What does a Garden Gnome do when she is not gardening, in the kitchen or doing genealogy? Well the answer might just surprise you so read the entries to find out more. This blog focuses on everything we do to make our house a home. There will be a strong emphasis on home energy efficiency and do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. At the same time there will also be crafts, knitting and crocheting projects along with any other little tips we do to create that down to earth, I want to be here home. Please enjoy your visit :)
I love giving homemade gifts at Christmas because they really are a gift from the heart. While we were at our vacation home this fall, I searched for a pattern for our grandkids that would reinforce our desire to have them visit us in Florida, spending at least a day at Disney World. I found just what I was looking for on Ravelry!
I downloaded the
Mr & Mrs Mouse Hat patterns designed by Elizabeth Roggasch published in The Little Bucket Bouquet. The pattern is $5 which is quite inexpensive considering it is sized from newborn to adult. This is a pattern that can easily be modified but I think it is cute the way it is, very much Disney-like if using those colours.
The pattern is very straight forward, easy to crochet. There is a fair amount of finish work especially for the girl's hats but it isn't difficult just a bit time consuming. I used RedHeart Super Saver black, petal pink, cherry red and soft white using a size 4.25 mm crochet hook. I made one toddler size and three child size hats. I was rather pleased with the results and the grandkids loved them!
Wishing each and everyone of you a very Happy New Year! Welcome 2014...
Merry Christmas to each and everyone!
I'm sorry I haven't posted in awhile but will be back to normal for the new year. We spent October at our vacation home, then back home for almost three weeks, returning to our vacation home for five weeks. We made the 1207 mile journey home for Christmas arriving Monday night, leaving us only Christmas Eve to finalize our holiday shopping, restock on groceries and deck the halls for our family gathering on Boxing Day (December 26). The kids and grandkids will stay for a couple of days then when they leave it is prep time for another large gathering on the 28th. 'Tis indeed a very busy and hectic time for us, but we are very blessed!
May the peace, joy and magic of the holiday season be with you and yours today! It is not what is found under the tree, but in the warm smiles and loving words of the people around us. Merry Christmas!
The holiday season really becomes a time we let down our guard creating the potential for personal and physical harm as well as theft and property damage. Our local Neighbourhood Watch has sent out several reminders as well as hosting a couple of informational/educational to remind folk that this is the time of year to keep a heightened awareness. At the same time our local Fire Department is doing the same thing and our local Police are reminding folks to take care on the roads and never drink and drive. A lot of this information is not new. We've heard it all or most of it before but because our minds tend to be on other things like shopping, entertaining and holiday events, it bears being said again.
Homes tend to become more of a focus of break-ins for several reasons. 'Tis the season for gift giving meaning there are a lot more items like jewelry and electronics that can easily be resold. The tends to be more liquor in the house especially for those who do more entertaining. Many tend to keep more cash on hand as well. At the same time, folks are more preoccupied with decorating, shopping and everything else that goes along with the holiday season, they don't notice anyone that may be staking out the home. Finally, the holiday season for many mean longer periods of time away from home giving a thief more opportunity to break-in.
You can fight back by making your home a harder target for thieves. Most of the tips being offered for preventing a break-in are just good old fashioned common sense. Still, this time of year means you have to be aware and take a little extra care to prevent a break-in. Here are a few tips:
- locks - All entry points to your home should be kept locked at all times even if you are home. Exit doors should have deadbolts in addition to the lock on the door knob. A garage door should ideally have a garage door opener that is ensures your garage is locked when closed. If the garage is attached, treat the door between the main house and garage as an exit door by keeping it locked at all times. Windows should be kept locked with barriers to prevent entry when the window is open.
- monitored security systems - If you have a monitored security system, use it! It isn't going to protect your home if you don't. Even if you are just running down to the variety store, planning on being away for ten minutes, set the alarm.
