel, your daughter is lovely too!
    I am so excited about Lucy starting a blog. Count me in as a reader! Her pin up boards are gorgeous.
    I haven't done any crafting this month, but tomorrow I plan on starting on some receiving blankets and burp cloths for the little bluebird. His nursery is almost finished and I love how it has turned out! I have just been decorating with things from around the ranch, so it has been done on a budget. I have a blank spot on the wall above his changing table, and I have been trying to think of what to make to fill it. I have lots of old denim and I might make some sort of banner, I'm just not sure. But next month I will be sending in pictures so everyone can see the nursery!
    I hope all the Bluebirds are well! Sorry for my absence lately. All is well here, just busy. And Molly is fully recovered from her rattlesnake bite!
    Lots of love to everyone, Kelsey

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    1. Anonymous31 May 2017 at 12:46

      Hi Kelsey,
      I used tutorials on youtube. Here are the links. www.youtube.com/watch?v=NriXH3qMuqK, and fsciYfG39eE. I found them by googling "how to make ribbon roses and just picked the tutorial I liked the best.There are many tutorials on there and different styles of doing the same thing so you might find one that you like better. I did the larger roses using a low temp hot glue gun and the little tiny ones (second tutorial) I did by just tying off the leftover ribbon. Once you get the hang of the folds they go really fast. I'm looking forward to seeing yours. Blessings, Cookie

      Delete
    2. Anonymous31 May 2017 at 19:38



      Dear Kelsey!

      Thank you very, very, very, very, very much for your good update! We know that you are occupied with important things, so it's a real treat when we hear from you! It's a relief to know that Molly is well, and I am sure that many of us think of you often, as we all await the pitter patter of little feet! Trust in our great Deliverer!

      Warmest regards,
      Rachel

      Delete
    3. Annabel31 May 2017 at 21:13

      Dear Kelsey,
      I am glad things are going well and also that your dog recovered! What a fright that was.
      I would LOVE to see the nursery and what you have been doing! I will look forward to that! Thinking of you! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  4. Anonymous30 May 2017 at 19:57

    Annabel,
    I love show and tell!
    Jane- your work is so sweet and I love dragon flies! Your bath things are just lovely! And the little outfits adorable!

    Cookie- I think sometimes we think of doing some of the same things at the same time. I am not making ribbon roses, but trying fabric ones.

    Jeanette- I love the shrug, you do really nice work and it looks so soft and comfy and stylish too!
    And Lucy- I love your pin up boards they are gorgeous! I have often found that replicating something I like to be affordable and fun too. I always know that even if I can't get something exact I can get pretty darn close. Congratulations on starting a blog I am sure it is going to be wonderful and your Mum is a great teacher!
    And I would like to thank everyone for the encouraging comments on the last post you are a great group of ladies!
    XOXO
    Vicky

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    1. Anonymous31 May 2017 at 13:14

      Hi Vicky,
      I love your pantry posts especially this last one about the over couponing and the decision to downsize. I was laughing out loud because it brought back a bunch of memories.We were able to give so many items to a homeless shelter and to a food pantry. And like you have said, it didn't cost us anything. BTW, just in case you find a really good deal on solid stick deodorant, it can be frozen to extend its life. Just saying (lol).

      It is amazing that we sometimes think of doing the same thing at the same time. I'm looking forward to seeing the fabric ones you're making!!

      I'm always inspired by your wisdom. Blessings, Cookie

      Delete
  5. Jen30 May 2017 at 20:24

    Another lovely collection of gifts! I love the show and tell posts, I always feel so motivated after seeing everyone's creations. Love the pin boards Lucy has made for Harper, and I look forward to reading her new blog :)

    Jen in NZ


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    1. Anonymous1 June 2017 at 05:03

      Ha ha, Jen! You recognize the talent easily, since you are so very talented yourself! There is much to look forward to! I love how you have animals sticking their necks through your walls!
      Regards,
      Rachel

      Delete
  6. Nana30 May 2017 at 22:05

    I love the shrug. Was there a pattern or did you make it up?
    Thanks ❤

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  7. Fiona30 May 2017 at 23:24

    Lovely things being made as usual Annabel.
    Jane the gifts you sent Annabel are just gorgeous, I love your crochet work in particular and Jeanette, gorgeous shrug and gorgeous model (and as someone who always looks 'into' photographs, I think your house is divine, lovely staircase and door).
    The board you made Lucy is just so sweet, it would sell for a packet in a gorgeous store, Annabel I see a tutorial on how to do those butterflies, beautiful!
    Cookie you have a wealth of talent, love the roses made from ribbon.

