tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22357655733224377702024-02-18T22:00:25.146-08:00Christmas at EdenCreating a Beautiful Christmas in a Beautiful PlaceAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309739193784900825noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235765573322437770.post-58598834820475410402010-12-20T17:47:00.000-08:002010-12-20T18:47:55.151-08:00Handmade Christmas Crackers - Inspiration/Ideas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4e3sQPSQsKEdhEZscRsK6BvUX7N3z4jSoyOBigVKWq9DLMw8t78w9mwX0P_wNerez8QgeQhg4QuxIHujXljH8f7snH28yat874v8IDjX8cqzTg5K-nmE5R3Wi6oUh4LJm6-3b_pARJDa/s1600/Making+a+wreath+Preparing+for+Christmas.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4e3sQPSQsKEdhEZscRsK6BvUX7N3z4jSoyOBigVKWq9DLMw8t78w9mwX0P_wNerez8QgeQhg4QuxIHujXljH8f7snH28yat874v8IDjX8cqzTg5K-nmE5R3Wi6oUh4LJm6-3b_pARJDa/s320/Making+a+wreath+Preparing+for+Christmas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552947164778595250" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I have created this collage to show you the Christmas crackers or bon bons as they are also called, that I made last Christmas and the ones I have just put the finishing touches on for my table this Christmas season.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24YCDpgQdyoV631-vrDLYxDNbckECdbwTmRLAs9rtlV0YHk27IaEMaAu1DqvGgI54MU2pMmGBEp-FFBZxCbWEXx4KRAOH1SOFItxuiWY_P_g3HQJZQH1jBlbJCFKn8nu_hA5dqCx0LtGL/s1600/IMG_0722.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24YCDpgQdyoV631-vrDLYxDNbckECdbwTmRLAs9rtlV0YHk27IaEMaAu1DqvGgI54MU2pMmGBEp-FFBZxCbWEXx4KRAOH1SOFItxuiWY_P_g3HQJZQH1jBlbJCFKn8nu_hA5dqCx0LtGL/s320/IMG_0722.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552948922200434850" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I had decided on a gold theme for the table taking my inspiration from a gold tablecloth purchased in a pre-Christmas sale. I found the glittery gold paper at a department store - it certainly has lots of sparkle but it was quite difficult to work with - a little too stiff for tying and crimping off the ends and the glitter drops everywhere! After making four gold crackers I decided to return to making the rest with my paper of choice - white crepe paper. The white vintage inspired crackers are my personal favourite. They are trimmed with vintage lace and grandmother's brooches - yes they really are grandmother's brooches (they belonged to my daughter's great grandmother). Each year I use them in some way to embellish a gift - a personal touch for what has become a family tradition!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL68q_9V1er7Pus4NoEOriP8hRxrzzlbObvcw-crrp6zDpUR57VbA0I-37bLn7Eae0q0r7NMm0SPXjqq8rXMMbDwLxJxDCg9pSBEaVb48rit1d0juZMxa9ZlnlsNCDwSG7k6nwIrCGb5BU/s1600/IMG_0728.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL68q_9V1er7Pus4NoEOriP8hRxrzzlbObvcw-crrp6zDpUR57VbA0I-37bLn7Eae0q0r7NMm0SPXjqq8rXMMbDwLxJxDCg9pSBEaVb48rit1d0juZMxa9ZlnlsNCDwSG7k6nwIrCGb5BU/s320/IMG_0728.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552953630817109394" border="0" /></a>After making the crackers for my family table I decided to experiment with some more creative ideas for crackers - something a little different to what I usually create. I've seen old maps in frames so why not use them to create an unusual vintage style cracker? This, I feel would suit a more rustic or even a modern Christmas table setting.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLXd1-t9rQiL_1PNiuHlU6ARY7AmcoF-Bp_ywNt_NUlyjjpEnhhwIweUZHRWQVt6c4Gk3texJIhloUnvZUYQtlygNnSygQpKcGk3Qc5qdS88YcP7RaFZQxEycGy3TNta9FWmzr9Jy3gC1/s1600/IMG_0732.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLXd1-t9rQiL_1PNiuHlU6ARY7AmcoF-Bp_ywNt_NUlyjjpEnhhwIweUZHRWQVt6c4Gk3texJIhloUnvZUYQtlygNnSygQpKcGk3Qc5qdS88YcP7RaFZQxEycGy3TNta9FWmzr9Jy3gC1/s320/IMG_0732.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552955378391954834" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />They would also make a great personalized gift for a friend from overseas. The cracker on the right is for a Samoan friend. I chose a more tropical style of flower to trim the bow. I know she prefers pastel shades so opted for lilac ribbon. I am so looking forward to giving her this when I see her later this week! All my crackers for this year contain wrapped chocolates plus a little extra gift of pretty hair clips for my twin girls. If you need directions for making your own Christmas crackers check out my post from last year which gives step by step instructions.<br /><br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzT9jX-HwRfkMJZWoi-jUDdwnLzZChcch_zswx-_oLNbs6-3v9WemZmdpx1vDw8JWxSoS0Pd9pLaLl5M1-zOS-alvfc5kfQ0DqqcOk0pOLNJ4Qe5iO7NIpSd4tQMR9gC4GRWHIb_lIgJL/s1600/IMG_0733.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzT9jX-HwRfkMJZWoi-jUDdwnLzZChcch_zswx-_oLNbs6-3v9WemZmdpx1vDw8JWxSoS0Pd9pLaLl5M1-zOS-alvfc5kfQ0DqqcOk0pOLNJ4Qe5iO7NIpSd4tQMR9gC4GRWHIb_lIgJL/s320/IMG_0733.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552958085884558610" border="0" /></a>A set of the Pacific style crackers could be used to decorate an outside Christmas table. I'm thinking shells on the table, candles in glass hurricane glasses surrounded by coloured sand, a fresh orchid on each napkin. A Christmas picnic at the beach perhaps? If you live in the Southern hemisphere that is!<br /><br />Hope you have enjoyed seeing my crackers/ bon bons for 2010. I look forward to showing you my Christmas table for this year sometime after the event!<br /><br />Wishing you a blessed and beautiful Christmas.<br /><br />With Love and Joy,<br /><br />AnnAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309739193784900825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235765573322437770.post-10124085756932009342010-12-13T13:02:00.000-08:002010-12-13T14:59:14.425-08:00Gathering Greenery to decorate the home at Christmas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmYbY97XSV_K49ZLNKy77_w3BZJaSt2uzl_zu1Qkh0p9dA7bKIT9EGJpIFCNSEoa-EUTYErynsQLSSiwjCtsAoAnq8_r7hQrjCmjGuxycnkIn2rFzuej5ZGfZjBCR-XXfDISWZFsq_ld8/s1600/IMG_0672.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmYbY97XSV_K49ZLNKy77_w3BZJaSt2uzl_zu1Qkh0p9dA7bKIT9EGJpIFCNSEoa-EUTYErynsQLSSiwjCtsAoAnq8_r7hQrjCmjGuxycnkIn2rFzuej5ZGfZjBCR-XXfDISWZFsq_ld8/s320/IMG_0672.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550276967326859922" border="0" /></a><br />I am so blessed here at Eight Acres of Eden to be surrounded by abundant, verdant greenery. Just perfect for setting out at Christmas time around the home, bringing the gifts of nature inside to enjoy for a time. There is so much to choose from - it is just a matter of grabbing a basket off the pot hanger, picking up a pair of scissors, enlisting the help of a volunteer 'gatherer' and stepping outside the door!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOypPzoyJ7iIEKadBeh_j51ZOzwLOHa62fXQSVOfJaYI1AanZ9HrkgAWwNrHAqVv8cwzARJ3JZSz08MfGB9Gzv5W9SlD5ZQqtZHlufqqXs0QlHB0BUcepUAwxwVQHZnwxDSiAjiI0X8AXS/s1600/IMG_0681.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOypPzoyJ7iIEKadBeh_j51ZOzwLOHa62fXQSVOfJaYI1AanZ9HrkgAWwNrHAqVv8cwzARJ3JZSz08MfGB9Gzv5W9SlD5ZQqtZHlufqqXs0QlHB0BUcepUAwxwVQHZnwxDSiAjiI0X8AXS/s320/IMG_0681.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550279165402570050" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After recent rain the garden was flourishing - the magnolia's shiny green leaves are always lovely in arrangements and the roses have started to bloom - the girls wanted to pick the flowers but were happy to follow mum's instructions and leave them in the garden to enjoy!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJw9Yy8BbmFcSi0dDwCHrHMJ0yLUmYfeM6hr4LPOYNd8hDJ6CUImiCuUbsZVjhv7hnle3KUXDYgaga3ThpV9ZzX93UgDSH_MvMCNxAKKOLp6CNGNeGVm_c1KaxmuJzn6ZbhaoY1RkX-DZ/s1600/IMG_0680.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJw9Yy8BbmFcSi0dDwCHrHMJ0yLUmYfeM6hr4LPOYNd8hDJ6CUImiCuUbsZVjhv7hnle3KUXDYgaga3ThpV9ZzX93UgDSH_MvMCNxAKKOLp6CNGNeGVm_c1KaxmuJzn6ZbhaoY1RkX-DZ/s320/IMG_0680.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550280701302440610" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">They did take the time though to stop and smell the roses!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7UTpUm-aEWfSOeKl7LqqYb8kQtGrxVspRojJCUPURvSuDZkzer13n7Zb5o0Py12FI61nQ5hwovWJFKMLGw0AeQ3MC44WUNdOo3aipKdjvDB9NiIwv7VKdXIj8C9qQHDdp3lkMpdcE001Y/s1600/IMG_0685.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7UTpUm-aEWfSOeKl7LqqYb8kQtGrxVspRojJCUPURvSuDZkzer13n7Zb5o0Py12FI61nQ5hwovWJFKMLGw0AeQ3MC44WUNdOo3aipKdjvDB9NiIwv7VKdXIj8C9qQHDdp3lkMpdcE001Y/s320/IMG_0685.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550281754204959538" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">This is the selection of greenery we brought inside to decorate the top of the Stanley Stove which is the focal point of our family/dining room. Of course it is summer here - the fire will not be lit again until winter so I can decorate the stove to my heart's content without fear of setting anything alight!<br /><br />This is a list of my top three favourite items of greenery to use at Christmas time<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScWwg3IPULCBcwDQbAJeKQ1A-FDUIg9ZOLv2LsW4A-_DlXBTv9q9MrhuDrsbA_xBAC9On1uxn4OAISJfvdxR2UB-BHxYr3K7I9MIqth5kFcVntYWzUjMfIr2_ARb0Kdk8Nsy3FUY0Rb2o/s1600/IMG_1476.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScWwg3IPULCBcwDQbAJeKQ1A-FDUIg9ZOLv2LsW4A-_DlXBTv9q9MrhuDrsbA_xBAC9On1uxn4OAISJfvdxR2UB-BHxYr3K7I9MIqth5kFcVntYWzUjMfIr2_ARb0Kdk8Nsy3FUY0Rb2o/s320/IMG_1476.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550284652392999378" border="0" /></a><br /><br />1. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cypress</span> snipped from my favourite tree at this property - a<span style="font-weight: bold;"> kashmiri cypress</span> which graces one side of the main entrance to my home. It is so tall and majestic. I love its sage green fronds which drape so beautifully. It is perfect for setting out along the edges of shelves.<br /></div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVWCqBnaXTj1ANLjHCM6XdRN8Krc6zTQnSap7wP4oobV7VnPAb1ZLjmbKeHTkdvpULKvtRQ4CD00qOdmdyvSrV7KhsZngcYHz1pQtuqEOaCzNxISA1c_OcFPCbCwu7dH1Z05EwwMZ7vTh/s1600/IMG_1651.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVWCqBnaXTj1ANLjHCM6XdRN8Krc6zTQnSap7wP4oobV7VnPAb1ZLjmbKeHTkdvpULKvtRQ4CD00qOdmdyvSrV7KhsZngcYHz1pQtuqEOaCzNxISA1c_OcFPCbCwu7dH1Z05EwwMZ7vTh/s320/IMG_1651.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550286334530107170" border="0" /></a><br /><br />2<span style="font-weight: bold;">.Cedar </span>- I feel so blessed to literally live 'beneath boughs of cedar'. The tall tree that stands on the other side of the front rocky path which leads to the front entrance is a <span style="font-weight: bold;">Himalayan cedar</span>. It's spiky needles really do bring Christmas inside and are the perfect finishing touch for the loose natural arrangements that I prefer. I used to hang Christmas lights in this tree but it has now grown too tall - I enjoy its splendour unadorned all year round!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwd-mkvh1gQziW4Uobt2TG2f29scjViA7CuzHFzQ9yvU3HSpnjvJvJRU893CYAY6FN6W8RicDjYIIJ7Xs7iQueIBv8V4VSAsGeuKoj6azqYkpxY_s5dL4Rv9mk02jHZxoq8SjKEvrkoga2/s1600/IMG_0408.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwd-mkvh1gQziW4Uobt2TG2f29scjViA7CuzHFzQ9yvU3HSpnjvJvJRU893CYAY6FN6W8RicDjYIIJ7Xs7iQueIBv8V4VSAsGeuKoj6azqYkpxY_s5dL4Rv9mk02jHZxoq8SjKEvrkoga2/s320/IMG_0408.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550289254526839426" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br />3.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Bay Leaves</span> - I planted this bay tree when we first moved to this property. It has flourished and I resisted the temptation to turn it into a standard bay tree - this is a forest property, it is wild and untamed - a manicured garden with straight lines and hedges and rows of flowers would not be quite right and I don't mind - I don't have to keep trimming it back all the time to keep it neat. An occasional pruning and I have bay leaves to pop into a casserole in winter, to add to jars of dry ingredients to keep weevils at bay (excuse the pun!) and at Christmas I can gather armfuls of leaves for decorative purposes.<br /><br />There are other <span style="font-weight: bold;">conifers </span>I can snip from, there is also an <span style="font-weight: bold;">oli</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">ve tree</span> which has never fruited but I like to use its branches in arrangements and the tips for trimmings - tuck a sprig under a ribbon tied around a jar of Christmas preserves or biscuits or tuck into a napkin. I can also find lots of ivy to wrap around the handles of wicker baskets - it is a weed that needs to be pulled out but a useful weed for the Christmas decorator!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyvDiv5JwLtyhzZMbF4kpZg9LgnKVam7Yndk2gd9-yE-Gy88ORaXPOX4i5moKtFfi8XVUUjqB8pjXXJehYvdjjviFQpWyDBPHHaWEL2opZHbVEn6Q6G36_kYBQOYm31_w5RiPbw6YXgz1/s1600/IMG_0687.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 192px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyvDiv5JwLtyhzZMbF4kpZg9LgnKVam7Yndk2gd9-yE-Gy88ORaXPOX4i5moKtFfi8XVUUjqB8pjXXJehYvdjjviFQpWyDBPHHaWEL2opZHbVEn6Q6G36_kYBQOYm31_w5RiPbw6YXgz1/s320/IMG_0687.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550292740752439698" border="0" /></a><br />Here is the result of our greenery gathering expedition - my Stanley stove affectionately known as 'Stan' bedecked in greenery for the Christmas season. This was my trial run - after a few days the greenery will wilt and I will remove it - there is plenty more to replace it. I occasionally make longer lasting more structural arrangements using oasis taped into trays but when time is limited I simply layer, drape, tuck and scatter! I think I prefer this more natural look for my home. I plan to gather some greenery on Christmas Eve morning and in the evening as we sit down to dinner I will light all the candles!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYRC86BWs3HRxxILxYkJ3jCmUlSFEhIv3VQq7ejtqwVnSBcIFX18m-zhRxTpZD_okrLyETwYQqSrgvaEVkUaB-sKsQEMX8_CLFPTlVhQ551TcEIl3Zski2Gu_EAAtu2yUyVf4Hq9EPHVUW/s1600/IMG_0690.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYRC86BWs3HRxxILxYkJ3jCmUlSFEhIv3VQq7ejtqwVnSBcIFX18m-zhRxTpZD_okrLyETwYQqSrgvaEVkUaB-sKsQEMX8_CLFPTlVhQ551TcEIl3Zski2Gu_EAAtu2yUyVf4Hq9EPHVUW/s320/IMG_0690.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550294940476012882" border="0" /></a>A closer look<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_MLgS9ZVJ525xj3Yejxo3KnfuaKNM5ylBnR6L7_0UOX08rveYIPtn7ld2J4Dq1IAjnL_a_UyXyJWQPscGEETw9K4dvMHCpS40nlp4sYDKkD0e-VCSIiUZVoxbdLAM4Aj9USuYNFyei7A/s1600/IMG_0691.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_MLgS9ZVJ525xj3Yejxo3KnfuaKNM5ylBnR6L7_0UOX08rveYIPtn7ld2J4Dq1IAjnL_a_UyXyJWQPscGEETw9K4dvMHCpS40nlp4sYDKkD0e-VCSIiUZVoxbdLAM4Aj9USuYNFyei7A/s320/IMG_0691.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550296860427095234" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">I love my enamel kettle which is the perfect match for the Stanley. I hope to add to my white enamelware collection - in the gift store where I found my kettle, there is a sweet milk jug and a small bucket which I can see now filled to the brim with green or red apples!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllXoiUulJZZPhRlFaXzaj0RUbuwndriMI6M-mtic70pLS8hbauJeEi-IgHy5TfaB6Y0eYfqwRdo2t6aaiFw_dyUPiQOCL3CRM0Kus8JbNvLajjizMGq8gnmxjRYa5gqpUD1TUW9grE6z4/s1600/IMG_0695.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllXoiUulJZZPhRlFaXzaj0RUbuwndriMI6M-mtic70pLS8hbauJeEi-IgHy5TfaB6Y0eYfqwRdo2t6aaiFw_dyUPiQOCL3CRM0Kus8JbNvLajjizMGq8gnmxjRYa5gqpUD1TUW9grE6z4/s320/IMG_0695.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550298360428903042" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I love these little metal white tea- lights with their dragonfly design. I found them at a garage sale for just $2. I hope you have enjoyed seeing a corner of my home and how I use what is freely available to me from my garden to decorate at Christmas time. I believe nature makes some of the best decorations! Don't have enough baubles to pile up in bowls on your Christmas table? How about apples? Or oranges? Nuts from your pantry? Cinnamon sticks and snippets of greenery from the shrubs in your garden or ask permission from a neighbour with a garden of hedges that need to be trimmed for their prunings!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTYU3UWo7xi8r-pgOquyLFvMpSaaUsWIr3RS8oREXlOaWZMQgZrb-HKggHmMofXkll6unFw8Gj8UAVLAgcrSrwSrKdw74g8lkuFn8tyAwSpYfTUeZjRwT5DTihSHEno5g6WY-wp94-fgY/s1600/311206+%2528136%2529.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTYU3UWo7xi8r-pgOquyLFvMpSaaUsWIr3RS8oREXlOaWZMQgZrb-HKggHmMofXkll6unFw8Gj8UAVLAgcrSrwSrKdw74g8lkuFn8tyAwSpYfTUeZjRwT5DTihSHEno5g6WY-wp94-fgY/s320/311206+%2528136%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550302788542320882" border="0" /></a><br />Don't have time to drape the banisters of your staircase or sufficient greenery to make swags for your mantel piece? Don't own a chandelier? Why not just add sprigs to an afternoon tea tray or tuck greenery into napkins - a little touch here and there - you will be surprised at the difference these simple embellishments of green will make to you home! I'm hoping to make some more of these gingerbread wreaths this week - the chocolate leaves and a few fronds of cypress are all that is needed to make a simple but stunning gift - and so much easier than constructing a gingerbread house!<br /><br />Happy Gathering!<br /><br />With Love and Joy,<br /><br />Ann<br /></div></div>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309739193784900825noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235765573322437770.post-60061530070998908862010-12-05T15:36:00.000-08:002010-12-05T18:13:32.893-08:00Choosing a Colour Scheme for your Christmas Tree<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgMzC2B7nnUl9yylu0cz-DUg9NTQ8zv3ydVlzv6fjfEANgIK8DTY1eT-yXfmBjiX5GeBd1OrukhbTjbfY77aYU59Crjq6A818aSR5CEYFLze8usuMmwNlbk6OYwJgRkrQzRGW-gEx4n0J/s1600/IMG_0643.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgMzC2B7nnUl9yylu0cz-DUg9NTQ8zv3ydVlzv6fjfEANgIK8DTY1eT-yXfmBjiX5GeBd1OrukhbTjbfY77aYU59Crjq6A818aSR5CEYFLze8usuMmwNlbk6OYwJgRkrQzRGW-gEx4n0J/s320/IMG_0643.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547347741179964738" border="0" /></a><br />Last year I started this blog to show you how I create a beautiful Christmas in a beautiful place. I want to do the same this year but there is no need to repeat the tutorials I posted last year. You will find the 'how to' posts in my archives. I'm hoping to have a simple but beautiful Christmas this year - <span style="font-weight: bold;">recreating the traditions</span> I have always held dear such as <span style="font-weight: bold;">trimming the tree</span> and<span style="font-weight: bold;"> making my own bon bons</span> but not allowing myself to be distracted by decorating dilemmas and spending money in an attempt to keep up with the trends and have a fashionable Christmas - I've realized I prefer the old fashioned kind of Christmas and that reflects my choices for the colour scheme I chose for my tree this year.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOcb06Rx6WTOT0NOniUVqoURNBJFaVzbu1J3Agz-B9UFSrXgVcyXvcHwmfZY-TaSiuln015QO6N0FWcaxoC9_LXZTeQKwZ3BJByevTwC2tKAdpZduahHbdy16wcdq82_1VIRmyf3FND8b/s1600/IMG_0647.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOcb06Rx6WTOT0NOniUVqoURNBJFaVzbu1J3Agz-B9UFSrXgVcyXvcHwmfZY-TaSiuln015QO6N0FWcaxoC9_LXZTeQKwZ3BJByevTwC2tKAdpZduahHbdy16wcdq82_1VIRmyf3FND8b/s320/IMG_0647.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547353688414390738" border="0" /></a><br />I have a <span style="font-weight: bold;">collection</span> of tree decorations in the <span style="font-weight: bold;">traditiona</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">l red, green and gold</span> associated with Christmas. I was so tempted to dispense with the red and go for a more modern look but realized that those decorations now have memories attached. The<span style="font-weight: bold;"> red bead garlands</span> my twin daughters adorned themselves with when they were two. The <span style="font-weight: bold;">cream and gold 'Russ' angels</span> that my girls loved from the moment we saw them on sale in the store. They will come out every year so the traditional colour scheme has to stay - and I've realized that <span style="font-weight: bold;">green is the perfect background for red</span>. Think of a field of red poppies, a garden bed of red tulips, the red native flowering shrubs of Australia. All the work of the Master Designer So eye-catching, vibrant and nothing says Christmas to me more than red and green.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsDgZTCndNnjibL1jt_CSVdBEwwp6GRnNPh5mL3p1smzZ_K77MZcqUxcHyKq0UVFFeGI3utxl3ZhUTuSXyc7Ef_tfatN2W-cL7VacFTWThuoeWF-SlJGRfCm3rFeUYnJ_-3dLOEfYFMd-/s1600/IMG_2202.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsDgZTCndNnjibL1jt_CSVdBEwwp6GRnNPh5mL3p1smzZ_K77MZcqUxcHyKq0UVFFeGI3utxl3ZhUTuSXyc7Ef_tfatN2W-cL7VacFTWThuoeWF-SlJGRfCm3rFeUYnJ_-3dLOEfYFMd-/s320/IMG_2202.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547376072424813650" border="0" /></a>Garlands of beads - I have had these in my collection for over 10 years they last so much longer than tinsel and do not drop strands onto the floor!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUTuSQ7zgVbU9xCnM22vJtUGnAhZWOetGHlM4kb4IDOHdKOYN4Oxh_qgvqfg_WANodYPzZnPAoJ6Uh7sEgEjKiklzNqMtFWxVQVOLi1pGxy3CTuDox4Qo6lnDVRjL9pRZX-lVKL60wwMN/s1600/IMG_2061.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUTuSQ7zgVbU9xCnM22vJtUGnAhZWOetGHlM4kb4IDOHdKOYN4Oxh_qgvqfg_WANodYPzZnPAoJ6Uh7sEgEjKiklzNqMtFWxVQVOLi1pGxy3CTuDox4Qo6lnDVRjL9pRZX-lVKL60wwMN/s320/IMG_2061.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547382076890441858" border="0" /></a><br />So the gold and lime green tree I saw in a magazine is staying there - on the pages of a magazine but lime green? I love that idea for my colour scheme and green is my favourite colour - why not <span style="font-weight: bold;">red and green with a twist of lime green?</span> Be inspired by the images you see and love but use them and work them into what you already have to suit your home and lifestyle. Urns of apples at the door? Lovely but 1. I don't intend to buy urns to do this and 2. I might as well put up a sign saying 'Welcome possums and any other bush wildlife especially rats - and attracting rats means attracting snakes! I think I will not try this at my home!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznc_88CpJX1W1cCLK_EDhX_6AOFPjwonAJS0bwFAXx6TB-APfpU4uixsq8Rk6plk2fC90c6G66eB58s4vMyx82woyJhprwcCd5_E4vp3Xm900ZdIrQPbU-wd2E97-0pHFtGTcjuOACqYn/s1600/IMG_0645.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznc_88CpJX1W1cCLK_EDhX_6AOFPjwonAJS0bwFAXx6TB-APfpU4uixsq8Rk6plk2fC90c6G66eB58s4vMyx82woyJhprwcCd5_E4vp3Xm900ZdIrQPbU-wd2E97-0pHFtGTcjuOACqYn/s320/IMG_0645.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547360542748356674" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Each year I add to my collection just one or two decorations and with the thought of lime green and Granny Smith apples in my head but knowing I would not hang real apples on the tree in our humid climate I opted for the baubles - two sets of lime green from Target on sale at $3 a box. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Total cost of updating the tree for this year $6!</span> And having just added the lime green baubles to the tree this morning I really think it has given the tree a 'lift', sets off the red and coordinates with the gold too!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTAFn9uCyocPzzag9nCwasIEULH2s4J8iyWj8KFQpgZsosyxl6qQf39Bgw3X6DOZdROOJkd6zeTL98pzyLtcJKrKcb6aVLQW8DV1Fsmczh-Vo7aM9BfIf_AiRJ84gf5nD59E1vP5Txw_X/s1600/IMG_2201.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTAFn9uCyocPzzag9nCwasIEULH2s4J8iyWj8KFQpgZsosyxl6qQf39Bgw3X6DOZdROOJkd6zeTL98pzyLtcJKrKcb6aVLQW8DV1Fsmczh-Vo7aM9BfIf_AiRJ84gf5nD59E1vP5Txw_X/s320/IMG_2201.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547375005575691186" border="0" /></a><br />So thinking of updating your tree decorations? <span style="font-weight: bold;">Don't abandon the whole of your collection</span> - replace ragged tinsel, shabby or broken decorations by all means but is there something you can add to your collection - an extra colour? Some handmade decorations? Would gingerbread stars or paper icicles give your tree a homemade rustic touch and occupy the children over the holidays? Don't be wasteful, <span style="font-weight: bold;">spend money wisely</span> and don't be in too much of a rush to keep up with the trends - an ultra modern black Christmas tree with its silver decorations might look good on the page of that design magazine in its minimalist setting but look totally ridiculous in the corner of your living room with the presents sent by nana underneath wrapped in santa paper! Think of how everything goes together and ask yourself is this going to work with everything else? Will it suit my home? Even if it is just one tree decoration you are considering purchasing, ask yourself these same questions - that dollar saved is after all a dollar saved!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiiN7ZqhBrsNtPZ4f_-ujwUA67-FHOrdf0ROmIGTxvbRp8_Sxj-P_2w1zWROzjjCeUagwBKQ0xWboWziQWc7srux8SnRmZ5xa2tBhensiiI4E-8RwG8gXu__RXuXYAxn6n2pLnChPNIxv/s1600/IMG_0644.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiiN7ZqhBrsNtPZ4f_-ujwUA67-FHOrdf0ROmIGTxvbRp8_Sxj-P_2w1zWROzjjCeUagwBKQ0xWboWziQWc7srux8SnRmZ5xa2tBhensiiI4E-8RwG8gXu__RXuXYAxn6n2pLnChPNIxv/s320/IMG_0644.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547364244210326850" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And don't forget to <span style="font-weight: bold;">recycle decorations from previous seasons</span>. These Christmas cones were created from old Christmas cards last year for a unique handmade advent calendar. This year the cones have been hung on the tree and I intend to fill some of them with little surprise gifts - bags of homemade popcorn are just one thought. The one in this picture holds a<span style="font-weight: bold;"> spice bag</span> - you pop the spice bag into a pot of simmering hot water on the stove and fill your home with the traditional smells of Christmas - spicy cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. A neat little gift idea too and so simple to create.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjliUOEIlDeDiPoeggkLLx3u0fUW52AzRMxN3rNYlEYuRfze4aRGcGZ0EMitoJCs023x25RHT6-P-gWDZFdrrDOmmZYGGNOMK0Tf2bNCUaDvF-HAPofjdnmhGHBMPwHqJcjSdz4rZffaSPd/s1600/IMG_2040.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjliUOEIlDeDiPoeggkLLx3u0fUW52AzRMxN3rNYlEYuRfze4aRGcGZ0EMitoJCs023x25RHT6-P-gWDZFdrrDOmmZYGGNOMK0Tf2bNCUaDvF-HAPofjdnmhGHBMPwHqJcjSdz4rZffaSPd/s320/IMG_2040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547370553445161474" border="0" /></a>The Christmas cones also make neat little containers for wrapped baked biscuits and sweet treats such as truffles - a lovely little gift for a friend. I like to make biscotti for the cones - they are the perfect fit for the narrow cones.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvY9Ayoa-oqV2jqFqJi4_aHpcUj7IrxzmM_twFrd0To74yBtoz4rn3fDP_boLWT6CKtFzqoLgsaaE8-A-WVzL3ADxxXv_TVUdej2rZ6ALpGflietAgyhRvUneun0PeIhqkU8sfZEv0OqcA/s1600/IMG_2035.