- don't announce you will be away - It is quite common for folks to say something to the effect "I'm shopping at..." on Facebook or Twitter. If you only allow family and close friends to follow or friend you, it shouldn't be a problem but the reality is those collecting friends and followers as a status symbol put themselves at risk. This tells everyone on your social media site that you are away from home and you will be returning with a few goodies, both invitations to theft. If you are out for a day, make sure any newspapers and rubbish bins are brought indoors. I would seriously miss a waste collection day for the recycling bins if I had to be away that day rather than leave the empty bins on the lawn until I got home. Regular waste in a garbage bag isn't a problem as once it is picked up it is gone but waste put out in a garbage pail is a problem because the empty pail on laying on the lawn is a clear indication no one is home. If you will be away for an extended period of time, the less people who know about it the better. A well trusted neighbour should be notified you will be away as they can watch out for any suspicious activity as well as collect any newspapers. Put your mail on hold if it is normally delivered to your house. Arrange for a family member or friend to have access to your house, water plants, alter the lighting pattern and basically make your home look like someone is there. If you have a security system, notify your provider you will be away, who has a key to your house and how often they will be checking on it. You can also notify your local police with the same information so they will respond faster if the alarm is triggered. Be discrete when loading luggage and other items into your car when leaving for an extended period of time from your home
- suspicious phone calls - There have been a rash of home break-ins in our town and surrounding area recently. Victims have reported several phone calls to their homes where the caller listens briefly then hangs up. The local police believe these calls are being made to determine if someone is home before the thief/thieves break-in. Now, this is a crap shoot for the potential thief as the police point out, many do not answer their phones if the caller comes up as unknown or private. I know I don't; the call goes to the answering machine. In fact, the majority of our land line calls go to the answering machine because anyone who knows us knows to call our cell phones if there is no answer on the land line. Still, if you notice an increase in these types of calls, keep an eye out.
- unloading parcels - An ingenious thief who is staking out a house will a good idea of what has been taken into the house simply by sitting outside across the road or walking by when parcels are being unloaded from your car to be taken indoors. Use generic, cloth shopping bags rather than store bags. That way a potential thief can't tell you have just been shopping at an electronics store. If you have an attached garage, drive in then shut the garage door before unloading anything. If you don't have an attached garage, don't unload by putting parcels on the ground or leaving the trunk or vehicle open between trips back and froth from the car. If at all possible, unload in one trip and better yet, have someone with you when unloading.
- windows - Open your shopping bags away from windows where someone could see what you bought or shut the curtains.
- packaging - Packaging tells the thief exactly what you just bought. Don't put larger electronics, television or computer boxes to the road. Cardboard packaging should be crushed and kept out of easy sight from windows until it is taken to your local waste centre.
- the Christmas tree - Many place their Christmas tree is such a manner so it is visible from outside. However, a tree laden with presents underneath is a good target for thieves. If your tree is visible to the outside, don't put presents under it until Christmas Eve
A few days ago, I went to a local craft market. I seldom spend money at these types of events being an avid crafter myself. I basically go to get the ideas of what to make for holiday gift giving. Every once in awhile I will buy something, knowing full well I can easily make my own version of it myself or at the very least find out how to make it. If you are crafty, this is definitely the time to be spending a bit of time at craft markets or shows!
Craft markets or shows are rather interesting. The crafts tend to be textile (eg. knitter or crocheted items), wood items, hand crafted jewelry, homemade candles and homemade baked goods. In my experience, vendors tend to have their prices on the high side but you are getting something unique and they do have to pay for their table along with all associated costs so they really are making nothing off of what they sell. As a crafter, I am well aware of this so have no problem supporting fellow crafters especially during the holiday season. It spreads a bit of good cheer :)
At the same time, I know and know where to find the resources these very same crafters are selling. It doesn't matter that I'm not a competitor, it matters that I can make the very same thing myself at a fraction of the cost for gift giving. Not only that, many crafters are very generous with sharing their suppliers and how they do things especially if they don't view you as being the competition.
While I am a avid crafter I don't sell my crafts. They are created for my family, friends and our enjoyment. I honestly don't think there is much of a market in many hand crafted items, certainly not enough to pay for the materials and time. Rather, I craft out of the love of crafting and as a way to keep my hands busy while watching television. Knitting and crocheting tend to help me relax as well, most times unless it is a poorly written pattern. Still, craft markets can be a mecca for supporting other crafters while getting a few new ideas of crafts you would like to make for gift giving.
Happy New Year!
