Pioneer Woman at Heart

One Flourishing, Frugal and Fun Family!

One family learning to live off the land, cut back on expenses, and to live a simpler and a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

Adopted Motto

"Eat it up,
Wear it out,
Make it do,
Or go without."
~A Pioneer Sampler, by Barbara Greenwood~

Showing posts with label Handmade Christmas Gifts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Handmade Christmas Gifts. Show all posts

Monday, December 20, 2021

Happy Homemaker Monday

 

I'm making progress with my ankle.  The top of my foot no longer swells at all.  I still need to do soaks, and now my knee on the same leg hurts from the boot.  I am bio-freezing the heck out of my knee and putting a epsom salt soaked rag on it when I soak my ankle.  My right wrist is getting sore from the constant crocheting (sigh).

Sunday my husband had errands to run, and while he was out, they called and said the wood stove door was done - $150!  With tax!  Ugh.  He however got a good deal on a brand new garden cart at a pawn shop for us (half the price that TSC was selling them at).  We will give the old beat up one to a biker friend to scrap.

Hubby was literally gone the entire day, and Daughter K was at her boyfriend's college graduation.  During that time, Mom fell again, so I asked my husband to buy her some flowers and check on her.  I called, but wanted someone to check on her physically.  By the way, Mom has an smart watch now, and when she fell she could call my younger brother on it and they stayed on the phone until she could get back up.  



Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

I'll link up when she posts.


The weather . . .
Woke up to 28°F, high of 42°F/27°F


How I am feeling this morning . . .
Frustrated.  My ankle is still swollen, so today it's not just soaks in epsom salts, I'll apply a comfrey poultice.


On my mind . . .
The Christmas day menu.  The day is about quality time and food together this year.  


Something Christmas related I've done in the past few days ..



I embroidered two tea towels for Daughter K and I am finishing up a magnetic fridge notepad and pen for Daughter E (Christmas presents).

Christmas Movie I watched . . .
Unaccompanied Minors
California Christmas City Lights
Christmas in the Heartland
Holiday in the Wild
The App that Stole Christmas
Serendipity
Father Christmas is Back
Three days of Christmas


What I am wearing . . .
Pajamas

On my reading pile . . .
I won this on Leigh's blog at 5 Acres & a Dream.


On today's to-do list . . .
-put away dishes
-write up grocery list
-sheet pan dinner for tonight


On my TV . . .
Travel shows and cooking on Create TV


What I am listening to . . .
Christmas music on the radio


On the menu this week . . .
-sheet pan dinner 
-have no idea, depends on how my ankle feels


Looking around the house . . .
It's not looking like Christmas at all.


In preparation for the Holidays . . .
I sent my husband to the store for cream cheese.  If we want cheesy potatoes (I only make 1-2 times a year), we needed it, and the radio said there was a cream cheese shortage right now.

On my prayer list . . .
Greg (with covid) has passed away.  Praying for Mom, and my ankle to heal completely.


Tuesday, December 1, 2020

. . . from the handiwork journal

I apologize for the bad photos.  It was snowing and dark outside.  Not great for picture taking indoors.

. . .got the crochet part of Mom's Christmas present done.  Just have to sew the inner part - it's a heatable wrap.  The inner part will be made using an old bed sheet for the fabric.  I haven't decided if I will fill the inner bag with just rice or mix it with lavender.  



. . .so far on the cardigan.  I hope it fits her when it's done. I put a crochet hook in one of the "invisible" pockets (worked from bottom up).



. . .crocheted pieces for 5 red truck ornaments.  Just have to sew them together. 



. . .started on a purple set to sell (hopefully before Christmas)

I'm working on some ornaments as well.  I've lacked the motivation, but going through scrap items I have to come up with more ideas.


 

Saturday, December 21, 2019

Christmas Shopping ~ Friday Finishes

Even though Hubby didn't want to exchange gifts, I took advantage of a 50% off sale and got him some joggers for the gym, a new pair of slippers with rubber soles (he wanted some to take the dog out), and half price snow boots.   He hasn't had a pair for a few years.  I got them half off and another $10 off that.  A very good deal.  I already gave him the snow boots.  All things he's needed, but never took the time to get himself.

