Pollyanna and the Glad Game

When I was a little girl, I saw the 1960 film version of Pollyanna, made from the book by Eleanor H. Porter, which was published in 1913. It stuck with me as my favourite film of all time. It is tradition in our house to watch it twice a year, once at Christmas, and once in the summer, always on a lazy Sunday afternoon. We all love the story of an orphaned Pollyanna, who has to go and live with her aunt Polly, a wealthy woman, a pillar of her community, and a serious lady who finds it hard to relate to Pollyanna's cheerful disposition. The headlining theme in the story, is Pollyanna's optimism and childlike grasp of life, centering around 'the glad game', a game she learned from her father, where one has to find something to be glad about in every situation. It originated when one Christmas, Pollyanna was hoping to get a doll from a missionary barrel, only to find a pair of crutches. Her father pointed out that she could be glad that she didn't need to use the crutches! And so the glad game was born...

Now, a dear friend of mine started writing a blog, 108 days ago to be exact! It is called 365 Days of Gratitude. When I originally saw her blog, it reminded me of the story of Pollyanna. Every day she reflects on her day, and shares with us her experiences, her journey, and in every day she finds something to be grateful for. I think that this is such a wonderful attitude to have towards life, because it gives us perspective and grounding in what really matters in life. Every morning I check in with Tai, because it is so encouraging and uplifting, and it prompts me to reflect on my own little corner of the universe, and to give thanks for the beauty within it.

I would encourage you to pop over and say a hello. You will be blessed, encouraged, challenged and uplifted!

I leave you with one last thought: "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Blessings
  Tania♥

P.S. I would love it if you could share with us what you are thankful for today!

Homemade gifts...with love...

What is your take on homemade gifts? Do you also feel super loved when someone hands you a gift they've lovingly crafted with you in mind? I love getting homemade gifts. Don't get me wrong, I love receiving ANY gift, but there is something truly special about someone investing their time and creativity into making something with you in mind. Perhaps that is why I enjoy making gifts. I'd like to share with you a few that  I've made recently. I would be delighted if you would share any ideas you may have, as I'm always looking for fresh, new inspiration!

My daughter's best friend had a birthday recently, and as letter's are very popular decorative objects at the moment, I decided to make one for her with her first initial. One can buy blank letters ready for decorating from most hobby and craft shops, whether they're made from card, plaster or wood. I loved this white one, as it looks fresh, crisp and is really easy to jazz up. I love using transfers for projects like these, so I set to work...

I used paper, transfers, gemstones for sparkle, and ribbon for texture, and this was the result.

A quick, easy, yet personal gift!



Now, if there is one thing that lends itself to gifting, it's the humble jar. They come in many shapes and sizes, and you can purchase them rather inexpensively, or one can re-purpose/re-cycle existing ones. Teamed up with a few decorative touches, the possibilities are endless! It was a dear friend's birthday recently, and I wanted to add an extra little something to her gift bag. I used a pickle jar, and created a gift called 'Jute in a Jar'...

I sanded the lid with sandpaper to get rid of Mrs Pickles' face, and to give it a rustic feel! I then added some flower transfers, and letter transfers to the glass bottom. All that was left to do was to make a hole in the lid. I used my eyelet hammer and hole punch, but a hammer and nail would do the job just as well. I popped the jute string inside, pulled it through the hole, tied a knot and voila! Jute in a jar! (P.S. I did also add some scented oil to the jute before sealing the jar....Cranberry and vanilla...)



Now, I find it quite easy to think of gift ideas for the fairer sex, but when it comes to the male variety, I sometimes get stuck. A friend once gave our little man a 'movie-night-in' in a basket, and he loved it. So, needless to say, I bagged this idea for his friend's birthday. I filled a basket with snacks, popcorn and soda for good measure. (Don't tell the dentist!) I popped a Blockbuster movie shop gift card inside (I can imagine using DVDs as well, but a card gives freedom of choice!), and added a few finishing touches...

I made a little 'ticket pouch' for the gift card...

I then added a clapper board for dramatic effect...



...a Hollywood walk of fame star to brighten it up...

I found some old photo film, and used it to decorate a sweet jar...

And there you have it, a 'movie night in' in a basket!

Please share your lovely gift ideas by leaving a comment. I would love to hear from you!

Be blessed!
  Tania♥♥♥

A little forgotten project...

Hello me lovelies! Well, I hope you have all enjoyed the Easter weekend, and are making the most of the last day! And hopefully you haven't over-indulged in chocolate eggs like I have. I tried something a little different this morning for breakfast. A nice warm slice of toast, topped with creamy cheesy spread and dotted with a few mini candy coated chocolate eggs...yum...I kid you not! Anyway, I've been meaning to share a project of mine with you for quite some time now. It's something I made for Easter a long time ago, and I was so pleased with the way it turned out that it stays out all year round. It hangs on our kitchen door, and only gets put away at Christmas and Valentine's day to make room for other decorations.

You all know by now that I am a huge fan of Tone Finnanger's Tilda creations, and own nearly every book! Inspired by her lovelies, I decided to make a wreath for Easter by sewing components from her books, and teaming it up with a few other spring-like items I already had...

A few hearts in assorted sizes, teamed up with paper flowers...

A couple of twirly fabric roses and pearly pins...

Little birdies and pastel eggs...

And voila! An Easter wreath to cheer things up!

Oh, and of course a bow to finish it off!

I was so pleased with how it turned out, especially as it was very inexpensive to make! This really appeals to my thrifty self! I used a Styrofoam wreath for the base, and merely covered it with a recycled skirt which I cut into strips. I then tied the strips around the wreath base, and added all the little extras. I have made a few variations since this one, and hope to share those with you too.

Happiness, joy, love and peace to you, wherever your feet may take you!

Tania ♥