I've been trying to hook some for Christmas. If you hook, you may find the dilemma of wanting to hook something for everyone, but not the time to get it all done. Of course.... you may be someone who plans ahead, gets things done and put away, possibly even wrapped. Oh, I so do envy your diligence! The above is one of, maybe..... five, little hooked clutches I'm hoping to gift to friends. This is the front and back of my first completed clutch, and another is just about done with construction. I hooked this one with someone special in mind.... hence the colors, coffee cup, and bluebirds of happiness. I really like making something small like this. Done fairly quick (if I stay with it, and don't get lured by my drawing pad) and not a huge hooking commitment involved.
Today I spent the morning outside emptying flower pots, washing them out, and readying things to be put to bed for the season. I volunteer at our Library Center gift chop, Between Friends, and I found this great book there about a month ago. I thought, "How perfect to help uplift myself from the end of the gardening season blues!"
forcing, etc by Katherine Whiteside..... an autographed copy for only $4.00! We sell gently used books in the gift shop, so I am constantly bringing books home. This one was a real find for me. The photos by Richard Felber are fabulous! It's a "how to" book on forcing just about anything indoors. At the moment I'm trying to force acorns. I have them in a little bowl in my kitchen window with some rocks and water. The book says it takes about a month. I'm almost at three weeks and nothing yet. Has anyone tried this with success? In the book, these really cute little stems have popped up and look darling in the dish with rocks and shells. Today I separated out my amaryllis bulbs, repotted, and stored in the garage for the next couple of months. Katherine says that they're really best to bring in after Christmas.... first of January. So, that's the plan. Anyway, this book is great to just look at, and there's all kinds of things she's forced to bloom besides the standard paperwhites and hyacinths. I particularly like the forced stems and branches. It's a great way to bring some of your garden indoors for the winter.
Hope things are going well in your world, and all survived Halloween in one piece. Off now to finished my second little Christmas Clutch.
xo
dulcy
11 comments:
Honey I had no idea you could force acorns. lol Let me know if yours do anything.
Love love your gifts you have been working on for Christmas. I think handmade gifts are the best ever.
So much more thoughtful.
I am finally posting about my win from you tomorrow on my site also announcing my winner of my giveaway. I will be drawing that after midnight tonight
Hope your doing well honey. I just adore that magazine and to think I know someone in it is truly wonderful
Love
Maggie
Hi Dulcy,
The lucky recipient of one of your hooked bags is going to love it! This one is soooooo wonderful! I wish I could make all my gifts.....wishful thinking there! I have never forced anything but the usual hyacinths etc. Let us know if you get those acorns to force. Would love to see what they look like!
Happy hooking!
Cathy G
Dulcy, your little hooked clutch with the pretty flowers is such a special gift thet your friend will be thrilled to receive.
I never heard of forcing an acorn but in nature they usually go through a cold period much like the tulip bulb so maybe it needs to be put in a cold environment before forcing, just a thought. Maybe a botanist could help with this question. Good luck. JB
Beautiful ideas!
Acorns?!?!
Love it!
I imagine your home
is a wonder to behold:)
-Jennifer
Wow, to be considered your friend and receive such a lovely gift...One blessed friend.....
Never heard of forcing acorns..please keep us posted....
That little purse is lovely - lucky friends indeed.
Acorns? You are so lucky to have them - there are no oaks where we live. I hope they sprout for you. That looks like an inspirational book for a gardener who isn't ready to let go ;)
What a sweet hooked clutch! A very special gift...the best ones are handmade!
Love your clutches, if I had a life away from my yard, I'd have one, they are adorable. I'm one of them backpack carryin' nuts...ha!
Your pastel is wonderful, I'd love to do that robins' pose in watercolors...I love painting bird studies, they make me smile, good work and good luck with the acorns, what a sweet idea, may have to try that one!
sharon
Dulcy:
That little hooked bag is simply precious!!!!!
I am curious, however, if the little pumpkin item on the face of your blog, is a little bag or a little mat? It is darling. Such great use of color and randomness. I just love it!!!!!!
I want to hear all about bringing your garden inside. And your clutches are inspiring ~ makes me want to get my rug hooking out and create! So good to see you today! Can't wait until Wed. ~ kt
Hmmm... forcing an indoor garden. I think that might just be the project Sloane and I have been looking for.
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