Hubby asked me to write up a list of things to get me. I told him "I have no idea."  






Finished the double wrap infinity scarf.  It's ready for delivery.  She previously ordered the headband, and wanted a scarf to match.


Finished Hubby's hat.  Got it wrapped too.  He has no idea.  I've been working on it while he's at work.  Very warm too.


Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Travel Pouch Christmas Gift Idea

Hopefully it's not to small of print for you to read.  Something neat for someone traveling.

Thursday, August 23, 2018

Family History Christmas Gift Idea

I clearly had a "thing" for Christmas.  I'll admit, when the kids were young, I was the first to volunteer for their school Christmas parties.  I made a hand crafted tree ornament and wrapped one for each student.  That's how crazy I was over Christmas.

Recently, I've realized how crazy.  Cleaning off over 100 Christmas related books, then days later finding binders full of Christmas magazines.  By the way, I had it all - Christmas Almanac, Christmas recipes for around the world, Christmas traditions, Christmas planners, etc.


Then I came across this the other day, while cleaning in the bedroom closet. 

Sometimes a new idea, is not always a good idea, ha ha! 

It's a binder dedicated to gift giving, baking, patterns etc.  I didn't even know I had this, and so it was emptied and binder put away for possible donation.

I know one friend of mine will laugh out loud at this point.  I tossed much of it, but wanted to share one gift idea.  I actually made one for my Mom and Dad. 

Hopefully, you can click on the photos and be able to read them.  If not, let me know, and I'll write it out in the post for you.







Now you all have a fun way to gift a parent, grand parent, or great grand parent.  Maybe your Aunts and Uncles too?  Enjoy, and get crackin' on those homemade Christmas gifts.

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Canning, Bourbon and Crochet ~ Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce




Tuesday started out just gorgeous.  Caught these photos after seeing it going out to fetch firewood.  Just makes a person smile.  

BBQ pork chops went into crock pot yesterday.  We had leftover wild rice, and it was a perfect match.  The sauce is home canned, with added fresh onion, green pepper etc.  Yum.  Recipe is in the cookbook, "Fix it and Forget it."  Although I think it's called "Spicy" not BBQ in the book.

Now if you just read the blogpost title and wondered (hiccup) if I indulged (hiccup) in that bourbon or (hiccup) not .  .  . 

 . . . Cherry-Bourbon BBQ Sauce was canned. Recipe is a "pile to file" keeper recipe.  I've had this on my list for over a year now.  It's from "The All New Ball Book of Canning and Preserving @ 2016."   And you bet I tasted it right away.  Yum!    I would recommend it for gift giving for any occasion too.  You can use it on meat, fish, rice or other grain, on burgers, in other recipes...endless ideas.

I couldn't get my towels out on the line until noon, but the high winds dried it spankin' fast.  The sun was out too. 

Yesterday's snack?  Pumpkin hummus.  Mmmm.


It was also a day to blanch and freeze 3 bundles of organic dandelion greens, pick some more kale, and bring in one egg from my free loaders.  The kale is in this morning's breakfast.  I'm thankful it's still producing.

I got up extra early this morning, to make a fresh hot breakfast (not a reheated one Hubby usually takes to work).  Why?  Well, ha ha!  Oh boy.  I watched him walk out the door with pancakes on a plate with syrup and a fork.  There was no stopping him either.  It could have been bad with him driving and eating pancakes to work.  He arrived safely and on time, but today he'll not get away with do that.  

I'm making omelets - onion, red pepper, potatoes, ham and kale.  Gotta get them greens ya' know.




Sunday, January 15, 2017

Christmas Homemade ~ 2016

We finally had our family get together (a winter, non-Christmas gathering) yesterday, with my side of the family.  I can share what Christmas gifts I gifted.  I ran out of time, then you know, got sick, so it was not very much this past holiday. I had them ready, other than the recipe to attach to the sage (but emailed everyone it, along with what to do with sage).