Today we welcome 2011. The new year is awaiting for us to fill it. I have a lot of homemaking plans this year both at our primary and vacation residences. As usual the focus will be on energy conservation and efficiency. This year I hope to further our goal of getting off the grid at our primary residence. It will be delayed slightly until we sell this house but should be in full swing once we move. Other than that, 2011 promises to be an exciting year around our homes!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2011
This time of year gift giving is one everyone's mind. The reality is gifts do not have to be expensive and you can even make gives next to nothing or for no cost. All you have to do is use your imagination and a little ingenuity. Here's a few easy low cost and now cost ideas to get you going:
- plants - I simply take cutting from houseplants and root them in a recycled pot, add a recycled bow and hand printed tag for an easy gift suitable for any time of the year.
- terrariums - This is a spin off of the plant idea only using the 1 gallon pickle jars. A lot of restaurants will give these to you free if you ask and they make wonderful terrariums. If you want you can buy a small box of aquarium charcoal to help keep the terrarium fresh but a good bed of free stones under the soil works well too. I like to add a small figurine or a couple of pretty stones or even a couple of shells but even that isn't necessary.
- family cookbook - If you buy an actual notebook it will cost about 89¢ but if you are handy on the computer you can create a cookbook complete with pictures then burn it to CD or if you don't want to spend anything upload it to a free hosting site then give the recipient a card with the link so they can download the cookbook themselves. This also works for family scrapbooks and similar books.
- board games - We currently have 4 homemade board games, made from scrap lumber. One is the holy board played with homemade beanbags made from scrap material and stuffed with white beans (you can use rice). One is a crochono board made from a pattern, one is a joker board (something like Parcheese but played with cards), and one is a number board played with dice.
- mixes in jars - Depending on how well stocked your pantry is a surprising number of mixes can be made for gift giving without you having to out and buy something special. I'm partial to bread, cake and cookie mixes for gift giving but any mix can make a gift. Use a recycled jar or check freecycle for mason jars. Add a nice, hand printed recipe to use the mix tied with a piece of ribbon or twine and a wooden spoon (optional but can get a 4 pk at the dollar store).
- sticks - For the gardener in your life, stick trellises are all the rage. Collect three nice sized sticks about an inch or so in diameter and about 3 feet long. Add a nice size piece of twine and a hand written card. You can even collect enough to build a trellis ladder something any self respecting gardener would cherish. Believe it or not sticks can make for gorgeous walking canes or hiking sticks as well. If using for this purpose go just a little thicker and longer.
- pine cones - Collect pinecones then spray paint them metallic if you have the spray paint or what I prefer is to soak them in a solution of cinnamon and water then let them dry well for a nice, holiday scent.
- potporri - Homemade potporri is wonderful and doesn't cost you anything more than your time to collect and prepare. Don't forget to add thin slices of dried citrus as it will add a nice scent and it was something you would be discarding anyway.
- the go tos - Give the gift of a 'go to'. What this is really is a way to socialize without spending more than the meal prep. One of our kids does a go to with another couple each Saturday night alternating the nights they will provide a low cost frugal meal. The nice thing about this is you get to try foods you might not normally try and the emphasis is on frugal. For example one Saturday night the meal might be homemade pizza while the next Saturday night the other couple brings a homemade soup. The kids play together and the adults get a bit of adult conversation :)
- paint it - I mentioned I have a lot of crafty type things. Did you know the perfect shaped stone can be turned into a turtle with just a little craft paint? We have a gorgeous and I do me gorgeous flat rock that a local artist painted a beautiful mountain scene on so this type of thing can lead to a small cottage industry income as well. I don't throw out paint so even the last bits of room paint ends up getting used.
- rainy day kit - Kids love things like goop, homemade playdough, the "I Spy Jar", and that type of thing. Throw in a few dollar store finds like paper punches and crayons and you have the perfect kid friendly rainy day kit.
- hand knitted or crocheted items - I always have a large stash of yarn to use up but if you don't check your local Freecycle. There are a number of free patterns available online as well so you don't have to pay for a pattern to make something.
