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, 15 August 2017

The Christmas Challenge. Mid August. 2017.

My Christmas cupboard is looking really healthy!  It is a combination of things I have made, bargains I've found and even some op shop finds.

Yesterday I called into an op shop (thrift store) and came out with another very good basket for making up a hamper gift. I get these when I see them and this was a big one for three dollars. It would hold a big cake, jars of jam, or one of my cleaning gifts with wool wash, miracle spray, cleaning cloths and so on.

These last few weeks I finally made some cards for men.  I watch out for images all the time and I really liked these ones from an English magazine...



Since my family are farmers these are great. I got twelve cards all up.

I finished crocheting wash cloths (or cleaning cloths) to pair with all the soaps I made earlier in the year...


I add these to the cleaning themed baskets as well (along with the soaps) and so these are a handy addition to have a heap of!  And all my crochet cotton is now used up.

As well as the beautiful vintage magazines from Deb I had a parcel from Mimi!  She sent me lovely fine angora wool with a sparkle.  You know I love sparkle! 


I have plans for this. It is going to go into a blanket! 

With my bulk herbs and spices buy up I have made up jars of herbs and also ready made mixes and some of these are going into kitchen themed gifts...



The other day I saw bargain big wooden spoons. I love wooden spoons!  I got some of these as something else to add to kitchen gifts along with my bunches of herbs etc.

I love to be able to give away herbs and this week I gave away parsley and lemons.  Anyone who cooks loves stuff like this as it is so useful.



Something that is helping is my further afield shopping.  I feel if I have travelled further for good deals that I should make the most of the trip and go into the good op shops while I'm there.  This is really working!  I have put away some amazing gifts for 50c to $3 price range. Oh and also lovely containers and baskets to make up hampers. These are so handy to have ready to go.  I have to note... a nice basket makes a whole bunch of odds and ends suddenly look abundant and lovely.  So it might be something I baked, jars of jam, bunches of herbs, some Bay Leaves packaged up etc but all in a basket it looks so nice.  If you want confidence to do this look online at hamper gifts and notice the prices! 

How is your gift cupboard going?  I am at the point now where I am feeling ahead with gifts and in a pinch I could go to my cupboards and find a suitable gift, card and wrap for most people and most occasions.  This is a good feeling!  It is also another thing that is like money in the bank. I do not have to budget for those gifts. 

This afternoon I am going to Aldi and there is a big op shop right around the corner from there as well so I am trying to pair up these shops as a regular trip.   

I hope your week is going well!  We have had heaps of rain but just now the sun is shining and it's lovely.

Next week we will be heading towards the end of the month again so if you would like to be in Show and Tell send me your pics to brinkzi21@hotmail.com   I LOVE seeing what you have been making, your ideas and even your thrift store finds and baking!  Love it all! Thank you! xxx








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27 comments:

  1. Jen15 August 2017 at 21:38

    Your cards for men are lovely Annabel! And I always love homemade wash cloths, I must try crocheting some as I've only ever knit them. I actually think that yarn might be the best thing to receive in the mail lol.

    I had to buy some backing and binding for my son's quilt today, I ended up buying a sheet set for $20, I will use the flat sheet for the quilt and have the fitted and pillowcases to add to the linen cupboard. I couldn't believe how much cheaper that option was compared to buying the fabric from the bolt!

    On my trip to the fabric shop I also went to a fruit and vegetable shop that was brilliant! Apples were 1/6 of the price of our supermarket, and there was a good variety of specials. We will have cauliflower cheese for the first time this year tomorrow night :). And they had a huge herb and spice section with bags four times the size of the ones at the supermarket, but the same price. I got several bags and can start making mixes. So it was an excellent shop to find. I thought of you immediately lol.

    My present cupboard is looking a bit sad for adults at the moment, so I think I might go for the food hamper idea. I know I'm always happy to receive food! I absolutely agree about baskets, they can make gifts look really classy. I'm now on the hunt for baskets at the op shop!

