Handmade 2014

Here is a little preview of the handmade Christmas gifts this year.  Both my parents and my in laws received a basket full of goodies.  It included a small lavender sachet, hand embroidered towel, honey vanilla peach jam, wood burned spoons, beeswax wood polish, and fire starters (made by me and my boys).  But my most favorite inclusion was the warming pepper salve, made by Holy from Nature First.  She makes high quality natural health products, take a look at her shop!

Making Memories

I wold like to take a moment to share with you one of my most favorite holiday memories.  But first, I need to give you a little background.  Five years ago I found myself pregnant, and abandoned by my son's father, ready to raise my child on my own.  Don't get me wrong, I was excited about my pregnancy, but the thought of raising a child without his father caused me a great deal of pain.  I met my husband when I was 5 months pregnant, and since then he has been by my side.  He  has helped raise my son as his own.

On my son's first Christmas, I put a small tree in his room.  One night, when the tree was lit, and the glow of the light shown down the hallway, my husband sat with my son by that little tree and spoke gently to him.  He sat contently in his lap and listened.  This brought tears to my eyes, and I think back to this memory every year.  All the hurt and anger I once felt is now gone, and I like to think of it when some of that pain comes back.   I hope to tell this story to my son, when he is old enough to understand.

This year we are making new memories.  Here is a photo from our festivities the other night.  Inspired by Taproot magazine, I made my first fruit cake.  This is not just any fruit cake, this is a real, old fashioned, fruit cake.  I must say, it was delicious!  I hope to start a new tradition and make one every year.  Do you have any favorite holiday memories or traditions?

Local Yokel Yuletide Art and Fine Craft Sale 2014

I will be doing on last event before the end of the year.  Saturday, December 13th, between noon and 5 p.m., I will be at the Local Yokel Yuletide Art and Fine Craft Sale in Sheboygan.  Please stop by to see the last of my holiday items for sale!  Here is a preview!

Cinnamon Scented Sachet

One of my textile art cuffs, in the color of snow.

A sweet little hand embroidered brooch.