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvY9Ayoa-oqV2jqFqJi4_aHpcUj7IrxzmM_twFrd0To74yBtoz4rn3fDP_boLWT6CKtFzqoLgsaaE8-A-WVzL3ADxxXv_TVUdej2rZ6ALpGflietAgyhRvUneun0PeIhqkU8sfZEv0OqcA/s320/IMG_2035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547372196342013122" border="0" /></a>I'm making more of these this year. I love to make truffles and biscotti at Christmas and of course gingerbread. Traditions extend to the kitchen - there is something about Christmas and traditions isn't there? It's how I intend to keep my Christmas simple and uncomplicated - a new recipe here and there but some traditions cannot be replaced - the children are already asking 'When are we going to make gingerbread? - we always make gingerbread at Christmas!'<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAaVy3Iq-7daKwcUDnpaVP5YRY0Knvjjj5W-dg2_BoloFfY18bDzlDKpfV35mGagYRQc_VO4V9LAV_lgUD14VhWC1H9NYgBzDwP-IuM1CcrdctcyqKMG2s9injiHTKsxXN7rpya3pMiIdb/s1600/IMG_1868.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAaVy3Iq-7daKwcUDnpaVP5YRY0Knvjjj5W-dg2_BoloFfY18bDzlDKpfV35mGagYRQc_VO4V9LAV_lgUD14VhWC1H9NYgBzDwP-IuM1CcrdctcyqKMG2s9injiHTKsxXN7rpya3pMiIdb/s320/IMG_1868.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547378022640168706" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It is also why my twin girls insisted on putting up the tree on their birthday the first day of Christmas. How exciting it is for them that they realize that the arrival of their birthday marks the start of the preparation of our home for Christmas when we celebrate the birthday of a Saviour.<br /><br />What colour scheme do you have for your home? What are the traditions of your family Christmas and how do you update/modify them without going to great expense or being a slave to fashion and trends?<br /><br />With Love and joy and a twist of lime green,<br /><br />AnnAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309739193784900825noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235765573322437770.post-14017483391197171842010-01-11T15:12:00.000-08:002010-01-11T17:55:57.377-08:00Creative Recycling of Christmas Cards and Gift Bags<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrdzgtdHDg5wStZLiNEia9Q2iO700SWkoQ51uK74xdj8hbuC3cpcPqUYBZnaL6PmkomuNKkZHS01zbd2tIFLWgb5z5XvLFq1CKJp3M9rrU5acOj4R6ZGf_gYwGKbomXTMgzI4SnLhusVJ/s1600-h/IMG_2184.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrdzgtdHDg5wStZLiNEia9Q2iO700SWkoQ51uK74xdj8hbuC3cpcPqUYBZnaL6PmkomuNKkZHS01zbd2tIFLWgb5z5XvLFq1CKJp3M9rrU5acOj4R6ZGf_gYwGKbomXTMgzI4SnLhusVJ/s320/IMG_2184.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>It is almost into the third week of January and I am still receiving Christmas cards from friends and family overseas. I love to hear from people at this time of year (I don't mind if they are late sending out their greetings!) and I am always grateful to those who pop their newsletters into a lovely card - not only can I create an attractive display for lighting my window in the evening (the pegs incorporate LED lights) but they provide me with a resource for creative Christmas crafts. So before you toss your cards into the recycling bin here are a few different ideas (aside from making new cards or gift tags) for reusing cards that will save you money next Christmas!<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilv_YcLBBIFMCF5WwEwPdFXrJbQfpRjVqbwu_YRaZ5QQ-vhHOi8Sgp0DSMga9SojNDu5O3QnOocuEnbWqBd9W7TmtYmZuZVZ4cFND1rfuyoSpwMPXzOG2guyMPV0R_p-QsD0D8DTXcUDCk/s1600-h/IMG_2229.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilv_YcLBBIFMCF5WwEwPdFXrJbQfpRjVqbwu_YRaZ5QQ-vhHOi8Sgp0DSMga9SojNDu5O3QnOocuEnbWqBd9W7TmtYmZuZVZ4cFND1rfuyoSpwMPXzOG2guyMPV0R_p-QsD0D8DTXcUDCk/s320/IMG_2229.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">All you need to create these items are your stash of cards, brown paper bags and/or gift bags - (another item I always recycle!) scissors, craft glue, ribbon or string and self adhesive gold or silver letters.<br /></div></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCup_F9bY9RbLuZPAMkI4gAFogdv24fWWAuwC9u0JYsRPmVeBkkWLzz36z-EF6i-MwuYv4s_Xtu-mu8uSvKn2n5ZjY2AFYJdAY3i9B1UCzjjrAC8jxKoRNscbQNVbfbzU38Cd1WULcwnDb/s1600-h/IMG_2226.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCup_F9bY9RbLuZPAMkI4gAFogdv24fWWAuwC9u0JYsRPmVeBkkWLzz36z-EF6i-MwuYv4s_Xtu-mu8uSvKn2n5ZjY2AFYJdAY3i9B1UCzjjrAC8jxKoRNscbQNVbfbzU38Cd1WULcwnDb/s320/IMG_2226.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Idea No 1</span> .<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Unique Gift Bags</span><br /></div><br />Jazz up a plain paper bag with an unusual design. This quirky Pukeko adds a real touch of 'Kiwiana' to a brown paper bag. (Pukeko is the name New Zealanders use for swamp hens!) Match the size, colours and design of the card to the bag you are using - choose more 'rustic' designs printed on matte paper for brown paper bags and glossy modern designs for the foil gift bags which are popular choices for Christmas presents.<br /><br />Simply use the front of the card and glue into place - what could be easier? I will add a coordinating tag when it comes time to reuse the bag next Christmas.<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnJYknpbyZ0JME2Ua-gHRzHFelnyE_ATFdQ2809lClU4RT9E57RaAfrw5Ga6jOoSD0GjOddWLwBwOmpB67aGgPj4M5OGL1rQZUBJurw2MNCymNvVYyQR7oEU7CVwtnK_Fg8WJS5zun8jo/s1600-h/IMG_2219.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnJYknpbyZ0JME2Ua-gHRzHFelnyE_ATFdQ2809lClU4RT9E57RaAfrw5Ga6jOoSD0GjOddWLwBwOmpB67aGgPj4M5OGL1rQZUBJurw2MNCymNvVYyQR7oEU7CVwtnK_Fg8WJS5zun8jo/s320/IMG_2219.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Idea No 2. A CD/DVD Gift Envelope.</span><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>This square card was a perfect match in size for an unused silver envelope, ideal for enclosing a CD or DVD disc, i tunes card or gift voucher - why waste money purchasing a special card or envelope for the gift card for that hard to buy for person, when it only takes a few minutes to make your own?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6GR0gjoDKSJSAW9IqcQFhPPqfX0Untg_L6XtLWpZDreGA0tXouPHNq6RvG3ldL0viOPOtc3hSxYFmNQAyjX8mYrbyzToIxCdu78-0sD14uQS-bcM_Lu9Z0JVBVT-FRnjpgH2yeNz2UvFh/s1600-h/IMG_2220.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6GR0gjoDKSJSAW9IqcQFhPPqfX0Untg_L6XtLWpZDreGA0tXouPHNq6RvG3ldL0viOPOtc3hSxYFmNQAyjX8mYrbyzToIxCdu78-0sD14uQS-bcM_Lu9Z0JVBVT-FRnjpgH2yeNz2UvFh/s320/IMG_2220.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425641963636879922" border="0" /></a> </div> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Disguise a rough edge with narrow adhesive foil tape if you need to<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUjDHLvav28demjJC_sbXBqlOLyYfBnr4vd9Xg-yM0_k_weoHsJJA0I80gLMVV3ddVaz-C8PAIgjvI_KH90IR1Dgn3X_BWt5w3ynmMOFePIQT5fprTwlkomh5Hmtwh7uGeq590v6HuAcU/s1600-h/IMG_2221.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUjDHLvav28demjJC_sbXBqlOLyYfBnr4vd9Xg-yM0_k_weoHsJJA0I80gLMVV3ddVaz-C8PAIgjvI_KH90IR1Dgn3X_BWt5w3ynmMOFePIQT5fprTwlkomh5Hmtwh7uGeq590v6HuAcU/s320/IMG_2221.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425644523263362482" border="0" /></a> Reuse any extra embellishments attached to cards - this silver star makes the ideal seal.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFex1Oq4lp8f69G9RcVEv3qPXEF7MxhddSKcWyW-BOk-PdfLm8sA9HBr5B66v7aQMxZOL9aWU4tgKbOkML68E_K0IY66cnOF9K-xMtgMSjd2ZmlzWRhNtHnFdzd-W4uLIn0dioz9xCL0b/s1600-h/IMG_2186.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFex1Oq4lp8f69G9RcVEv3qPXEF7MxhddSKcWyW-BOk-PdfLm8sA9HBr5B66v7aQMxZOL9aWU4tgKbOkML68E_K0IY66cnOF9K-xMtgMSjd2ZmlzWRhNtHnFdzd-W4uLIn0dioz9xCL0b/s320/IMG_2186.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425646450700849026" border="0" /></a> <div style="text-align: left; font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: center;">Idea No 3 . Menu Cards<br /><br /></div><span style="font-weight: normal;">For an extra finishing touch for your Christmas table</span> <span style="font-weight: normal;">create a menu card. This is quite useful if you are having lots of guests, it adds an 'eating out at a c</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">lassy restaurant'</span> <span style="font-weight: normal;">feel</span> <span style="font-weight: normal;">or it can simply be a special momento</span> <span style="font-weight: normal;">of the lovely dinner you enjoyed that year!</span> <span style="font-weight: normal;">Choose a card which coordinates with your table decor and add 'Menu' to the front using self adhesive gold or silver letters.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFBzwPEfydtWT6HvmBJ-xCXcRp1Ldvz6SWfB0Nd2P71J3bUV2twfs3T7Unf30KcyDvSOWtv8xH6qhjrYiZwywTpIbmLxR5kWKHZNOR-0SM3X-x-QNe61sFlLaoRJJaS4Vrgxd9EJf6C8k/s1600-h/IMG_2187.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFBzwPEfydtWT6HvmBJ-xCXcRp1Ldvz6SWfB0Nd2P71J3bUV2twfs3T7Unf30KcyDvSOWtv8xH6qhjrYiZwywTpIbmLxR5kWKHZNOR-0SM3X-x-QNe61sFlLaoRJJaS4Vrgxd9EJf6C8k/s320/IMG_2187.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425648968876277026" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">Type </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">out your menu, print, cut to size and attach inside your card. You may wish to add in the year, guests attending and venue. This was the Christmas meal we enjoyed a few years ago, it reminds me of how thrilled I was to find freshly dug organic baby potatoes at the farmers' markets on Christmas Eve! A menu card with the dessert recipe inside could also be a lovely little gift to give to guests - I would attach the recip</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">e to the facing page</span>.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIrB4iGdolx65IRgVi1Tn7ZTR0oUTYH9mPum-MtNY66o4Yblbb6n8GBDUOaYoLeuSbjGo3zABeL5NxUIqZsbGWjXSGyYsZdbIfceZWoE90tO8ZcJbtpgvOOtbt3PKn7Q-8qTyzoPbj4NX/s1600-h/IMG_2180.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIrB4iGdolx65IRgVi1Tn7ZTR0oUTYH9mPum-MtNY66o4Yblbb6n8GBDUOaYoLeuSbjGo3zABeL5NxUIqZsbGWjXSGyYsZdbIfceZWoE90tO8ZcJbtpgvOOtbt3PKn7Q-8qTyzoPbj4NX/s320/IMG_2180.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425652471664847442" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Idea No 4. Christmas Candy Cones<br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">This is the third time I have reused these particular cones. I made several paper cones at Easter to hold chocolates, small gifts and eggs for my children. (Instructions for Easter Cones are at my main blog archives in 'The Craft Cupboard' section.) The card I used for these came from a picture frame box. I recycled these cones and made a lot more fr</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">om old Christmas cards to create an Advent Calendar for Christmas 2009. I added a C</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">hristmas sticker to the front and attached ribbon for hanging the cones. This is a wonderful craft activity to do with children - the cones are very simple to make but look very effect</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">ive!<br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_aI9D9Tgxwf3b0AwZeqplgjCidO-t7lEmMho11GrQIiSh0fdrFR53GjFh6dekQK3mM-j4Gi2TjDm1tIw84zzON0cQShKwRhpuZwR85aw1jY28pmiQRMYt9uuPe9O9KmyTk9TgnsmH1cAn/s1600-h/IMG_1884.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_aI9D9Tgxwf3b0AwZeqplgjCidO-t7lEmMho11GrQIiSh0fdrFR53GjFh6dekQK3mM-j4Gi2TjDm1tIw84zzON0cQShKwRhpuZwR85aw1jY28pmiQRMYt9uuPe9O9KmyTk9TgnsmH1cAn/s320/IMG_1884.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425657440734829522" border="0" /></a></div> <span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Next year we will create a different Advent calendar ( making our own unique Advent calendar is a family tradition!) but reuse the cones as tree decorations - you could also fill them with wrapped candy or popcorn and enclose in cellophane. They could also be used to hold special treats such as biscotti or truffles to give as gifts to neighbours and friends.</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbs4cEOx4Oznr0fvSWwv9RLgzJ8RdU5zNryoA39HYLi8uu45ez-HgL_Wd7JsuseFhB5Smhiy3N-kwiIQd0JxZFMAL3zNYVC2nnvsLJt5NsuszlWijMKIjcJFFBpLOGrcmHk53JjczzOWs/s1600-h/IMG_2040.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbs4cEOx4Oznr0fvSWwv9RLgzJ8RdU5zNryoA39HYLi8uu45ez-HgL_Wd7JsuseFhB5Smhiy3N-kwiIQd0JxZFMAL3zNYVC2nnvsLJt5NsuszlWijMKIjcJFFBpLOGrcmHk53JjczzOWs/s320/IMG_2040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425659247147311506" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I always find I am sent a card which I love which will not be rolled up, folded or cut. This 'nostalgic' card from my sister in England is my absolute favourite for this year. I like it so much, I might even frame it! It will certainly not be placed in the recycling bin where some of the boring santa and snow scenes do end up! I hope you have found some ideas at this post to creatively reuse and recycle your Christmas cards. How do you creatively reuse and recycle your cards? - let me know if you have any ideas!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oF-vZnOZr5kMx3G0XmvOWXyanTj6_5uIUVGnnzhe5Pu6IQScddemiQ6F6udBFxySWVC_gg445CaFyjHJhSbhv6-_fJtsmS5qJtu9XRrucRTbbFFiOOFm1EaACqvVPRFfeeUgVJAjHb9a/s1600-h/IMG_2183.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oF-vZnOZr5kMx3G0XmvOWXyanTj6_5uIUVGnnzhe5Pu6IQScddemiQ6F6udBFxySWVC_gg445CaFyjHJhSbhv6-_fJtsmS5qJtu9XRrucRTbbFFiOOFm1EaACqvVPRFfeeUgVJAjHb9a/s320/IMG_2183.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425662115566871138" border="0" /></a><br /><br />With Love and Joy,<br />Ann<br /></div></div></div></div>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309739193784900825noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235765573322437770.post-26784986544374448632009-12-29T18:44:00.000-08:002009-12-29T19:42:37.578-08:00My Christmas Table 2009<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWpQPI900qMqAooytzZB3NAVW0bqLBK9yvYqD0EUPDOBwvo0DAzvHZiSmA-zz4A2-D0J6ey0virUuqL2F0G4p00ULwCTWNDlKTGcqAhgISDpeZ6yaRNHmlHzxa4__XCPDvr5vBG4-hb5W/s1600-h/IMG_2116.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWpQPI900qMqAooytzZB3NAVW0bqLBK9yvYqD0EUPDOBwvo0DAzvHZiSmA-zz4A2-D0J6ey0virUuqL2F0G4p00ULwCTWNDlKTGcqAhgISDpeZ6yaRNHmlHzxa4__XCPDvr5vBG4-hb5W/s320/IMG_2116.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLt30muZU3OPnQLzcwGvc0aPFYNXa3ekRIK2OuhNyAWj6L3QQyUBmUUo8buVuXY6e7ps_FjJ1t4FLcUVnn9L2W0YpAXGufGPU874RHwJofPfkZ7NSEO8tE3Mtq9oNXINe2H8AeO4wmjO5p/s1600-h/IMG_2115.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLt30muZU3OPnQLzcwGvc0aPFYNXa3ekRIK2OuhNyAWj6L3QQyUBmUUo8buVuXY6e7ps_FjJ1t4FLcUVnn9L2W0YpAXGufGPU874RHwJofPfkZ7NSEO8tE3Mtq9oNXINe2H8AeO4wmjO5p/s320/IMG_2115.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJPQUTlif5Di9v3w5yU5VkvShVVptfK7j5_bJL1xVEd4HWl6Mc9lGJXzl5dOq1oML1uAOSj1nd9hB5qEXA2sc1RpolvKRdK-ZOWoPov1KaCeZyAt7VLLfSyalV6v1X3mGU5lhyphenhyphenrq4Y6Tu/s1600-h/IMG_2117.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJPQUTlif5Di9v3w5yU5VkvShVVptfK7j5_bJL1xVEd4HWl6Mc9lGJXzl5dOq1oML1uAOSj1nd9hB5qEXA2sc1RpolvKRdK-ZOWoPov1KaCeZyAt7VLLfSyalV6v1X3mGU5lhyphenhyphenrq4Y6Tu/s320/IMG_2117.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRBHDGabpMh4Tj7pM4POlO48X_Z5s8lnVajQyYRhT7UJcu0APNPi7fNtGNVkKjotEkNjWlNsw3PajigdOzd6Srs7aoVuGT58xMWS42Gj3VllbZv34rCdMlAULEzO0aAwFRA8Uzz71m010/s1600-h/IMG_2120.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRBHDGabpMh4Tj7pM4POlO48X_Z5s8lnVajQyYRhT7UJcu0APNPi7fNtGNVkKjotEkNjWlNsw3PajigdOzd6Srs7aoVuGT58xMWS42Gj3VllbZv34rCdMlAULEzO0aAwFRA8Uzz71m010/s320/IMG_2120.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">These are some of the pictures of my Christmas Table. The crackers I made for each family member were pulled and all the trims were saved to be recycled for more Christmas crafting next year. The younger children were delighted with their gifts and the older ones enjoyed the chocolates! We enjoyed a traditional lamb roast with a summer twist - it was marinated in a mango sauce overnight and served with a mango salsa rather than the traditional mint sauce. Plum pudding is not the best choice for a dessert on a hot summer day so we indulged in an ice cream pudding instead. I will post the recipe soon for those who want to try this when their summer comes around!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-__TBdUn2prvhJGwfGWFDpFrc__KpyCF1fGuZa-Fkv2JwcJyHEI8ebzQmq9JUlzMZiAV9s_0yd6sVpaU3ZxqDZATxY90ACWKJeN5IybX_OjeWEBrOuR08qOvmHFhk52GPZ_G5CV6WnZQa/s1600-h/IMG_2114.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-__TBdUn2prvhJGwfGWFDpFrc__KpyCF1fGuZa-Fkv2JwcJyHEI8ebzQmq9JUlzMZiAV9s_0yd6sVpaU3ZxqDZATxY90ACWKJeN5IybX_OjeWEBrOuR08qOvmHFhk52GPZ_G5CV6WnZQa/s320/IMG_2114.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420858160628667458" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Two of my lovely daughters!</span></span> </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Meet the rest of my beautiful family at my family blog </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.eightacresofeden.com/">eightacresofeden</a></span> </div><br /></div><br /><br />I have written about our very special Christmas at my main blog where you will also find these pictures of my Christmas table. What is missing from the pictures of just the Christmas table is what makes Christmas truly special - the people, especially family and friends. They are the reason why I put so much effort into making Christmas special - it is my way of not only expressing my God given creativity but also showing my family how much they mean to me. I want them to grow up and have beautiful memories of Christmas at home, when they pull a cracker or light a candle, wherever they are in the world, they will think of me, their mother but more than the gifts carefully chosen or the lovely details on the table, they will recall the laughter, the fun, the joyful atmosphere around our table and in our home - for this is what I truly desire to create, not only at Christmas but all year round - at every meal! On every occasion! Knowing that they grew up in a home where they were accepted, loved, cherished and where God was honoured and Jesus was the centre of every celebration but especially Christmas and Easter - this is the desire of my heart!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Rd_H28jW3qRsf5BOg-2Q9hk2LPD_MkfW2kkk1rJjhp326Q0vetX1KGMnZV4i2rHA1TzrywwodB81S3n_SaJhyphenhyphen2sVB1UIxSIXmcNDf7NLRmxQVVW4udyt2WDpUxKzSSn-QfWkheGaebS4/s1600-h/IMG_1996.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Rd_H28jW3qRsf5BOg-2Q9hk2LPD_MkfW2kkk1rJjhp326Q0vetX1KGMnZV4i2rHA1TzrywwodB81S3n_SaJhyphenhyphen2sVB1UIxSIXmcNDf7NLRmxQVVW4udyt2WDpUxKzSSn-QfWkheGaebS4/s320/IMG_1996.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420864385185350626" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I will continue to upkeep this blog. I want it to be a comprehensive resource of ideas and inspiration for Christmas. There were many more posts I had planned but they can wait for next year! Do save those cards though, don't toss them away, not even into the 'Planet Ark' bin at the supermarket - I have a few ideas for creative recycling!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuV9XftAG_iA7JAmRVILL7jXv5B-TCwm9F6lXFIC5KtQQ4FBQ3kMilRWHZiqGSrmO9tCJgtNWsPXJWyHT49nDCgf66OHx8JCR_r3WgnyXR7lqjSd72lNE9xZbwqAc2s6NUqmSYiHghjHs/s1600-h/IMG_2081.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuV9XftAG_iA7JAmRVILL7jXv5B-TCwm9F6lXFIC5KtQQ4FBQ3kMilRWHZiqGSrmO9tCJgtNWsPXJWyHT49nDCgf66OHx8JCR_r3WgnyXR7lqjSd72lNE9xZbwqAc2s6NUqmSYiHghjHs/s320/IMG_2081.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420866352460758690" border="0" /></a><br />Something, or should I say someone, more important than blogging or preparing for Christmas, came into my life in the days before Christmas. A very special gift from God whom I brought home to my family on Christmas Eve. A baby boy, my seventh born and a beautiful reminder that the greatest gift of Christmas was a baby.<br /><br />With love and Joy,<br />Ann<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309739193784900825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235765573322437770.post-22405278271669249242009-12-20T22:22:00.000-08:002009-12-21T03:36:46.224-08:00Inspirational Christmas Decorating, Craft and Cooking Books<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhom-zq-mFfUNE0XAWdL0m9j67cmE8ljZmyKdLseY3H2mDPMnhZUtGa_tSZN9_POp72rPjCL3yddBm0Y8h9i8JJIKUokj3FVbv_j_bkcimWt-a4TLYlNvfeCIPzoVJR7urhNu0cz1k_0P2H/s1600-h/IMG_2045.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhom-zq-mFfUNE0XAWdL0m9j67cmE8ljZmyKdLseY3H2mDPMnhZUtGa_tSZN9_POp72rPjCL3yddBm0Y8h9i8JJIKUokj3FVbv_j_bkcimWt-a4TLYlNvfeCIPzoVJR7urhNu0cz1k_0P2H/s320/IMG_2045.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I have quite a collection of Christmas books and lots of December issues of home interior magazines. In this post I would love to showcase my favourites.<br /><br />I always buy the Christmas edition of New Zealand House and Garden magazine - the front cover is always a stunner! When I lived in NZ I always looked forward to this magazine arriving on the newsagents' stands. I own quite a collection from the 1990's and early 2000's including the first edition. Over the years, it became quite upmarket, featuring mainly affluent homes and too many minimalist homes for my liking - too much chrome, zany artworks and very expensive designer home wares, so I stopped buying it but the December issue always features at least one beautiful country home and tonnes of inspiration for Christmas decorating.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vLObp5dUh4bRIIgBdAmwIRamDMfcFagl_9cZNMcz85RTFo3_xBHj_WPN-iNYiHZKpZPKsWX72bPMSX7fxvlVXmjjfjruJBNTGCiJPrvaQ4MrlWHXiTsSDkhqK2kuWigbSVPcZZLrDoRI/s1600-h/IMG_2046.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vLObp5dUh4bRIIgBdAmwIRamDMfcFagl_9cZNMcz85RTFo3_xBHj_WPN-iNYiHZKpZPKsWX72bPMSX7fxvlVXmjjfjruJBNTGCiJPrvaQ4MrlWHXiTsSDkhqK2kuWigbSVPcZZLrDoRI/s320/IMG_2046.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417615584426606258" border="0" /></a>Such as this gorgeous home with the tree embellished with glorious silk flowers. I am in love! Notice the baby bump - still waiting for my baby to arrive, I was due yesterday, could this baby be waiting to come on Christmas Day? Oh, the anticipation!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpfd8shWtAk24B31bFHaTujX4U8W6PsDJzdxBqRLVk7F2SHGwZFvJ2zHWZ9mIwoV3Fuj1XKpCSH0SgTZi-OzE8k7SWiCxLSq9dIJ6OvajpjFd6t6nwfjLKSDn441DHFhCsYF7oonTwlhl/s1600-h/IMG_2048.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpfd8shWtAk24B31bFHaTujX4U8W6PsDJzdxBqRLVk7F2SHGwZFvJ2zHWZ9mIwoV3Fuj1XKpCSH0SgTZi-OzE8k7SWiCxLSq9dIJ6OvajpjFd6t6nwfjLKSDn441DHFhCsYF7oonTwlhl/s320/IMG_2048.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417602758315448210" border="0" /></a>I hope I get the chance to make my version of this ice cream pudding for our dessert on Christmas Day! Hope my family saves me a slice if I do go into labour on Friday!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcw1U61zJmhxTauuPP5YDkKnaqHDbHsI5h_kIcyl2gNxfF9lWNaAZ64KxacoT_2pFoQJve1e7n3LOUX8aGqjw9_PPC1odXdYUu9VlH4YmaFCLhmzr5VR6PGyV0yWxL5OKg1oisd69Et6K/s1600-h/IMG_2036.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcw1U61zJmhxTauuPP5YDkKnaqHDbHsI5h_kIcyl2gNxfF9lWNaAZ64KxacoT_2pFoQJve1e7n3LOUX8aGqjw9_PPC1odXdYUu9VlH4YmaFCLhmzr5VR6PGyV0yWxL5OKg1oisd69Et6K/s320/IMG_2036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417605878920124658" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><br />Today I made the white chocolate truffles which feature in the 'White Christmas' cooking segment. There is also a recipe for white chocolate brownies which look very decadent indeed. I used Swiss organic, white chocolate for my truffles. I made a 'baker's dozen' and taste tested the 13Th one earlier - they are fantastic. You will have to buy the magazine if you want the recipe (I only publish my own recipes - sorry!) or check out their website to see if it features there! <a href="http://www.nzhouseandgarden.co.nz/"> www.nzhouseandgarden.co.nz</a> I also made a batch of my almond- free, coconut flavoured biscotti today. I hope to share the recipe at my main blog this week, unless I go into labour of course!<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnW5sBTdffhlPcVBDsgeJhMyNBg00TUoLczV-YwB9_Jcxh_cW6PkGajBqgj3UduGixKJEU9i9mB1toWiy20a8NeO4W35Me02N9RsFkz0xFHXBqX2PSBtVWqGMNQ1bHWcFLThC6hDG0sZD/s1600-h/IMG_2055.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnW5sBTdffhlPcVBDsgeJhMyNBg00TUoLczV-YwB9_Jcxh_cW6PkGajBqgj3UduGixKJEU9i9mB1toWiy20a8NeO4W35Me02N9RsFkz0xFHXBqX2PSBtVWqGMNQ1bHWcFLThC6hDG0sZD/s320/IMG_2055.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>This is my absolute favourite, inspirational decorating book of all time. 'Home Living Life Beautifully' by Sandra Kaminski features gorgeous ideas for every season of the year and includes a special section for Christmas. There are lots of beautiful table settings that leave you gasping! Sandra's work as a stylist featured in NZ House and Garden for many years and it was always her sections I turned to first. When I found out she had published a book I was just beside myself and almost collapsed with excitement when I saw it on the shelf of a local bookshop. I have never loaned this book out and never will!</div></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1v93pPAs6tnA_UrztBzagOkaKToOQzchZsGqSE8EoZJO4r2wczbJDcp-kxmNJeiMw4BhmQG5YeO2gNBoMBUzczExAKtZlmHWcSJL2VvC8haC_KSX7qoWSxYeeUJJrD_E-EMANA3mFsto/s1600-h/IMG_2056.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1v93pPAs6tnA_UrztBzagOkaKToOQzchZsGqSE8EoZJO4r2wczbJDcp-kxmNJeiMw4BhmQG5YeO2gNBoMBUzczExAKtZlmHWcSJL2VvC8haC_KSX7qoWSxYeeUJJrD_E-EMANA3mFsto/s320/IMG_2056.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div> Here is just a peek inside - look at the tiny gift boxes tied with green, gingham ribbon sitting in a silver urn and posies of garden mint on a mirror base - rustic style meets glorious sophistication!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-nLPUHsRhebKJsGLGqOCiyNHToZLuwnKSOWJ24lS64ArCEjxZj6k5oiUJc2JeGYDlL2sf3aEaV1lokN6RbaVrZjq7xJvziUlzIIBf8BnvB8V9zx-rI44zFKw29bM-iDmLCBXTr1wuMXA/s1600-h/IMG_2058.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-nLPUHsRhebKJsGLGqOCiyNHToZLuwnKSOWJ24lS64ArCEjxZj6k5oiUJc2JeGYDlL2sf3aEaV1lokN6RbaVrZjq7xJvziUlzIIBf8BnvB8V9zx-rI44zFKw29bM-iDmLCBXTr1wuMXA/s320/IMG_2058.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417609432460157826" border="0" /></a><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div>Green will always be my favourite colour but isn't this table beautiful in blue? Very suitable for a summer Christmas! For further inspiration from this talented designer you really do need to buy the book. She also has a website <a href="http://www.sandrakaminski.co.nz/">www.sandrakaminski.co.nz</a><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwO0MQTCoTVxiqukEY9-QCnpyrCdEWijIELuJsZyFBDop1gG1XytnUG31dpD78FGpZhsU6I9AKLxbei_G2HSOgBR31RY-z5pDUtlXJPff7h2l5N0U_Q4umLF80qzFoTPEH9JKT-OCe8EX_/s1600-h/IMG_2050.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwO0MQTCoTVxiqukEY9-QCnpyrCdEWijIELuJsZyFBDop1gG1XytnUG31dpD78FGpZhsU6I9AKLxbei_G2HSOgBR31RY-z5pDUtlXJPff7h2l5N0U_Q4umLF80qzFoTPEH9JKT-OCe8EX_/s320/IMG_2050.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417620770463578450" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">My favourite cook Jo Seager also hails from NZ. I have quite a few of her cook books but I love the title of this one! Her recipes are simply the best! I have been using them for years and don't even need to look some of them up. Many are very suitable for Christmas baking sessions, especially her mini pecan pies! Her sticky date pudding recipe is to die for!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNJAOACb1-D4zceg-xLpiEJM5iormVV8ZwHDjwVHdh5nft0LXqF-V9KsZJmIGpXgNq_3BbVnyXI6DWbdEbeRIfmHiDef5W7MPMsLdc17FVSAa_rBEWxSN9VMOEjSRygAqQZQoxyREZ0Vx/s1600-h/IMG_2051.