Bearing gifts

A couple of nights ago we were invited to share a take away tonight at some very special friends of ours. We rarely have a take away these days and it was so delicious having Indian food again. My curries are never quite up to scratch and I adore spicy/hot food, so, to have some authentic curry was amazing. My tummy is so full and happily satisfied now that I am home in my PJ's tucked up all cosy in bed with the laptop. I wanted to show you what I spontaneously made this morning for these lovely friends.

I love candles at any time of the year but especially during Advent and on Christmas day, so I always buy candles when I spot good quality ones (that don't drip everywhere) and ones that are reasonably priced. I wrapped up 3 candles with some vintage crochet lace that I had in my stash and crocheted up one of Planet Penny's hearts found here with some of her white cotton she gave me. I sewed around the heart with some silver thread and attached it to the vintage crochet and embellished this gift with some winter foliage.

I then spent an hour or so up-cycling 3 of Andy's 'ready to be recycled' little green glass beer bottles to make sweet little candle holders for safe and steady burning.

  
Can you spot some of the bits and bobs that I have already made like my wrapping paper here, my crocheted snowflakes here and my little cornflour and bicarb home made 'hope' bell decoration here?

These will make perfect little up-cycled candle holders for their festivities I hope.

Something so easy, cheap and fun that anyone could do with a little imagination (and a husband who likes a little French beer or two :o)

We also gave them an A-Z of fun things to do tea towel from one of my favourite shops in Hastings and gave their girls a little pressie each.

I simply love wrapping up presents, tying bows and using twine together with different bits and bobs (buttons, badges, shells, beads, foliage, old photographs, ribbons, home made tags etc) I have gathered to embellish my little gifts. For me, there is nothing better than a beautifully wrapped present. It makes the giving that much more special.

I guess its time to lay down my weary head, thanks so much for your fabulous comments and for visiting my blog. 

Have you up-cycled anything for Christmas this year?

Would you consider making this cheap and cheerful candle stick holder idea?

See you all very soon

xox

Penelope