Is It the Season Already?

Holiday commercials are on TV, holiday movies, showing on Lifetime.  I've been getting Black Friday emails for a while.  So I guess it's time to talk gifts, especially since Chanukah is early this year.

In addition to all the great gifts we've always had available at Reef Botanicals (and remember, if you want to do a custom gift basket, fish around the shop and see what you like then message me so we can make some plans!), there are some new things at Fabric of my Mind you should see, that I haven't shown you yet.

The most luxurious is this 100% cashmere scarf.

It's in a great Irish hiking cable knit pattern.

This blue one you see is one I made for Eric, but I'm offering it as a custom order (which means if you want it for the holidays, order as soon as possible!) in any one of these six colors.

There's also this fluffy soft acrylic blue/green/grey cable knit scarf for a more affordable option.

Or there's a great fluffy soft ribbed scarf in apple green.

That ones makes a great set with these green mittens knitted from the same yarn!

Plus, there's lots more photos if you're into decor as gifts... or to update your house for having guests over.

Artist Spotlight: Part Eighty

You've met her here before, Debbi of Yankee Burrow Creations!

It's wedding season now, as I was reminded when I had to go to two different craft stores for plain ivory ribbon, so I'll show you some of her wedding-appropriate items.

First, there's this invitation frame.

What an awesome and beautifully quilled way to turn your wedding invitation into a keepsake!

Then there's this great crocheted ring bearer pillow.

The classic white would go with any wedding color theme.

Last, but not least, I think this silhouette would be a gorgeous and unusual gift for a couple just starting in a new home.

Another Great Gift Idea!

I knitted this scarf in vintage cream acrylic yarn and Vanna's Choice black acrylic yarn for a great disappearing stripe pattern that works for men or women.

The cream yarn I got at an estate sale, in brand new skeins.  The black yarn has a slightly funnier story.  My sister was doing a Winnie the Pooh latch hook rug for my nephew, and they shortchanged her on the black yarn pieces!  She didn't realize I save everything and actually have latch hook yarn from my younger days (remember Nathaniel?  His hair was old leftover latch hook yarn!)  So she went to one of the craft stores and actually bought a whole new skein of soft black yarn.  For three pieces.  Yes, really.  She cut the three pieces... and then was left with all the remaining yarn.  As a non-knitter.

So she gave it to me!  And some of it ended up in this awesome scarf that I actually really love.  It's all stockinette stitch, with ribbed ends to keep them from curling.  And I may just have to make another for myself.

Meanwhile, you can purchase this one here.

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Just in time for Mother's Day!

These candles were quite a while in the making.  They had to be done in stages, first the planning and mixing, and the first pour.  Then a day later, the second pour.  Then cleaned up and the swirled outer color.  Theoretically, they could have been done in three days, but we had a lot going on.

We did, however, get them done in time for Mother's Day, since they'd make a wonderful gift.  Solid cream-colored candles with a gorgeous purple swirl to them, these Afternoon Tea candles are scented with French vanilla and blackberry tea.  I really wish you could smell them through the computer because they are heavenly!

Personally, I'd like to keep them all for myself, but mom taught me to share.  And we are keeping a few 'cause we really can't resist, so I suppose I'm placated and can let you have the rest.

We've got these in a 9" round pillar, a 4.5" square pillar, a 3" round pillar, and votives.  Enjoy!

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New Shop Announcement!

Reef Botanicals has a new affiliated shop, Fabric of My Mind!

It's in that shop you'll find for purchase the results of my sewing, knitting, toymaking, and photography, as well as instructions and .pdf patterns that cross the Fabric of My Mind (see how I did that there?).  It's small yet, with just a few listings, but I hope you'll visit frequently to see what's new.  Currently, you'll find my hand-knitted cream scarf...

patterns for my felt dinosaur puzzle and busy book...

and the jumbo dolphin crayons that Eric and I make.

At some point hopefully soon, there will be another scarf available too, this one in a soft vintage lavender yarn.

Enjoy!

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Happy Valentine's Day!

I'm a member of a face painting Google group, and have been for years.  We're very good friends, helping each other with tips, techniques, business ideas and referrals, and meeting to work together, jam, or just hang out.  For many years, we've done a Secret Santa, but this year everyone was so busy during the winter holidays that it was decided this year to make it a Secret Valentine.

My recipient was my friend Mike, out in McKinney, TX.  I know he likes and uses our Purity soap, so I sent him a tub and a bar of that.

But I needed more.

So I made some chocolates!  I ransacked the cabinets, and hit the store for chocolate melts, and came up with some pretty good combos, I think.

These little ones are dark and milk chocolate filled with hazelnut.

And these hearts are filled with peanut butter - some crunchy, some creamy.

These pops are red and white chocolate with red sugar sparkle sprinkles embedded.  They came out pretty funky looking.

And these are milk and white chocolate, with pink sprinkles and raisins inside.

I did a bunch of milk chocolate with chopped almonds and pecans throughout.

And last, but definitely not least, dark chocolate with sea salt.

All together and wrapped, it looks like a lot of chocolate!

And some friends liked the look of 'em so much that they ordered some for themselves!  Oh... and Mike got his.  Loves 'em!