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNJAOACb1-D4zceg-xLpiEJM5iormVV8ZwHDjwVHdh5nft0LXqF-V9KsZJmIGpXgNq_3BbVnyXI6DWbdEbeRIfmHiDef5W7MPMsLdc17FVSAa_rBEWxSN9VMOEjSRygAqQZQoxyREZ0Vx/s320/IMG_2051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417624931066636370" border="0" /></a><br />In 2001 Jo co-authored a book called 'Celebrations Stylish Food & Decorating Ideas' with renowned floral designer Fiona Hill. This book is packed with recipes and inspiration for tables at every kind of celebration. Christmas is given special treatment with ideas that will enthrall both those who love rustic style and those who prefer a more modern, stylish table.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBk_X8EwiCQpR-_R9F1jtPNOP9kYZgntb5BhVrH74lxj8DqNel6Vjkz38-oIZK8j_llIv1KVl8Vze3fY-qGkUg9NZNGHWqZ39kkh4CjTL5Ec-f9Cw0Rfz2wYQ6Jeq8B1aey1Thf7Z1trE/s1600-h/IMG_2054.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBk_X8EwiCQpR-_R9F1jtPNOP9kYZgntb5BhVrH74lxj8DqNel6Vjkz38-oIZK8j_llIv1KVl8Vze3fY-qGkUg9NZNGHWqZ39kkh4CjTL5Ec-f9Cw0Rfz2wYQ6Jeq8B1aey1Thf7Z1trE/s320/IMG_2054.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417629049824171970" border="0" /></a><br />An artificial garland, white lilies and a feather boa make for a stunning long table arrangement.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjDp4Qe5laaEALyKg0PaX6LiRZSIsRfRRAdmhMau3LeQ4ao_VbciJng1bKGRN_kiRhR8XZpECIn4k4wEQq0X4dztevDFXbLiUbrc3LIlYCDluHgT65qszidwsLZGDw2DUDXn8_lUR7IMt/s1600-h/IMG_2060.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjDp4Qe5laaEALyKg0PaX6LiRZSIsRfRRAdmhMau3LeQ4ao_VbciJng1bKGRN_kiRhR8XZpECIn4k4wEQq0X4dztevDFXbLiUbrc3LIlYCDluHgT65qszidwsLZGDw2DUDXn8_lUR7IMt/s320/IMG_2060.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417633687664332802" border="0" /></a>This year, I added another wonderful compendium of Christmas ideas for the home to my book collection. This is the American Better Homes and Gardens Best of Christmas Ideas Book. I love the scope and variety of design ideas for the home at Christmas and if you are a Christmas afficionado such as me, you will enjoy dipping into this book. It is available here in Australia and is very reasonably priced - around the $25 mark. I purchased mine at a local bookstore.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMYQQ9BFDiWtOO7vthPp36dKrGfJ33V-KAJxpQD18Ti6dP-6n2ZphERk_mcHvowIiSUlKtC6AnkKk4LgD1ByJDif9T76MDmeut5ZggVP7MFZb7psV6SXrHa2PJI85TfVlHxiJwU3muisu/s1600-h/IMG_2061.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMYQQ9BFDiWtOO7vthPp36dKrGfJ33V-KAJxpQD18Ti6dP-6n2ZphERk_mcHvowIiSUlKtC6AnkKk4LgD1ByJDif9T76MDmeut5ZggVP7MFZb7psV6SXrHa2PJI85TfVlHxiJwU3muisu/s320/IMG_2061.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417640920481707234" border="0" /></a>My favourite home featured in this book is in Michigan. This decorating scheme would work equally well for a Southern Hemisphere Christmas. This home sold me the book. I opened this book in the store at this very page and knew in an instant I would be buying it!<br /><br /><br />I hope you have enjoyed browsing my collection of favourite books and magazines for the Christmas season. If there is one you really like the look of, I hope you do buy it for yourself - there may be still time to shop online but beware of Australia Post strikes and adverse weather affecting deliveries in the Northern Hemisphere! I prefer the real deal - bricks and mortar bookstores. I just love perusing the shelves and I can become quite distracted! It is very dangerous thing to let me go inside a book shop at this time of year, especially if they stock lots of craft and decorating books!<br /><br />I do hope I can put up some more posts before Christmas but can't promise - my baby could arrive any day now. If this is my final post before Christmas Day, may I wish you a blessed, beautiful Christmas. My next post may be typed one- handed with a babe in arms - what a wonderful reminder of another baby born 2000 years ago in Bethlehem and for me and so many people around the world, the true meaning of Christmas!<br /><br />With Love and Joy,<br />Ann<br /></div></div> </div></div></div>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309739193784900825noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235765573322437770.post-3947536064253921432009-12-13T12:38:00.000-08:002009-12-13T18:08:12.474-08:00'The Big Red Store' A Poem about the Commercialization of Christmas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvT8uxsuxbEVudJsqTEBAySJ_ytn4q736fgcb2PSs__ETRDTi-UCsPv9IR_ebWo0aiz2wroYn4htMCeYh_omTWDOSPaJSGyy0WEq-mFEMpcdVsR7Ni3rn9evit03a6gOFVt0u2AOrH-R30/s1600-h/IMG_2028.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvT8uxsuxbEVudJsqTEBAySJ_ytn4q736fgcb2PSs__ETRDTi-UCsPv9IR_ebWo0aiz2wroYn4htMCeYh_omTWDOSPaJSGyy0WEq-mFEMpcdVsR7Ni3rn9evit03a6gOFVt0u2AOrH-R30/s320/IMG_2028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414886697723780994" border="0" /></a><br /><br />'The Big Red Store' is a poem that I wrote in the year 2000 to share at my Christmas seminars. It is indeed about a 'Big Red Store' which those who live in New Zealand and some cities in Australia will be familiar with - the place 'Where Everyone gets a Bargain'. Most bigger towns and cities around the world have a 'Big Red Store' or maybe your big store is blue.<br /><br />It is the type of store you do not want to visit the week before Christmas and especially not on Christmas Eve - the queues there are the longest and even if you carefully select the shortest queue, clutching your tin of Danish butter biscuits for Grandma and two giant rolls of 'economy wrap', I can guarantee you will wait just as long, for the guy in front of you will have a trolley piled high with the latest gadgets and toys for his two kids who they always spoil at Christmas because well 'It's Christmas!' and 'This is what the kids requested in their letter to Santa - can't let them down'. It would ruin Santa's image!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywsVkpq3zWbLsRUZvETqC4xR6tCmxdSxNuJifDpBIlQEh7sKh9hWl5nJIwZFm61oB-0mzc0Yeanzxo8pG3QlVKu0bFEymZu9yUX3xjw4IYDOkrl0-Fu4j1yZdkcw53rgthV6E95V2G5ft/s1600-h/IMG_2025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 109px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywsVkpq3zWbLsRUZvETqC4xR6tCmxdSxNuJifDpBIlQEh7sKh9hWl5nJIwZFm61oB-0mzc0Yeanzxo8pG3QlVKu0bFEymZu9yUX3xjw4IYDOkrl0-Fu4j1yZdkcw53rgthV6E95V2G5ft/s320/IMG_2025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414894707225465458" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It is at these stores where you will observe the worst of the Christmas madness and I must explain the reference to the 'Teletubbies' which appears in my poem. It was at a branch of the big red store in New Zealand where two mothers were caught on camera fighting, tug of war style, over the last 'Teletubbie' toy left on the shelves! - Such had been the media and retail hype over a TV programme for young children which featured creatures with TV sets in their bellies and antennas on their heads who could only babble but toddlers became 'addicted' to the show and parents believed that their child would suffer serious deprivation if he or she did not own one of the toys!<br /><br />I have left in the references to the toys of the time - to remind you that the latest 'must have' trendy toy will always be replaced by another more expensive gadget that will now appeal to mum and dad as well as the kids - you just need to buy some extra consoles for each family member!<br /><br />Perhaps, like me, you despise the commercialization of Christmas and some choose to turn their backs completely on any celebration of what is only seen as a ' Silly Season of Spending'. So they choose to have a 'low key Christmas' and just have a barbecue (I'm referring to the Southern Hemisphere here!) but they have barbecues most weekends over summer, so there is nothing really special or significant about their celebration of Christmas.<br /><br />My seminars were a reaction in a way, to both of these trends I observed when I came to live 'Down Under'. Christmas had always been the most wonderful time of the year when I lived in England. There were always traditional trees in the town square, the aroma of roasted chestnuts on the streets, Christmas carolers and at my house - decorations inside the home (not an OTT outdoor light display that blew the fuses and rocketed the power bill skywards) special foods on the table, Christmas crackers, 'satsumas in stockings' and my favourite treat because it was only given to me at Christmas - a 'Terry's Chocolate Orange'! Whenever I 'tap and unwrap' a chocolate orange, it always reminds me of my childhood Christmases at home! My dad knew this was my favourite gift - in many ways I looked forward to this more than anything else - in my eyes it was better than the 'big present'!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LyXJgCwN3cK2V9i_IFK4lkP5OEQBzr1iItE9N99VZAmpXo81yea9Xk8BswbJ2jE9Y0CcgiPM5q8W2esrLZ12phvpn6a_CiEeSGqIJlu-mtXObNtwSKCxmd6VmkPH3re3wuZDqBNzMZhM/s1600-h/IMG_1017.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 278px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LyXJgCwN3cK2V9i_IFK4lkP5OEQBzr1iItE9N99VZAmpXo81yea9Xk8BswbJ2jE9Y0CcgiPM5q8W2esrLZ12phvpn6a_CiEeSGqIJlu-mtXObNtwSKCxmd6VmkPH3re3wuZDqBNzMZhM/s320/IMG_1017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414899938271828194" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Down under, Christmas was different, much more casual and laid back, it was hot and although the turkey was still on the table with salads instead of potatoes for Christmas dinner and presents were distributed by an uncle in a Santa hat, that was basically it. I found some people never bothered with a tree or if they did it was a 'tinsel stick' showing where to pile up the new toys for the kids which was their only family tradition - along with a tin of Danish butter biscuits for grandma which they had stood in a queue for an hour to purchase when all the ingredients needed to make biscuits where actually in their pantry!<br /><br />I wanted to tell people there was a better way, that they could celebrate Christmas in style without going into debt or joining the madness at the mall, 'creating' a Christmas for their family to enjoy, introducing simple traditions which would be remembered by the children in years to come and even passed on to future generations. Discovering the joys of creativity and blessing others in very personal and practical ways. And to encourage Christian families to give honour to Christ, making Him the focus of their Christmas rather than a fat guy in a red and white suit.<br /><br />So without further ado, here it is my poem to challenge your thinking and attitudes towards Christmas. I hope you enjoy it!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:180%;">THE BIG RED STORE</span><br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Christmas is coming, Retail 's doing </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">okay</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">For</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> I joined the horde of shoppers</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">In the big, red store today</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">As I grabbed a trolley and sped off down the aisle</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The blow up Christmas reindeer couldn't make me smile</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">'DON'T WORRY BE HAPP</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Y'</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I had a sinful wish</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">'I'd really like to punch that singing rubber fish!'</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">'Dad I want a Pokemon, like all the kids at school'</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Having lots of plastic cards</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Makes him look so cool</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">'Mum I want a Barbie house, it simply isn't fair'</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">'Santa didn't bring that much to our house las</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">t year'</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Oh, the sights and sounds of Christmas</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">You'll experience at the store</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">But it's all artificial, nothings real any more</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Christmas tree is PVC, it's made in Singapore</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">There's even a matching plastic wreath</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">To hang on your front do</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">or</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZ7Q0REt3bNgIgCJyqtU3SmNCB6tgDPl47wibJ6sz6g-4BF4YViMaBFOTgoVAZsaHAeo96jLcLWj4h3QNTt8hS2uaLMUHjs7JqB_o1yplx3G8pa97ylFxzNyF5WnvA6OVeVuwqsP7fkk7/s1600-h/IMG_0274.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZ7Q0REt3bNgIgCJyqtU3SmNCB6tgDPl47wibJ6sz6g-4BF4YViMaBFOTgoVAZsaHAeo96jLcLWj4h3QNTt8hS2uaLMUHjs7JqB_o1yplx3G8pa97ylFxzNyF5WnvA6OVeVuwqsP7fkk7/s320/IMG_0274.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414870565861499618" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Nowhere was a manger scene on prominent display</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">To remind us of the meaning of this very special day</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">There were lots of jolly santas stacked high on every row</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The loudspeaker bellowed</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">'ONLY 10 DAYS TO GO!'</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7nI3XKpVpfMFjLHOdyWXDmqKflwegmF6eyRBMV_ARfTFA0MtYhSjDv_8m_xHCDtEyNUmXw6tY4yzJ_lsXoHJHk5FChkIrSrwbyFOMbUj5hVrBbCcRAqnGHstAtiTO9IlmzRYx9KduTln/s1600-h/IMG_2029.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 82px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7nI3XKpVpfMFjLHOdyWXDmqKflwegmF6eyRBMV_ARfTFA0MtYhSjDv_8m_xHCDtEyNUmXw6tY4yzJ_lsXoHJHk5FChkIrSrwbyFOMbUj5hVrBbCcRAqnGHstAtiTO9IlmzRYx9KduTln/s320/IMG_2029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414887441407379266" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The enticement to spend and spend some more</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">'Don't have money?'</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">'That's what credit is for!'</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">People in debt and suffering stress</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Was it really Christmas that caused their distress?</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Christmas traditions are now used as a ploy</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">To get you to buy the latest toy</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdkxjE_spg2_iX3fgJtfBO84XRdLFqEN8HPciGz35cm6QVkH6kAqvckdDhJJv1uOYGjL3RXYZOHBmlaY8_OueDXlgANP4CiedqcGS7AaNGHExsDLAdNPH8ihddtvYuQtkB_tnbTkiu60P/s1600-h/IMG_2027.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdkxjE_spg2_iX3fgJtfBO84XRdLFqEN8HPciGz35cm6QVkH6kAqvckdDhJJv1uOYGjL3RXYZOHBmlaY8_OueDXlgANP4CiedqcGS7AaNGHExsDLAdNPH8ihddtvYuQtkB_tnbTkiu60P/s320/IMG_2027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414895923720666994" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">St Nicholas was a saint with a heart for the poor</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">People don't talk about him any more</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">He's now known as 'Santa'</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">He's been hijacked to sell</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">On the books at </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Apple</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">And loved by Mattel</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Down at Harvey Norman he can really draw a crowd</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">He's good at selling Christmas spirit</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Does Liquor King proud</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">A plastic man- made Christmas</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Commercial through and through</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">But have you ever thought what Christmas means to you?</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">To me, it means a Saviour sent from God above</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Into a dying, desperate world to show t</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">hem of His Love</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Hope, Joy and Peace can be ours to receive</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">All He asks is that we truly believe</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">And I believe in Jesus, the Son of God Most High</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I think of how He's blessed me</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">As Christmas time draws nigh</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Each Christmas, my gratitude to God I express...</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">By using my gifts and talents to bless</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Opening my home, I fulfill my desire</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">To reach out to others and hopefully inspire!</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">So celebrate Christmas and show that you care</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">About this special time of the year</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Take your children to choose a tree</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Bake festive goodies for afternoon tea</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Decorate your home - now here's my advice</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Lose the tinsel, it isn't that nice!</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The best decorations I'm sure you'll agree</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Are those made by nature - what's m</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">ore, they're free!</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmH662D6V9FqdJUnmuPXsg9yRdoA-ke-DqSdTlGaNN8oNq5yMfaWs4aWCYiAhh7sLzqRnBU1x8pSxKPGz5QWbUTTqN7Og6oOf9y16ofm95jwuj7_WxN4nl1juRPi_J6yOa0wP0AmAnjoJ6/s1600-h/IMG_2006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmH662D6V9FqdJUnmuPXsg9yRdoA-ke-DqSdTlGaNN8oNq5yMfaWs4aWCYiAhh7sLzqRnBU1x8pSxKPGz5QWbUTTqN7Og6oOf9y16ofm95jwuj7_WxN4nl1juRPi_J6yOa0wP0AmAnjoJ6/s320/IMG_2006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414874065961819122" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">So if you home is looking stark</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Collect some pine cones from your local park</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">And if you're feeling really bold</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">You could even spray them gold!</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Resist the urge to buy gifts to impress</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Instead look for ways in which you can bless</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">You family and friends, the people you m</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">eet</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The elderly neighbours who live on your street</span></span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pUcqIq5A-9vZ0BB2tNifzfbHG_CFk39u8GJR_61EY_bOxGxUH28J_izYmbP2fBSyPOln9DZmK59W3SDVPYP_AUQyqe0lxx7mUHXiW8daa_ejqqsMfyAlxnGT4Qjtc_7YoG8oepv7lAPP/s1600-h/311206+%28136%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pUcqIq5A-9vZ0BB2tNifzfbHG_CFk39u8GJR_61EY_bOxGxUH28J_izYmbP2fBSyPOln9DZmK59W3SDVPYP_AUQyqe0lxx7mUHXiW8daa_ejqqsMfyAlxnGT4Qjtc_7YoG8oepv7lAPP/s320/311206+%28136%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414866733267572946" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">You could give them something - perhaps made by you</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Something you baked, crafted or grew</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Would you open your home on Christmas day?</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Invite someone on their own to stay</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">To be part of your family and share your meal</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">These kind of gestures make Christmas real</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">In spreading goodwill, we can all play a part</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">For the actions of people reveal their true heart</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">But in the big, red store, the queue's to the door</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Where they fought over Teletubbies, it was shown on TV</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">On the six o'clock news for the nation to see</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">But we can choose a better way and redeem Christmas Day</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">By rejecting the hype and pressure to spend</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">What kind of message could we send?</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">For the stores don't own Christmas</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">It's ours to enjoy!</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">And to remember the birth of a baby boy</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Named JESUS and He's still the REASON why we celebrate the SEASON!</span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Penned in December 2000</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">by Ann at <a href="http://www.eightacresofeden.com/">eightacresofeden </a> and christmasateden</span></span><br /><br /><br /><br />Please - if you want to share this poem with others or read it aloud at a Christmas function, feel free to do so, all I ask is that you direct them to my blog for the source and acknowledge me as the author - thank you!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309739193784900825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235765573322437770.post-28313196552612328172009-12-08T22:01:00.000-08:002009-12-09T00:59:10.676-08:00A Christmas Table Centrepiece using Candles and Natural Materials<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbxKJWNhITmh5pEn5WDYHWJKJvdxX29Ee0jAP0EdyPZjuBustB-WBixdiRNqWsR3DF1pIvIM6xbFssNrtNc2_XckgiT0RVEvUw860mRmcsyLiOTdbhm_qmoUbAdoO5jUqoAOu6Reuxkq7/s1600-h/IMG_2001.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbxKJWNhITmh5pEn5WDYHWJKJvdxX29Ee0jAP0EdyPZjuBustB-WBixdiRNqWsR3DF1pIvIM6xbFssNrtNc2_XckgiT0RVEvUw860mRmcsyLiOTdbhm_qmoUbAdoO5jUqoAOu6Reuxkq7/s320/IMG_2001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I am captivated by the glow of candle light at Christmas time and I love to create displays using candles. In previous posts I have shown you some of my elaborate wreaths which do take some time and effort to make but today I want to show you a simple, natural arrangement that took just minutes to create using items which I had to hand around my home. You do not need oasis, florists wire or any experience in floral arrangement! You could create a display like this for your Christmas table just before you sit down to dinner - it is that easy!</div> </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jclmp4PWyzGPNHuZe3Ui4X-FqskPg7Qc_N9G13u8KuOSQdGn9-U8wjGOvpf_SqoDsFYnm8Nkn9Fg3f1XH65KNWjfAlBEU_14f_moVXm2AYz26HbXDGGyEDvEdfGRxiXa_pRq1iu1-QJm/s1600-h/IMG_2015.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jclmp4PWyzGPNHuZe3Ui4X-FqskPg7Qc_N9G13u8KuOSQdGn9-U8wjGOvpf_SqoDsFYnm8Nkn9Fg3f1XH65KNWjfAlBEU_14f_moVXm2AYz26HbXDGGyEDvEdfGRxiXa_pRq1iu1-QJm/s320/IMG_2015.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div> The perfect finishing touch - my favourite 'succulent' candles - I use these candles all year round and have only ever seen them in discount stores!<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNK1FifC26q3IfyraU7uq9lnoahY89AElzu5S-QpU8h3jTQeqUU6eaGAi3c9aPtnYbi515cLF9kDWHY0_sEjGFbQFsuVD9-8jNSOOTMG5EoFAq_aYETiddIRXVxr4SafOfHyfREqp8XtmK/s1600-h/IMG_2009.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNK1FifC26q3IfyraU7uq9lnoahY89AElzu5S-QpU8h3jTQeqUU6eaGAi3c9aPtnYbi515cLF9kDWHY0_sEjGFbQFsuVD9-8jNSOOTMG5EoFAq_aYETiddIRXVxr4SafOfHyfREqp8XtmK/s320/IMG_2009.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>Here are the natural materials I gathered. I raided the fruit bowl for green <span style="font-weight: bold;">Granny Smith apples</span>. You could use red apples, pears, oranges, mandarins, cherries - just select fruit in uniform sizes. I snipped some <span style="font-weight: bold;">greenery</span> ( sprigs of cedar) from my garden. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Darker green</span> leaves are a lovely contrast to the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> lime green</span> of the apples. If you do not have a garden, consider snipping a few cuttings from your Christmas tree - you do not need much greenery for this arrangement.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Nuts (not shelled)</span> are the other item I raided from my pantry. Many households have nuts in their Christmas pantry. Macadamias or hazelnuts are ideal, you could use walnuts - again, whatever you have to hand.<br />My younger children gathered some <span style="font-weight: bold;">small pine cones</span> at the local park yesterday - just a small handful was all I needed. I already had <span style="font-weight: bold;">cinnamon sti</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">cks</span> in my craft cupboard but these are entirely optional and not integral to the arrangement.<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis80iUX_5a-LdtRer1nBklsCa-05cSSS0kzfCAzVO8t-W1I84Acl1llO4qYT-ncOfw5P_kaTgEKm4J8wE7QxMFsOv5qLPSyA2B7C-B8FZDm-AeTpDwOQ9FSQEhmIRKD60vK0PrEjAZVcal/s1600-h/IMG_2008.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis80iUX_5a-LdtRer1nBklsCa-05cSSS0kzfCAzVO8t-W1I84Acl1llO4qYT-ncOfw5P_kaTgEKm4J8wE7QxMFsOv5qLPSyA2B7C-B8FZDm-AeTpDwOQ9FSQEhmIRKD60vK0PrEjAZVcal/s320/IMG_2008.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">You will need a <span style="font-weight: bold;">large, shallow, round dish or bowl with a flat bottom in the centre</span>. I bought this shimmery, gold bowl at a discount store for $15. It is perfect for this type of arrangement. It has a diameter of approximately 30 cm. If you have a square or rectangular platter, you could create a similar arrangement with smaller fruit such as cherries, strawberries or grapes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGj4WOKtCx0_GzrIvUQDffnsfXXGZRsYkHmTVZWkQVYMFsDjHSnwUYoMdWMDE04AvyGUsASTFD88SRrACMiRoj0J_b0tl1pWZd00KvsfvieJ6-IGPco6uO-1x2EBBO1vCiOqY2OJDivRkI/s1600-h/IMG_2010.