    Enjoy the rest of your week :)

    Jen in NZ

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  2. Fiona16 August 2017 at 02:23

    Great photos Annabel. I saw the one of Chloe and thought it was you out fishing. Just tell her it's beginners luck lol. The men's cards are lovely and I'm sure will be a big hit. As usual your crochet is superb and all your lovely ideas. Fi xx

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  3. Anonymous16 August 2017 at 03:56

    Dear Annabel,

    I love the idea of laden baskets as gifts! I sure wish I could make use of that idea more often, as most of my gifts have to be sent in the mail, but it does come in handy for gifts for people I don't know all that well. It's "personal", but not too personal, if you know what I mean, and baskets of goodies don't require knowing a person's size! :)

    My Christmas tub is still looking fairly bare, but I am planning to rectify that in the next 2 or 3 weeks. I did finish the knitting on a vest, though, so will be blocking that today.

    xx Jen in NS

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  4. Rubies16 August 2017 at 05:53

    Annabel,
    Everything looks so lovely. The cards for the men are perfect, I always have a hard time finding or making something for the menfolk.

    I have always for years collected baskets from the op shops. The smallest I have gone is where 2 canning jars would fit in.
    I have filled baskets with goodies and then used cellophane wrap and a large bow, it made it look as if it came from a top of the end store. I put all bath associate items in one from crocheted body puff and wash cloths on. I would do a kitchen theme with dishtowel, dish cloth, and scrubbers, etc.. My food theme usually was home canned jams and jellies and breads, wrapped in homemade dish cloths. The basket would run $3 or less, I have a set limit on what I will pay for them and go from there. I use to make gift basket for husband's classes to raffle off, each man got a ticket as they walked into class, a wine theme with a bottle of wine, crystal glasses from op shop, crackers, cheese. Or one that was made for a woman with bath needs, or a man with shaving and grooming needs. I did one with a large pot with strainer and all food related to making pasta. There are so many things you can put together so inexpensively.

    This year my poor gift cupboard is sparse I need to get moving on it more. Working on another afghan for a Daughter in law now.

    Love, Rosanne

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    1. Annabel16 August 2017 at 22:19

      Dear Rosanne, I love your basket ideas ESPECIALLY to add crystal glasses as yes! we can get those from an op shop and they are so cheap yet in a department store they are about $50 a pair (here anyway). Also I love the pasta theme idea! These are beautiful gifts.
      You have made a lot this year but while you haven't been well you need a rest! With lots of love, Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  5. Cozy Thyme Cottage16 August 2017 at 06:18

    Love reading the Christmas share posts! You make things look so pretty and lovely. I need to work on the presentation. I have good intentions but don't seem to get a lot done! Happy to see your idea for making men's cards! Thank you for taking the time to share! Nancy

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    1. Annabel16 August 2017 at 22:16

      Dear Nancy, Thank you! Of all my tips for presentation cellophane bags are number one... crisp cellophane makes things look lovely! For big things oven bags look the same! With love Annabel.xxx

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  6. Anonymous16 August 2017 at 12:33

    Annabel,
    I love the men's cards you made they are perfect! I just got 3 or 4 free magazine subscriptions so maybe they will have some card worthy pictures in them? I guess we'll see!
    XOXO
    Vicky

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    Replies
    1. Annabel16 August 2017 at 22:14

      Dear Vicky, I hope there might be some good pictures! Even little ones are good for tags. I found some with reindeer which will be nice for Christmas time. I aim thinking I have to add glitter though! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  7. Debby in KS16 August 2017 at 13:21

    I spent a lot of time this year embroidering towels and I haven't done much else. With all the mixes posted here in the last couple of weeks, I think I'm going to put together some little gift baskets with those. I love having things ready to go and I'm sure others will love to, as well. Especially dip mixes with all the fall gatherings that seem to take place. And soup mixes are the best when winter colds come stomping in.

    I love the stitches you used in those washing cloths. They're so beautiful that I couldn't use them for housecleaning. Just me-cleaning!! ;)

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    1. Annabel16 August 2017 at 22:11

      Dear Debby, The embroidered towels will be great gifts. I like dip mixes also... the french onion soup mix makes a beautiful dip with yoghurt that I love. And now I have yoghurt to use up!
      Thanks so much, love Annabel.xxx

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  8. Cheryl Kimbley16 August 2017 at 13:53

    What lovely gifts. My goodness, that white yarn is pretty.
    I love the cards.
    I need to stop at a thrift shop or two in the coming weeks. It's been a while.
    Blessings to all.

