Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Tatting Tea Tuesday 9/15/09




Cucumbersome, the author of this instructable, adds in the comments section: Sorry for the confusion, I meant for this to be just packaging - not for use in the tub. I just used gift-wrapping tissue paper. If you wanted to have something that could get wet, I would recommend making a little bag out of mesh or silk (maybe reuseable).

I love everything about this! What a wonderful gift!

You've probably heard me say about a zillion times now that I'm decluttering. Well, this is a great idea to help me along with that goal. A few years ago, I put "soap-making supplies" on my Christmas list and my daughter-in-law got them for me. I had some but now I have a lot more. What I don't have is a lot of time so I only made a small batch once of little butterfly soaps. With a specific project in mind, I can schedule myself into making these and use up some of my supplies (including tons of organza fabric that I seem to continue collecting!) and create a wonderful gift to boot. Think of the possibilities! One year I made a "pamper" basket for all my close female relatives. Well...back then it was my sister, my daughter, and my niece (old enough for what I put it in it). I crocheted (before my tatting days) edgings for fluffy towels, put in a romance novel, some tea, chocolate, bath oil or soap or lotion (don't remember for sure now) and something special to each person. It was so much fun. I loved doing that. I think it's time to do it again! But there are a lot more close women in my life now so I'll have to be careful not to go overboard. OH, maybe those felt baskets I made back in May - small, so that would limit how much I could put in there, but easy and pretty to decorated with tatting and embroidery.

I'm getting so inspired for Christmas now. Do you do that? Unfortunately, I can't even think of starting on anything until October! And here we are, halfway through September already!


Here's a teacup pincushion project from Buttons Galore! I'm not willing to give up any of my teacup/saucer combos for a pincushion yet so I'll just admire the one here.

I've prescheduled this post since I'll be in northern IN all day doing farm inspections with my coworkers. Fun, but no access to a computer so I won't get to see anyone's inspirational comments til I get home!

5 comments:

  1. I'm glad you've been inspired! I have started with my Christmas gifts... I pick up little things throughout the year so that I don't have to do it all at once. Somehow, I haven't found much that suits my needs this year... probably because I know my daughters and I are trying to declutter just like you!

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  2. I am fascinated by the tea soap...

    Tell us how the farm inspections go. That reminds me of the James Herriot stories...which are my absolute fave!

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  3. Love the teabag-themed packaging for handmade soap. Handmade soap wrapped up in a faux teabag is a great gift idea!

    And what a darling teacup pincushion. I happen to have a teacup pincushion that I love, and highly recommend them. Be on the lookout for an affordable teacup/saucer combo while browsing antique shops or yard, garage, estate or boot sales. Then you don't have to part with one of your cherished ones. :-)

    Thanks for joining in Tatting Tea Tuesday!

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  4. Miranda1:10 PM

    Where in northern IN? I don't have any family left there, but my parents are from the neighborhood.

    Another good use of all that organza is as a background for a tatted motif on a card.

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  5. Tea bag soap, what a neat idea! You know, pot porri would do great it that too. I might have to try a basket of goodies like that for my daughters this Christmas. I'm like you about the pincushion, I'd hate to give up a tea cup and saucer. And where would I put it? Pretty though.

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