    I have been a bit slack on my challenge that I set myself for 2017, but when I looked in my book I saw I had sewed 89 items. This week I started on a ruffled nappy cover and so far I am happy with it, will send you a photo when it's done Annabel.

    Today my man and I went to three local op shops, I got four metres of cute cotton interlock with little trucks on it for $2.00. I also got from another shop a brand new donna cover with gorgeous animal print, it will become backing for some rugs. That was $5.00. And at the third shop I got a sewing pattern, two metres of lovely cotton interlock (these will all make pyjamas for babies), two 4WD dvd's (of the company that my son follows) and a puzzle - all for $3.00. Oh and I got a xylophone for $2.00, a metal one to hang in the chicken shed for the girls to make music.
    Have a good week, Fi xx (and can't wait to read Lucy's blog

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    1. Anonymous31 May 2017 at 03:46



      Dear Fiona,
      I'd like to hear more about this xylophone with your chooks!
      Regards,
      Rachel

      Delete
  8. gail31 May 2017 at 02:19

    All lovely as usual.Yes! can't believe it's June tomorrow.
    I love Jeanette's shrug.Is it possible to let us know where we can find the Pattern.
    Blessings.

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  9. Jane31 May 2017 at 02:43

    Annabel I am so glad you like your little gift. I did so enjoy making them.
    Kelsey I have been thinking of you of late and had sent an email. I guess I didn't write the right address. Just glad your OK and things are moving along.
    Jeanette your shrug, your daughter and your house are all gorgeous. Cookie I love those ribbon roses and would love some sort of a tutorial on the 'how to'.
    Lucy's wall plaques are beautiful. When she gets her blog up and running I'd love a read and will pass on the address to my DIL.
    I've added two little hats and one more long sleeved tshirt to Miss Tilly's presie. I have a Quillow to make and then her Birthday gift is done.
    Life is good.

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    1. Anonymous31 May 2017 at 04:57

      Dear Jane,
      I got your email and sent a reply. I wonder what may have happened? I'll go check my sent box to see if there might be a problem. Very sorry about that!
      Love, Kelsey

      Delete
  10. Nanna Chel31 May 2017 at 02:47

    Wow there are some beautiful gifts there. I can tell you are really going to enjoy using your new bath, Annabel. What a lovely gift from the very talented Jane! How great that Lucy is starting up a blog as I am sure it will have great appeal to other young mums if she has your talent.

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    1. Anonymous1 June 2017 at 05:09

      Dear Nanna Chel!
      Yes, go Lucy! Who said that you and Annabel aren't young Mums, anyway?!
      I tend to think that the boss is quite well able to enjoy the Show and the new bath at the same time! We can't get Annabel out of the bath these days!
      Regards,
      Rachel
      'Blog secretary'

      Delete
  11. quakerhillfarm31 May 2017 at 03:02

    Very lovely creations! Excited to hear your daughter is following in your footsteps!

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    1. Anonymous1 June 2017 at 05:10

      Thank you, Lynn! It's all beautiful, and encouraging!
      Regards,
      Rachel
      'Blog secretary'

      Delete
  12. Anonymous31 May 2017 at 03:39

    What a lovely post, thank you Annabel. I LOVE Jane's gift for you. How beautiful! What a beautifully presented, thoughtful present. Those cloths are gorgeous and how pretty are those soaps. I'd love to try and make some bath bombs. How lovely you made your granddaughter clothes- not only will they last longer, they are unique and special. Jeanette's cardigan is very stylish and your daughter is gorgeous, Jeanette. Lucy has made something so beautiful for Harper. It looks like out of a magazine- great work. She really is like her Mum! I bet they look great in Harper's room. When we move in, I'd like to make my DS a big boy's room, so Lucy has given me some inspiration in those boards. I'll definitely be a reader. Can't wait. Hopefully I can print out Jes' book- I'd like to give that as a gift soon. It looks really good. I'd also like to make some more personalised photo albums. Sending you (and the Bluebirds) lots of love. Love, Bridge

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    1. Anonymous1 June 2017 at 05:14

      Dear Bridge!
      Thank you very much for your thoughtful comments to the exhibitors! I really think that you have some wonderful projects ahead, yourself! A little learning and a little confidence can produce your own beautiful accomplishments - in your personalised style! You're a wonderful mother!
      Regards,
      Rachel

      Delete
  13. Rachel31 May 2017 at 03:44

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  14. Anonymous31 May 2017 at 05:04

    Hi Annabel and Beautiful Bluebirds!!

    Surely the Show can't get better than this!! It is overflowing with home-made beauty, practicality and mood setting that money just can't buy!!

    Jane, you're wonderful! I'd love to crochet cloths like yours, and your whole bath gift is perfect!
    The warm winter clothes for little Tilda are absolutely beautiful, and will make 'everyday' more precious for what you have created!!

