Festive recovery

 I hope all of you have recovered from all the festivities and are tucking into 2026 with optimism for a better world.  Here at Chez Magpie, the chocolate has all been consumed (must happen before Jan 1st so we can go back on our diets) and life is slowly getting back to normal.  Creative things are happening as you can see from this...

I've been wanting to play with silouettes for awhile now and what better time is there than now.  The fabric I used for the sky and the snow in the foreground is some of my hand-dyed using the shaving cream process.  

When I went to bed New Year's eve, I happened to look out the window and this is what I saw 'drawn' in the snow in the parking lot...

- You might like to check out THIS pretty printable (and free!) planner.

- If your sewing room is in need of a makeover, perhaps following along with the prompts found HERE might be what you need.

- Some of you might like to make yourself one of THESE.

- If you're thinking about making a temperature quilt this year, have a peek through the ideas HERE.

Today's quote is from Paul Avellino..."Many of us became accidental activists.  Not out of rage, but out of heartbreak.  Because somewhere along the way we realized silence helps no one.  Not the earth, not our children, not each other"

Happy New Year!

 

The Resident Chef and I would both like to wish you and those you hold most dear a very happy, healthy and creative 2026.

Back to regular scheduling - sort of

 POSTING THIS EARLY BECAUSE ONCE MORE WE'RE BEING INUNDATED WITH A SERIOUS ICE STORM.  HOPEFULLY IT WON'T BE LIKE THE LAST ONE WHEN WE LOST POWER FOR DAYS.  IT'S TO BE HOPED THE WIND THEY'RE PREDICTING DOESN'T HAPPEN.

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UPDATED TO ADD:  Overnight the temperature rose and some of the ice melted away.  So far the power has stayed on.  Still treacherous out there but not as bad as what they were predicting...phew!!

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Well, I guess we can put the Christmas festivities behind us for another year, a relief for many I'm sure. 

I spent my off time adding to the birthday gift for our wee grandie (who is turning 4 the end of January).  Some of you may remember me making this doll and outfits...

She will also be getting THIS doll bed from Ikea.

Now what self-respecting doll with such a nice bed doesn't deserve some bedding to go along with it?  Grandma to the rescue, and it will have a mattress, sheets, a quilt and a pillow.  It's such fun having a granddaughter to spoil!

#2 son got a 3-D printer for Christmas and he made us these for our Christmas tree...

I've asked him if he can make us some more in various sizes because they look so pretty on the tree.  Added bonus is that they store flat so don't take up much space in the container we use for Christmas decorations.

- THIS is something that you might like to make for yourself now that the holiday hype is over.

- I haven't shared an awwwww-thing for awhile, so how about THIS that made me smile.

- If you're a fan of buffalo plaid perhaps you'd like to make THIS.

- THIS is something you might like to make for yourself.

Happy Holidays!

My gift to you this Christmas, as it has been in recent years,
 is THIS.  Turn your sound on and enjoy!

“And when we give each other Christmas gifts in His name, let us remember that He has given us the sun and the moon and the stars, and the earth with its forests and mountains and oceans--and all that lives and move upon them. He has given us all green things and everything that blossoms and bears fruit and all that we quarrel about and all that we have misused--and to save us from our foolishness, from all our sins, He came down to earth and gave us Himself.”
― Sigrid Undset

“Want to keep Christ in Christmas? Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, forgive the guilty, welcome the unwanted, care for the ill, love your enemies, and do unto others as you would have done unto you.”

“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!”
― Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

The Resident Chef and I would like to take this
opportunity to wish you and those you hold most dear
a very happy and blessed Christmas.

Something fun!!

 Thanks to Gill at 'That British Woman' I thought we could have some fun with this...

OK - now over to you....what are you gifting me??

- If you're like me (and I do indeed feel sorry for you!), perhaps your thoughts turn to organizing and purging throughout your house, so I thought I'd share THIS in case there are any good tips you might like to make use of.

- I know it's probably too late to make any of THESE for this year, but I'd love to try making one for next year!

- HERE are some easy (and better yet, quick!) giftables you can make.

- THESE would make great gifts too.

- Although I haven't tried THESE, I understand people really like them.

- THESE would make a great last minute gift.

A hodge podge - perhaps thinly disguised as mumblings?

 

- There are a number of quick gift ideas HERE.

- THESE would make nice gifts from your kitchen.  As would THESE. Or THESE! Or maybe someone on your list might like THIS.

- I don't know if there's time to make any of THESE for this Christmas (but maybe some of you could), but they're pretty enough to save and get a start on next year!

- There are some cute ideas HERE too.

- Although there are no directions for THESE, they are so pretty so I thought you might like to see them.

- If you happen to be giving money this Christmas, perhaps you'd like to make it fun with one of THESE ideas.  Or THESE. Or maybe THESE?

There's a lack

 Yes, there's a lack of anything creative happening here at Chez Magpie, so that means there's nada to show you at the moment.  

- If you're contemplating making a temperature cross stitch project, perhaps some of the ideas HERE might be what you're searching for.

- HERE is a lovely little gift you can easily make.

- There are a number of gift ideas HERE.  And links to more HERE.

- There's some fun little ornament ideas HERE.

- HERE are some more really nice (and quick!) gift ideas.

- Of course there isn't a single calorie with ANY of THESE!!!

- THIS ornament is a new-to-me version of folding.