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGj4WOKtCx0_GzrIvUQDffnsfXXGZRsYkHmTVZWkQVYMFsDjHSnwUYoMdWMDE04AvyGUsASTFD88SRrACMiRoj0J_b0tl1pWZd00KvsfvieJ6-IGPco6uO-1x2EBBO1vCiOqY2OJDivRkI/s320/IMG_2010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413121373675886866" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 1</span>. Place 3 or more church candles in the centre or you could use just one thicker candle. I like the effect of several candles flickering or more if you have a larger bowl or platter. Shorter candles are more suited to this type of arrangement than taller ones, especially if it is for a table where people will sit down to socialize and dine. Use whatever colour candles you wish and coordinate with your table linen or other decorations.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXp6Kydo5CLOLejQG1kHxZUWlZzmKKjQP9ker3tOXxXUR-uuPMOqXxGOVXNxbAnBY9t2vex-n9EEXOCEgKrUnY66xZi4Sr-SrZRAUOZgBRBnDwRpfGq9f50syu2TZdBv-4Rpyqe_HliBL/s1600-h/IMG_2011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXp6Kydo5CLOLejQG1kHxZUWlZzmKKjQP9ker3tOXxXUR-uuPMOqXxGOVXNxbAnBY9t2vex-n9EEXOCEgKrUnY66xZi4Sr-SrZRAUOZgBRBnDwRpfGq9f50syu2TZdBv-4Rpyqe_HliBL/s320/IMG_2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413127892358417522" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 2</span>. Place the apples around the candles. I used seven apples for my bowl. Using apples or oranges means your arrangement will last for several days or longer.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYV38kEmtNjdQIH2hfKCubGfdcpWu5So1psioJcT4TosqqiHoOJsCY7ZwNsF43uvxyTy2W_r_LweXn27R-1bf9rH5MRTlP305UgSbxYAw9RmbSSV-VxEYzwLEWe0gr_NRqqF-LrvAqWzw/s1600-h/IMG_2012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYV38kEmtNjdQIH2hfKCubGfdcpWu5So1psioJcT4TosqqiHoOJsCY7ZwNsF43uvxyTy2W_r_LweXn27R-1bf9rH5MRTlP305UgSbxYAw9RmbSSV-VxEYzwLEWe0gr_NRqqF-LrvAqWzw/s320/IMG_2012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413130590279529778" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 3.</span> Next add the pine cones arranging evenly around the bowl. I love the contrast of the texture of rough pine cones next to the smooth, shiny skin of the apples.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOb7WrGMlhf55xcq9SQN4Y9r8erTXAG9yHmAbwxmfPYD0_z64FvqeQuaYxTKkRVGvp-hrtMt_j6Fl2o5lckafWFkLldTJoXbtWsRwEbvzmnxfMW6VW0AbXNxoNco_688O6pt-EMfJo6igV/s1600-h/IMG_2013.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOb7WrGMlhf55xcq9SQN4Y9r8erTXAG9yHmAbwxmfPYD0_z64FvqeQuaYxTKkRVGvp-hrtMt_j6Fl2o5lckafWFkLldTJoXbtWsRwEbvzmnxfMW6VW0AbXNxoNco_688O6pt-EMfJo6igV/s320/IMG_2013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413136630247484786" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 4</span>. Pour nuts into the gaps between the apples and pine cones. Try to use nuts that are a lighter shade than the cones that you use.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHOMKW7ifwSf1ygtVPuj7Vup3NZbKIMkJeztMx26PW8VSmgS7Hx2yuQ6U9hW89ZSrbVuDdcXn4iR0R4lnD7c5rk2CiJdAmnPpidML5G4wee38RD_VxkttPBSWsJ37Ud2GEx4AegL3CdAP/s1600-h/IMG_2014.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHOMKW7ifwSf1ygtVPuj7Vup3NZbKIMkJeztMx26PW8VSmgS7Hx2yuQ6U9hW89ZSrbVuDdcXn4iR0R4lnD7c5rk2CiJdAmnPpidML5G4wee38RD_VxkttPBSWsJ37Ud2GEx4AegL3CdAP/s320/IMG_2014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413139062298981282" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 5</span>. Tuck sprigs of greenery under the pine cones around the perimeter of the bowl. You may wish to replenish it, if it starts to wilt and it is so easy to do this when you do not have to pull it out of a block of oasis - just lift up the pine cones and replace!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuny6eMfjbw_N6srmE-nop_N6pTIz1EBtRPi4isOVK_7fwAJhzkPAzHu8tt2G1DF2e7LplIU_4pI4jrdXuFM0uKT8YKr3fE-AXS5-jDH2o4LFFjCZHfmU9k3H2ZrSg3kou0hWKRO9_ad3q/s1600-h/IMG_2016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuny6eMfjbw_N6srmE-nop_N6pTIz1EBtRPi4isOVK_7fwAJhzkPAzHu8tt2G1DF2e7LplIU_4pI4jrdXuFM0uKT8YKr3fE-AXS5-jDH2o4LFFjCZHfmU9k3H2ZrSg3kou0hWKRO9_ad3q/s320/IMG_2016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413141340629713778" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 6</span>. Finally, if you wish, arrange some cinnamon sticks on top of the apples. I have also used some extra candles - my succulents - use real or faux succulents if you do not have candles such as these. I just love how the texture of these candles 'mirrors' the texture of the pine cones.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJGcGBgokIKJM9rVDxNLStxIvO4VMG8yGza20ZU8yBnb_9UfoOdEkYttsRSbtpPFGwn4kgFXzSnsijJUurnv_o8rrVfTcCKjF0dYSWmagUBm9Qp10sw5uhOUA8ANAApByEVU_93XGWrTp/s1600-h/IMG_2004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJGcGBgokIKJM9rVDxNLStxIvO4VMG8yGza20ZU8yBnb_9UfoOdEkYttsRSbtpPFGwn4kgFXzSnsijJUurnv_o8rrVfTcCKjF0dYSWmagUBm9Qp10sw5uhOUA8ANAApByEVU_93XGWrTp/s320/IMG_2004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413143958047430706" border="0" /></a><br />And now the hardest part - deciding where to display the arrangement! It would be a perfect centrepiece for my Christmas table. It looks good on my kitchen island bench, particularly as it has fruit and nuts from the pantry. It would equally, be a good choice for a buffet table or dresser. A low arrangement such as this would also be ideal for a coffee table as it is a display you look down upon. I think it contrasts well with a timber table and therefore, I have chosen to place it at one end of my hall table.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyxEvrQ_osf-PGzqw_ODpbjWZLk7kOEewQ5nnkd5npv20bnjm_5or2qAOak9EdL4Mbp626SXiG7qY6sHdiFxtvxjkP4nUxzj5l_xaRfoDG37FrjkUfpgLfXO8oBivvvO3XN7g7VQN20zq/s1600-h/IMG_1994.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyxEvrQ_osf-PGzqw_ODpbjWZLk7kOEewQ5nnkd5npv20bnjm_5or2qAOak9EdL4Mbp626SXiG7qY6sHdiFxtvxjkP4nUxzj5l_xaRfoDG37FrjkUfpgLfXO8oBivvvO3XN7g7VQN20zq/s320/IMG_1994.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413147454252769602" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I also wanted to give you a glimpse of the display I have created here. I have been searching for an ornate frame for my reproduction print of an old map of New Zealand for some time. Last weekend I found the frame - at a garage sale for $5! This is another reflection of my family's heritage.( I am married to a New Zealander of Maori descent!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFfI86H3Agmyu2rsUKthVYNZfFEXZGWRzBs-R4NGh696E52KkJBuokwwuDXyehfiQmMp1LmH5sPz69vPaGElGjfUNJ9geHKSJYUPSQDW0k5gRSZI5cN3vIDX8g3zAQFGe6yAxv8FFUCX2/s1600-h/IMG_2005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFfI86H3Agmyu2rsUKthVYNZfFEXZGWRzBs-R4NGh696E52KkJBuokwwuDXyehfiQmMp1LmH5sPz69vPaGElGjfUNJ9geHKSJYUPSQDW0k5gRSZI5cN3vIDX8g3zAQFGe6yAxv8FFUCX2/s320/IMG_2005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413154505125082690" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Another recent garage sale find - wooden letters that spell out PEACE. They were already painted gold and cost me $2.50! I think I may leave these out all year round for peace is something I truly want to experience in my home. Peace on earth is not just a message for the Christmas season but something we can also have in our hearts and in our homes when we meet and enter into a personal relationship with the one who brings real and everlasting peace - JESUS! The reason why I celebrate Christmas with such a passion!<br /><br />I hope you have enjoyed visiting my home today and gained some inspiration for creative displays using candles and the gifts of nature. More ideas coming soon!<br /><br />With Love and Joy,<br />Ann<br /></div></div>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309739193784900825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235765573322437770.post-35893483645344970442009-12-06T20:56:00.000-08:002009-12-06T23:11:30.649-08:00Time to Trim the Tree Part 2 Beads and Bows, Garlands and Gifts.<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD35BrqmxSx01nBbw1P0lhZqQ7qv81-3WOUCIJpCDUceuxiyYUANpbSsi39ru2_P3F5C4DA7CnWqg7Ou9NqVFaTsyRO9qesXimWpT8k4uLV5ly0PIFHiZJ_57BtAvGaLCPpcI0cDW4WYGL/s1600-h/IMG_1974.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD35BrqmxSx01nBbw1P0lhZqQ7qv81-3WOUCIJpCDUceuxiyYUANpbSsi39ru2_P3F5C4DA7CnWqg7Ou9NqVFaTsyRO9qesXimWpT8k4uLV5ly0PIFHiZJ_57BtAvGaLCPpcI0cDW4WYGL/s320/IMG_1974.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Today I have been 'dressing' the corner of my formal living room where my Christmas tree stands, bedecked in all its traditional colours of red, green and gold next to the cast iron fireplace.<br /><br />This is the perfect opportunity to show you how I 'finish' off my tree with beaded garlands and bows and introduce to my angel - she needs a name and I'm giving you the opportunity to name her - I'll choose my favourite - so leave me a comment and suggest a name for the angel who has graced the top of my tree for almost ten years! I'm also going to show you my fireplace display and give you a glimpse of some of the gifts I wrapped today to place under the tree. I hope to do a separate post on gift wrapping but with my baby ready to arrive during Advent, I should not be 'promising posts' - so I'm showing you some of the ways in which I embellish my gifts for my family - always wrapping them with love of course!<br /><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSM7qsi8lKqgLvqm34uFDx6-Jxy5V47Yg6IPoTl8-r0aTTzGrs3uJuDDb2Nfj9vIKrOkwhyphenhyphenYhM2ZUYEk8DWFnB8OmUc7OLgoXbjTLcWfxPUo4XpJ-_gmUWawP1cLTG8Pg3_v4BfmjIUZz9/s1600-h/IMG_1984.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSM7qsi8lKqgLvqm34uFDx6-Jxy5V47Yg6IPoTl8-r0aTTzGrs3uJuDDb2Nfj9vIKrOkwhyphenhyphenYhM2ZUYEk8DWFnB8OmUc7OLgoXbjTLcWfxPUo4XpJ-_gmUWawP1cLTG8Pg3_v4BfmjIUZz9/s320/IMG_1984.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div>This is my lovely fireplace which warms our home during the winter months; of course, it is summertime in Australia. I am English born and have experienced the occasional 'white Christmas'. Decorating my tree in traditional style is one way in which I express my heritage - I think it is lovely to incorporate some traditions from your 'homeland' into your Christmas celebrations. This is why I have not been tempted to go for a totally 'Australian' look - no 'surfing santas' in this home, though I do have a ceramic kangaroo ornament hanging from one of the branches, I use gum nuts on my wreaths and my dining room has a different 'cooler' colour scheme of white, green and silver which is better suited to the strong Australian light.<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7f-AGqjpT9dVh8rDjZMlQjD8cPMFVQC1VjmvjJGAXCzNxXVvXAHdlLpsHbI1oIcQG-JON97BYvlx8W5jR-nRsZC5QRgxb39F6ikFdX2I1wTSSQ9Ue7cA-AwqPN8siQL5H-lDB1Uwtgra_/s1600-h/IMG_1985.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7f-AGqjpT9dVh8rDjZMlQjD8cPMFVQC1VjmvjJGAXCzNxXVvXAHdlLpsHbI1oIcQG-JON97BYvlx8W5jR-nRsZC5QRgxb39F6ikFdX2I1wTSSQ9Ue7cA-AwqPN8siQL5H-lDB1Uwtgra_/s320/IMG_1985.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>After the lights, baubles and ornaments are hung on the tree, I move onto the beaded garlands, draping them as gracefully as I can. I admit I take some time to do this, I want the garlands to drape evenly in 'gentle, even waves'. I am never fully satisfied and have to set aside any 'perfectionist tendencies' or I would spend all day on this! I have always added bows to the ends of the branches using ready wired bows which are designed for this purpose. Sometimes I also add in silk flowers but as my collection was a little faded I have not used the silk 'Christmas lilies' this year. I have seen some beautiful trees adorned with silk flowers instead of bows in the December issue of NZ House and Garden magazine. This is something I might try next year!<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGyTZt8lm_r8NEo8DwjcsgZlQ2Pif9EFWYsUi9fs3bfxW-ZCa2oHJjpJs_IdTmRvXAdeEp2nWsw_l14cbVROL9EA8MAxxmzXFt7OqaGVNyoCUh0AtlnQzn0FR0_5DqS9Y1bVLBqHFJqhl/s1600-h/IMG_1972.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGyTZt8lm_r8NEo8DwjcsgZlQ2Pif9EFWYsUi9fs3bfxW-ZCa2oHJjpJs_IdTmRvXAdeEp2nWsw_l14cbVROL9EA8MAxxmzXFt7OqaGVNyoCUh0AtlnQzn0FR0_5DqS9Y1bVLBqHFJqhl/s320/IMG_1972.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And here she is - introducing ---- Oh yes, she is the Angel with no name! Please suggest a name. She's a Kiwi by the way! I purchased her from a well known NZ department store 'Farmers' where I bought many of my decorations in their wonderful post Christmas sales.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMPJz-IOjgI-oAG0TS6JmjbDTQQcq8Cunc0YoiiZ0UCXmJrTTe9-ZQwh_KxlQhmLbJjGPKyZL1WgF71xzOjhyphenhyphenUSNi5KMv8WYuVXjyicf7rPN6Fot8u0sLwWw-dlexiWe7au5XpM0wULwa/s1600-h/IMG_1986.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMPJz-IOjgI-oAG0TS6JmjbDTQQcq8Cunc0YoiiZ0UCXmJrTTe9-ZQwh_KxlQhmLbJjGPKyZL1WgF71xzOjhyphenhyphenUSNi5KMv8WYuVXjyicf7rPN6Fot8u0sLwWw-dlexiWe7au5XpM0wULwa/s320/IMG_1986.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412367239355606834" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is a glimpse of the gifts and decorations under the tree. I don't see the reason in decorating a tree if you are not going to place any gifts under the tree! It all adds to the excitement and anticipation of Christmas. My twin girls have opened the occasional gift before (usually the wrong one!) but now at four are old enough to know they have to wait - we are counting down the days to Christmas with our homemade Advent calendar and they are receiving tiny gifts when it is their turn but just to be sure, they check with me each morning asking 'Christmas today?' and sigh when I say 'No, not today ' and tell them to go and count how many days to go using the calendar.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMbPUqtFIaIgNJtS6z1MuE_IgNqWOa2h5iiv6zEwHAtV-K2g5V9LB_Xy1gDY-U2B_X1Cr2Kgnynr6yL6iANnzG404_8fPSjtFlM3DEoKr_5QkYU2zGlLD6caHKwFcHg8I9EohEgsQ9nZd/s1600-h/IMG_1976.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMbPUqtFIaIgNJtS6z1MuE_IgNqWOa2h5iiv6zEwHAtV-K2g5V9LB_Xy1gDY-U2B_X1Cr2Kgnynr6yL6iANnzG404_8fPSjtFlM3DEoKr_5QkYU2zGlLD6caHKwFcHg8I9EohEgsQ9nZd/s320/IMG_1976.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412371825070469634" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I do like to coordinate my gifts with the tree. The gifts that will be placed under the tree are wrapped in gold and I have added embellishments which reflect how I decorate my handmade wreaths. I use ribbon, silk leaves and flowers, cinnamon sticks and even silk butterflies. Usually, I decorate at least one gift for each family member in a more elaborate way. I place these at the front of the present pile for greatest effect. On others I just use ribbon or a simple finishing touch such as a gold star or a glittery decoration. Any gifts I receive from family which do not match in, go into gift bags or boxes. Tucked away in the set of 3 gold boxes tied with red ribbon are gifts from my mum in the UK. This gives the recipient an extra surprise. I usually add a tag to the box 'Gifts from Grandma'. So do not be afraid to place those gifts from grandma which she wrapped in 'Mickey Mouse' Christmas paper into a gift bag. Don't waste time re- wrapping them (and possibly offend grandma in the process!) if they do not tie in with your decor, just disguise them! There are so many inexpensive gift bags and boxes available at the discount gift shops or better still, reuse a plain paper bag and have your children decorate the outside with cards recycled from last year. I have used the same set of gold 'hat boxes' to 'hide' gifts for many years. I just use a different bow and decorate the lid of the top box for variation.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTbg0IzrJc6as0Y6nlPUOLpL7JOnUdSseznly1P2y-WIXN4yEhC_hcHreZ0ITyFLmuka-aBu8tT1OfJ7OU-1dj_HFrS41PBsoFYe7DC4eCXUz3Qm6gTwMYG5Cs_z6HImKHjoKLQhuVvqa/s1600-h/IMG_1973.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTbg0IzrJc6as0Y6nlPUOLpL7JOnUdSseznly1P2y-WIXN4yEhC_hcHreZ0ITyFLmuka-aBu8tT1OfJ7OU-1dj_HFrS41PBsoFYe7DC4eCXUz3Qm6gTwMYG5Cs_z6HImKHjoKLQhuVvqa/s320/IMG_1973.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412375915799048946" border="0" /></a>I gathered some greenery from just outside my front entrance (I am so blessed to have this decorating resource a few steps away!) to decorate my fireplace - remember the fire will not be lit! I have also tucked sprigs of conifer around the gifts under the tree. Other items I have to hand are pine cones gathered from a recent trip to a local park, cinnamon sticks, green apples from the fruit bowl and a set of coloured, glass tea light holders.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0Xtv7y57lOTVev5S9myWeJehXftXHJje89YesZG_FmW8itme_CSC6GXxKoFmYTDqmghD4Tp8hLV0PYK4iq4I18HGmzH09l8VMnQzlo1lfEJCZ_3kkIVoLRmmircHBHw34Jrx31tydkCg/s1600-h/IMG_1982.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0Xtv7y57lOTVev5S9myWeJehXftXHJje89YesZG_FmW8itme_CSC6GXxKoFmYTDqmghD4Tp8hLV0PYK4iq4I18HGmzH09l8VMnQzlo1lfEJCZ_3kkIVoLRmmircHBHw34Jrx31tydkCg/s320/IMG_1982.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412380620109181682" border="0" /></a><br />I purchased these tea lights at the 'Reject Shop' for $1 each a few years ago. I use adhesive gold letters to spell out 'Faith, Hope, Love, Joy, Peace' and of course 'Jesus' who brought us all these when He arrived as a baby in a humble stable at Bethlehem all those years ago. I have set out a few of the figurines from a tiny Nativity set - another reminder for my children of why we celebrate Christmas. My main Nativity set, my Willow Tree figurines, a very special gift from my husband, are the focus of my Christmas display on the timber table in my hall. I will show you this display in another post.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBil6yMropBUfTQliSFBE5-dADpdykAVcbzA8X0GJOQ7lPdmoN_FpUkAGmf8CBkuctRRl5L7QibzmckUtXH133PG7_cFn_r5P-20gnGgo-sGGqxyHhiAZF9zf62EzGw6n-kVZ3qtghI683/s1600-h/IMG_1983.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBil6yMropBUfTQliSFBE5-dADpdykAVcbzA8X0GJOQ7lPdmoN_FpUkAGmf8CBkuctRRl5L7QibzmckUtXH133PG7_cFn_r5P-20gnGgo-sGGqxyHhiAZF9zf62EzGw6n-kVZ3qtghI683/s320/IMG_1983.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412383539106093826" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I hope you have enjoyed visiting my home and seeing just a corner of my formal living room. The lights have been twinkling for several weeks now and I have loved spending evenings with my family relaxing in this room. Tonight I will enjoy it even more when I sit down and watch one of my favourite shows - You might be surprised, it's not 'Better Homes and Gardens' but 'Man versus Wild', (the ultimate 'How to Survive' show) on SBS. My children love this show too and I enjoy being with them, watching something of excellence which is also educational. 'Bear' has not yet done an episode on 'How to survive the Christmas season' but my advice would be to simply enjoy the preparations, start tomorrow, if you haven't already and don't leave it all to the last week. For further inspiration and ideas visit me again at 'Christmas at Eden' but just remember if I am not here I'm probably having a baby!<br /><br />With Love and Joy,<br />Ann<br /></div></div>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309739193784900825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235765573322437770.post-56194777961851680402009-12-01T17:30:00.000-08:002009-12-01T13:44:20.941-08:00Time to trim the Tree Part 1 - Lights, Baubles, Action!<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyy3CiJqcUhEVr5O0_DuWtzPCQ3k1BOxl5zyZhPeAlGze08nkGBdZSkrvf1TE9BvKn3vgipvdNHZnUYggC6mPDUMQwtkWRadPUffdusDMlGbjaelTThjD9xIt-n4B3HXQNdYewBNDwti84/s1600/IMG_1867.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyy3CiJqcUhEVr5O0_DuWtzPCQ3k1BOxl5zyZhPeAlGze08nkGBdZSkrvf1TE9BvKn3vgipvdNHZnUYggC6mPDUMQwtkWRadPUffdusDMlGbjaelTThjD9xIt-n4B3HXQNdYewBNDwti84/s320/IMG_1867.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I always like to have my tree up and decorated by the 1st December but this year my tree has been up since the second week of November! Why so early you ask? - well several reasons 1. I wanted to do posts for this blog on how to trim a tree 2. I adore Christmas and simply couldn't wait, so I chose to celebrate my birthday by decorating my tree! 3. I am almost 38 weeks pregnant and standing and stooping to hang ornaments and twirl lights and garlands around branches for long periods during our current heatwave would have not helped my poor, swollen ankles! I am so pleased I chose to set up my tree earlier than usual - I feel organized and prepared knowing that one of the bigger tasks involved in decorating for Christmas has already been accomplished.<br /></div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dTPyPRzp3fcv5o2ITr8RhY6TNT8BCYmhvgde7Kpl1IJl_zGy7x7G72Q8YQcQsVZtPgYXwtCGxBA3StotVGPrzJjJkXLSxf8zT3tSeDxUY2U5dCGTI2YXLjSQy9d7QKbnxu7D6nUZ4FnU/s1600/IMG_1858.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dTPyPRzp3fcv5o2ITr8RhY6TNT8BCYmhvgde7Kpl1IJl_zGy7x7G72Q8YQcQsVZtPgYXwtCGxBA3StotVGPrzJjJkXLSxf8zT3tSeDxUY2U5dCGTI2YXLjSQy9d7QKbnxu7D6nUZ4FnU/s320/IMG_1858.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div>This is my tree, unadorned and set out in the spot I chose for this Christmas, next to our cast iron wood burner in the corner of our formal living room. Remember - I am in Australia - it is summer here and the fire will not be lit, otherwise, it would not be so close to the fireplace!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">It is a faux tree and I have owned it for ten years. It is starting to look a little tired, the needles are starting to drop off and I hope to replace it with a taller, bushier spruce or conifer but not this year. Maybe, I will purchase one in the New Year sales. This tree was purchased in a Boxing Day sale - we were disappointed to find all the trees had been sold so I took the liberty of asking a sales assistant whether I could purchase the tree which stood decorated at the front of the store at the 50% off price. They said yes and just asked us to return a few hours later so they could remove the decorations!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I always used to have a real tree and I loved our family tradition of visiting the Christmas tree farm to choose a tree but I was running Christmas decorating seminars out of my home during November and finding that my tree was just not lasting until the end of December. One year (the year I was expecting a baby) I had to take down my tree the week before Christmas and find a replacement - a very sorry looking specimen- a self-sown pine seedling cut down from the side of the road. On the morning I chose to decorate my new 'weedy' tree I went into labour and was hanging ornaments in between contractions! By morning tea time, I had a decorated tree and even managed to get the angel on the top - it was not my best decorating effort but if you have ever tried to decorate a tree during labour you would understand why! Shortly after this, I had made my way to the bathroom, my husband had come inside after being out on the farm and following a few more powerful and painful contractions and with just one push, my son was born and delivered into the hands of my husband! The midwife was still on her way but I was ecstatic - my fourth child had arrived in time for Christmas and my tree was decorated!<br /><br />After this experience, especially as I surveyed the pathetic pine I said to my husband - 'That's it - no more real trees!' I have found too, that the faux tree is much easier to decorate, it holds the ornaments well and the branches do not droop. The effort of keeping a tree alive is avoided and the needles do not endlessly drop all over the floor. If you want the scent of a real tree you can actually buy a pine scented spray. I believe 'Crabtree & Evelyn' make a beautiful 'Christmas scented' room spray which can be used for this purpose.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnoYaedoUgcShK9us7zC0PfrFzaKef-HpgbSsG6nJv0BJGrR1sIMtG7Q9lFaV5r1eMyx26Z41MjpSb3yGozh0B11s3YyIhh5tTbojF0b9Jeeqx7fY-MlGMnk-G67hFjNbyCgChI_DRtfo/s1600/IMG_1860.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnoYaedoUgcShK9us7zC0PfrFzaKef-HpgbSsG6nJv0BJGrR1sIMtG7Q9lFaV5r1eMyx26Z41MjpSb3yGozh0B11s3YyIhh5tTbojF0b9Jeeqx7fY-MlGMnk-G67hFjNbyCgChI_DRtfo/s320/IMG_1860.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Now I have shared my most infamous tree decorating story, I can show you how I decorate my tree. I always <span style="font-weight: bold;">start with lights</span>, beginning at the top of the tree and winding them down towards the bottom, ensuring that the strands are set well back into the branches. Many people make the mistake of putting the lights on last. The plastic strands are then visible which ruins the effect - I have even seen this mistake on the pages of a top interior design magazine. I prefer clear lights and have used two sets on this relatively small tree. Professional decorators always advise to use as many lights as your budget can afford - in this case 'less is not more'.<br /><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSkCuDosbfnX7JRzGukAVje_wnHfo5VMswMGK3Jz-Qc7X0h_WQrqZuR0-FC1JauwMwTf9byyKAyGvH3VbB7vzMbKu3zTPz0a_O9MIB0BR5BPMkCilR_5s9j8BDYvSrduwi8l7U_xD9uom-/s1600/IMG_1862.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSkCuDosbfnX7JRzGukAVje_wnHfo5VMswMGK3Jz-Qc7X0h_WQrqZuR0-FC1JauwMwTf9byyKAyGvH3VbB7vzMbKu3zTPz0a_O9MIB0BR5BPMkCilR_5s9j8BDYvSrduwi8l7U_xD9uom-/s320/IMG_1862.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Next step for me is <span style="font-weight: bold;">baubles</span>. I am using a traditional colour scheme of red, green and gold. I have more red than gold baubles, so I choose to use these first, ensuring that they are spaced evenly around the tree - don't forget to decorate the back of the tree too! These baubles are not glass and although I would prefer to have glass, because I have tile floors I have opted for plastic - this also means my younger children can help hang the tree ornaments without any risk to themselves or financial loss to me when they inevitably drop some!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju84xAnGEA7MeRDEwz-EHvkFAwEDW1AxHASv_ckIXNAhm36UV3Fb855oxhD5HVNaq-P9RUUmByrvkw2cppRImOORxFazB6cANRHDC-AX_jzCrO_CSny8zhZpLF0CtA7mllAEAZIM9GCYUh/s1600/IMG_1865.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju84xAnGEA7MeRDEwz-EHvkFAwEDW1AxHASv_ckIXNAhm36UV3Fb855oxhD5HVNaq-P9RUUmByrvkw2cppRImOORxFazB6cANRHDC-AX_jzCrO_CSny8zhZpLF0CtA7mllAEAZIM9GCYUh/s320/IMG_1865.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409724714134050530" border="0" /></a><br />I then use the gold baubles and space them in between the red baubles. If you are using a silver scheme, consider buying more silver baubles than your other chosen contemporary colour. If next year you change your couch or soft furnishings or decide you do not really like the purple colour scheme you chose this time you can go out and buy more baubles in a different colour that also works with silver. I have more red than gold because I found several sets in the Christmas sale at Spotlight last year for a drastically reduced price!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgm3GJLoE9gHArzTnlCvc8qyCVly_zhAu_JNjbYDEnHOKSogNDiop2Kcn5ynIs82pKzG05fEI-G_eApraEZbxEvdD1UvIdkQg-8E_cn032ATkSzyTo2gAnYtiJJaGU1OltxQmHHMX0a3f/s1600/IMG_1861.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgm3GJLoE9gHArzTnlCvc8qyCVly_zhAu_JNjbYDEnHOKSogNDiop2Kcn5ynIs82pKzG05fEI-G_eApraEZbxEvdD1UvIdkQg-8E_cn032ATkSzyTo2gAnYtiJJaGU1OltxQmHHMX0a3f/s320/IMG_1861.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409729651755593986" border="0" /></a><br />Once the baubles are in place I move onto the hanging ornaments. I have quite an assortment of tree ornaments that I have collected over the years. Each year I add a few more to my collection. I usually buy them in the post-Christmas sales. As much as I love some of the contemporary designs and colours for Christmas, I resist the temptation to purchase ones which do not work in with my traditional tree. I have a few novelty angels but even some of the cute ceramic children's tree ornaments (such as Winnie the Pooh characters) do not look quite right with my gold mesh reindeer and Russ angel figurines.