    Cookie, you have a beautiful touch, and so very creative!! See those very soft pink roses on the lower part of the picture? When I was little, I had a hair clip decorated with roses just like those!!

    Jeanette, your beautiful model is wearing such a beautiful shrug!! I, too, have been studying the picture!! - in particular, the position of the clock and tall lamps in the two pictures, to gain an orientation! Can you direct us to the pattern? It's a picture filled with beauty! Thank you!

    Lucy, good on you!! The pin boards have a wrought iron look! How stylish you are! It is exciting, even for us, to hear that you are beginning your own blog! I hope you and your very lovely Mum both do a post on this sort of thing!!

    Thank you to all the Bluebirds on the wing, who gather their food from afar, and show the work of their nests!

    Warm regards,
    Rachel Holt

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  15. Amanda31 May 2017 at 05:25

    Well done everyone on your crafting!

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    1. Anonymous1 June 2017 at 05:15

      Thank you, Amanda, for regularly posting a comment! This is appreciated!
      Regards,
      Rachel
      'Blog secretary'

      Delete
  16. chipmunk31 May 2017 at 06:50

    Wow, AMAZING work, Bluebirds! I am working on a couple of things, which I hope to have finished in the next few weeks. Y'all are such an inspiration!

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    1. Anonymous1 June 2017 at 05:17

      Bluebirds and a chipmunk! How wonderful!
      Will you be able to show us your work?!
      Thank you for commenting!!
      Regards,
      Rachel
      'Blog secretary'

      Delete
  17. Anonymous31 May 2017 at 07:26

    Dear Annabel,

    I love everything from this week's and last week's round-up! I have been missing in action...we had company and then we sold the goats...much quicker than I was anticipating, and I took it very hard. Just starting to see light right now. Love your new bathroom!

    xxxJen in NS

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    1. Annabel31 May 2017 at 21:10

      Hi Jen I know you loved those goats and that they were very hard work too. I hope they went to a good home and you will feel ok about it and notice life is easier! With also having visitors you have had your hands full! I hope this week things settle and are easier! with love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  18. Anonymous31 May 2017 at 13:49

    Dear Annabel,
    It was exciting to read that Lucy will be having her own blog! I'm looking forward to reading it!! I love the boards that she did for Harper and would love to have the pattern for the butterflies.

    Jane's gifts for your new bathroom are gorgeous as are all of the lovely things she's made for Tilly's first birthday!!

    I love shrugs and Jeanettes is a beauty. I was wondering if she could share the pattern she used?

    I'm really looking forward to seeing Kelsey's little bluebird's nursery.
    Blessings,
    Cookie

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous1 June 2017 at 05:19

      Thanks, Cookie!!
      There are a number of us interested in that shrug pattern, and in seeing Kelsey's nursery! Life is never dull around here!!
      Regards,
      Rachel

      Delete
  19. Cheryl Kimbley1 June 2017 at 12:15

    Ladies everything is absolutely lovely.
    Annabelle it still amazes me that there are some people going into winter. I just got our garden planted last week and am looking forward to a prolific garden this summer (here's hoping).

    Love the crafting ideas I get here.
    Good day.

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  20. Janine1 June 2017 at 16:20

    Hi Annabel and Bluebirders,

    I love Wednesdays for all the show'n'tell. There are some great gift cupboards being created. It's hard to believe we are halfway through the year!

    I don't seem to be as organised this year as last and my gift making is lagging somewhat. I have been sewing for grandchildren, but not much else. Must give myself a harsh talking to or I will be having a LOT of late nights come closer to Christmas.

    Janine

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  21. Mimi1 June 2017 at 18:06

    Hello Annabel and Bluebirds. Jane is so thoughtful! And of course, clever to boot! Jeanettes crochet is divine, Cookies ribbon roses are to die for (I'd stitch them to pillow case edges!), and it comes as no surprise that Lucy has inherited her Mothers touch with homemaking. I've been busy and absent, but so pleased to be back to a normal-ish routine. Mimi xxx

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  22. Anonymous1 June 2017 at 21:49

    Hi Annabel
    Jane has been a very busy little bluebird and certainly blessed you with some lovely bath products for you to enjoy and all those lovely handmade clothes for her granddaughters birthday.
    There does not seem an end to Cookies talents she amazes me with everything she does.
    Jeanette shrug is lovely and a great colour to wear with everything.
    I love Lucy's pin board - very professional, I can't wait to see what other projects she comes up with on her blog.
    Also, lovely pink mail arrived this morning with my sour dough starter, cant wait to try it out over the weekend.
    have a great weekend everyone. Love Jo Roberts

    ReplyDelete

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