Good Ideas
Good Ideas
As I have perused favorite websites, blogs, catalogues, and books, I have come across many wonderful little ideas that are worth saving. I keep a notebook of these “Good Ideas,” and would encourage you to do the same, especially those young ladies with hope chests.
Below are some of my favorite “Good Ideas.” I hope you are as inspired by these photographs as I am. Perhaps there are several here you can attempt this new year?
The title photograph, taken from Annie’s Attic, is that of a purely feminine potting table. If you begin with an already existing table, I don’t think it will be as difficult to make as it seems at first glance. The flower petals look to be made of trimmed picket fence palings.
This next picture is of a pincushion from Herrschners. I find it much more elegant than those scarlet tomatoes! The stitching is done in cross-stitch on an even-weave fabric. The fabric is secured over a filling and a wooden base. You can choose a more traditional filling of fine, dry, clean sand (not from the beach!). The friction it provides helps to sharpen and polish the needles, preventing rust. You can also choose to used dried lavender buds. Not only will it be incredibly fragrant and soothing, but the oils will polish the needles and prevent rust.
The photograph below comes from a favorite blog of mine, Primrose Design. The pillows are made with the edges of vintage handkerchiefs. This is a brilliant way to use lovely old handkerchiefs that have stains. You can possibly use these as sachets, filling them with some fragrant dried herbs and flowers.
Below is a very sweet clothespin bag. I found this photograph at Eyes of Wonder, a since discontinued blog (my very favorite!) It’s the most darling thing I’ve ever seen, and the fabric Jewels used is perfect. You can find the pattern at Hill Kountry Krafts. You may also choose to use a pretty (though not heirloom!) outfit that Baby has outgrown. You must secure the bottom and ensure that the top opening is large enough to easily procure pins.
Here is another “Good Idea” from Jewel’s blog. Rather than embellish her carrot cakes with a typical frosting carrot, she decorates with charming carrot roses! The leaves look to be mint. I have included her own instructions for the carrot roses.
Peel about 5 carrots and then, using your veggie peeler, peel long continuous ribbons off of each side, gather up as many as you can in a bowl.
Meanwhile, while your peeling, have a medium sized saucepan about half full of water, with about 1/4 cup of sugar added to it, boiling on the stove. After you've finished peeling your carrot ribbons, scoop them up by the handfuls and pop them into the boiling sugar water, for about 4 to 5 minutes or so--this length will vary a bit, depending upon the thickness of your carrot ribbons. You don't want them to be fully cooked, or they'll break off when you try to twirl them into roses, but cooked just enough to be pliable. If you've never done it before, it can be a bit tricky. The children and I love making them, and the key is not to insist on perfection. Your children will think they are absolutely beautiful, even if they are not all matched in size or perfectly wrapped. The roses are edible and they will be especially delightful to your children.
Okay, so here's an idea of how you go about making them. As I said, you'll get a feel for it after you've made a few. We have lots of fun making them, and even if they're not perfect, they're beautiful. Especially to the children.
Fold over the edge of a long ribbon a couple of times.
Then as you continue to roll--about the third round or so, fold your ribbon over backwards and continue wrapping. You form the petals by the fold backwards.
About every other round or so, fold your ribbon backwards again and continue on your way around. You have to hold it fairly securely in your fingertips and you kind of shape it as you go along. Each rose is unique. The inside of the rose will begin to pop up and push out, which is what gives it it's loveliness, but don't let it unfurl too far, or it will completely unravel.......... then you get to begin all over again, which you may have to do a few times in the beginning--but don't lose heart, just give it another whirl.
Photographs: See text for sources. Each photograph copyright held by their respective owners.
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STEPHANIE said...
You can find all kinds of wonderful ideas on blogs! Those were some cute ones.
Monday, January 7, 2008 10:24 PM
Friday, January 4, 2008