14 Comments

I did a little happy dance when I read the title! I love all your writing, but this series left me feeling contented AND inspired. (Who knew that was even possible?!!)

I hope you’re planning to add to it as well!

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I'm thrilled that you're dancing! Who knew a this series was such a favorite? Yes, I'm planning on continuing - won't that be fun?

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My favorite series! Thanks for bringing it back.

I’m attending a community potluck tonight hosted by a dear friend. She starts all her gatherings with “offers and asks.” Each person shares something they have to offer (a skill, service, object, etc.) and an ask for something they need. My offer tonight will be some bundles of greens gathered from the forest and tied with twine. A gift to bring holiday cheer into other’s homes.

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My goodness I love this! Offers and asks. What could be better? And so inspiring. Love your idea of foraged greens bundles.

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Carmella:

I loved reading the back story on the sweet grandparents in Montana, oh my goodness gracious the trunk of homemade treasures.

This is certainly treasured cherish memories from an time ago.

I actually have still to this day, have an old trunk, ( hope chest) my Mom, would fill of quilts, aprons, ………. for me and Dad, made wooden jewelry box with ring he made with my initials……………( Sewing box filled, Books,)

For my very best friend who resides in California, was in the same situation, no time to shop, ship on time, so I went gathering

at home always had collection of vintage hankerchiefs, and abundance of votive candles……. Simply wrapped the candles in hankies with ribbons. I had an hummingbird cross stitch had completed but never had framed it, actually had one that fit it. She was so thrilled and she has these to this day

( years ago).

I am so happy you brought back my most fav Series With What You Have.❤️ Thank you❤️

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Candle wrapped in vintage hankies! Wonderful!

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My Dad, always liked handkerchiefs

Bakers Dozen, picky all cotton/ White., then we, started getting them monogrammed.

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Love this idea of creating and stashing until a random visitor comes to give it away.

I am always decluttering and trying to own less and giving stuff away nowadays it seems.

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This has always been my favorite series ❤️ I’m dying to see what it looked like all completed though ❤️

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I'm so happy you're thrilled about this series! I'm planning to make a bulb jar for a stocking stuffer, so perhaps I can get a pic of that one.

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Yes, I like this Series also.

I have a large "gift bag" stored with a few things like that. The most recent is a two sided table runner. I was gifted a bunch of fabric scraps so I decided to make some table runners from those scraps of fabric. Which I decided to hang one of them on a lovely hanger on the closet door of our workroom. Two-sided material/one side of colorful fabric for everyday seasonal and the other side for Christmas! One made for myself, but since I'm running out of sewing time this month, I'll gift that one as a "wrapper " for my jar of homemade tomato jam.

Thank you for sharing this post.

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Such great ideas, Melissa. And, really, shouldn't every table runner be two-sided?

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I love this story and have loved this series! I really love the idea of gifting the bulb :)

I, too, have always had a gift box (the chest idea is very intriguing). I sometimes make, and sometimes find, things that speak to me and have a usefulness about them that I gather for the right time/person. I don't have as many tucked away as I used to, but just yesterday I pulled one out for a sweet friend who is expecting a baby. It's been there, waiting, for just this occasion.

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This just makes me so happy, Susan. A baby gift waiting and ready for when you needed it give it. And, I think having both made and found gifts is just right.

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