Tea Cozy and Crackers

The dawn of the last day of the year. The soft glow was wonderful for moments, when the earth was hanging on to the last little bit of night, then bursting into dazzling sunshine. We woke to shivery chrystals of ice and sun. We haven't seen much sun for the last few weeks. What a welcome sight!

One of the projects I was working on for gifts was another tea cozy. With space for handle and spout, tea can be poured without removing the cozy. Made of washed recycled wool, hand appliqued, cotton batting to hold warmth, lined with cotton, and trimmed with bias cotton.

I made it for my sister. We have been enjoying tea time lately.

I tried a new cracker recipe for a party last night.

I used some of my own milled whole wheat flour. They have a rich nutty taste. They are not too heavy or cardboardy tasting, as sometimes happens with whole wheat.

I roll the chilled dough out to about 1/8th" thick. Then I brushed on a little melted butter infused with garlic, rosemary, and fresh cracked pepper. Cut to the size of a tea bag. Then baked for 9 minutes.

Mmmmm. Served plain or with fresh farmers or goat cheese.......yum.

Thank you for your wonderful inspiration and thoughts this past year. You all are amazing. May you treasure the memories of this past year, and experience true joy in the new year.

Happy New Year!

Debbie

Jingle Bell Tassels

I enjoy a few tassels around. Most tassels are a little fancy. I made some last year using old glass door knobs for the top.

A few look good juxtaposed against my more primitive decor. Last night I was hanging some jingle bell garlands that I made, and had an idea for a bell tassel using a few left over bells.

First I cut a fringe from a scrap of black wool and some homespun cotton.

I tied the bells with some knit cord, and stained the candle cup.

I threaded a loop of cord through the hole in the bottom of the candle cup for hanging. Then placed the grouped end of cording on the fabric and rolled. After placing a generous amount of hot glue in the candle cup I shoved the rolled end in and waited.......How will this look????? while the glue cooled and dried.

Finished! A Primitive jungle bell tassel.

I hope you are enjoying yourself in the hurry of the season. Much of the time we rush about, as I have been doing, and neglect to ponder or appreciate the meaning of this season. Is it a duty? What family and friends expect? I want to be joyful and share the love that God has shown me (even during some hard times) with those I love and others I cross paths with day by day and on occasion. May you experience peace this day.

Debbie

No Show and Tell

What Pictures can I show you? Show and tell is hard to do right now, because everything I have been working on are presents. I would hate to ruin a surprise. There are a few people who will stop by and see what I'm wrapping up to give to them. Sooooooo....instead, I'll show you one or two things around the house.
I love the old world Father Christmas. He sets the tone for the long ago Christmas flavor we try to keep in our home. Lots of greens and garlands. Old Christmas theme stitchery, jungle bells, and candles everywhere.

One example of a candle arrangement is: a wooden bowl, old silver that I have bent to hang and hold a small candle, a hurricane, and spices.

I put the hurricane in the bowl, added star anise, allspice, rose hips, cinnamon sticks and cloves. around the outside of the hurricane. I hooked the twisted silver spoons on the edge of the hurricane and set the candle on the bowl of the large serving spoon. It sets next to an angel and a old wooden cake pedestal holding orange and clove pomanders, covered with a old wire dome. All draped with a wool garland proclaiming "Joy to the World".

During the dark time of the year I hate to get out of bed and have all the lights in the house on. It seems so intrusive all the lights blazing. I like to wake up gently. I use candles and oil lamps in the mornings while I make the morning coffee (cocoa for me), breakfasts, and lunches.

My husband comes down to join me for a candlelight breakfast. It's a quiet and intimate time, starting the day together in the soft glow, watching the light grow out the windows. It helps keep a relaxed atmosphere, a time when we don't have to rush.

I hope you are enjoying this season. These special times spent with family and friends are a time apart from the everyday. A time for memories to be made.
Thank you for letting me share with you,
Debbie