TUCK-IN GIFTS

Even though glue, glitter, and I have never learned to play together very well; I usually attempt some sort of Christmas craft every year. It usually involves decoupage, as I do love papers and stickers. This year I decided to try some decoupaged ornaments to use as tags on packages. I purchased some thin wooden shapes at JoAnn's; decoupaged with some paper and stickers; then hot-glued some trim around the edges.

My favorite 'tuck in' gift usually is a paper-piecing project. I learned about paper-piecing several years ago when I worked as a quiltmaker. There are lots of patterns out there, but my favorites have always been from Irene Berry, a former editor and now contributor to Quilter's Newsletter magazine. Her patterns are usually 3" square, a perfect size to embellish kitchen towels or potholders. There can be as many as 20 or so pieces in each 3" square, so sometimes the patches are as small as a fingernail. They are easily sewn, however, by using the paper-piecing technique.

I made these two bird towels to 'tuck in' with home-made candy for a friend's Christmas.

Things are progressing well here at the Salmagundi household. The shopping is done and wrapped, the decorating is as done as it is going to get, and the house is clean. I've been making cookies to put in the freezer, and am starting to plan menus for next week. It is such a pleasure to prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Savior.

May your preparations be as joyful!!

ONE BIG AND ONE SMALL PROJECT!

First, the big project-- We bought this chair at an auction for $2.00. The gross gold upholstery was so bad we didn't even take a picture of it in its true before condition. Bob started right in stripping the chair down to its bones.

Here it is with the wood refinished and the new upholstery.

It has nice wood details.

The more we upholster, the better our skills improve. We still stumble along learning as we go, however.

Now for the small project:

I've always enjoyed using Irene Berry's paper-pieced 3-inch blocks for small tuck-in gifts. She is a former editor of Quilter's Newsletter Magazine, and the patterns can be found in lots of old issues. I've made scads of potholders using these images, but decided to applique these onto kitchen towels for a small birthday gift for a friend.

My friend is from Iowa, so I had to use an ear of corn.

And then, a carrot!

Lots of linky parties going on -- I'm joining the following this week. Be sure to stop by these blogs for scads of inspiration, and thank them for being such great hostesses.

Courtney at French Country Cottage
for the Feathered Nest party.

Marian at Miss Mustard Seed
for Furniture Feature Friday.

Kim at Savvy Southern Style
for the Wednesday Before and After party.

Gina at The Shabby Chic Cottage
for Transformation Thursday.