Sweet Mary

One of the standout things that makes Christmas special for me is a handmade decoration. Made by the giver or bought from a maker to give to me, they are my most treasured possessions. From the ones made by my children when young to the ones given to me by like minded friends, they all hold a special place in my heart. Every year for my Sweet Mary stall I make a small number of decorations for Christmas. In past years these have been a variation on the lavender sachet, one year a bird, another a heart, some years there are both. As I now stock a good number of vintage buttons and have many jars full at home, this years decoration is a small Christmas wreath decorated with some of my favourites. My husband made the wire circles which I bound with bias binding and then many nights I have sat down to watch television and to stitch the buttons on each wreath. Each decoration is a one off and rather special and I have to admit, very enjoyable to make. They will be available at the next P...

A quick walk around the garden initially to do a bit of spot weeding and check on blackbird damage turned into spring posy making. The deep purple stocks and sweetpeas are particularly beautiful, its amazing how such a simple job can quickly turn into a feast of colour and scent. Hope you are all having a happy Monday! Go gather a posy, spring or autumn, you will be surprised at what is in your garden.