Friday, October 16, 2015

Homemade Gift Ideas for the Holidays

I went back through my blog recently, and compiled a post today to share many handmade gifts I made over the years.  Hopefully, you will find an idea here, or have one to share.


What I gifted in 2015:  Christmas 2015



Handmade Hand Lotion (they loved this!)  I ended up putting it in 4 oz. canning jars to gift.  I do suggest adding the preservative for gifting too.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Handmade Hand Lotion ~ Tidbits


I've been wanting to try this recipe all year, and finally got around to making it.  I don't have the preservative for the updated recipe, and I used lemon essential oil (organic of course).

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Rat, thief, molting? Or just too cold?

We seem to have a situation in the chicken coop.  On October 21st of 2013, this is what we got from the coop:

Friday, October 17, 2014

Coffee Tea Bags ~ Two and Three Word Tea Bag Quotes


I wanted to send Daughter some good coffee, and finally found a way to do it.  The first thing that came to mind was a "Coffee Tea Bag" but they are really Coffee bags. 

After I made these.  .  . 

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Chicken Millet Burritos ~ Tidbits ~ Candy Corn



Woke up to fog.  And cold.  I left windows open all night due to the warm weather.  We woke up to a pretty cold house.  Brr.  The kids have a 2 hour delay today, so I actually slept in for once.  

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Cooler weather ~ Dinners "on the fly"


Cooler weather means it's time to fill the jar of homemade hot chocolate.  Mmmm!   It also means I have to get laundry on the clothesline much earlier to completely dry.

Dinners here have been,what I call "on the fly."  I take whatever is in the garden and cook what ever comes to my mind.  

Monday, December 9, 2013

Gotcha!

"Yikes! She caught me!"

Jasper has been more skittish than before, ever since the propane "boom" we had.  He walks around looking startled by any little movement or noise.  I have such a hard time getting a photo of him.

The other day, before the school bus arrived, I was able to snap this photograph.  He was actually playing until he saw me get down to his level and snap a few shots. Ha ha!

As for today's weather here. . . . .

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Maintaining a Healthier "Busy"

I have fallen in love with this color combination, and finished this set (bookmark and keychain) for Hubby's sister, for Christmas.  I've already started another set.   

Update:  The yarn I used is Aunt Lydia's cotton #10, Passionata crochet thread. 


We had some interesting weather over the weekend. It feels like the tornadoes were weeks ago, but that was only one week ago.  We are speaking to more and more people, who lost their homes, or parts of their homes in the recent storms.  The weather turned cold, and even some snow on Saturday, but that doesn't stop my chores that need done. Laundry went out on the line, and as you can see, we had a wonderful wind to dry it with.

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Stitched Stationery


Without a television to watch in the evenings, I am finding myself working on my crafting projects more and more.


I just started the art of "stitched stationary" and love it.

I was looking over a few patterns over at Sublime Embroidery, and saw "Stitchable Stationary" but found it was out of print.

Looking a little deeper, I located the blog, The Stationary Place.  She posted instructions that got my mojo going to give it a try.

I searched the internet for coloring pages that were printable.  I re-sized them to fit my note cards.  I used her tip on punching holes over the pattern, and into my cardstock.  I simply held the printed picture with an office clip, and used a bright light to see where I was punching holes with a pin.



I then took embroidery floss and connected my dots, using my pattern for guidance.  I started with this basic cat.  But one thing led to another. 


I found this cute goat, and made him too.  And it kept going from there.

I challenged myself with this barred rock.  Boy, there were a lot of holes for this one.

 And of course I had to embroider a camper (he he!).

If you are interested in making these yourself, I simply cut cardstock in half, width-wise, to make two cards.  I cut white cardstock so it was just a bit smaller than the front of the card itself.  I embroidered the pattern, then attached it to the front of the card with double-stick tape.  I hand stamped the back with a rubber stamp that says "Handmade with Love" and I signed my name underneath where I had stamped.