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    Replies
    1. Annabel16 August 2017 at 22:09

      Thank you Cheryl! I am op shopping much more regularly and it is really paying off. I hope you have good luck! With love Annabel.xxx

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  9. Anonymous16 August 2017 at 15:59

    Dear Annabel,
    Your gifts look lovely, as usual! My FIL gets Texas wildlife magazines and those have great images for men. I would love to get my hands on an English magazine (for myself)!
    Well I haven't had time for crafts lately! But on my list is a baby blanket for an upcoming baby shower. My husband is going to build the new mom a wooden storage box and I'm going to fill it with our leftover newborn diapers. If all goes according to plan, I'll send pics.
    Have a lovely rest of the week, Bluebirds!
    Love, Kelsey
    P.S. Vicky, I didn't comment but I loved seeing your flower syrups. And Gardenpat, your pantry is amazing, especially as I see much of it is home canned.

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    1. Annabel16 August 2017 at 22:03

      Dear Kelsey, Thos magazines would be really good! Men are always harder to make things for I think... those magazines could give you note book covers too!
      I love your plans for the baby shower! And that you are both working on it!
      I would love to see! I know you are so busy just now. I am glad you are enjoying it and it truly is a short time in the scheme of things so just concentrating on a new baby is enough! I know you are loving it and soaking it all in! This makes me happy just to think about! thank you Kelsey! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
    2. Anonymous17 August 2017 at 09:52

      Thanks Kelsey!
      XOXO
      Vicky

      Delete
  10. Cheri16 August 2017 at 17:10

    What great ideas! I am making some slow progress. But every week you inspire me and now that summer is winding down, I will have more crafty time on my hands.

    But this week, I am SO EXCITED, I finished repairing a quilt I made for my firstborn son to now give to his firstborn son.

    Pictures here:

    https://northwoodsramblings.blogspot.com/2017/08/her-little-there-little.html

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    Replies
    1. Annabel16 August 2017 at 22:00

      Dear Cheri,
      The quilt is gorgeous! Well done! What a wonderful project! Keep going on a little by little as it will amount to more than you think! With love Annabel.xxx

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    2. Jen17 August 2017 at 03:42

      Wow your quilt is amazing! How lovely for your grandson to use his dad's quilt. I'm sure it will mean a lot to both of them.

      Jen in NZ

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    3. Cheri17 August 2017 at 06:15

      Oh, thank you, Jen! Lots of prayers went into those stitches!

      Delete
    4. Cheri17 August 2017 at 06:16

      And thank you Annabel for all the inspiration and encouragement you offer all of us!

      Delete
  11. Mimi17 August 2017 at 15:53

    Hi Annabel :) Great going and I especially love the Guy cards and your crochet! I don't have a lot to show and tell this month but I'll do my best for next month! You're keeping me on the straight and narrow, that is for certain. Love, Mimi xxx

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    1. Annabel18 August 2017 at 00:57

      Thank you Mimi! I know you have been busy and have hold ups too! xxx

      Delete
  12. Amanda17 August 2017 at 17:21

    Wow, Christmas is getting closer and I'm really not doing too well on the gift front. I need to get some soaps made so that they have time to dry properly in time! Thanks for all these gorgeous pics and tips Annabel!

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    1. Annabel18 August 2017 at 00:58

      Dear Amanda, There is still plenty of time! Truly it is amazing how things add up. Even making something weekly now will make a big difference! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  13. Lorraine W18 August 2017 at 01:51

    Hello Annabel, your male cards are so lovely. It gave me an idea to make some using a magazine my husband has a subscription to. Your washcloths are beautiful, the stitching as well as the colour. Could you please tell me where you buy your 100% cotton Annabel? Just wanting to know where is the cheapest place to purchase as we have little choice where I live. Also when it gets closer to Christmas could you please share photos of baskets of goodies you are making, including ones of the contents as I'm sure we'd all appreciate the inspiration. Thankyou so much for your fantastic blog and all the effort you put into sharing it with us. All my best wishes, Lorraine

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    1. Annabel18 August 2017 at 05:07

      Dear Lorraine, Thank you! If you don't have many choices as far as yarn shops go the best thing is Bendigo Woollen Mills. They have beautiful 100% cotton in varying plys. First request a cooler chart which has real cotton to see and feel... very helpful. They have a pretty good sale a couple of times a year. My Mum gets all her cotton from them. I have found cotton in op shops but of course that is hit and miss! Also you can try eBay... but it is harder to be sure if its 100% cotton sometimes. I will post pics of the baskets as I make them up, someone else asked this also! Thank you for your kind words Lorraine! With love Annabel.xxx

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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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