Autumn leaves...and blessings abundant!

My eyes have really opened to the warmth and beauty of nature's gifts this autumn. Every day, as I'm out and about, the palette changes, introducing deep, warm hues of red, yellow, orange and purple. As I shared in my previous post, we have enjoyed lovely walks and inhaling every detail of creation as it changes. I thought that this harvest season yields the perfect opportunity to reflect on the blessings in our own lives, thinking of the things that we can be grateful for every day. So, for the month of October (at least!), I thought of doing a little display on our mantel, something to remind us of the blessings that we enjoy! Sometimes we get so bogged down by 'normal life' and the stresses of modern day, that we forget that we are fortunate to have so much to be thankful for.

As always, a little sewing to start me off! I wanted to make a simple wreath to hang above the mantel, and used an existing heart twig wreath that had been shoved away in a cupboard. Inspired by the latest issue of 'Mollie Makes', I sewed some felt and fabric leaves to decorate the wreath. I am so pleased with the results!

Autumn leaves...

 

 

And hanging above the fireplace...ta-dah!

 

 

 

With the new wreath in place, a few reminders of autumn and all-year round blessings...

 

 

 

A heart garland to remind us of family, that we are bound together by love...We are thankful for each other...

 

 

 

Pumpkins to remind us that we have plenty to eat...we are fortunate in a world where some many people go without...

 

 

Tartlet candles, to remind us to be light in the darkness, to share the bounty that we enjoy, with those who are less fortunate...



 





The vintage 'Flour' tin and milk can also reminds us of these blessings, harvested all year round. In fact, we are very blessed to just be able to buy these from the supermarket! :)

A vintage toy sewing machine...a reminder that we are thankful for the health, ability and resources to work...

 

But most of all, we are grateful for the faith we have, and the love of God that upholds us every day, and His word...

 

 



 

The cotton reels are little reminders that we are clothed...for that we give thanks!

 

 

And so, we reflect, and give thanks...for the friends that we have in our lives too...and as a reminder? This beautiful red toadstool, made for our family by a dear friend. She hand engraved each of our names, and our family name. We are very blessed to have so many wonderful, selfless people in our lives!

 

 



 

I hope that you can also reflect today on the blessings in your life. And may many more come your way!

 

 

Tania♥





 

A 'no-sew' Valentine Quickie

For those of you who don't cringe at the mention of Valentine's day, I thought I'd share a little project with you, which in all fairness, might 'deck the halls' all year round as I like it so much! Who doesn't like hearts? I personally love them, and have quite a few scattered around the house. I wanted to make something for Valentine's day that could go in the kitchen. I always have a wreath hanging on the door (that's inside!), and so needless to say I thought of making one for the 'month of love.' The best thing is, it only took about half an hour! Okay...so it's not a complex, time-consuming work of art and craftsmanship, but that's what's great about it! Anyone can do this! So, a list of goodies needed:

1.  One polystyrene wreath base, size...whatever tickles your fancy! It really doesn't matter. I used one that measures 30cm diameter. 
2.  A pair of knee-length socks or tights in your choice of colour, pattern or designer. I really don't think it matters whether they're from Ralph Lauren or Poundland! As long as they're clean!
3. Scissors: For cutting the toes off the end of the socks. (I believe cutting the ends off Ralph's socks hurts more!)
4. Pins...LOTS!
5. Co-ordinating papers in your choice of colours and patterns. I used some scraps I had left over from previous projects. TIP: Never throw good, usable scraps away! You just never know when they'll come in handy!
6. Ribbon, to make a bow
7. Lastly, and this is where your 'quickie' can turn into a saga:  I used a Big Shot die-cutting machine with heart dies to cut out the hearts. If you don't have anything like this handy, you simply have to cut the hearts out by hand! It might take a little longer...okay, it will take a little longer, but it will be worth it!

So, method...

1. Firstly, you cut through the wreath with a scarp knife to create an opening. This is where you'll thread the socks onto the wreath.
2. Cut the toes off the socks, and feed the socks onto the wreath. You'll have to play and fiddle to get it looking tidy. I pulled the socks tight for a smooth fit, but you could also use two pairs to create a ruched effect.
3. Cut out hearts in different sizes.
4. Pin the hearts to the wreath. Let your imagination run wild!
5. Use the ribbon to create a bow. Add a bow to the bottom, or top, or not at all. It's up to you.
6. Hang it up, stand back...and gasp in admiration of your handiwork!

I hope you will have a go at making one yourself. Come on, give it all your heart! Lol...till next time!

P.S. It goes without saying that pins are sharp, and therefore dangerous. Take care when using, and put out your wreath out of reach of children and those bearing a grudge!