Oh, and I don't know why I just kept on making cards with the farmyard themes, but I plan to expand on that too.  Maybe flowers, a cabin, cookery, camping, and all those fun things in life.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Sharing another gift....and a Sunday Ramble

I can finally share two starfish dishcloths I gifted to my mother.  She received these yesterday.  They are thick enough to be table top/counter hot pads as well.  The pattern is free on-line.  I'll post the link as soon as I locate it again.

Friday, December 21, 2012

A Cross for Gus ~ Another Tribulation ~ A Start on Gifts

We dedicated a special cross, on our wall of crosses, in memory of Gus.  My son put it on the wall.


Another tribulation....

Tiger gave us a scare.  

We were in and out yesterday with the burial of Gus, and didn't see that our 10 year-old's cat got out somehow.  

This morning, I noticed he wasn't crying for his breakfast like usual.  When I asked if anyone had seen him, they all said no.

Tiger is a creature of habit.  He typically sleeps in different places, but as soon as he see's our 10 year-old, he's running off behind her and into the bathroom.  Every morning he does this.  Today, Tiger was missing.

After searching the house twice, we realized he was outside somewhere.  He had been out there since yesterday early evening, as that was the last time we remember seeing him.

My son (who just lost his dog), my 18 year-old daughter and I took turns searching our 6 acres, barns and brush.  There is a small hole that he can get under the old part of the house, so we all went to it, called him, shook his favorite treat bag, and he didn't answer.  We searched almost all morning.

Keep in mind, that I'm was in tears, in panic, worrying another child lost another pet.  I was not trying to borrow worry, but under the circumstances you would understand.

After calling him from that very spot, and going inside, my son went out to call in the same hole.  I went inside to start making homemade Christmas gifts, and then I heard my daughter yell, "He found him!"

Praising God, we ran out and saw that naughty catPart of me wanted to kiss him all over, and part of me wanted to give him a spankin'.  

I put him down to his food bowl first thing, as he had not had food since yesterday morning (bad photo, but I was just excited to finally find him).

However, Tiger is hurt.  His back right leg is sore, and he cannot walk on it. There are no bite marks or blood, but he's having a terrible time walking.  We may have to take him to the vet next Monday if he's not better by then, and I'm not even sure they will be open either. 


Today, I finally got started on putting together my homemade gifts for some of my extended family - recycled wooden clementine boxes, a box of handmade Christmas tree ornaments, homemade jelly, homemade granola and my 16 year-old is helping me mix up another edible gift to add to these.  

The tags are also recycled items and scraps.  Do you remember me blogging about them early in the year?  At least I had something done early this year.  Phew!


I also finished two scarves for a few young boys too.  Thankfully, I had the yarn for these already.

I think I deserve a break now. . . hot tea and sittin' around in my jammies.

 

   

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Knitting Basket Christmas Tree Ornament

These are one of my favorite handmade ornaments to make at Christmas.  It's not really made from "scraps" so I decided to post it here.

What you need:

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Christmas Count Down

I love Christmas time.  I love to make ornaments.  I love to bake and cook.  I love that I have time to read this time of year.  I borrowed this book from the library (interloan).  I love this book.  It not only has lots of recipes, but tips on each page for frugal gift ideas, or jazzing up a home baked gift, or fun homemade holiday decor.  

 As a child, my sisters and I would cut pieces of paper, write numbers on each one, and punch them with a hole punch.  We'd then tie the numbers with yarn and tape the countdown to our headboard on our beds.  We'd look forward to ripping off those papers each day, as Christmas got closer.  Of course as a child, we'd relish the day for opening gifts.  Today, I embrace the real reason for Christmas, but still have the opportunity to watch the kids with anticipation.

I saw this fun activity in the book, and thought it would be fun for adults to make for themselves, for adult friends, or kids.

So, who will you make one for?