"Don't wish me happiness I don't expect to be happy all the time....It's gotten beyond that somehow. Wish me courage and strength and a sense of humor. I will need them all." Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Sunday 27 November 2016

Island time

We wondered along the beach. It was as if we had become part of the landscape like the seagulls. There was no plan to go to any particular destination and no hurry to be anywhere. Living in the present brings contentment. Storms have come and gone and there will be more but today the sun is shining and that brings unexpected joy. Sea ducks were swimming on a crystal specked sea and peace for me is accepting where everything is and letting go of expectations. Blessings.

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Sunday 13 November 2016

Driftwood candlestick holder

After giving away my antique glass candlestick holders I was momentarily left wondering what to use for a candle stick holder. I burn beeswax candles that I make as a lighting source. Than I remembered the neat piece of driftwood I had picked up on the beach some time ago. I checked the baby jogger and it was still there. I drilled a 7/8 hole and than put in one of these brass candle cup inserts that I bought online from Lee Valley. Even with shipping and taxes this candle stick holder cost me exactly 3.00 and I still have a handful of inserts. Beautiful! I can make more.

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Sunday 6 November 2016

Scrunchies

I've been sewing scrunchies. I make these because I can make the multiple sizes I need in the colours I like and save money at the same time. Another big plus is that my home made ones last longer. The first time I sewed a scrunchie I took apart a worn out one which gave me my initial pattern. Sewing scrunchies are quick and simple. You cut out and sew a rectangular tube leaving both ends open. I sew them on my treadle sewing machine and leave a 1/4" seam allowance. Turn it right side out and insert 1/4" elastic. Tie a knot with the ends of the elastic together. With a needle and thread sew the tube shut. I like to tuck one unfinished edge in and fold over the other raw edge and slip stitch shut. For a large scrunchie my fabric is 21 1/2" long by 3 1/2" wide. The elastic is 8 1/2" long. For a medium size scrunchie I use a piece of fabric 12 1/4" long by 3 1/4" wide. The elastic is 7 1/2" long. The green one is a small scrunchie suitable for my four year old and I used a piece of fabric that is 7 1/2" long by 3" wide. The elastic was 6" long.

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