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Holidays:  I know it's only August...  |
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Sherries Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
69 Posts
Sherrie
Graham
WA
USA
69 Posts |
 Posted - Aug 10 2004 : 07:42:46 AM
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just thought I'd drop a line for Christmas. Do most of you farmgirls create your own wonderful gifts to give at the holidays? What is on your agenda for this year? Have you started or waiting a bit?
Handknit hats for my dearest friend and her family. Embroidered flour sack towels for the neighbors (fingers crossed I can get two per family done, that would be 6 families...as we are a tight-knit group here in our area).
Share, share, share...I could always use more ideas?
Happy creating...
Sherrie
"When you care enough, you make it yourself."
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Aug 10 2004 : 09:57:57 AM
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This is not a new idea- but a good one. My daughter made everyone large canning jars of organic bean soup mix last year including with the recipe for making it happen attached. She topped each jar with red satin fabric trimmed in hanging beads. The jars looked like a row of little wise men when she had them on the kitchen shelf.
I made the soup and it was really good by adding organic vegetable broth and some carrots, celery, onion and stewed tomatoes . Yummy.
jpbluesky
Love those big blue skies and wide open spaces. |
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jamie
Farmgirl in Training
33 Posts
jamie
33 Posts |
Posted - Aug 10 2004 : 10:00:50 AM
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Thank you for bringing up this topic. I don't think it is too early because if you are handmaking everything then you have to start thinking about it soon.
Last year as I was fighting the crowds at the stores and hearing frustrated parents screaming at their kids I started thinking to myself "we have just gone too far" in our pursuit for material things. I can remember when I was a little girl and Cabbage Patch Kids just came out. I can remember watching the nightly news and they would show parents shoving and tackling each other ripping the dolls off the shelves. Sure - I really loved my cabbage patch doll but you know what I love the handmade doll clothes and accessories that my grandma made for my dolls even more. So - this will be my first year that I am determined to make all of the gifts this year that I will give. I don't know what I will make just yet but one thing is for sure they will be homemade.
Just some of my ideas are homemade soap and candles, string indian corn for jewelry (bracelets, necklaces, etc.), handpaint glass ornaments. I am trying to teach myself to knit so those are additional items. I'm also thinking of decorating my tree with all homemade or natural ornaments (popcorn, cranberries, etc.) Does anyone else out there do this and what do you use?
I'd love to hear other peoples ideas as well.
In the meantime, I'll be skipping the crowds at the mall and staying home singing carols and sipping apple cider with my family. Awwh! I love that time of year!
Jamie |
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - Aug 10 2004 : 10:26:23 AM
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| I am going to attempt wheat weaving this fall. A local woman is a world renowned weaver and she just happened to stop by this summer to ask permission to cut some of my oat stalks for her crafts. She was amazing!! Weaving wheat dates to Celtic times when country folk would weave corn "dollies" for fertility and good health for their crops, livestock, and families. All cultures use grain crops for art. She will show me how to weave wreathes and ornaments for Christmas trees. She said anyone can learn this craft and believe me the pieces she has done are truly spectacular. I will tak to her about joining this board because she has so much to offer and is a true farmgirl. She is in her 60's and has the energy of a 30 yr. old. Any kind of grain crop could be used, not just wheat. I will keep you all posted on my fledgling attempt to try this craft. |
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deleted
57 Posts
Judith
Rockford
IA
57 Posts |
Posted - Aug 10 2004 : 5:44:26 PM
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| Thanks for this topic,Sherrie. The cool weather makes it feel like October here. The smell of the last of the apple butter cooking down adds to the holiday dreams. The jelly and butters will be gifts this year. I love to make all kinds of muffins (better than cookies), and will mix and match those for gifts for family and friends. We use the layered soup and cookie, etc. jar mixes also for office gifts and host/hostess gifts. Yummy! From now (harvest)through the holidays our food dryers will be going full time. I use American Harvesters. I have worn one out over the years, But have two now, with lots of trays. It seems like if we aren't using them, someone is borrowing them. I put bags of dried apples, and other fruit in the gkids stockings, and beef jerkey in for the adults. I'm turning more and more to veggie, so it is becoming difficult to handle red meat, even though I have it pre-cut for me. I probably won't make that this year. Last year I made those fringed (no-sew) fleece blankets for the family. They loved those. These aren't really home made, but I think they will be nice. I found some Martha Stewart dish towels on sale at Kmart. Old fashioned like moms, kinda. Cotton with prints of fruit. I plan to decorate the ends with ric rak, or crochet trim, and then add crochet dish rags. That should be quick. Those are for sisters, and friends, daughters. Lots of other ideas, and of course cookie and craft making day with the grandkids. My son and daughter came over last year and we made bath salts together, put them into recycled bottles and jars, decorated them, and they had inexpensive gifts to give. My son was especially helpful, with his strong man's arm to stir. |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Aug 10 2004 : 6:15:04 PM
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I always try my best to give homemade things as much as possible. I have started a tradition of giving my homemade cheeseballs and crackers to neighbors here in town...we deliver them on the afternoon of Christmas eve. recipe follows....
