Just a quick post from me today, I took a small diversion from my various works-in-progress to make a little gift for a friend. It's her birthday and I know she has just redecorated her dining-room with a purple theme, so I wanted to give her something purpley for her birthday, and I wanted part of it to be handmade.
She is a huuuuge candle fan. Every time I go round to her house it smells divine, and she always says it's because she burns candles. Personally I do not trust myself with candles, having twice had near misses where I one time badly burned a wall when a candle fell against it, and another time the mat that a little candle-in-a-tin went on fire as the tin got too hot. Yikes. No nice smell is worth a house fire. Thankfully my friend is clearly much more candle-safe than me. I'd have loved to actually make her a candle, but just haven't had enough time - I got a load of candle-making bits for my birthday last year but haven't used them yet, I need to practice before I start making gifts for people. Maybe next year ....
I decided to stick to something a bit safer, and crocheted her a hanging heart. I'd seen this post of Lucy from Attic24's, which in turn references this post by BeaG on Flickr. You make two hearts then double-crochet them together and then stuff. Pretty straightforward. I also added a really simple little flower with a wooden button.
Such a simple little pattern that produces a really sweet little hanging heart. Hopefully my friend will love it, and maybe even in part because its hand-made.
I also decided to make her a card, I'm not very good at thinking of card designs, so I occasionally buy card-making magazines for inspiration. I found an old magazine with a kit comprising patterned card and some fun little sentiment greeting thingies, and sort of used one of their designs with a few small changes.
I used a white card blank from my card stash, bits and pieces from the magazine kit, and some sparkly gems for a bit of bling.
I'm giving her her present tomorrow morning so I hope she loves it :) I'll report back soon to let you know.
Til next time - be safe with those candles people!
Jillxxxxxx
The heart is adorable as is the card. I agree with you on candles. I switched to the warmers but still have to mindful to turn them off when I leave the house.
ReplyDeleteYou're very nice to make such a nice gift for your friend! There is nothing better than handmade. I'm sure she'll be thrilled! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteThat is a smashing present Jill. Of course she will love it! Jo x
ReplyDeleteWhat's not to love, such a thoughtful gift, stunning. I loved those wooden buttons, a real delight.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a sweet gift.
ReplyDeleteI am in complete envy of your button collection!
Hello Jill, I am so happy to meet you . . . Thanks for visiting my blog because it brought me here. You are an amazingly strong young woman. I read your "The Muscle Acre" post and it blew me away. That's the sort of thing our daughter would do . . . I pray for her unstop because she doesn't let anything hold her back. Not only are you strong, but look at your lovely stitching. I am in awe . . . I don't see a place to follow your blog, or I would. Thanks for popping in to say hello. I'm adding you to my favorite list.
ReplyDeleteConnie :)
I love hearts, might have a bit of a problem with them, this is lovely
ReplyDeleteYou are a good friend to have Jill. Lovely heart x
ReplyDeleteYour friend is going to love her gifts, very thoughtful and lovely of you.
ReplyDeleteI'm also afraid to burn the house with candles :-) But when I do lit a candle, I put them in big tube of glass, wide away from the edge of the table and make sure it's out when I leave the house.
ReplyDeleteI think your gifts are beautiful and I'm totally sure your friend will love them too!
Have a nice weekend,
Sigrid
Such a pretty heart and I love your wooden buttons. We love our candles here. Always put them in safe glass holders and always double check they are blown out when we leave a room. B x
ReplyDeleteThat heart is so sweet Jill! And great job with the card!! ;) I'm sure she'll love everything.
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice they make such pretty flameless candles and scentsy kinds of things for safe burning, isn't it? Lol
Blessings. xoxo
Love this heart pattern! I have made so many as little gifts for friends .. Adding a beautiful candle is a great idea! :) xx
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