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_LYPt52UcFBrGML9bk1kwmLMgvtSiHV9gKmUz7CCEqrI384EUzPIr7WX7njjtq7CM-47PcIPYfi7jH5SpC4AyEC-kWtxHgxs6r3E28F1iR-xp9584dfWzMCKNveIimbhvszmJm2e9ISa/s1600/IMG_1868.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_LYPt52UcFBrGML9bk1kwmLMgvtSiHV9gKmUz7CCEqrI384EUzPIr7WX7njjtq7CM-47PcIPYfi7jH5SpC4AyEC-kWtxHgxs6r3E28F1iR-xp9584dfWzMCKNveIimbhvszmJm2e9ISa/s320/IMG_1868.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409734840213909346" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rUgbHo922Ca9vhjr4xKUzibf_8whbAQQxU9GMtB-h9-NNFrMO4E8ebUg-RMmSH7B6G2Egw8Go4zFdjKVcDe49pYHrlVgeZjDHBbnGbzFCy9caZwKC0-0V1paV0nKR1uSNhTvOfaXmgoS/s1600/IMG_1873.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rUgbHo922Ca9vhjr4xKUzibf_8whbAQQxU9GMtB-h9-NNFrMO4E8ebUg-RMmSH7B6G2Egw8Go4zFdjKVcDe49pYHrlVgeZjDHBbnGbzFCy9caZwKC0-0V1paV0nKR1uSNhTvOfaXmgoS/s320/IMG_1873.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409738189541984594" border="0" /></a><br />The ceramic airborne 'St Nicholas' is one of my favourite tree decorations but the wooden heart decoration reminds me of the person who Christmas is really about and the reason why we celebrate. Jesus who lives in my heart will always be the focus of my family's Christmas!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TXZ1vgH0hS-fskdIG1Gm6qfaJtEbn_vDKXOoaA_gZtINaIYAIQWCn6OzsMq3Wx9M0r_Wg-A85adXXs5tl5COt-NKSwuuKYlHa5gRgCtBxokYIjZsEp3_vIR9tMqF_AhsFFPFTWTPB47M/s1600/IMG_1872.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TXZ1vgH0hS-fskdIG1Gm6qfaJtEbn_vDKXOoaA_gZtINaIYAIQWCn6OzsMq3Wx9M0r_Wg-A85adXXs5tl5COt-NKSwuuKYlHa5gRgCtBxokYIjZsEp3_vIR9tMqF_AhsFFPFTWTPB47M/s320/IMG_1872.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409741623953804866" border="0" /></a><br />This is my tree with the baubles and most of the special decorations in place. <span style="font-weight: bold;">The garlands of beads</span> that I wind onto cards each year are to go on next and need to be unravelled. Some have fallen off in the storage boxes and become tangled, untangling them is one of the most time-consuming tasks - never mind the girls enjoyed decorating themselves with all the strings of sparkly beads. So much more glamorous than tinsel! I personally, have an aversion to tinsel - sorry for those of you who love it but I always advise others to 'lose the tinsel' and I once put up a sign on my door for one of my seminars 'You are now entering a Tinsel Free- Zone'! I'm not sure why I dislike tinsel so much - perhaps it was the straggly tinsel that went onto the tree in my childhood home that overshadowed the beautiful vintage glass ornaments or the fact that my dad used to wind it around the television - this is one item in my home which I would never choose to accentuate! Neither do I use spray on snow on the windows - this is Australia for goodness sake and it is totally unseasonal! It is also why Frosty the Snowman never makes an appearance! My mother once made a snowman covering a plastic wastepaper basket with cotton wadding and she brought it out every year to sit next to the tree. I think she thought it would delight us children and he was rather amusing, very kitsch and quirky (he also turned yellow over the years!) but truth be told I was more fascinated and mesmerized by the delicate Polish glass ornaments with their pointed spires and glorious colours which shimmered when the lights reflected onto them - so the lesson is, don't think your children will prefer childish decorations, you may be surprised at their appreciation of some of the more beautiful tree decorations!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakZ1H1q4n02S5wi6zNQViGJbAZn-8JoU0VXeXKN73nVTYmFz0q89m0FNn_zrr1NRhzyg0_qM2Sx_kU-zQGhGyoCUlvkbS3Xe0abqPBezfHGY-oIMoFNAYZtwbcciHXStf9tceiMe09Xho/s1600/IMG_1870.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakZ1H1q4n02S5wi6zNQViGJbAZn-8JoU0VXeXKN73nVTYmFz0q89m0FNn_zrr1NRhzyg0_qM2Sx_kU-zQGhGyoCUlvkbS3Xe0abqPBezfHGY-oIMoFNAYZtwbcciHXStf9tceiMe09Xho/s320/IMG_1870.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409748556468809282" border="0" /></a><br />If you wish, you may choose to have a second tree just for your children to decorate to their heart's content. In some years I have had a second tree in the kitchen which we decorate with gingerbread stars, popcorn strands and homemade paper angels. This year the younger girls have helped construct paper cones for a special <span style="font-weight: bold;">hand made advent calendar</span> which I will show you in another post - still have to make a few more cones and buy some treats to go inside. These cones also make lovely tree decorations and can be filled with nuts or candy, so I thought I would share with you now, a few pictures for inspiration.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9mAFb3W5boiRz3wP9vH_Yve1QQL5Szzj-rmqg-IFqVDFRfzoAGByKLKzHrEVXeObklfcPhSzAroWlq7Qc7Z9oFYkrLRS_M4kVkN-qrwlhCK9VjGl3Rc28rzIFEgI_yLWgXrs7yxuP2eH/s1600/IMG_1886.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9mAFb3W5boiRz3wP9vH_Yve1QQL5Szzj-rmqg-IFqVDFRfzoAGByKLKzHrEVXeObklfcPhSzAroWlq7Qc7Z9oFYkrLRS_M4kVkN-qrwlhCK9VjGl3Rc28rzIFEgI_yLWgXrs7yxuP2eH/s320/IMG_1886.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409751462138996466" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLb2U9P-72J1aCce1n9JgdjPgbCxE2F_3fGwoBTGo7nIRX-Q1xCoNB-4GGCj7Rc73TkYinHCXPB8n2w_mMzVIECU6X9Ucev0y7F33H6ORpdzTLLxgDmX4mPUh98Wwm5uZlf3oHyioaIGk/s1600/IMG_1888.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLb2U9P-72J1aCce1n9JgdjPgbCxE2F_3fGwoBTGo7nIRX-Q1xCoNB-4GGCj7Rc73TkYinHCXPB8n2w_mMzVIECU6X9Ucev0y7F33H6ORpdzTLLxgDmX4mPUh98Wwm5uZlf3oHyioaIGk/s320/IMG_1888.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409755221698222594" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I'm aware that for some of you reading this that you are barely over all the preparations you made for Thanksgiving and are now only thinking of pulling out the boxes of Christmas tree decorations. Perhaps you do not even set up your tree until Christmas Eve! Each family and different countries and cultures have their own traditions. I do love the stories of Victorian Christmases of days gone by, when the parents would send their children to bed and then later on the true Eve of Christmas, would call down the children to see the Christmas tree, all decorated and sparkling with real candles lit just for that moment. How magical would that be!<br /><br />I could not possibly leave decorating my tree until the night before Christmas and who knows I could even be in labour if my baby is a late arrival (and most of my children are!) I will show you more in my next post of how I trim the tree and add the finishing touches - the garlands, the bows, the Angel who sits atop and the displays that accompany my tree (not a cotton wool Frosty the snowman of course!) It's time - lights, baubles, action!<br /><br />With Love and Joy,<br />Ann<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309739193784900825noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235765573322437770.post-44529059851063337982009-11-29T14:13:00.000-08:002009-11-29T16:00:31.262-08:00Design a Simple Christmas Wreath / Shelf Top Display<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXEg5Yjsf1Gn1w2qKjIGolmqrOtcB9VacvVL3W5fXbNmbSppknEkyWq9bEdEx_tQwwNaVILX3a2v7f_avcrx8Xvcg-JtVZ9rhuAo_TayiP790jH6Gxl3ucmZ9eghZePegv6RBv01AYhFO/s1600/IMG_1912.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXEg5Yjsf1Gn1w2qKjIGolmqrOtcB9VacvVL3W5fXbNmbSppknEkyWq9bEdEx_tQwwNaVILX3a2v7f_avcrx8Xvcg-JtVZ9rhuAo_TayiP790jH6Gxl3ucmZ9eghZePegv6RBv01AYhFO/s320/IMG_1912.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409666657601707922" border="0" /></a><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div>This is the display I created for the top of a timber bookcase in my dining/family room. It sits behind my dining room table where we will sit down to enjoy our Christmas dinner. The table will feature a green, silver, white and gold scheme and I wanted the displays in this room to tie in. The pewter picture frames which are displayed on the top shelf of this bookcase were left in place and I assembled the display around them. You do not need to take everything down in order to create a Christmas display, use your home's everyday decor, favourite possessions and family pictures to inspire your Christmas decorating!<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div><br />For this shelf, I put together a simple wreath which was so easy to make, it took me just 5 minutes to assemble!<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhro97OYKiYiGE6nGJICLzwirBpTeYurfBudy7iPlmY8udNapQJGknfR_g6vs9B_O5gKrzFLEIc2hqeTX_DrHfXW6PwjdSQuJPkcE9rqDoQhQLlBhsxdO0lxw_xSrsV3oHlFLnNG0pFGAsl/s1600/IMG_1904.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhro97OYKiYiGE6nGJICLzwirBpTeYurfBudy7iPlmY8udNapQJGknfR_g6vs9B_O5gKrzFLEIc2hqeTX_DrHfXW6PwjdSQuJPkcE9rqDoQhQLlBhsxdO0lxw_xSrsV3oHlFLnNG0pFGAsl/s320/IMG_1904.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div> </div>On to a small faux conifer base purchased at 'Spotlight' for around $6, I poked in some glittery, silver leaves which were pulled off a stem found at 'BIG W' for $4. (They also come in gold) I did not use any glue, the wreath will rest against the back of the shelf. If you wish to hang your wreath on a wall, you might consider using hot glue to secure the leaves. This is a temporary wreath. I will reuse the base and leaves next year to make something different!<br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6Ca62v_VhC-Xk3-N0bxKrS1C1Qy31qwcOOhZbE1GszVXuKdT-jSnuUzaJPEROFfZQUcl5Uxm0HaajaI9K9VDfEr7xzigCDjcIG9STUVB4Jgcfv1ex1A8kj2VqoCnN6cufJeLl3Su86I2/s1600/IMG_1911.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6Ca62v_VhC-Xk3-N0bxKrS1C1Qy31qwcOOhZbE1GszVXuKdT-jSnuUzaJPEROFfZQUcl5Uxm0HaajaI9K9VDfEr7xzigCDjcIG9STUVB4Jgcfv1ex1A8kj2VqoCnN6cufJeLl3Su86I2/s320/IMG_1911.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div> </div><div style="text-align: center;">A few wired faux red berries are poked in for contrast.<br /><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNzivu4B8G8D-p4DlcyJPIZku2YrHcTnt2OfgnS9DtGrWFDv3sPv2CUsp6nLoheVqje5-l0o2wPc2NFha9tDJVBmSa0a951O3RKdxFrUV3046-fNViLWUNM3DaXL4Rd5-X5Nf67RwSSgI/s1600/IMG_1906.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNzivu4B8G8D-p4DlcyJPIZku2YrHcTnt2OfgnS9DtGrWFDv3sPv2CUsp6nLoheVqje5-l0o2wPc2NFha9tDJVBmSa0a951O3RKdxFrUV3046-fNViLWUNM3DaXL4Rd5-X5Nf67RwSSgI/s320/IMG_1906.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />A little embellishment is needed for the top of the wreath. I considered using this silvery dove.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguv21XozE_uSR04WbWVaEdIXBJH_B2K__0nQ9RxKcELYUiBrfvcsbLcK504BWkmCNpibUJH-ibXm-wXfKTe_KwnoP8p40ngAD-1z1Z0gnsYegLW_mjr3qVvKDLe8dFrACh9dR6bDUUPJCI/s1600/IMG_1905.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguv21XozE_uSR04WbWVaEdIXBJH_B2K__0nQ9RxKcELYUiBrfvcsbLcK504BWkmCNpibUJH-ibXm-wXfKTe_KwnoP8p40ngAD-1z1Z0gnsYegLW_mjr3qVvKDLe8dFrACh9dR6bDUUPJCI/s320/IMG_1905.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409661148462180786" border="0" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div> But in the end I opted for a glittery, silver icicle - it cost less than $5 at 'The Reject Shop'. I simply threaded its cord through and tied it in place on the underside of the wreath. You may already have suitable decorations in your Christmas tree decoration box which could be used to decorate your wreath - stars, angels, bells, baubles - whatever you so desire!<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZ4NxJEAfyKVshHZH-P5BfZl8P4ss_bJLr8JEsMoVDDmW8XscVscc4lAkqO_SaFDmO_x1NawZTdZIaaRrrGU9JydtsbM_wcRglf-jkv6pR5SY9jWF20ZEvIn5eK5x9iY38ES8rzN2Wlx9/s1600/IMG_1910.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZ4NxJEAfyKVshHZH-P5BfZl8P4ss_bJLr8JEsMoVDDmW8XscVscc4lAkqO_SaFDmO_x1NawZTdZIaaRrrGU9JydtsbM_wcRglf-jkv6pR5SY9jWF20ZEvIn5eK5x9iY38ES8rzN2Wlx9/s320/IMG_1910.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409663704734050066" border="0" /></a> </div> <div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div> How about some butterflies instead of leaves? This set cost $4 at 'BIG W' . You could also use this wreath as the base for a table top wreath, placing a hurricane holder with a coordinating candle in the centre. I would not use the icicle in this case, just the leaves and berries.<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2En6nVf_KDpXEynpAF3EsWQAltjQshFdxkOOsMai2_0m6Au2CTMjj8dSAd4544htLRUMkW-vF2DdIwPftmbbZW03D0dJmZiuMArP0QxII1NEX7nRXf-5d3td-_9KuFnUz0v-6Mlavi3QT/s1600/IMG_1913.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2En6nVf_KDpXEynpAF3EsWQAltjQshFdxkOOsMai2_0m6Au2CTMjj8dSAd4544htLRUMkW-vF2DdIwPftmbbZW03D0dJmZiuMArP0QxII1NEX7nRXf-5d3td-_9KuFnUz0v-6Mlavi3QT/s320/IMG_1913.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br />With the wreath in place at the centre of the shelf. I am now able to decorate my shelf and create my special Christmas display - again this only took a few minutes. I used fresh greenery from my garden, sprigs of cedar, some of the faux lime green succulents and a few glittery mistletoe leaves - but you could use fresh of course. I had purchased a big bunch of these realistic looking succulents at a garage sale and I have used them on several of my Christmas wreaths. Cinnamon sticks add a rustic touch. Apples are perfect to use in a Christmas display - as are oranges, stud them with cloves if you want added scent.<br /><br />I love to use candles at Christmas and I was thrilled to find the glass silver tealight holders at a discount store - the glittery snowflake embellishment mirrors the one at the top of the wreath and this is why I chose the icicle rather than the dove for the wreath. I used four tealights for this shelf top - use more if you have a longer cabinet or table top to decorate. When decorating with candles, especially tealights I always like to use more rather than less. The beauty of tea lights in holders is that you have less risk of candle wax dripping onto your display or the risk of setting one of your decorations alight when the candle is lit. Tea light candles are so cheap to purchase too!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8SyWCGJOixzrDelX2sQN6Uqa46092_6go2rnEsepoRxy5XZ6feBeq0M4zOCj9tu-1kNi8YhP8oJEml-lhQduv8rK0Lb44Vq0nU9KfAPD0_S8uIfmHiaOLl-yOEXPI4UPC11BXiQfQDwk/s1600/IMG_1915.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8SyWCGJOixzrDelX2sQN6Uqa46092_6go2rnEsepoRxy5XZ6feBeq0M4zOCj9tu-1kNi8YhP8oJEml-lhQduv8rK0Lb44Vq0nU9KfAPD0_S8uIfmHiaOLl-yOEXPI4UPC11BXiQfQDwk/s320/IMG_1915.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409676348266838962" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">My 'little angels' - my twin girls are watching over this Christmas display. They celebrate their 4th birthday on the 1st December, their middle names are 'Joy' and 'Hope' - so appropriate for the season and a beautiful reminder of what Christmas and children are all about!<br /><br /></span></span><br />The finishing touch for this display is a glittery, silver decoration which rests at the base of the wreath, it describes perfectly what Christmas decorating brings me - <span style="font-weight: bold;">JOY </span>of course. Just remember - decorating your home for Christmas should bring you pleasure, it should not be a tedious task and sometimes keeping it simple, as I have with this wreath and display is the one of the best ways to ensure that it remains a joyous thing to do! In fact, this is one of my favourite displays in my home this season and it took just minutes to assemble.<br /><br />Have fun and enjoy creating your own Christmas displays. I look forward to showing you some more corners of my Christmas home at Eden soon.<br /><br />With Love and Joy,<br />Ann<br /></div>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309739193784900825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235765573322437770.post-2426713790469237312009-11-29T12:39:00.000-08:002009-11-29T14:06:30.263-08:00Design and make a Traditional Christmas Wreath<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuu-ObDdi3pFoykLzLd_XD3nE9iA1piFBqKv08Pds9NNq5VNr9WUx1Xbh_abztdegdtKKA4nrzZRAG71pIZSlwQiDuGrU1-0LPDXhD2EadjcwzWFhtHwAlglrA9e0KOn0w8azK8q-7-NjC/s1600/IMG_1751.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuu-ObDdi3pFoykLzLd_XD3nE9iA1piFBqKv08Pds9NNq5VNr9WUx1Xbh_abztdegdtKKA4nrzZRAG71pIZSlwQiDuGrU1-0LPDXhD2EadjcwzWFhtHwAlglrA9e0KOn0w8azK8q-7-NjC/s320/IMG_1751.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>In my last post I showed you how I constructed my modern Christmas wreath. I have also created a more traditional wreath for my formal living room - it is my 'Joy of Family' garland which features in my post on inspiration for wreaths. As I put it together, I took some shots to give you an idea of the process involved in making a more elaborate wreath.<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFfvaYLnNXykPoCty9RxXLnK5iFRkk6lHe_kFi2RTLycwSocxgHIE4eMtSQ5JiFmT81cliIvsDB9HP_-7j2j3xa-DqmXgSgR-8G7U5roJ70uLIMzDvdaiZApCtr0yUkovKacT2mUzPcJp/s1600/IMG_1749.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFfvaYLnNXykPoCty9RxXLnK5iFRkk6lHe_kFi2RTLycwSocxgHIE4eMtSQ5JiFmT81cliIvsDB9HP_-7j2j3xa-DqmXgSgR-8G7U5roJ70uLIMzDvdaiZApCtr0yUkovKacT2mUzPcJp/s320/IMG_1749.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>It is assembled on a faux conifer wreath purchased from a craft store. The first step was to wind around a length of <span style="font-weight: bold;">glittery Christmas tree beads</span> around the garland. Small, green 'Granny Smith' apples are attached at regular intervals using the hot glue gun. I have also used limes, red apples and pomegranates - all faux. Fresh fruit would simply be too heavy for this wreath and rot very quickly in this hot, humid climate!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHfDX1Iocov65HKQ5CmOyBo5ALudjjBB-ykSZSZ2ZTMISo-8AKQImz1JJZwcbmYgh1Y-qbb4DE4ToPJ-4R5n6yS0HJuKVCbkAPv5TrqDsmt2jNYeaMvp4ZMQajrvB4Y7Gn-uxv52ItfVG/s1600/IMG_1757.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHfDX1Iocov65HKQ5CmOyBo5ALudjjBB-ykSZSZ2ZTMISo-8AKQImz1JJZwcbmYgh1Y-qbb4DE4ToPJ-4R5n6yS0HJuKVCbkAPv5TrqDsmt2jNYeaMvp4ZMQajrvB4Y7Gn-uxv52ItfVG/s320/IMG_1757.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div>At the base of the wreath I glued on<span style="font-weight: bold;"> long cinnamon sticks, one large gold poinsettia</span> and alongside it, more<span style="font-weight: bold;"> fruit </span>and <span style="font-weight: bold;">faux succulents</span>. Green <span style="font-weight: bold;">wired leaves</span> are glued in behind the fruit and I also used a<span style="font-weight: bold;"> stem of faux berries</span> in a mulberry shade. I always place on the larger features first, followed by the prominent design elements - which for this wreath is the set of tiny 'gold' <span style="font-weight: bold;">picture frames</span> which display black and white childhood photos of all the members of our family.<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL62L3upcVSirmfZOPBtn_yNYuarF739ap_nEIrDB4EHrCR48PGq-MRtHI6O1V32yvTOM-Rh35o5OvWEvJCD3TFiyBlyAVmB_F1y_75X7iAkSagdigH-JCvVQyiyLoarRH7fZT0eWBmnIm/s1600/IMG_1768.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL62L3upcVSirmfZOPBtn_yNYuarF739ap_nEIrDB4EHrCR48PGq-MRtHI6O1V32yvTOM-Rh35o5OvWEvJCD3TFiyBlyAVmB_F1y_75X7iAkSagdigH-JCvVQyiyLoarRH7fZT0eWBmnIm/s320/IMG_1768.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Here are some of the design details which were glued around one of the frames. A silver pine cone rose, gold and green ivy, tiny roses, a red cherry and a small ceramic teddy bear next to the frame which is to hold a picture of my baby due this Christmas season!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigO1y9qe7XHESXMA5n6TDmFEvjqGC35L-g7nTGRRVbemLVWiNceysBP4Lxp2baWJBiql1kzEx8qoHTE6txwt4HRz7ap3rebtSvy7961fzXs3qr_7vBT0oHmuTP9Z84iLHWJZ-JaXVuWQ_H/s1600/IMG_1899.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigO1y9qe7XHESXMA5n6TDmFEvjqGC35L-g7nTGRRVbemLVWiNceysBP4Lxp2baWJBiql1kzEx8qoHTE6txwt4HRz7ap3rebtSvy7961fzXs3qr_7vBT0oHmuTP9Z84iLHWJZ-JaXVuWQ_H/s320/IMG_1899.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409643514688268034" border="0" /></a><br />This wreath illustrates that you do not have to restrict your design to fruit and flowers, the Christmas tree decoration aisle at the department store may have sets of decorations which will give you an idea for a decorating theme which sets your wreath apart from the usual store bought wreaths which I have noticed this year are quite costly and have very few features apart from a few faux flowers, glittery pine cones and plastic berries.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfvJ_mXIPbNyN3RYHrRbUriXYgrQCC08Xl3pe0xfM4e1x17bR9gim_lxkilJ85nUcH-alxxkjpqcXZJ8xz-pSRWTQWo_It8C2R_BNAPlthcAH4kMgnqJqYdlmgJJiM4Gpn1405YF31793/s1600/IMG_1805.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfvJ_mXIPbNyN3RYHrRbUriXYgrQCC08Xl3pe0xfM4e1x17bR9gim_lxkilJ85nUcH-alxxkjpqcXZJ8xz-pSRWTQWo_It8C2R_BNAPlthcAH4kMgnqJqYdlmgJJiM4Gpn1405YF31793/s320/IMG_1805.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409647306722306194" border="0" /></a><br />Even if you do not have time this year to make a more elaborate wreath I hope that this post has offered some inspiration. From Boxing day onwards, all those wreath bases and Christmas tree decorations will go on sale and you may consider purchasing some to construct a wreath for next year. Gather dried natural materials in other seasons - pine cones, seed heads, sea shells, gum nuts and store them in readiness for next year.<br /><br />If you would like a wreath to display this Christmas but have limited time in my next post, I will show you a 5 minute design idea for a 'bookshelf' wreath.<br /><br />With Love and Joy,<br />Ann<br /></div></div>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309739193784900825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235765573322437770.post-63054859899268407202009-11-22T13:33:00.000-08:002009-11-22T16:03:46.811-08:00Design and make a Modern Christmas Wreath<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoJcNI-0V5FTVqOycqvfmErLDHhaADKWDk65PFmuYV8Y-stwsItxrqC0R9wGYRmb32yaEKcEyns3r7T8ReNvWxyEqdfKC806BnLal8LKz1GErfBKcQPkkEUu-TJ2Gm7zP9IsFAtNo_yYl/s1600/IMG_1699.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoJcNI-0V5FTVqOycqvfmErLDHhaADKWDk65PFmuYV8Y-stwsItxrqC0R9wGYRmb32yaEKcEyns3r7T8ReNvWxyEqdfKC806BnLal8LKz1GErfBKcQPkkEUu-TJ2Gm7zP9IsFAtNo_yYl/s320/IMG_1699.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>The hot glue gun is plugged in. I am sitting at my dining room table surrounded by a variety of materials - silk and polyester leaves, flowers, cinnamon sticks, seashells, tiny pine cones and gum nuts, faux berries and stems of crystal beads. Bare twiggy garlands await embellishment. I have a design idea in my head and a colour scheme - pink roses teamed with mauve berries and silver leaves, a departure from the usual red, gold and green one associates with Christmas, it is a more modern interpretation of the festive garland. The finished wreath would look good in my girl's room or perhaps I should display it outside over the white garden bench which sits outside the front window of my home to welcome visitors who arrive at my home over the Christmas season. It may even look good on the door of my Indonesian cabinet. It will go where it looks best, not in the formal living room where my tree is located which has a more traditional atmosphere with the piano and rolled arm couches and is better suited to a more traditional decorating scheme. As a homemaker I do enjoy making these decorating decisions, especially at Christmas when I want my home to look extra special, when we will welcome others and extend gracious hospitality.<br /><br />Please join me as I pick up the glue gun and learn how simple it is to create your own wreath to decorate your home!<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtgX-4pJux2jbT0GjM42HvW2xFYNgf0FQwnKkkWoCSnpFAgQTQCIDtBCkfzBrPtDdPAgAB7cj5pAQ-_zjUST3DIHa0ErwfE_KvM3F6g0Ye591Xi4blAxRRqPOBYOExTDz9B-ne_HGAGjm/s1600/IMG_1702.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtgX-4pJux2jbT0GjM42HvW2xFYNgf0FQwnKkkWoCSnpFAgQTQCIDtBCkfzBrPtDdPAgAB7cj5pAQ-_zjUST3DIHa0ErwfE_KvM3F6g0Ye591Xi4blAxRRqPOBYOExTDz9B-ne_HGAGjm/s320/IMG_1702.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">The first step is to<span style="font-weight: bold;"> glue leaves onto the wreath base.</span> The leaves I am using came from a long garland purchased from a discount store. I did not buy this to string over the top of a cabinet. I liked the <span style="font-weight: bold;">variegated colours</span> and<span style="font-weight: bold;"> different shades</span> of the leaves which I ripped off and used as the background for building my design upon. They only need a dab of hot glue, overlapping them as I work around the perimeter, alternating the green leaves with the silvery, purple ones.<br /><br />The other elements I have chosen to incorporate into my design are sitting in a little mound - I take different roses out of my 'flower box' - will I use cream or pink or both? <span style="font-weight: bold;">I hold them up</span> against the wreath and <span style="font-weight: bold;">place them next to t</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">he other materials</span> - I want to know whether the combination will be pleasing to the eye. I try different arrangements and when I am satisfied I start to attach the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> roses </span>and <span style="font-weight: bold;">cinnamon sticks</span> which will be the main features of this wreath.<br /><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Tpsf0DxHNqKKhgukkJk430SZg2Bbc1-_PI3EE04KVy9APUL9COYVNzmOgwzvFRp-sy7c-li79uq8pm4cNrnk-JSpiVHmMPjF-wu3YHuHJ7TPEwuU_hUi-JcH9l-LIstJPyZKB_RiGeCn/s1600/IMG_1703.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Tpsf0DxHNqKKhgukkJk430SZg2Bbc1-_PI3EE04KVy9APUL9COYVNzmOgwzvFRp-sy7c-li79uq8pm4cNrnk-JSpiVHmMPjF-wu3YHuHJ7TPEwuU_hUi-JcH9l-LIstJPyZKB_RiGeCn/s320/IMG_1703.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div>I have worked out what will feature on the top and base of the wreath and commenced my design. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dried moss</span> and a<span style="font-weight: bold;"> pine cone</span> are added in. I then start to build the design for the bottom of the wreath. Onto the moss I will glue an extra rose using the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> 'rule of threes'</span> that many floral decorators use. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Peeking out</span> from under the roses are the smaller items that 'set the roses off' - <span style="font-weight: bold;">green silk ivy leaves, tiny shells with pinkish tones, a star anise</span>. Next I start to poke in the <span style="font-weight: bold;">mauve twigs of berries</span> which will partner the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> silvery leaves.</span> These berries will work themselves up around the wreath, as if they were<span style="font-weight: bold;"> twining around a branch</span>, a reflection of how climbing plants are seen in the natural setting. The berries are wired and I can place them into position and adjust them before I add a tiny dab of glue behind the berry to secure it.<br /><br /><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNgtgTpAkdvMtq1_bzAhl1pzMs3mi7WRLsgCGMB9VDCNbWakF5HYKfsWKB4v5Ajb3SlJnwCo6tDAzweKJRpsC6RJpFYs1G77LHD-D29Tz_2cRYDgJXf8KNuIYuuOK2Im0gjze541Lz2u0H/s1600/IMG_1713.