Monday, February 9, 2009

~*Making Something Special Out of Something Simple*~

Hello Friends! Recently I made a couple of gifts for two of my dear friends ~ buddies from An American Primitive Gathering on Ebay. They are both kitty lovers & I wanted to incorporate a cat or two into their gift. A few weeks earlier I was shopping at one of our local Dollar General stores. I wasn't looking for anything for my friends at the time... just shopping for household paper & cleaning goods. BUT... I ran across these sweet looking & smelling candles. The scents of the candles are Vanilla Honey & are housed in a ceramic container that resembles an antique, enamel milk can. I was immediately drawn to them & tickled that they were Made in the USA. A light bulb went off in my head! Here is what I made...

I thought a couple of little candle sleeves would be darling wrapped around the candles. I made them so they can be removed & tied onto another candle or taken off to clean out the burnt candle in this holder... they are just tied on with a little floss & some vintage buttons.

I stitched on a scrap of 10 ct (a lot larger than I'm use to!) wool fabric with DMC flosses. To form the sleeve, I assembled the stitching, a layer of cotton batting, and backing of sweet calico. Then, of course, I stained them with my walnut & spice mix. I've very proud with how they turned out... but happier yet to hear that both friends were pleased with their gifts. Happy Belated Birthday to both Kelley and Joanne!

Oh... and I have another freebie finish to share! One of my bestest buddies, Ginger, didn't waste any time at all working this one up from the freebie I offered just the other day...
~*1857 Bunny*~ done in redwork
It is just lovely, Ginger! I love the barnwood frame, the antique staining, the stitching, and the 'linger here' version. I just love the whole thing ya know! Thank you for stitching & sharing!

I have needle punching that is calling my name... so until next time... warm smiles to you...
Betty

9 comments:

  1. So neat... what a great idea! Love Ginger's sampler too:0
    Rondell

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  2. Betty,
    What wonderful containers. I need to check out our dollar store, I guess. They will love them.

    Debbie

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  3. The containers you found are darling and what a perfect little gift with the stitched wrap. You are always being so creative. Guess I'll be heading to our local Dollar General.
    :)Ginger

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  4. Betty, what a fancy little idea. I love those candles.

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  5. What a beautiful blog you have! I am so excited that I came across it tonight and had to become one of your followers. :) It is just darling and I love all of the pictures that you have. Your projects are just primfect! You are a very talented lady. I would like to extend a warm welcome to you to come by and visit my new prim blog at Farm Wife Primitives. It was just created last week and am looking forward to sharing ideas, pictures and projects with other prim lovers out there in blogland. :) It would be my honor to have you as one of my followers if you so choose.


    Happy crafting and many blessings,
    Stacey

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  6. What a great idea for the sleeves! I love it!

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  7. The candles in the milk can are so cool..The candle sleeves you made for them are darling ..what a great idea..

    Love Gingers stitching and the frame she chose..

    I am off to dollar general today..hope they have them at my store..Connie

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  8. What a neat idea, love the candle wraps....you are just so talented! Cute sampler too and I really love her frame.....blessings, kathy

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  9. Betty the candle wraps are clever! Do like them. Very pretty designing. : )

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