Jenny's cheeseball
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded jack cheese
1 8 oz pkg cream cheese, soft
1 can (4 0z) chopped green chiles
1/2 can chopped black olives
1/2 med red onion..minced
mix together and form into 2 balls
refridgerate until you use or give them
Optional..you can roll them in nuts..but I never do
I make little cloth bags with christmas fabric bought cheap after Christmas the year before, and put a roll of ritz crackers and a cheese ball inside and tie with raffia and put a cute homemade tag on it. We make up a big basket of them and then the kids help me deliver them. They love it!
For family and friends I make knitted or sewn things, homemade soaps, baskets of assorted jams, and one year made a family cookbook for my husband's side of the family..THAT was fun and appreciated..but you have to start early in the year. OH> last year I made new clothespin bags for several freinds that I know hang their clothes to dry..I may do some more this year.
Jenny in Utah
Bloom where you are planted! |
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n/a
deleted
57 Posts
Judith
Rockford
IA
57 Posts |
Posted - Aug 10 2004 : 9:09:20 PM
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| Thanks for sharing your cheeseball recipe, Jenny. I just might borrow your idea for co-workers. Also,Jenny (in Kansas), I tried wheat weaving when I was a young mom. That was pretty, and was a lot of fun. You will have a great time with that.I still have a little wheat welcome for our outside door. |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Aug 10 2004 : 9:37:46 PM
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I always thought wheat weaving looked neat too. I wish I knew someone near here who could teach me. I guess I will have to teach myself...Hmmmmmm I could get a book..(this is how I get started on so many things!!)
Jenny in Utah
Bloom where you are planted! |
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Sherries Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
69 Posts
Sherrie
Graham
WA
USA
69 Posts |
Posted - Aug 12 2004 : 2:42:27 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by jamie
I am trying to teach myself to knit so those are additional items. I'm also thinking of decorating my tree with all homemade or natural ornaments (popcorn, cranberries, etc.) Does anyone else out there do this and what do you use? Jamie
Jamie..the easiest item to create is a garter stich scarf...all knit stitches. Those are great for everyone, as you can change the mood of the scarf by changing the colors.
Every year I like to get the air popper out..as dh doesn't like air popped popcorn (too healthy?). I put a large papersack under the popper and pop away...then I give the kids string, needles, a bowl of fresh (firm) cranberries with the popcorn and have then string-away. I love the look. Do you all remember the tinsel? What were we thinking? I'm sure there are bunches of it still huddled together after the christmas trees had made themselves into mulch. Not the most environmental friendly product made.
Let us know what you will be creating!
Happy gift making....Sherrie
Sherrie
"When you care enough, you make it yourself."
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Edited by - Sherries Farm on Aug 12 2004 2:45:15 PM |
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Sherries Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
69 Posts
Sherrie
Graham
WA
USA
69 Posts |
Posted - Aug 12 2004 : 2:46:40 PM
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Jenny...great recipe for the Cheeseball. Maybe a hand embroidered towel, with a cheeseball and crackers per family.
Sherrie
"When you care enough, you make it yourself."
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Sherries Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
69 Posts
Sherrie
Graham
WA
USA
69 Posts |
Posted - Aug 12 2004 : 2:48:31 PM
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Ok...now what about holiday cards? Do you send cards at Thanksgiving and Christmas? Do you buy cards from the store or make your own?
I have friends that are REALLY into stamping...so after several Stampin' Up parties...I have lots of stamps. I did order one set for this years cards....five snow people (representing the five in our family). With a saying "My bestfriends are flakes..." Cute!
Sherrie
"When you care enough, you make it yourself."
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cecelia
True Blue Farmgirl
497 Posts
cecelia
new york
USA
497 Posts |
Posted - Aug 12 2004 : 5:22:10 PM
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Great recipe for the cheeseball! I made myself a garter stitch scarf last winter when I couldn't find one I like in the stores - I cared enough so I made it myself - I just love that phrase. I have been making homemade cards the last few years, using homemade paper, rubber stamps, leftover ribbon, etc. I have a book of designs, but just use the ideas to get my own creative juices going! I've also made homemade food gifts, and this year I'm teaching a class on making a orange or lemon pomander ball.