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNgtgTpAkdvMtq1_bzAhl1pzMs3mi7WRLsgCGMB9VDCNbWakF5HYKfsWKB4v5Ajb3SlJnwCo6tDAzweKJRpsC6RJpFYs1G77LHD-D29Tz_2cRYDgJXf8KNuIYuuOK2Im0gjze541Lz2u0H/s320/IMG_1713.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407056622390751138" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6uBkMMDCzoxDa84j0lfmyMXg3TP0P-7D4PFsvnj1JOvUjv8UNzj-FNm006D89eVOeUMZkTUGzbFtqeH3TkaV5NrDvQYPb5WSK-D9GTANKNjA4kIfBpU6YPTQm57826jkMnEBT2Q-ifiH/s1600/IMG_1707.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6uBkMMDCzoxDa84j0lfmyMXg3TP0P-7D4PFsvnj1JOvUjv8UNzj-FNm006D89eVOeUMZkTUGzbFtqeH3TkaV5NrDvQYPb5WSK-D9GTANKNjA4kIfBpU6YPTQm57826jkMnEBT2Q-ifiH/s320/IMG_1707.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407063439466393858" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">I have also decided to use a few gold ivy leaves for contrast. They have silvery veins. If you do not have gold or silver leaves simply give <span style="font-weight: bold;">plain green polyester leaves a sheen</span> with<span style="font-weight: bold;"> gold or silver spray paint</span>. Do not coat them completely with the paint - just a quick spray gives a very pleasing result. I have used silver paint on the leaf which peeks out from under the gold ivy.<br /></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshB1YYePWDjjKVxobqr55gaI_DxReEzUBeto5OUGLdUCQ-p2ArdRR4HqHfb1PxIFnC71MlTqWbdW2zhJZ-piSGAimYRc7oZ8PKvzu_jrdZcejQqbRdYj1eTXlB_nfWd_yinInLMZ5K-SR/s1600/IMG_1710.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshB1YYePWDjjKVxobqr55gaI_DxReEzUBeto5OUGLdUCQ-p2ArdRR4HqHfb1PxIFnC71MlTqWbdW2zhJZ-piSGAimYRc7oZ8PKvzu_jrdZcejQqbRdYj1eTXlB_nfWd_yinInLMZ5K-SR/s320/IMG_1710.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I turn my attention to the top of the wreath. I have chosen a<span style="font-weight: bold;"> starfish</span> to be the feature - this is a decorative element which works in well with the shells. A<span style="font-weight: bold;"> tiny wooden gold star</span> is glued into its centre and<span style="font-weight: bold;"> self-adhesive silver letters</span> spell out 'joy'. This is the finishing touch and is attached after I have added in the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> glittery silver leaves</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>and <span style="font-weight: bold;">ferns</span> which add sparkle to this garland.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEn7O4dpF1XkBzrx0RvvimLiwKCNZddCYbG5obrWzdDdwCLA4Jf0ABbwOimPpYJlKuMDuUsrCM7fcL7e_xmbAKzdjPMt1CaZCss_odPz2-ec7Xz3sjQevykd96iASu_DKYKAPUKgAh35_/s1600/IMG_1726.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEn7O4dpF1XkBzrx0RvvimLiwKCNZddCYbG5obrWzdDdwCLA4Jf0ABbwOimPpYJlKuMDuUsrCM7fcL7e_xmbAKzdjPMt1CaZCss_odPz2-ec7Xz3sjQevykd96iASu_DKYKAPUKgAh35_/s320/IMG_1726.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407068759873272802" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is a close up the finished wreath. I have hung it from the door of my wooden cabinet to take this shot. If I was going to have the wreath on display here I would consider using<span style="font-weight: bold;"> silver sprays</span> of <span style="font-weight: bold;">leaves, silver pine cones</span> and<span style="font-weight: bold;"> faux purple berries</span> to surround<span style="font-weight: bold;"> purple glass candle</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">holders</span> to decorate the <span style="font-weight: bold;">top of the cabinet</span>. Can you imagine a table set with a <span style="font-weight: bold;">white or silver tablecloth</span> and<span style="font-weight: bold;"> sparkling purple glasses</span> and<span style="font-weight: bold;"> matching napkins</span>? As I have already decided upon a green, white and silver colour scheme for my table I will not be using this design - I just wanted to give you the idea if you are drawn to such colour schemes or perhaps your soft furnishings are berry shades. Choose Christmas decorations that work with, rather than against the overall scheme of your room.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_A_ePBP_Rqr0_ljgMl2943R_hBFpDvGoWdBxZOqfyAjwSleYuOUf-KEMPjy42WwXrTmWY29aJFqIlAlJLooOp1HUYyaqtUYCdESvwdCdnqbdd6xk0tjMhI14RSHCNQfBDLGqu29KMvlT/s1600/IMG_1719.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_A_ePBP_Rqr0_ljgMl2943R_hBFpDvGoWdBxZOqfyAjwSleYuOUf-KEMPjy42WwXrTmWY29aJFqIlAlJLooOp1HUYyaqtUYCdESvwdCdnqbdd6xk0tjMhI14RSHCNQfBDLGqu29KMvlT/s320/IMG_1719.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407073937386536946" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb35pW2nfAWaQ8VHFYN5wGMdNL_6pPnp1pzNvorbZ1WsjmU2aP3ZkpkDpnvcx4JCTEwFKKFpI4J8ZRyeAcWATEnndIf-JnImPfIaI2IalniHeOQGls3gLR_2bwVkXXe5CSFgZnx4d-K8Ta/s1600/IMG_1722.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb35pW2nfAWaQ8VHFYN5wGMdNL_6pPnp1pzNvorbZ1WsjmU2aP3ZkpkDpnvcx4JCTEwFKKFpI4J8ZRyeAcWATEnndIf-JnImPfIaI2IalniHeOQGls3gLR_2bwVkXXe5CSFgZnx4d-K8Ta/s320/IMG_1722.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407076552441444546" border="0" /></a><br /><br />If you want to add a little<span style="font-weight: bold;"> final flourish</span> why not<span style="font-weight: bold;"> hang a decoratio</span>n from the wreath? This sweet quirky little <span style="font-weight: bold;">fairy</span> (or is she an angel?) was a Christmas gift from my son, she is quite different from the other angels which are trimming the tree and I like to display her on her own. I thought her dress and bouquet complemented the wreath. A<span style="font-weight: bold;"> sheer purple ribbon</span> is used to hang the wreath - on the inside of the door is a small hook, the wreath is attached here before closing the door.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9vv93o2eN0mLQwOokNwShWW1TSYzmKS4MsgqniwPSvf9xRBV1nUD9nXayPKxhw1AX97rHAlxJhpQtwBazLw3pEw9OkI3C_9Wh4t0KcrJpvIXzibneSo-8-kJzLtqRKcaBox_HEZkspUJ/s1600/IMG_1734.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9vv93o2eN0mLQwOokNwShWW1TSYzmKS4MsgqniwPSvf9xRBV1nUD9nXayPKxhw1AX97rHAlxJhpQtwBazLw3pEw9OkI3C_9Wh4t0KcrJpvIXzibneSo-8-kJzLtqRKcaBox_HEZkspUJ/s320/IMG_1734.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407078116546483058" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />For now, my modern wreath hangs outside over the white garden bench at the front entrance to my home. Its silvery green leaves complement the foliage of the cedar and cypress trees which frame the entrance. It is a smaller wreath and right now I am adding the finishing touches to a much bigger gold wreath which combines both modern and traditional design elements. I hope to have this completed soon and will show you the finished result. In the next post I will show you how I constructed my more traditional 'Joy of Family' garland and share some simple ideas for wreaths which will ensure you do not burn the ends of your fingers - the hazard of using a hot glue gun - ouch! But if you want to do some serious crafting and attach lots of heavier decorations this is a tool you cannot go without! Just a couple of tips, buy a heavier duty one from the hardware store and hide it from the man in your life or it may disappear into the recesses of his garage or workshop, never to be seen again - I must buy my husband his own glue gun sometime!<br /><br />With Love and Joy,<br />Ann<br /></div></div>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309739193784900825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235765573322437770.post-37616155985800795682009-11-15T22:28:00.000-08:002009-11-16T01:23:16.385-08:00Creative Christmas Wreaths - Inspiration<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nCCqpzY1xByqKK63cFUoxJhF1cy4ytHzU69IHJFOP0MlhfjBr6NgdyP9wuUPAQ6OZ5cEtYlNGHzam2MB8tGyigMM3ggPM_fhp4lo4pXYRXCHaA751Tv9KhJOQOfvVeFn8QNWvOejFWGj/s1600/IMG_1889.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nCCqpzY1xByqKK63cFUoxJhF1cy4ytHzU69IHJFOP0MlhfjBr6NgdyP9wuUPAQ6OZ5cEtYlNGHzam2MB8tGyigMM3ggPM_fhp4lo4pXYRXCHaA751Tv9KhJOQOfvVeFn8QNWvOejFWGj/s320/IMG_1889.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>I have been making Christmas wreaths and garlands for many years, it is simply something I love to do - to decorate my home with boughs of greenery embellished with glittery leaves, ferns, flowers and berries to welcome friends but I want more than just a wreath hung on the front door which is only glimpsed as people enter. I like to have wreaths in different rooms and so each year I create not one but several wreaths for Christmas. Some are elaborate, a little flamboyant, even quirky, others are simple and adorned with only a few select items. I love them all because I created them!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuQdl6hxE16mnkjOt1460VFoEx17uRMD00eG1tb0-WYW71hTMt78UPTU0uL_6ReFiFsXwFMZo41FOfgAd92iL1xegfTpN4-BYyPpRwdKHaiQuRGGKUmXKQ8JN0Z9xy5ewTNXE3ALZqNl5/s1600/IMG_1657.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuQdl6hxE16mnkjOt1460VFoEx17uRMD00eG1tb0-WYW71hTMt78UPTU0uL_6ReFiFsXwFMZo41FOfgAd92iL1xegfTpN4-BYyPpRwdKHaiQuRGGKUmXKQ8JN0Z9xy5ewTNXE3ALZqNl5/s320/IMG_1657.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404626880608956722" border="0" /></a><br />I would love to show you the wreaths I have created for this Christmas season - to inspire you perhaps, not to race out to the store to purchase a pre-decorated wreath but to create one for yourself. A more personal expression than something which was mass produced in a factory. I will show you in my next post how to create a more elaborate wreath, then I have a 5 minute wreath idea for those of you who do not have the time or do not yet own a hot glue gun!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsPT8DVKHlge6w0udiHo6HMfZscA3Jujg_CApqEUjsW267AMuNji-0A_gTmxjvn_l75V-SRsP_qTUexr6um8ul2QASBjBdZTplVsF0YWI6-gqI6NM0kYIEIoCanDwiVdGB4Qj63bByg28/s1600/IMG_1913.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsPT8DVKHlge6w0udiHo6HMfZscA3Jujg_CApqEUjsW267AMuNji-0A_gTmxjvn_l75V-SRsP_qTUexr6um8ul2QASBjBdZTplVsF0YWI6-gqI6NM0kYIEIoCanDwiVdGB4Qj63bByg28/s320/IMG_1913.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404619106559183986" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I should explain why I choose to use mainly faux greenery, flowers and berries. I used to make natural wreaths from vines, fresh leaves and berries but having come to live in a hot, humid climate I find the 'all natural' decorations do not last very long - in just a few days, the greenery starts to wilt. It also means I cannot create displays in advance - I still decorate my home with fresh greenery but I use it mainly to decorate the tops of shelves, to set around the bases of candles which will sit on coffee tables - these are my last minute displays which are created in the days before Christmas. I hope to be able to show you how I use the abundant greenery to decorate my home which I am blessed to have just outside my door from the forest garden at 'Eight Acres of Eden'.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QagRC7kVnfasHC7X6PPVLPrD70PzqdSPDaAv555Q05rKUkbDfFOd525ll3iFjdQRFCOSfZLL3GyivPfa9uTs7xnTqeC3iZCEjX-mDd-1956Qosfii4yKJAT9ewA8wh9gCZt17w2MGdpU/s1600/IMG_1474.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QagRC7kVnfasHC7X6PPVLPrD70PzqdSPDaAv555Q05rKUkbDfFOd525ll3iFjdQRFCOSfZLL3GyivPfa9uTs7xnTqeC3iZCEjX-mDd-1956Qosfii4yKJAT9ewA8wh9gCZt17w2MGdpU/s320/IMG_1474.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404622888108374690" border="0" /></a><br />To show you just what materials can be incorporated into a wreath, I would like to take you on a 'tour of a garland' - my traditional Christmas wreath which I have created for my formal sitting room. This is where my tree is located - yes, it is up and decorated in a traditional colour scheme of red, green and gold. This wreath is designed to co ordinate and it has a theme - the 'Joy of Family'.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWiEIQvEH4L-QlCrr1DF5CX0SIv0C5lhWM3CT5VAfxxKeT4MetAbh3X1u_F-lbivMixSWtikHS9clZ838Hs08YkYZeydqE-fvrvzdcebVanw2zVAZtvJ0L7WncFrU-3fAc6k-aPBJ7Y7F/s1600/IMG_1890.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWiEIQvEH4L-QlCrr1DF5CX0SIv0C5lhWM3CT5VAfxxKeT4MetAbh3X1u_F-lbivMixSWtikHS9clZ838Hs08YkYZeydqE-fvrvzdcebVanw2zVAZtvJ0L7WncFrU-3fAc6k-aPBJ7Y7F/s320/IMG_1890.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br />It features silk leaves, faux fruit and berries, glittery tree decorations and tiny gold picture frames which display black and white childhood photos of each member of our family. The little girl in the jaunty hat and coat is me and the cute boy is my husband!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAq97IOtGkULBISzpIhXZ9B4F4bJ9Yi9D6Zy0KVfYIUu_m6siNalVEI3fhYkRmlXGWGEn0FEVuyPBXgALMif51xCjnZYpMZZqvN3tBn0Wa1uLGd0Er22_sPb1E-UOIRIntwhzTeCqF4Idl/s1600/IMG_1897.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAq97IOtGkULBISzpIhXZ9B4F4bJ9Yi9D6Zy0KVfYIUu_m6siNalVEI3fhYkRmlXGWGEn0FEVuyPBXgALMif51xCjnZYpMZZqvN3tBn0Wa1uLGd0Er22_sPb1E-UOIRIntwhzTeCqF4Idl/s320/IMG_1897.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404601633916894018" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I have used hot glue to attach all the decorations - I always start with the leaves and larger decorative items, alternating colours. Smaller embellishments such as berries and tiny ferns are added in later. I glued on the family photos in order of birth. My oldest son is first, followed by his sister - close to her picture is a tiny starfish - a reminder of her love of the beach. The photo I selected to copy for the frame was taken at a beautiful beach close to where we lived in New Zealand.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLg841xSwFnNbf_F6iYUngVLhmSKkbI2vgl7bPf0FTVyj29X_lhLOj7h-_0elH-c2S5h-mQAx5q2vO8rNsZYho0dtCOh5tzZuWbBvwxJN4N9YbXC7rZrTzSdBfbDu9xV2K385fzIZi5vIM/s1600/IMG_1898.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLg841xSwFnNbf_F6iYUngVLhmSKkbI2vgl7bPf0FTVyj29X_lhLOj7h-_0elH-c2S5h-mQAx5q2vO8rNsZYho0dtCOh5tzZuWbBvwxJN4N9YbXC7rZrTzSdBfbDu9xV2K385fzIZi5vIM/s320/IMG_1898.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404604374577351554" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">As we travel down the garland we meet my third born, my daughter who has a vibrant, mischievous personality! The single, gold poinsettia is the largest item on the wreath. I like to place the larger decorative elements at the bottom of my wall hung wreaths.<br /><br /></div></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2X2_aNE4CuNeVCt2_HHqSYwFVknnVrUQs2c1H-POLzv53j_ObcdNY2TvDMEVWufkF8qyWgtkEhmDVlKRdFqDxULn347ypC2rq92iRTPg3PQt7uQLghGxvDkjLUdA9VIsQ9bElIma9E22/s1600/IMG_1891.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2X2_aNE4CuNeVCt2_HHqSYwFVknnVrUQs2c1H-POLzv53j_ObcdNY2TvDMEVWufkF8qyWgtkEhmDVlKRdFqDxULn347ypC2rq92iRTPg3PQt7uQLghGxvDkjLUdA9VIsQ9bElIma9E22/s320/IMG_1891.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div>Alongside are the other floral and nature inspired features - silk leaves, pine cones, long cinnamon sticks, faux fruit and sprigs of berries. I love to use dried, natural materials and combine them with the faux items. The green succulents are not real - they are also flexible and can be arranged into the shape you desire - wonderful when you are working around other materials. I found these at a garage sale! The faux berries were purchased at a market stall and the fruit was 'recycled' - detached from wreaths and garlands made in previous seasons. You cannot do this with fresh fruit! The little boy on this section is my first Christmas baby - he was born at home in the week before Christmas ten years ago and delivered by his father when the midwife did not arrive on time. It was one of my most memorable birth experiences - I decorated my tree during labour, hanging ornaments in between contractions! This explains why I have decorated my tree early this year, my next baby is due the week before Christmas!<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mdp3s1bMimLIyboTapppur3-nq2zEWZl8baiD3EN6UL5E9xTFQe3l-qF2LA8C0y6Z2fxp7aiWW2h8z5X_Fihmy6wcoZ2yTClzi-0VQGgeHXuGMcMbY8QlPq1nTx2d49ayUveeMYFWUxD/s1600/IMG_1895.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mdp3s1bMimLIyboTapppur3-nq2zEWZl8baiD3EN6UL5E9xTFQe3l-qF2LA8C0y6Z2fxp7aiWW2h8z5X_Fihmy6wcoZ2yTClzi-0VQGgeHXuGMcMbY8QlPq1nTx2d49ayUveeMYFWUxD/s320/IMG_1895.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">My adorable twin girls have a close attachment, therefore I placed their pictures alongside each other in matching heart shaped frames. I love these ceramic rocking horse ornaments and thought they deserved a place on this wreath. My twins were also due the week before Christmas four years ago, they arrived two weeks early at the start of Advent on the first day of December - a very special early Christmas gift from God who knows how much I love Christmas that he chooses to bless me with babies at this special time of the year! In the month of December I will also celebrate my 20Th wedding anniversary! I am the girl who chose to get married at Christmas - my bridesmaids wore burgundy satin dresses and I had real holly and ivy in my bouquet surrounding white roses! I will post a picture at my family blog closer to the date. The final frame on my family garland is blank - it awaits a picture of my baby yet to be born - my gift from Heaven, number seven!<br /><br />I hope you have enjoyed the tour of my garland and that it has given you some inspiration for what can be used to embellish a wreath. I found many of my decorations in the Christmas aisles at discount stores - they were not expensive. This season there are lots of unusual tree decorations in the stores and lots of glitter and sparkle for those who love their bling! Why opt for tinsel and plastic santas when you can have butterflies, snowflakes, tiaras, handbags and shoes!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjU3HHrgwduc5fgupxaaX2zxnUXyRbY4shdv_uH8aquo12vvychfUWuWMax_59dzOyGVqSKISBbH5jxxPZVdUR4AcbV4BituB5HaYmYNc7f-wLGXSS1SRTNbf5beU-PAYBWaSFH_E5Bzb/s1600/IMG_1734.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjU3HHrgwduc5fgupxaaX2zxnUXyRbY4shdv_uH8aquo12vvychfUWuWMax_59dzOyGVqSKISBbH5jxxPZVdUR4AcbV4BituB5HaYmYNc7f-wLGXSS1SRTNbf5beU-PAYBWaSFH_E5Bzb/s320/IMG_1734.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404614900661698658" border="0" /></a><br />In my next post I will show you in closer detail how I constructed both the 'Joy of Family' garland and the lilac and silver wreath which features as my link button to 'Christmas at Eden' from my main blog.<br /><br />With Love and Joy,<br />Ann<br /></div></div>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309739193784900825noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235765573322437770.post-75860177308782116392009-11-08T12:49:00.000-08:002009-11-08T18:46:04.393-08:00'Across the Miles' Gifts to Send Overseas<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohxT1rg9zPPKTvDDxEu96sI5Y60E8hBCz7sVs16_-3GT4eyG38GfnCradn2cFhQ4k4yYQpp6pG5Wg2Cbm4MgVvsTywVzKJtuBKOSKDCQ5w7Zjiz3ybPlZBlIGK7CtUhP3mjeKC1pBMSIx/s1600-h/IMG_1836.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohxT1rg9zPPKTvDDxEu96sI5Y60E8hBCz7sVs16_-3GT4eyG38GfnCradn2cFhQ4k4yYQpp6pG5Wg2Cbm4MgVvsTywVzKJtuBKOSKDCQ5w7Zjiz3ybPlZBlIGK7CtUhP3mjeKC1pBMSIx/s320/IMG_1836.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Do you have family and/or friends that live inter-state or in another country? Do you face the same dilemma as me each Christmas? Choosing gifts that are suitable to mail and posting them on time, so that your loved ones receive their gift in time for Christmas? I must confess that in some years, I have missed the deadline for posting parcels and my family in England have received their presents in January.<br /><br />This year, I am prepared! I have found some lovely gifts for my mum and my sister's family and they are all wrapped and ready to mail. <span style="font-weight: bold;"> I have </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">checked the Australia Post website</span><br /><a href="http://www.australiapost.com.au/">www.australiapost.com.au</a> for last posting dates for International Air Mail but this information does not appear to be on their website yet. Last shipping dates are there (for sending parcels by sea post) but if you are considering this option - you have missed the boat! Check your country's mail service website for updates and information on mailing costs according to weight and standard card sizes - those small square cards may cost you more! Also very useful is the list of restrictions on what can be sent through the mail to other countries - I'd avoid sending those herbal eye pillows and the home made pot pourri and beeswax candles if I were you! Lots of food items appear on the restricted list. Wrapped commercial confectionery may reach its intended recipient but those delicious dried fruits you packaged up beautifully and the rose petal tea from your very own garden could be confiscated! Australia and New Zealand have very strict quarantine laws, especially when it comes to food and plant material, so warn your relatives who are sending gifts to you!<br /><br />I hope to have my parcels posted before the end of November and this is why:-<br />1. I am expecting my baby in December<br />2. I do not intend to spend time waiting in the queues at the Post Office.<br />3. I want my family to receive their gifts by Christmas<br />4. There has been an ongoing postal strike in recent months in the UK which has created huge back logs of mail - If you are visiting here from the UK and can let me know whether this has been resolved yet and whether there is a likelihood of further strikes before Christmas, I would be very appreciative.<br />5. I wanted to share with you some gift ideas for gifts to send overseas, by showing you what I have found for my family this year! My budget for my sister's family was $50 (2 adults, 2 children) plus postage. Four quality gifts plus wrapping came in under budget at $45. I expect the postage to cost at least $25.<br />P.S I don't believe my sister reads my blog, otherwise, I would not be writing this post! If you are reading this sis - please leave me a comment! I hope you like your gifts!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUV34HqS0LsX5XVscP1Jr0MyRMz5sP-Til1wiMtyItiLG-qhZTu1AT9laja9h7uD7aQWQkCmHOC8zJ5oVfxTe2qmcpa4yjcDZ4J7BOMnUSztNtoYUTtgHtM8IEmx0zPDTG3r_jiA2uuoI/s1600-h/IMG_1824.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUV34HqS0LsX5XVscP1Jr0MyRMz5sP-Til1wiMtyItiLG-qhZTu1AT9laja9h7uD7aQWQkCmHOC8zJ5oVfxTe2qmcpa4yjcDZ4J7BOMnUSztNtoYUTtgHtM8IEmx0zPDTG3r_jiA2uuoI/s320/IMG_1824.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div>I found lovely linen at a local gift shop. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Linen is just perfect for sending overseas</span> - lightweight, non-breakable and I was thrilled to find some lovely natural fabrics and feminine designs.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> A cotton apron bedecked in roses </span>with a frilled hem and crocheted trim with for my mum who I know will appreciate a practical gift - this is something she will wear on many occasions and I know it will fit! I just love the fact that aprons are fashionable again and they are everywhere this season, there are so may designs to choose from and of course if you have a material stash and can sew, you can make them yourself - there are tons of patterns on the Internet. I chose to purchase aprons because I am extra busy with other crafts, I would have needed to travel to the fabric store in the city and the cost of the fabric plus the fuel would have been more than what I actually paid for the apron.<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPP8mpgDRygo1TOb2HxGW1OU07K3dH2NdDY14p2A-aac5zqZVNRHgvQL3rcAyaLS50wApUZbNhSEpAMvUkAl47WoePg2s_1_LsxSwROhhupjxYFq-tONJLjw9T8G0BOwU67C1jEk-rMLr/s1600-h/IMG_1828.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPP8mpgDRygo1TOb2HxGW1OU07K3dH2NdDY14p2A-aac5zqZVNRHgvQL3rcAyaLS50wApUZbNhSEpAMvUkAl47WoePg2s_1_LsxSwROhhupjxYFq-tONJLjw9T8G0BOwU67C1jEk-rMLr/s320/IMG_1828.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Aprons are a suitable gift for all ages</span> - I sent one to my sister for her birthday last year and I could not resist purchasing one for myself in the same rose design. They also make good gifts for children, especially if you want to encourage their culinary skills. One lovely idea for a <span style="font-weight: bold;">personalized gift</span> is to make or purchase a plain apron and have it<span style="font-weight: bold;"> embroidered with the </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">individual 's name</span> - I purchased inexpensive black cotton aprons one year for my family and had our names professionally machine embroidered in silver thread at a cost of $5 per name. This was for a special occasion - my husband's 40Th Birthday which we celebrated with an 'All Black' Dinner Party - the 'All Blacks' of course are his country's Rugby Union Team. It made for a memorable dinner party as we served our guests a taste of New Zealand and our aprons have received ongoing use and are also a lovely reminder of a special family celebration. The black tablecloth I purchased for this occasion has also been used on many occasions - <span style="font-weight: bold;">more to come on table cloths and colour schemes </span>in a future post on setting the Christmas Table!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbp1Bo3_dFOGo4wnLVhDSYRe0MbUCrCmiIRRP7528febEd2QBQPHaKdNrUcGoeMKj10TAZ1wkD95jXsT4tgx1oMYT1_P7ch_xhqIedIp6BAUZd6lg5M0BQ7yW23kt-pK9iGByMCMj_3-_/s1600-h/IMG_0474.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbp1Bo3_dFOGo4wnLVhDSYRe0MbUCrCmiIRRP7528febEd2QBQPHaKdNrUcGoeMKj10TAZ1wkD95jXsT4tgx1oMYT1_P7ch_xhqIedIp6BAUZd6lg5M0BQ7yW23kt-pK9iGByMCMj_3-_/s320/IMG_0474.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401856641063466002" border="0" /></a>For less than $20, a personalized apron makes a wonderful gift for a friend who likes to cook. Fold it and wrap it in clear cellophane with the name showing, tie on some ribbon and maybe trim with a Christmas cookie cutter or special tag.<br /><br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizj2lHrBtwfkzyw8ZLHrfiI3i85MLBylnP3RVytE2nCHJUAOj-7ECbEKnSKNo2oXx9xf_vdWyVMEF1qXFBQJcGHXfArkTTJlq2MQZXmtsRq0_AOxGVvfV8B-yv0yYe_63kfYm5-I63Z88t/s1600-h/IMG_1829.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizj2lHrBtwfkzyw8ZLHrfiI3i85MLBylnP3RVytE2nCHJUAOj-7ECbEKnSKNo2oXx9xf_vdWyVMEF1qXFBQJcGHXfArkTTJlq2MQZXmtsRq0_AOxGVvfV8B-yv0yYe_63kfYm5-I63Z88t/s320/IMG_1829.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>My sister is receiving a lovely<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Lingerie bag </span>- this one is by <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mozi</span>, an Australian company which has beautiful linen in unusual designs. If your friend or relative likes cats then this design would surely appeal. I think it is gorgeous! Mozi also have tea towels in snazzy designs which are flat packed in card - perfect for mailing overseas. Look out for them in good linen shops and gift stores.<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4BYf4HB200TvChpQIKlW_k14krmyyxDCEd5TGRibdv2CwbDU_Bu2GN82cTNECK4ARfU1Ny3KwtB1LzV4Z-7JXLKkluog8JgbQuBLVUTsVgS9sUVXYL0P2KMXTh1yo9ruF1CmZPtpFMla/s1600-h/IMG_1830.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4BYf4HB200TvChpQIKlW_k14krmyyxDCEd5TGRibdv2CwbDU_Bu2GN82cTNECK4ARfU1Ny3KwtB1LzV4Z-7JXLKkluog8JgbQuBLVUTsVgS9sUVXYL0P2KMXTh1yo9ruF1CmZPtpFMla/s320/IMG_1830.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401865550783644914" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">When you have sent enough koalas and </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">kangaroos!