- the movie night packet - One of the best gifts we came up with was a movie night packet. It included a bottle of pop, a bag of popcorn, and the current VHS movie of the day.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2010
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Garden Gnome
©2006-2008
Garden Gnome
©2006-2008
The craft section of the dollar stores can be a mecca for craft supplies for gifts. I honestly cannot believe some of the craft items available for only $1. With very little cash outlay you can easily get the items needed to complete several customized gift items. Don't let the words craft or DIY scare you either because the following way to finish decorative boxes require so little effort that a child could easily make them.
I came across oblong (about 8" long) wood decorative boxes at our local dollar store. They are made using two types of wood so even if simply given a clear coat the result is subtle beauty. Pictured is an unfinished and finished oblong box. They have hinged lids with brass coloured hinges and clasp. These boxes are idea for gift giving as is but are perfect packaging a pen and pencil set, necklace or watch. Simple wrap a hand tied bow around the box and add a tag for gift giving letting the beauty of the box serve as gift wrapping.
I finished one of the boxes using spray satin varathane for a durable low luster sheen. One spray can will be enough to finish 4 to 6 boxes. Home Hardware (Canada) and other home improvement stores sell small packets (similar in size to ketchup packets) of stain for about 69¢ each. One packet will be enough to stain at least 2 boxes. Total cost per box will cost about $2.50 but they look like you spent so much more and you can customize them for the receiver's tastes.
Materials
1 oblong hinged wood box
1 spray can Flecto® Varathane clear
stain (optional)
fine grade sandpaper
Method
Lightly sand the box with fine grade sandpaper. Stain if desired. Allow the stain to dry 24 hours. Lightly sand. Wipe to remove any dust. Spray with clear varathane using a sweeping motion for even application. Allow to dry. Lightly sand and and wipe. Spray again then repeat for at least three coats of finish. Allow to dry thoroughly. Your box is now ready to be used as desired.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2008
I love crafts so generally have several projects on the go at one time. Aside of textiles one of my favourite mediums to work with is paint. Several years ago I discovered thin unfinished band boxes suitable for decorative painting or decoupaging. At that time they weren't exactly cheap. A couple of years ago I rediscovered unfinished boxes at of all places a dollar store! These are not the wood boxes of the past!
Decorative Wood Boxes
Pictured are two wood boxes purchased at a dollar store for $1. The hexagon box is unfinished to show you what the finished box looked like when I bought it. The boxes are about 6" in length, 4" wide and 3" deep. They come with hinged lids and a small clasp. The hinges and clasp are brass coloured. The pressed raised design in the centre is recessed and leaves a lot of ways to finish it.
I wanted a quilted look for the finished box so painted the raised design with acrylic craft paints that are also available at dollar stores. I used tole painting a type of folk art for the inside panel. When the inside panel was dry, I used 3 coats of water based urethane to finish the box. There is still plenty of time to make up a few of these decorative wood boxes for gift giving.
The most expensive part of this project is the water based urethane but you can easily finish four or more boxes using one small can. You can use either spray or brush on urethane in satin or gloss finish. You will need a few bottles of Crafter's Acrylic paint in various colours but at $1 a piece for a 55 ml (2 oz) bottle they will last for several crafting projects and can be used on a wide variety of surfaces. Don't let the shading scare you either. It is rather easy simply by applying the base coat of paint then stroking on a little white while the base coat is still damp using a semi dry brush. Artists brushes are also available at the dollar stores.
I hope you like this inexpensive gift idea and have a lot of fun creating these cute decorative boxes. They are perfect for gift giving as is or filled with something special. Another way you can gift these boxes is to create a kit with everything needed to finish the box for the crafter on your list.
Materials Needed
decorative hinged wood box
Crafter's Acrylic paint (variety of colours)
sheet fine grade sandpaper
artist brush(es)
½" sponge brush (only if using brush on finish)
Flecto® Varathane
newspaper to protect surface
Garden Gnome
©2006-2008
It's only nine days until Christmas but it is not too late to make a few homemade gifts from the heart for gift giving. I've been busy with getting knitted items ready. Starting tomorrow I will be adding a post a day that highlight some low cost homemade, last minute items you can make for gift giving. I hope you find some of these posts useful.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2008
Happy Thanksgiving
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Garden Gnome
©2006-2008
Garden Gnome
© 2007
Garden Gnome
© 2007
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Garden Gnome
© 2006
Decorative Wood Boxes