Cecelia
"The best things in life are homemade"
ce's farm |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Aug 12 2004 : 9:48:34 PM
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Oh I like the idea of an embroidered dishtowell with each cheeseball. One year I gave really neat spreaders..with ceramic handles with log cabins on them. I wish I had bought those in bulk.
Jenny in Utah
Bloom where you are planted! |
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jamie
Farmgirl in Training
33 Posts
jamie
33 Posts |
Posted - Aug 14 2004 : 06:50:26 AM
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You all have given me SO many great ideas this year for the holidays.  Now I'm feeling so creative I think I'll have to make a trip to my local craft store this weekend.
Oh - maybe I'm just young and naive but what is a garter scarf?
Also - I wanted to mention that my mom used to wheat weave when I was a little girl. My dad farms wheat so I can remember her loading us all up and driving out to the wheat fields to get what she wanted. She would get together with several other farmer's wives and they would laugh, and visit, and weave well into the night. Wonderful memories. I asked her about it lately and she said she still remembers how to do it and that it is very easy to pick up.
Take care,
Jamie |
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Sherries Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
69 Posts
Sherrie
Graham
WA
USA
69 Posts |
Posted - Aug 14 2004 : 8:57:57 PM
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Jamie...A Garter Stitch Scarf is done in all "knit" stitching. No purling. Knit to the end of the row, turn and knit back, repeat. Garter Stitch give you a "ridges" effect in your knitted item. Excellent for guy scarfs, a no nonsense, easy scarf to make.
Hope this helps.
Happy holiday crafting...
Sherrie
"When you care enough, you make it yourself."
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Edited by - Sherries Farm on Aug 14 2004 9:01:48 PM |
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Sherries Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
69 Posts
Sherrie
Graham
WA
USA
69 Posts |
Posted - Aug 14 2004 : 9:01:20 PM
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Another idea I just got from a lady at the Stampin'Up workshop I was at last night.
A Potato Cooker Bag. This fabric bag is used to cook potatoes in the microwave. A very simple design, you place the washed, NON pierced potatoes in the bag, after wrapping a papertowel around them. Microwave for about 4-5 minutes...about half the time of normal microwaving. Though, the oven is the best way...after working at the school office all day...sometimes it's better to get those tater's done so more family time can be had.
Always a give and take on something.
Thinking of the holidays...
Sherrie
"When you care enough, you make it yourself."
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ElizArtist
True Blue Farmgirl
113 Posts
Elizabeth
Newbury Park
California
USA
113 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2004 : 1:30:00 PM
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Great ideas everyone. I guess it won't be a surprise if everyone I know gets socks this year! My husband and I have been reading the Hundred Dollar Holiday, The Case for a More Joyful Christimas by Bill McKibben and are inspired. I love the way he explains that time is our most precious commodity and that means giving time to our loved ones is the best gift we can give. Needless to say we are cutting back seriously on the Holiday extravaganza, partially out of necessity with 4 kids in college, and we are planning to do more fun things instead of shopping. We were thinking of going to the mountains and renting a cabin ok this isn't exactly cheap either but it focuses our attention more on the rituals of winter holidays than materialism. And we don't have snow here so we have to go out of town for that.
Elizabeth
joyously dancing through life |
Edited by - ElizArtist on Aug 24 2004 1:31:00 PM |
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Juliekay
True Blue Farmgirl
237 Posts
237 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2004 : 07:51:00 AM
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Well, I'm not making anything, but I've started shopping. I was in Chinatown in Chicago, so I bought a couple of bracelets for adult nieces, and two little plastic dolls that squirt water in the tub for my young nieces.
Julie
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2004 : 09:32:29 AM
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You know, with the thoughts shared about aprons on this site, I just this morning thought - maybe I will make aprons for women's gifts this year and include a printout of Clare's apron reflection she sent in on this site.
Nice, sensible terry cloth aprons can be made from the dish towels that are for sale at the grocery store for 3.99. They edges are already finished. You gather (just a little) the long side of the rectangle to be the top, center and sew a long strip of folded cloth to the top to anchor the apron and also be the ties. Even a pocket can be sewn on with little effort or time involved. Then they can be thrown in the washer and need no ironing.
Another matching dish towel (from the grocery store) could be included, too, to make a set. Too cheesy?
jpbluesky
Love those big blue skies and wide open spaces. |
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Clare
True Blue Farmgirl
2173 Posts
NC WA State
USA
2173 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2004 : 09:35:14 AM
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Good idea,Jeannie.... you can even do it more affordably by going to the dollar stores... they usually always have dishtowel selections!
****Gardener, Stitcher, Spiritual Explorer and Appreciator of all Things Natural****
"Begin to weave and God will give the thread." - German Proverb |
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Holidays: I know it's only August... |
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I know it's only August...