</span><br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My sister has two young children and I do like to send them gifts from a 'Land Down Under'. I must say they have received their fair share of Australian animals on baby bibs, t shirts, and in colouring books - most people know we have kangaroos and koalas, so why not introduce your grandchildren, nephews and nieces living overseas to some more unusual native wildlife.<br /><br />This furry guy is an echidna, he actually has spikes rather than fur and we have met one here at eight acres of eden up close and personal when we encountered him burrowing close to our garden shed. The echidna is not going to my nephews, they are growing up now but I could not resist putting him in the picture. I found him at the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Australian Geographic store </span>which has lots of children's toys including the more unusual creatures which inhabit this continent. My son wanted to pop into his grandmother's parcel, a tad oversize but very realistic looking, plastic red back spider. I advised him against it! She is petrified of spiders! You can visit Australian Geographic online if there is not a store near you <a href="http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/"> www</a><a href="http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/">.australiangeographic.com.au<br /></a><br />As I am trying to avoid plastic toys, I was looking out for wooden toys and found some at my local Post Office shop - a set of wooden pencils in a box which features a goanna as well as a kangaroo and a chunky wooden shark puzzle. The puzzle is by 'Wild Republic' which is an American company that does donate a portion of the sale of the product to a charitable foundation that provides housing, education and support to projects in impoverished countries.<br />Sadly, most of the 'Australian' gifts are made in China - even the ones from the Australian Geographic store.<br /><br />I did however find beautiful cards, tags and gift wrap featuring Australian flora and fauna that is designed and made in Australia.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBNkq-b9iarhWv9Nx9gZgjBaKuNkpYYcSCkBdDeoEfr_6G2x0ZflbpO1On0YEpbx7ZOuiCmvnfnpTNyOtGP9z5WsgqfRMDbjohJ4wpzH4NeDVK-k7DjZ2SIS6oFLBJC1AVVSQv-NheVSi/s1600-h/IMG_1825.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBNkq-b9iarhWv9Nx9gZgjBaKuNkpYYcSCkBdDeoEfr_6G2x0ZflbpO1On0YEpbx7ZOuiCmvnfnpTNyOtGP9z5WsgqfRMDbjohJ4wpzH4NeDVK-k7DjZ2SIS6oFLBJC1AVVSQv-NheVSi/s320/IMG_1825.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401876817011515858" border="0" /></a><br />They are from 'earth greetings' and are printed carbon neutral in Australia on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with vegetable ink. The cards come in a pack of 10 and proceeds from sales go to 'Trees for Life' to plant 1 tree for every pack sold. It was the cockatoo design which caught my eye, so I bought one sheet to wrap my overseas gifts for family. The paper is very sturdy and most suitable for wrapping gifts that will have to travel through mail centres. Ever received gifts which were wrapped in thin budget wrap which was ripped to shreds by the time it arrived at its destination? At $3.75 a sheet I could not afford to wrap all my gifts in this paper, so I reused the brown paper bag my other gifts came in, to wrap the remaining presents.<br />These very special cards will be sent to family members overseas, especially older relatives who do not have computers who cannot receive emailed newsletters. The cards work out at just over $1 per card and the gift tags 50 cents each.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cZC4uFYo_8Yy5qLZhOc9Q0bup9as9XK8xydg640qaGf_zH2D94mTvBKkQi5BRLLwiSQnXmXRJ17_wht_CzvzLvWvUCIFLTQnfhqwBVDxn2CX6V2bjHjbOePmnItgwctwpavjWz3Q0Z2g/s1600-h/IMG_1839.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cZC4uFYo_8Yy5qLZhOc9Q0bup9as9XK8xydg640qaGf_zH2D94mTvBKkQi5BRLLwiSQnXmXRJ17_wht_CzvzLvWvUCIFLTQnfhqwBVDxn2CX6V2bjHjbOePmnItgwctwpavjWz3Q0Z2g/s320/IMG_1839.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401885744878976962" border="0" /></a><br />I found my earth greetings cards at my local wholefoods store and most of my gifts were purchased in my local town. 'Earth Greetings' have a website if you also like these designs and are searching for more Eco-friendly cards this year. Type the URL www.earthgreetings.com.au into your address bar, as I cannot get this link to work on blogger for some reason.<br /><br />Other gifts I have sent in previous years to my family, include <span style="font-weight: bold;">jewelry, clothing, </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">books, Cd's </span>and<span style="font-weight: bold;"> DVDS</span>. If sending music Cd's I like to send music by Australian or Kiwi artists that they may not have heard of before. I have also sent a DVD to family that was produced locally for promotion of tourism - it features the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> stunning scenery of my local region and its attractions</span>. It is presented by a well known national identity who lives locally. At a cost of $5 and packaged in a card envelope rather than a bulky plastic case, it is ideal for sending to friends and family overseas to show them the beautiful place which I am blessed to call my home. Check out your own local tourism centre to see if they have produced DVDs which promote the region where you live.<br /><br />Also check the zoning for different countries on DVDs. It might not play in their DVD player. I was delighted to find that a movie about the life of Mother Theresa had universal zoning and this was a film my sister and her family really enjoyed watching. Just remember when it comes to movies and music - Have they seen it? It may pay to check and don't forget some of our Aussie characters are hugely popular overseas - your grandchildren may already own a collection of Wiggles DVDS!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQM4wQ80s2CrKb6QqK5aKAQRFuAmp8RoAEmYcgNDurdtDOwQ4foX98GBnc3Dw3rYweAKyJ9se1bhs8MztZ9aoYMDKHpOh9cN3IUL5OlFWkDBGwd5Fv6q6LWajU4aVAVdhuAwbzxAkzXyX/s1600-h/IMG_1833.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 263px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQM4wQ80s2CrKb6QqK5aKAQRFuAmp8RoAEmYcgNDurdtDOwQ4foX98GBnc3Dw3rYweAKyJ9se1bhs8MztZ9aoYMDKHpOh9cN3IUL5OlFWkDBGwd5Fv6q6LWajU4aVAVdhuAwbzxAkzXyX/s320/IMG_1833.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401893176280899810" border="0" /></a><br />I am sending my brother-in-law a book of devotions for Christian husbands and fathers. I know he will appreciate this but regarding books, even paperbacks can be heavy to send. I have weighed my gifts this year, so I have an indication of what I will be paying in postage. This is when you may wish to use<span style="font-weight: bold;"> online shopping</span>. I have ordered gifts online and sent them from <span style="font-weight: bold;">reputable online stores and well known chains</span>. I do this for <span style="font-weight: bold;">heavier items, breakables,</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">flowers, electronics, books and last minute gifts</span> - I sent my mum a fragile gift that I did not want to risk mailing, from one of my favourite English stores 'Past Times'. I love this shop! Check out their website <a href="http://www.pasttimes.com/">www.pasttimes.com</a> for beautiful, unusual and nostalgic reproduction gifts which reflect 'days gone by'. You will find gifts for home, garden, children and men. I love their Victorian inspired jewelry and nightwear. I have just had a quick skim of their website and there are some fabulous items, the 'Dig for Victory' mugs caught my eye and the 'Senior Moments' gifts if you are looking for a gift for the in-laws! Would I dare to send my mother-in-law the 'Lady of the Manor' cushion - I don't think so but you might be braver than me!<br /><br />And to finish, a true but funny story about a gift I sent to my nephews some years ago, which arrived at the most appropriate moment. My sister used to live in a typical British 'two up two down' terraced house; one morning some friends arrived on the doorstep to visit but her husband was still in bed. He was obviously in a deep sleep and was not waking up despite them all calling his name in unison up the stairs. At that very moment the postman arrived with a parcel from overseas - my gifts to her family. She gave in to her son's pleas and allowed him to open up the gift addressed to him. He excitedly ripped off the paper and showed his mum what Auntie Ann had sent him - my sister and her friends burst into fits of uncontrollable laughter when they saw the gift. It was a Wiggles Video entitled 'Wake up Jeff' - my sister's sleeping husband was indeed called 'Geoff' and what had they been calling up the stairs to him but 'Wake Up Geoff'! I would have liked to think that my family place their beautifully wrapped gifts under the tree to open on Christmas day but on this occasion it was revealed at just the perfect moment!<br /><br />More gift ideas to follow in upcoming posts but if you have to send gifts through the mail this Christmas this post is for you ! Avoid the queues, the crowds and the stress of last minute shopping!<br /><br />With love and joy,<br />Ann<br /></div></div>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309739193784900825noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235765573322437770.post-48457749078629872062009-10-28T15:36:00.000-07:002009-10-28T20:44:33.169-07:00Handmade Christmas Crackers<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NFBji9O9tFYP-dDcqDvIcVZ1xheCuy0SytyoG8gZ7iFFhqUs9EXbcHs4EcrjLe9qMKugI8Xh2X7u6LmdtiPJCYSSx0Xn5sI-GUXhJHBg6radZclF8u1HD30MZv_7je03ks1gOZlmwwul/s1600-h/IMG_1785.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NFBji9O9tFYP-dDcqDvIcVZ1xheCuy0SytyoG8gZ7iFFhqUs9EXbcHs4EcrjLe9qMKugI8Xh2X7u6LmdtiPJCYSSx0Xn5sI-GUXhJHBg6radZclF8u1HD30MZv_7je03ks1gOZlmwwul/s320/IMG_1785.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">For as long as I can remember, crackers or bon bons have always been a feature of the Christmas table. As a child, it was the part of the family dinner on Christmas day that I looked forward to the most - pulling the cracker and hearing it go snap and then seeing who received the end with the surprise, joke and paper hat. Of course the plastic toy inside was always a disappointment and the jokes were lousy! Nothing much has changed. You can of course purchase 'upmarket' Christmas crackers from department stores but these are fairly expensive and even the better quality 'middle of the road' crackers have contents that compare with the budget crackers - you are paying for the packaging!<br /><br />Have you ever considered making your own? I started making my own crackers over 18 years ago. It became my personal Christmas tradition - I would make them as my contribution for the Christmas table if we were spending Christmas day at a relatives home and when we started to celebrate Christmas at home with our children, every person seated at the table received a personal cracker. I always make a few extra for unexpected guests. One year my husband invited a single father and his four children to join us for Christmas dinner - on Christmas morning! That was the year I had made a bumper load of crackers and it was so lovely to be able to give each of his children a cracker to pull. I also make crackers as gifts for friends and neighbours - filling them with with sweet treats - so much more personal than a box of chocolates!<br /><br />The beauty of making your own crackers is that you get to choose what goes inside! It is fun to shop for cracker gifts - they have to fit inside the tube of course but you can personalize the gift for the recipient - earrings for a daughter, a mini-torch for a son, it is entirely up to you!<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtX3H8kNiLRLR6YMtCHUdLwUwxLuq2Rh5JgBsulDHtEMMUoNkYK4pgLwr32wOxoaW-WXHOOuNt5Pf0JaRzhmUir4BF46jFueeXlbZDY2oHHgL-I9Muicj_RJKH_I1-A6pI7BJMbW1EN69/s1600-h/IMG_1773.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtX3H8kNiLRLR6YMtCHUdLwUwxLuq2Rh5JgBsulDHtEMMUoNkYK4pgLwr32wOxoaW-WXHOOuNt5Pf0JaRzhmUir4BF46jFueeXlbZDY2oHHgL-I9Muicj_RJKH_I1-A6pI7BJMbW1EN69/s320/IMG_1773.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">These are the crackers I have made for this Christmas. I usually choose a different theme for each year. This year I have made several sets as I want to give you some more unusual ideas for making your own - yes, I am going to show you how - step by step. First of all I want to offer you some design inspiration by showing you the different crackers I have made for Christmas 2009.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6yCGrcuDpMZ770Ij1mKOq_OvPHGjYzIg3Cn-8dy0_Kwbkyl7YQzPK-je20XPTWjPJDfr13xAKY-sMfqH-QS2tqA2PrOZGr7u2BTqo1WuyeokrywopIM1oq31uLGULLOpbmeOAtYAJHBG/s1600-h/IMG_1776.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6yCGrcuDpMZ770Ij1mKOq_OvPHGjYzIg3Cn-8dy0_Kwbkyl7YQzPK-je20XPTWjPJDfr13xAKY-sMfqH-QS2tqA2PrOZGr7u2BTqo1WuyeokrywopIM1oq31uLGULLOpbmeOAtYAJHBG/s320/IMG_1776.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /></div></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div>These crackers in a green, white, silver and gold palette are for my Christmas table. Our home is surrounded by greenery at Eight Acres of Eden. When we sit down to dinner we look out through full length glass doors to a forest setting. Boughs of cedar frame our home and eucalyptus trees and palms fill the canvas. I take my inspiration for decorating my home's interior from outside and therefore, green is the accent colour for my table setting - I have green glasses, I sometimes use green napkins and it teams beautifully with white which is why I often make my crackers in white with accents of green, silver and gold. I also match them to my other hand crafted items - the crackers coordinate with my table wreath which surrounds a hurricane lamp which holds the candle. I have added the same green and silver trim to a napkin ring.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsu7DgacaI7eBCy7PzeOZCtafAMwkyuarWxoaVjmKYG9_AKelEo8UFdXW8IVAY_-qiXYvvKuzQVDfInUicEtuKx-tpOi6syn4LxRIbqzp4lA-i-tH7bJ17yhclJ9eF1FCBZW-7lyeEU5V/s1600-h/IMG_1796.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsu7DgacaI7eBCy7PzeOZCtafAMwkyuarWxoaVjmKYG9_AKelEo8UFdXW8IVAY_-qiXYvvKuzQVDfInUicEtuKx-tpOi6syn4LxRIbqzp4lA-i-tH7bJ17yhclJ9eF1FCBZW-7lyeEU5V/s320/IMG_1796.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397804191313251730" border="0" /></a><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div> This is such a wonderful way to plan your Christmas decorating. Choose colours that work with your home - do you have dark timber and red velvet cushions? Perhaps a more traditional scheme of red, green and gold will suit or is your home modern - maybe you live in a beach house, you could opt for white, ecru and coastal blue and use shells to accessorize instead of flowers. If you live in a log cabin, cottage or mud brick home, a more rustic decorating scheme may appeal.<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlyqvehNiG7o5bMqR4zzqYjke2pw-bGPkLehNjJBOP7Di6vU-JUH-SeZGD1CEgDUtEWVwV15GuuXTopIjX3H5vA_ctgRWFxjp66f7xBmP8iUCoopAFADTKvDDLbbcEfHkoIOqdpKevayZ/s1600-h/IMG_1777.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlyqvehNiG7o5bMqR4zzqYjke2pw-bGPkLehNjJBOP7Di6vU-JUH-SeZGD1CEgDUtEWVwV15GuuXTopIjX3H5vA_ctgRWFxjp66f7xBmP8iUCoopAFADTKvDDLbbcEfHkoIOqdpKevayZ/s320/IMG_1777.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">These are my flower fairy crackers. I was inspired to make these when one of my daughter's Flower Fairy books fell apart at the binding. She decided to cut out all the illustrations to use for crafts and scrap booking. There were so many to choose from, including the Christmas fairies. I love the Snowdrop fairy though! What characters do your children like? - perhaps you could make Winnie the Pooh crackers! The whimsical angel earrings that appear in the stores are also perfect for trimming a little girl's cracker. Why not 'Superhero' crackers for a young boy?<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwB7alogBjgh7xv_zxpNlUYWn8dnCczx5LVgmkWMVKDAKBFzCaClIKHpMI70Gq4fT5bXpIJ1SVVa-ec6iKEO-2zPgzI-eQnu6pPDJvkV8pdhFx_Vycb02FeEwyl69Wj9SFRFGG_snVMjH/s1600-h/IMG_1775.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwB7alogBjgh7xv_zxpNlUYWn8dnCczx5LVgmkWMVKDAKBFzCaClIKHpMI70Gq4fT5bXpIJ1SVVa-ec6iKEO-2zPgzI-eQnu6pPDJvkV8pdhFx_Vycb02FeEwyl69Wj9SFRFGG_snVMjH/s320/IMG_1775.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397799838033550946" border="0" /></a> </div> <div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div> 'Childhood' or 'Victoriana' is a theme you could use for adults too. Victorian scrapbook embellishments can be found in many craft stores. Before you race out to the store, check your stash of old birthday and Christmas cards - if you don't drop them in the card recycling bins - I always keep my favourite cards to recycle and reuse for crafting - making cards, tags and Christmas trims. These Victorian children at play were 'pop outs' from a birthday card my sister sent me one year. The pink crackers are for my girls and the blue one for my younger son. I also plan to make a 'Childhood' cracker for my new baby to hold a pair of bootees!<br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95KMdgApzmLuGj-l9ggHLGsU0XrBcvkok0TdHh65o0hyL-vXDaBrlutCa2fEC0x6Oz56WWx8EBg_9ueXkV169W6Ng_6Ch6p64gwqNcpjxTev88yd-HF7buo2lp5dZKDvGSnXkAxw6I0JD/s1600-h/IMG_1787.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95KMdgApzmLuGj-l9ggHLGsU0XrBcvkok0TdHh65o0hyL-vXDaBrlutCa2fEC0x6Oz56WWx8EBg_9ueXkV169W6Ng_6Ch6p64gwqNcpjxTev88yd-HF7buo2lp5dZKDvGSnXkAxw6I0JD/s320/IMG_1787.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397806781375317330" border="0" /></a><br />My youngest daughter - a twin, is excited to know she has a cracker made especially for her! She insisted on pink ribbons and lace for the trimming! As did her sister! She knows that there are chocolates inside and a surprise! Are you inspired yet? Ready for some practical help? Set aside some time for a cracker making session. Let's get started!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbPhwtb7e0fzvrwT5nT-NVW8qpkYW11hDmOi8LATU1ziSuKRYbF6BvUGtTnHQw_MLaxqndN8WameaB02ydu5nMOi3MFH0IlYHyYYSQ8Yp0spXv_wNb4BKzR6X-AkReEw02zjSyYz20dSR/s1600-h/IMG_1605.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbPhwtb7e0fzvrwT5nT-NVW8qpkYW11hDmOi8LATU1ziSuKRYbF6BvUGtTnHQw_MLaxqndN8WameaB02ydu5nMOi3MFH0IlYHyYYSQ8Yp0spXv_wNb4BKzR6X-AkReEw02zjSyYz20dSR/s320/IMG_1605.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397813935376542658" border="0" /></a><br /><br />First of all, you need to gather your materials. I use <span style="font-weight: bold;">c</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">racker making kits</span> to make the interiors, which can be found in many craft and discount stores. A set of six costs about $3! Before these kits appeared on the market I used to make crackers using cardboard tubes, this involved lots of measuring and cutting and it was rather fiddly. The kits come with everything you need (the tube, the snap, hats, paper ribbon ties and very corny jokes) to make a cardboard cracker but the designs are not to my liking so a cover-up job is required. I find<span style="font-weight: bold;"> crepe paper </span>gives the best result, especially when it comes to tying and crimping the end. Thicker papers such as scrap booking papers tend to be harder to work with and beware - if you use brown paper for a rustic style cracker - it will be impossible to pull! I know this from experience. The brown paper looked lovely trimmed with raffia and sunflowers but they sure tested our muscle strength that year!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjruDAedF_YGhwP2RT9icZOC1jdbk1rcsbe8DseHLF82NYa-sqkuZAeI4w6zPhVKd40oYlnUcjavOgn03a44jSpmW6FLVjkhgzVejki3lAMmH1FfRBPAJwr-oKCrITd4_hiBM8HIEtAPwuK/s1600-h/IMG_1603.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjruDAedF_YGhwP2RT9icZOC1jdbk1rcsbe8DseHLF82NYa-sqkuZAeI4w6zPhVKd40oYlnUcjavOgn03a44jSpmW6FLVjkhgzVejki3lAMmH1FfRBPAJwr-oKCrITd4_hiBM8HIEtAPwuK/s320/IMG_1603.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397810030294005858" border="0" /></a><br />You will also need<span style="font-weight: bold;"> good strong craft glue, scissors, a ruler and tape.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 1</span> is to roll up the tube - it even comes with slots and tabs - so easy! I usually use tape over the tabs to ensure they stay in place<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjmPkBIQ8dG3zDoNfwUDKvA83MgTynd9yX82PAUgrrbkeCahavu9esdWxOly_ra2E-hiAHNY8Oh-QX7c_L8LmQecqo1yzjKT_6aOXykzrM08X7U510oMpyLR2Yoz2h0kk9-sizHz_rnmK/s1600-h/IMG_1607.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjmPkBIQ8dG3zDoNfwUDKvA83MgTynd9yX82PAUgrrbkeCahavu9esdWxOly_ra2E-hiAHNY8Oh-QX7c_L8LmQecqo1yzjKT_6aOXykzrM08X7U510oMpyLR2Yoz2h0kk9-sizHz_rnmK/s320/IMG_1607.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397815867062717314" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 2</span> Cut out a piece of crepe paper allowing for overlap at the ends and a sufficient width that can be rolled around the cardboard tube. If you are using a light colour such as white you may need several layers to prevent the design on the cardboard tube showing through. Fold a neat hem along the edge and run a thin seam of glue along this edge and press into place. Allow to dry. Use the glue sparingly, it is very strong and too much may turn your paper soggy!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBxZtQJuZ0VjoJqfe7EUdmhsuqVXcx9-QH4mx3nvFboH05Z5JXVB8uAqLXtSvy-76OQuqTxWnDcHSkL8NTcAHjQoTUC-gwo_Ve4qEMX5laKTEYnpbc9nUpllZq3j5ysZowvRX30fSEXkc/s1600-h/IMG_1610.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBxZtQJuZ0VjoJqfe7EUdmhsuqVXcx9-QH4mx3nvFboH05Z5JXVB8uAqLXtSvy-76OQuqTxWnDcHSkL8NTcAHjQoTUC-gwo_Ve4qEMX5laKTEYnpbc9nUpllZq3j5ysZowvRX30fSEXkc/s320/IMG_1610.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397819181580593170" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 3</span> Cut the ends to size allowing a small overlap which needs to be turned in and secured with a dab of glue or you may wish to use pinking shears or fancy paper scissors to trim the edge. I will be using ribbon to trim my edges.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-c-NZy6M4uCV2oe5YIKAChtl6ZxCFAfEXkDWOR8Hrx0zCsq2iyRZsHBLt6gjgD4ZyxsZGY9Auz9aOmZcKbxVfKz7VHYL_B1PubZL4Q1_c6N4pCXLfYvtrsuahQRCTB-s4ZLlkAwdx8SKF/s1600-h/IMG_1618.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-c-NZy6M4uCV2oe5YIKAChtl6ZxCFAfEXkDWOR8Hrx0zCsq2iyRZsHBLt6gjgD4ZyxsZGY9Auz9aOmZcKbxVfKz7VHYL_B1PubZL4Q1_c6N4pCXLfYvtrsuahQRCTB-s4ZLlkAwdx8SKF/s320/IMG_1618.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397822173455961602" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 4</span> Tie off one end. I use narrow ribbon which I pull tightly, secure and leave in place. You can also use thin wire to achieve a very tight crimped effect but be careful not to rip the paper. Remove the wire and tie off with ribbon. Check the hole - is it small enough to prevent the contents from slipping out the end? - remember children shake crackers and try to peek inside!<br /><br />Now it is time to trim the end using ribbon in whatever colour you desire. Chiffon and sheer ribbons always look pretty, metallic ribbons give a sparkly effect. If you are not embellishing the end with extra trims take time to get your bow right. If you are adding trims it doesn't matter if you struggle to tie the perfect bow!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SR01Phl6OyE5E2cHWpnDMcFO9DRT1yUbWUbKOmXnAtufLEH6P3hwh7VNYYdVvAevH43SG4a8iox_8bnwULgaX0zmTzOFxQVX1TKo-l_LLOFYHF8KgvSs780fKfkmbEtaQ2kv2Atfqnfm/s1600-h/IMG_1619.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SR01Phl6OyE5E2cHWpnDMcFO9DRT1yUbWUbKOmXnAtufLEH6P3hwh7VNYYdVvAevH43SG4a8iox_8bnwULgaX0zmTzOFxQVX1TKo-l_LLOFYHF8KgvSs780fKfkmbEtaQ2kv2Atfqnfm/s320/IMG_1619.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397825389755603986" border="0" /></a><br />I did not buy any ribbon for my crackers this year or last year. I am still using ribbon and lace I purchased in a bulk lot at a garage sale in 2008 - a huge box cost me $8! Much of it was unused and still on complete reels - lots of gold ribbon too! It was one of my best garage sale finds of all time!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoI1GeFISgWPh339B-AxQkqledEfUP0faJx8vXwoe6D4Y_7sxxYoyglvwNtjkGqhLVuPbM1wi2Xi-VpZh3ol7ELwz97Upx40pijVNN_R0IikNjIlZ4geF6W6XziviB0WMBOepUs37o-DbT/s1600-h/IMG_1622.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoI1GeFISgWPh339B-AxQkqledEfUP0faJx8vXwoe6D4Y_7sxxYoyglvwNtjkGqhLVuPbM1wi2Xi-VpZh3ol7ELwz97Upx40pijVNN_R0IikNjIlZ4geF6W6XziviB0WMBOepUs37o-DbT/s320/IMG_1622.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397828314150153570" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 5 </span>Trim the end. I am using <span style="font-weight: bold;">silk leaves</span>, attached in<span style="font-weight: bold;"> pairs</span> using craft glue, building up <span style="font-weight: bold;">layers </span>of colours which complement - I have metallic gold, sage green and for contrast a silk ivy leaf. All my leaves were ripped off cheap 'tacky' garlands or taken from bunches of cheap and garish silk and polyester flower arrangements - the ones I would never dream of putting in a vase but the leaves are very useful, especially if you can find realistic looking ones in suitable shades.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBK30U2owGT61nca7WIqoNUP629V4HKCw-VkiOTHTrNRrrz6XdAM-JYaLMvQ7xKAjIDAJgfyfiYz1_nweSAMke3r3zo13x4yp6d0r-W2YGKVJoPUD7_F_MWpgC4y8gI_3BgLrCgjPtAEhJ/s1600-h/IMG_1625.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBK30U2owGT61nca7WIqoNUP629V4HKCw-VkiOTHTrNRrrz6XdAM-JYaLMvQ7xKAjIDAJgfyfiYz1_nweSAMke3r3zo13x4yp6d0r-W2YGKVJoPUD7_F_MWpgC4y8gI_3BgLrCgjPtAEhJ/s320/IMG_1625.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397833712697100578" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Next, comes the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> finishing touches.</span> A tiny silver poinsettia taken from a 'plastic' Christmas flower arrangement. I glued the flower into place and then added in the tiny silver holly leaves underneath. The little finishing details are glued in to place last - maybe tiny faux berries or gum nuts, maybe a star anise or a little gold star. I just love this aspect of the cracker making process. Play around with different elements in your design before you glue everything down.<br />I then glue into place a ribbon or lace trim for the ends. This gives a neat edge and really does finish off your cracker.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0agOXb2vZpXd81xQ_Jvv3aDe9wf3BpnrNIXm874NHA6Nuiix_yGrDc9eAhLljlMDapM0wBygSgRsjp-BT0CmZSV4C_3WpIbNt8ySS-T4SReBH14xziGcsAaXWG5gD1wzeGDTE6GoGbVuC/s1600-h/IMG_1627.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0agOXb2vZpXd81xQ_Jvv3aDe9wf3BpnrNIXm874NHA6Nuiix_yGrDc9eAhLljlMDapM0wBygSgRsjp-BT0CmZSV4C_3WpIbNt8ySS-T4SReBH14xziGcsAaXWG5gD1wzeGDTE6GoGbVuC/s320/IMG_1627.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397836761596773090" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 6 Fill your cracker!</span> I had lots of willing volunteers ready to help at this stage! Resist the temptation to eat the chocolates and always use <span style="font-weight: bold;">wr</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">apped chocolates or candy</span>! Do not leave your crackers in a warm place - on a sunny windowsill or close to the fireplace if you are in a cold climate - the consequences might be soft candy or melted chocolate! There are so many tiny gifts suitable for filling your crackers. Use your imagination but suggestions are jewelery, stickers, tiny pencils or pens, key rings, lip gloss and other make up items, hankies, tiny soaps or bath pearls. For boys and men - tiny tape measures, torches or other gadgets for key rings, fishing or golf accessories.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cq7BLDm7UubRAkkhvxMm4mBYw8dBITZLE0pwZpzTF2kk8cfb-AH2sOC_aEc4rN9NX8XmtePPCktjL8Kxx_uhzS0992NZ4Zv66-pW_-iWr2sfemQr75wvqUoOUi-Zqs5o9tnVB1frHLnF/s1600-h/IMG_1644.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cq7BLDm7UubRAkkhvxMm4mBYw8dBITZLE0pwZpzTF2kk8cfb-AH2sOC_aEc4rN9NX8XmtePPCktjL8Kxx_uhzS0992NZ4Zv66-pW_-iWr2sfemQr75wvqUoOUi-Zqs5o9tnVB1frHLnF/s320/IMG_1644.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397843500266530306" border="0" /></a><br /><br />You may wish to choose contents in a colour that coordinates with the cracker. As my daughter loves purple, I have chosen gifts for her in suitable shades. I have replaced the joke with a little card offering inspiration. Each of my children are receiving a little card with words of hope from the Bible. You may wish to write out Scriptures or other words of encouragement. And as for the awful jokes - they are all in my husband's cracker for him to read aloud at the table!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbuOQ-nMmrd23xnYrR0YCMir1nLagDUEfbWp1tOyi_UI99gqhh6b9w_vo2i0kg3VQzjXcAeMMIT013E_OkhQApYySjnSpy7mnFn9Hg1amw_6KtQG1NlKTIjVou6WanI84q2_Wyq_ZfqKd/s1600-h/IMG_1778.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbuOQ-nMmrd23xnYrR0YCMir1nLagDUEfbWp1tOyi_UI99gqhh6b9w_vo2i0kg3VQzjXcAeMMIT013E_OkhQApYySjnSpy7mnFn9Hg1amw_6KtQG1NlKTIjVou6WanI84q2_Wyq_ZfqKd/s320/IMG_1778.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397850255421626194" border="0" /></a><br />Finally, you need to <span style="font-weight: bold;">repeat the tying off and trimming steps</span> for the other end of your cracker. Make sure it matches the opposite end! Glue into place in the centre of your cracker your chosen picture or embellishment. I absolutely love these faux fronds of silver fern which I have used on my daughter's 'purple' cracker and the 'All Black' masculine crackers for my husband and eldest son - very appropriate as they are New Zealanders and All Black supporters - as I am also a NZ citizen I will be joining them in front of the TV screen on Saturday night to cheer on the All Blacks in the Rugby when they play Australia! Now here's an idea for the mad keen sports men in your life - make them a cracker in the colours of their favorite team and add the team's logo. Just love that the All Blacks wear the Silver Fern - it goes so well with my Christmas decorating! Notice how these silver fronds are appearing in my other table decorations! I'm so glad it was not a Kangaroo a Bulldog or a Shark!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvH7XFd2fmGaKE7BX8kmdAxRGviOPRGbLPxv_8mzcuvfAV6n3qZBGD4-19RxkF1uO8OeFjtNN6Qg1ygdXzbnJFDWWhZaBUPOxKMVudzJeU3OXAYI25qKo_BXIE7lrGTcPpWBCzjkmrRGX9/s1600-h/IMG_1795.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvH7XFd2fmGaKE7BX8kmdAxRGviOPRGbLPxv_8mzcuvfAV6n3qZBGD4-19RxkF1uO8OeFjtNN6Qg1ygdXzbnJFDWWhZaBUPOxKMVudzJeU3OXAYI25qKo_BXIE7lrGTcPpWBCzjkmrRGX9/s320/IMG_1795.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397858443427604578" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I hope you have been inspired - if you do not have the time to make your crackers from scratch, why not buy a set of plain foil crackers in silver or gold and add your own ribbons and embellishments in colours to tie in with your table setting. For those who want to make crackers in a similar fashion to mine here is the cost breakdown - remember this is in Australian dollars!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1 cracker kit (makes 6 crackers) $3</span> - that is 50 cents per cracker for the inner tube and snap!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Crepe paper 99 cents - $1.20 per pack</span>, 2 packs used for a set of 6 crackers<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Glue - I buy a 1 litre bottle for $20</span> at Bunnings, of course it will be used for lots of craft projects!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ribbon and trim</span>, minimal cost - from my stash of garage sale lace! Each year I recycle the silk leaves and trims to reuse the following year.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Silver Ferns - a stem cost $5 at Spotlight</span> but I have used it on two garlands, as well as the crackers.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gifts to go inside</span> - I usually allow $3-$5 per person for 'gift crackers'. Spare crackers are filled with a handful of chocolates. I buy a big box from Big W for $10. This year I found earrings and necklaces for $3 reduced from $8 and $15 at Big W. Also packs of stationery for $3 which were split up between crackers.<br /><br />It works out at around<span style="font-weight: bold;"> less than</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">$3 for each cracker plus the gift </span>- of course you can keep the cost down by recycling trims, cards and ribbon and just filling the crackers with candy or chocolate. It is entirely up to you but by creating your own crackers you are not only giving a special handmade gift (made with love!) but designing something beautiful to decorate your table this Christmas. I look forward to showing you my Christmas table with the crackers in their individual place settings.<br /><br />Wishing you a very Creative Christmas Season. More inspiration coming soon!<br /><br />With love and joy,<br />Ann<br /><br /></div></div>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309739193784900825noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235765573322437770.post-55591386252839259852009-10-25T14:20:00.000-07:002009-10-25T19:41:26.277-07:00I'll be Home for Christmas<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9du0tREBCBdE3aC7-KpeaA5rjKn-HmeYziaAtoIKbs8jc0yDhveoxyIugFaE54SOrnaTK2Txev0CWM33h-5REqgx6NJFVGrJguiL4Y2Qz7Ed6fU9vFy2ysMfAhUY-oggwwb1DZjKWRmp/s1600-h/IMG_1734.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9du0tREBCBdE3aC7-KpeaA5rjKn-HmeYziaAtoIKbs8jc0yDhveoxyIugFaE54SOrnaTK2Txev0CWM33h-5REqgx6NJFVGrJguiL4Y2Qz7Ed6fU9vFy2ysMfAhUY-oggwwb1DZjKWRmp/s320/IMG_1734.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>Welcome to Christmas at Eden and my first 'official' post on this, my Christmas blog. It is all about preparing for Christmas. I'll be home for Christmas - where will you be this Christmas time? Visiting family? Holidaying with friends? Have you even decided where you will be spending Christmas Day? Have you started any preparations? I would love to share with you some of the ways in which I prepare for the Christmas - a season which has always held a special place in my heart. It is so important to me it even features on my Family Vision poster.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGIQElnrtw0HM0um5-pC0bgh30lJX6RBpSACJg54tBnVPEuE5cgghTfRUDzzljTiWZ28jccFfeInsXGpX63p0KNfxFM7Kdwa60yHrfBCswbLLZ4WQX3IWn0u5-Jn_RkHsvrcxIQDqeReR/s1600-h/IMG_0395.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGIQElnrtw0HM0um5-pC0bgh30lJX6RBpSACJg54tBnVPEuE5cgghTfRUDzzljTiWZ28jccFfeInsXGpX63p0KNfxFM7Kdwa60yHrfBCswbLLZ4WQX3IWn0u5-Jn_RkHsvrcxIQDqeReR/s320/IMG_0395.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396711081042796434" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">'Christmas will always be special time in our household, when we all come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus in a beautifully decorated home, around our table adorned with flowers and candles, giving gifts to one another and blessing others, particularly our neighbours.'</span><br /><br /><br />This Christmas will be extra special as our seventh baby is due at the beginning of December. My preparations are underway, I do not wish to be shopping at the last minute in crowded stores with a newborn baby in my arms and I am relieved to know I have a little stash of gifts for family and friends waiting to be wrapped or tucked into gift baskets or dropped into stockings on Christmas Eve!<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvYsDKMA8gckKkcBiiTNpcSHd8eVXXpFL5ql64RI-ThEqbu4NVu5_W2pn102lQInkMqFe2M-9kU10jIxZeV8l19dUJSbUIZAH0JrNY4bjgK6KIN1XALPyN7v_haGe2uE7Yoixhb6s5LxR/s1600-h/IMG_1739.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvYsDKMA8gckKkcBiiTNpcSHd8eVXXpFL5ql64RI-ThEqbu4NVu5_W2pn102lQInkMqFe2M-9kU10jIxZeV8l19dUJSbUIZAH0JrNY4bjgK6KIN1XALPyN7v_haGe2uE7Yoixhb6s5LxR/s320/IMG_1739.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br />This is because <span style="font-weight: bold;">I shop for gifts all year r</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">ound</span> When I am in a store, or even at the supermarket and I see suitable items on sale I buy one or two to go into my gift box. This spreads my expenditure throughout the year. I have a box for gifts but these are not 'designated' gifts. They are little gifts which I can give to others at Christmas or even use for birthdays or other special occasions, they also make good hostess gifts. In my 'gifts to give' basket are items such as -<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Scented soaps and candles </span>- some candles come in their own glass holders, soaps and candles may come in pretty tins, some are just plain and wrapped in cellophane, these cost less than those that come in lots of packaging - I will<span style="font-weight: bold;"> embellish</span> these later (I will show you how in a future post!) Perhaps you make your own candles or soaps - this is something I would love to do - but as I have young children who love to be around me when I craft I have chosen to concentrate on crafts which do not involve the use of hot liquids or chemical processes. The time I have to spend on crafting is affected by other commitments, so I choose to pursue crafts I truly love such as <span style="font-weight: bold;">making bon bons and garlands</span>. Handmade soaps and candles are readily available at <span style="font-weight: bold;">farmers markets </span>and I am happy to support<span style="font-weight: bold;"> local enterprises</span>. (There are lots of blogs with detailed instructions on how to make your own soap and candles if you want to try this.) Beautiful hand made bon bons and garlands are harder to find and a lot more expensive to purchase, so it is rather fulfilling to make my own - I look forward to showing you how at this blog.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXrWWJQpw8ky9FJXRdepd9bnkGgQRqfsc3e0lV5tey-_i4eyjfBd1stFMNRH90uEAiFHSehSjn4lluYiM1Mk3c8DYSx7A9-83rVXLrRiHs6uHsWYWTZCpOlVXmrD1Z0qXjP0m4IBnlPT3/s1600-h/IMG_1743.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXrWWJQpw8ky9FJXRdepd9bnkGgQRqfsc3e0lV5tey-_i4eyjfBd1stFMNRH90uEAiFHSehSjn4lluYiM1Mk3c8DYSx7A9-83rVXLrRiHs6uHsWYWTZCpOlVXmrD1Z0qXjP0m4IBnlPT3/s320/IMG_1743.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396677505237039314" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Other gifts I purchase for my gift box are<span style="font-weight: bold;"> text</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">iles a</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">nd</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> teas</span> . The textiles might be tea towels, aprons, wash cloths or cloth napkins. They are very suitable for sending overseas. There is a lovely 'upmarket' gift shop in my town which sells beautiful linen, some is vintage and rather expensive but the owner also stocks quality cotton and linen tea towels which cost only $3.50 each! The tea towel in this picture came as a free gift with a Country decorating magazine! Tea towels can be used to wrap a package of homemade biscuits, they can be used as a lining for a basket of 'goodies' for a cook - 'tea towel' ideas will follow in a future post!<br /><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tea</span> - It is always lovely to take time for tea and to encourage others to do the same. This is why I often pop a sachet of a speciality tea into a card or even a tea cup for a friend. It is also a lovely gift to accompany a batch of home made scones or brownies for a friend or neighbour. Look out for speciality tea stalls at your local farmer's markets. Prefer coffee? You may find special or local coffees at your farmer's markets too.<br /><br />Have you noticed how my<span style="font-weight: bold;"> gifts co ordinate?</span> Although they were purchased separately, this was intentional - I also buy gifts in<span style="font-weight: bold;"> suitable colours for Christmas</span> - greens and reds or I look out for gifts in <span style="font-weight: bold;">colours favoured by f</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">amily and friends </span>- do you know their favourite colours? This is is a useful thing to know!<br /><br />I also buy gifts throughout the year for <span style="font-weight: bold;">specified people</span> - mainly my own immediate family.<br />You will not find me in the queue to lay by big ticket items in the Target toy sale in July - our budget does not allow for outlandish expenditure and we do not buy expensive or 'faddish' toys for our children but they do receive gifts!<br /><br />Gifts that <span style="font-weight: bold;">nurture creativity</span> and cater for <span style="font-weight: bold;">special interests</span>, that will be <span style="font-weight: bold;">appreciated</span> and when Christmas is over, be used and<span style="font-weight: bold;"> used again</span>! So you are not likely to find me in the toy aisle unless I am buying a special baby doll for a daughter or a Lego set for a son (these are the big presents!)<br /><br />I am more likely to be buying gifts in the <span style="font-weight: bold;">disco</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">unt bookshop</span> or at the <span style="font-weight: bold;">craft store</span>. I hope my children don't peek at this blog but you should be able to work out what their interests are! All the books were substantially reduced and the puzzles and games cost less than $3 each! Games in tins are from Aldi and the puzzles from BIG W.<br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Z6MNcTKiXddTHpPyWZGiYUiKmDKxqWigsUHdP5aX_o_aw-XCiCncUEhKA8mNa_nm4Ceyy9UOe0YiumIn4k1i0DROyyEPG8e5733oIz6jKMSxbIcXfZL9I0MMBhEskKjYshpchNP4iMFT/s1600-h/IMG_1738.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Z6MNcTKiXddTHpPyWZGiYUiKmDKxqWigsUHdP5aX_o_aw-XCiCncUEhKA8mNa_nm4Ceyy9UOe0YiumIn4k1i0DROyyEPG8e5733oIz6jKMSxbIcXfZL9I0MMBhEskKjYshpchNP4iMFT/s320/IMG_1738.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAe0XUXyy_szk6xVXsJxa13lRuRw9gmjJibG-ZK48XQ-SDzwyZTUqk1GVTavFzlT0-Ffwte4OAHHE20CEdRyvDLl1_q9eQydgmLO2r0V5LjoluluEdE4q1JSRRtHWyKoJHNZu2-BHm61tC/s1600-h/IMG_1735.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAe0XUXyy_szk6xVXsJxa13lRuRw9gmjJibG-ZK48XQ-SDzwyZTUqk1GVTavFzlT0-Ffwte4OAHHE20CEdRyvDLl1_q9eQydgmLO2r0V5LjoluluEdE4q1JSRRtHWyKoJHNZu2-BHm61tC/s320/IMG_1735.JPG" border="0" /></a></div> </div> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">You may choose to shop in the January sales for the following Christmas. I know some people even wrap their gifts immediately on their return home but I prefer to buy gifts throughout the year and wrap them in the week before Christmas - I enjoy doing this once the house is decorated and then I can place the gifts under the tree - ones that might be peeked at or unwrapped by a curious toddler go under the tree on Christmas Eve!<br /><br />I do buy <span style="font-weight: bold;">Christmas decorations in the </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">New Year Sales</span> when there is often 50% or more taken off the original price. I have quite a collection of tree ornaments - they were not bought in one excursion - each year I<span style="font-weight: bold;"> buy one or two special pieces to add to my collection</span>. I will show you them in the post on decorating the tree!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Preparing for Crafting</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6o6x7PLbsJSgAgDAZ8kFiGX5lNXC6O6KFbhw_4L_4IKZPs7S3XEZnytrNSg9RfFxg2r7ZAOP_SegpEmLyTI71zX86XhAFf-SHQHw0Lu6MUc9OTrEf6l1U9i2gT3Ui57GPd9ch1y1xLOhe/s1600-h/IMG_1613.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6o6x7PLbsJSgAgDAZ8kFiGX5lNXC6O6KFbhw_4L_4IKZPs7S3XEZnytrNSg9RfFxg2r7ZAOP_SegpEmLyTI71zX86XhAFf-SHQHw0Lu6MUc9OTrEf6l1U9i2gT3Ui57GPd9ch1y1xLOhe/s320/IMG_1613.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396728493306793058" border="0" /></a><br /><br />As crafting is one of my 'indulgences' at this time of year. I ensure that <span style="font-weight: bold;">I have all my supplies in order</span>. As I do this, I make a <span style="font-weight: bold;">list of any materials I am likely to need</span>. As I have quite a stockpile of lace, ribbon, card and embellishments thanks to one fortuitous garage sale purchase a few years ago, the only items I needed to buy this year, were some silver leaves and faux berries for garlands and an extra big bottle of craft glue! A trip to Spotlight was needed but on the day of the planned trip I chanced upon a <span style="font-weight: bold;">garage sa</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">le</span> which had numerous new Christmas craft items, in the very colours I wanted, as well as decorations and giftware for sale - all at a fraction of what I would have paid at Spotlight! I also found vintage cloths and wicker baskets for displaying all my Christmas materials and gifts!<br /><br />I<span style="font-weight: bold;"> tidy and reorganize my craft cupboard</span> and this year as I am making and revamping several garlands, I decided I would organize my silk leaf and flower collection which were stored in hat boxes. I ordered them by shape, size and type and placed them in zip seal plastic bags. This took me an hour or two and my daughter helped but when it came to making a new wreath it was a much easier process - so worth the effort!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1sRA0kUk7nICutm0Dtsk_wCdT0N8i-3OdTYpDIkdyIg_i-xXyKaZJdWOFX7-CCnW2B9P-xmWTfEeIO0wBuonTyCwjRRjnDRaF6hGAy2hBdqxF3m7GaYWq8MV-rq_wOjZBYCiB9MDiBMw/s1600-h/IMG_1697.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1sRA0kUk7nICutm0Dtsk_wCdT0N8i-3OdTYpDIkdyIg_i-xXyKaZJdWOFX7-CCnW2B9P-xmWTfEeIO0wBuonTyCwjRRjnDRaF6hGAy2hBdqxF3m7GaYWq8MV-rq_wOjZBYCiB9MDiBMw/s320/IMG_1697.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396699803020706482" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipETB4QmKcVos4_UwCIdFCC7PHAHF0ZlgWVwshde2pqykYRHpriIdNvSDnHEyuV4olxNYfLysJ7phcSIvv4BoBhvUp_gsOJZlv5IDeoA1BZzrRfx97NsAYdVmZvmm8qqCK64jbSLsd-RjT/s1600-h/IMG_1698.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipETB4QmKcVos4_UwCIdFCC7PHAHF0ZlgWVwshde2pqykYRHpriIdNvSDnHEyuV4olxNYfLysJ7phcSIvv4BoBhvUp_gsOJZlv5IDeoA1BZzrRfx97NsAYdVmZvmm8qqCK64jbSLsd-RjT/s320/IMG_1698.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396697331735366642" border="0" /></a>The supplies are purchased and in order and the crafting has begun. I have made several sets of bon bons, revamped my favourite table centre piece and constructed one new garland. I will be posting step by step instructions in posts to follow soon.<br /><br />I am also <span style="font-weight: bold;">preparing my home </span>- deciding where I will <span style="font-weight: bold;">position my Christmas displays </span>and<span style="font-weight: bold;"> cleaning designated corners</span>. The tree will placed next to our fireplace which is not used as we are in our summertime, so I cleaned out all the accumulated ash. I scrubbed the tiles underneath and I hope to also polish the cast iron wood burner. If you do not have a lot of Christmas decorations it is best to choose just one corner of your home to decorate, rather than try and spread your decorations out. By choosing just one corner you create a sense of abundance and a feast for the senses - choose somewhere where you will be spending lots of time - where you can enjoy your decorating efforts. I know I will be in my living room feeding a baby throughout the day and night - how lovely will it be to come into a room with the lights twinkling on the tree in the wee small hours?! If you spend more time in your kitchen cooking and baking for all the family that will be arriving over the holiday season why not concentrate your efforts here?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3c-PgYdOtEJI1nqQCACzg9J9h3gb6mthV9wPVd1Rfj35yV_ptCOoHTVOYSOUkB8dEbzcZ_IOSVWKtZTC3Va45ZzuEzRC_zpcgXjzQnzIKMspJLaOndRLTm6noFVp0WwUjndZ6_R4UXro-/s1600-h/IMG_0281.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3c-PgYdOtEJI1nqQCACzg9J9h3gb6mthV9wPVd1Rfj35yV_ptCOoHTVOYSOUkB8dEbzcZ_IOSVWKtZTC3Va45ZzuEzRC_zpcgXjzQnzIKMspJLaOndRLTm6noFVp0WwUjndZ6_R4UXro-/s320/IMG_0281.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396722878279937666" border="0" /></a><br />I will also have some <span style="font-weight: bold;">cupboard and table top displays</span> in other areas so the polishing cloth has been receiving a workout. I also plan to do Christmas craft and baking with my children - <span style="font-weight: bold;">handmade advent calendars</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">baking</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">gingerbread</span> is a family tradition, so I will check out my pantry supplies of spices in particular!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7tGXPv4WjQkkGgq06Q1jCQmdwAGSwDx-gX-cCCfe8Zv0eMaMfl_BHH0BVrWxZaHxohaicr95bX4UxTdFP2f8fnx3AB55S1OC8vU2YM019iRLuZB7cDm4xIbJly6wW5SkXAq8jZz6aq6wU/s1600-h/311206+%28136%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7tGXPv4WjQkkGgq06Q1jCQmdwAGSwDx-gX-cCCfe8Zv0eMaMfl_BHH0BVrWxZaHxohaicr95bX4UxTdFP2f8fnx3AB55S1OC8vU2YM019iRLuZB7cDm4xIbJly6wW5SkXAq8jZz6aq6wU/s320/311206+%28136%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396724744770299314" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">A home made Gingerbread wreath also makes a beautiful display for your table!</span> </span><br /><br /><br /></div>Have you started to make your preparations? Are you excited about Christmas? It can be a stressful time for so many people and it is such a shame that it has become so commercialized but it can be redeemed for the sake of our families, for the sake of our finances, for deepening our relationships and ties with family and friends. Let's take it back! Reclaim the holiday season and seek to make it the special time it deserves to be -<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">'For the stores don't own Christmas, it's ours to enjoy<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">To celebrate the birth of a baby boy<br />-</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Named Jesus and He is still the reason</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Why we celebrate the Season!'</span><br /><br />From a poem I wrote for Christmas, have read aloud at many of my seminars and will share with you soon!<br /><br />With love and joy,<br />Ann<br /><div style="text-align: right;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div></div></div>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309739193784900825noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235765573322437770.post-79430733933388588412009-10-14T18:29:00.000-07:002009-10-14T23:34:55.248-07:00Welcome to Christmas at Eden<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwApHcK_F3dK7QvNhGCQJAQKHBXq3sFAwIbxpdOXKm0c7JKjHIHfjefcUVGleKVDWYSNDTVD4YNsTvtG9qhSMp4f0j6XnwCpzGeGxQnVcU02z22_y8C_2xJd3EsCAjyfFsk6O6z9y0KHA/s1600-h/IMG_1657.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwApHcK_F3dK7QvNhGCQJAQKHBXq3sFAwIbxpdOXKm0c7JKjHIHfjefcUVGleKVDWYSNDTVD4YNsTvtG9qhSMp4f0j6XnwCpzGeGxQnVcU02z22_y8C_2xJd3EsCAjyfFsk6O6z9y0KHA/s320/IMG_1657.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Welcome to my latest blog 'Christmas at Eden'. I have created this blog for a specific purpose - to inspire you to create a beautiful Christmas for your family and friends. I have always loved Christmas and for the past 12 years I have hosted 'Creating Christmas' seminars and workshops for homemakers. I began inviting friends and neighbours to my home during the Christmas season to share ideas and inspiration for creating a memorable Christmas. Each year the numbers attending grew as my friends brought along their friends and neighbours. I have also run seminars at community venues - in homes, churches and on one occasion in an old historic schoolhouse which had been converted into a cafe.<br />I have always run these seminars for love not money. I have never asked for payment except on one occasion when the owner of the schoolhouse cafe asked for a small fee to cover the cost of supper that she provided. I occasionally sell some of the Christmas garlands I make but 'Creating Christmas' is not a business. Perhaps one day it may become a home based enterprise - but for now my family is my first priority.<br /><br />I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share my love of Christmas with a wider audience via this blog. This is a blog for those who love Christmas - it is not just for crafters. I hope to share many of the topics that I cover at my seminars which include 'Preparing for Christmas', 'Decorating the Tree', 'Setting the Christmas Table', 'Giving gifts' and 'Blessing Others at Christmas'.<br /><br />I live in a beautiful Forest setting and much of my inspiration for Christmas decorating comes from nature. I also cherish family life and creating family traditions is something I love to do.<br />I believe every individual is made in the image of God and therefore a creative being. I love to create and will share ideas that are simple to recreate, that do not involve outrageous expenditure. I hope to provide wherever possible photos and step by step instructions for more involved projects such as making beautiful bon bons or Christmas crackers as they are also called, for your table. These are just a selection of my bon bons for Christmas 2oo9.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6vijGhbQdl67zUSQgg-8n21zmfB8WohD3B2Sk8xZc9FtJmrv1uQaPYKcxG5x3QkAqWorKEYB7Ku29kYlvxPzyjwkVYdv2XHRCHZC5TnD2N2Oq0k0NbjdvbqC4Xx8YG3MwKNiziXSU9LV/s1600-h/IMG_1658.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6vijGhbQdl67zUSQgg-8n21zmfB8WohD3B2Sk8xZc9FtJmrv1uQaPYKcxG5x3QkAqWorKEYB7Ku29kYlvxPzyjwkVYdv2XHRCHZC5TnD2N2Oq0k0NbjdvbqC4Xx8YG3MwKNiziXSU9LV/s320/IMG_1658.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This is one of the first creative projects I will feature. I hope to give you enough time to make your own bon bons for this Christmas. I look forward to your visits and meeting others who also love to celebrate Christmas in style.<br />I am a busy home educating mum of six (soon to be seven) so I cannot promise an exact starting date for all the Christmas posts at this blog. I write about my family life, homemaking and home education at my main blog which you may wish to visit too at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.eightacresofeden.com"> www.eightacresofeden.com</a><br /><br />I am looking forward to welcoming both old and new friends as I invite you to visit and share Christmas at Eden. From my home to yours -<br /><br />With love and joy,<br />Ann<br /><br />P.s Use the link in the sidebar to visit my main blog at eightacresofeden. The link above in the body of the post is not working.<br /><br /></div></div>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309739193784900825noreply@blogger.com5