Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Gathering in the Peppermints

For the past few days, I've travelled high and low, searching out the elusive peppermint. Today's expeditions took me to Pier 1 and Beverly's. I suspect many of you are familiar with Pier 1. Wonderful things were found there; things that as yet remain in their alarmingly large Pier 1 bag. I hesitate to unveil these wonders to the male eye because . . . well, just because. You know, right?

I DID NOT leave them in the trunk of my car though. In my class this past weekend, I heard a cautionary tale of a quilter who left her fabric purchases in the trunk of her car, only to have her car stolen. And never recovered. The police officer failed to understand the quilter's panic. No telling what the insurance company thought. Be warned.

Anyway, Beverly's. If you live in northern California, you probably know Beverly's. And if you don't? Think Michael's but better and with fabric--quilt shop quality fabric. Kind of a high-ish end craft, fabric, and holiday decorating mecca. Good stuff. (And 50% off on Christmas stuff on Saturday, I think.)

So now I believe I'm done searching for peppermints and shopping for Christmas decorating stuff unless I've forgotten something. My friend Eileen thinks I go on shopping sprees, and she's at least partly right. I don't enjoy shopping much, so when I'm inspired by stuff like peppermints, I tend to do it all at once and get it done--and get all the other things purchased I've been needing for awhile too. So, yeah, I'm done now I think.

My friend Eileen also asked me whether I'm skipping Thanksgiving and going right to Christmas. Funny, but Hubby asked the same thing. No, I'm not. But it's not like I can start cooking the turkey right now. However, I CAN start getting some of the Christmas stuff ready so I can put it up right after Thanksgiving. Like peppermint picks.

"Say what?! Peppermint picks? What the heck's she talking about, Mabel?!"

Okay, I'll show you--but don't tell Martha, okay? She'd probably say she invented them.

First I gathered my peppermints and other pick-making supplies, like purchased already-made picks from Michael's, peppermint decorations, small glass ornaments, sprays of white berries, green floral tape, wire cutters, glue gun, etc. See? All kinds of goodies!


Then I snipped wires and cut things apart (kind of like quilting, when you think about it) and divided everything up; then I put it all together again with tape and glue, tied a bow on it, and it looked something like this:


And then I did that again nine times more and the peppermint picks looked a little like this:


And now I have ten rather awesome looking peppermint picks to decorate my kitchen Christmas tree--when it gets put up after Thanksgiving. And all I have to do is shove them in the branches. Sort of.

Oh, and something else about Beverly's. See the red and white stripe and polka dot fabrics, kind of above and behind the "bouquet" of peppermint picks? I found those pieces at Beverly's. Tomorrow night, if things go according to plan, I'll use them to show you how to make some quick placemats for your holiday table or for gift giving. (And maybe I'll also use some of the other fabrics there to the left.) This is one of the projects I gave my class last Saturday. I hope you can stop back by--see you later!

13 comments:

QuiltSue said...

I've got my cutter in hand, and I'm ready to go.

Orcsmom said...

Hey, go to my blog, I posted a picture of the placemats that I started in class Sat., and finished Sunday. I also cut out 4 more sets with double sided napkins to go with them , and I will have them done on Wed., since I am off. Thanks again for the great tips and food on Saturday! See ya Monday at Knot-y Ladies.

Hugs!
Pam

Three Birds Inspired said...

Yes, yes!! to the quick placemats! I am desperate for quick and easy Christmas gifts. I am already starting to panic!

Unknown said...

Very cute Kim, How easy you make it seem. So on to the plave mats. '
I bet you have fun with Stitch and the Christmas decorations this year. Think about that.

Anonymous said...

Well just aren't you clever! I saw some peppermint candles the other day at Hobby Lobby.

dianne said...

sweet! and the hints of peppermint purchases oughta inspire
Auntia to go to Pier One with me (she doesn't like how the store smells - like eucalyptus and bamboo and rattan and formaldehyde all wrapped into one distinct scent that takes me back to the 70s (way, way, WAY before her time) and see if we can add to her peppermintanalia

Anonymous said...

Oh how I LOVE your peppermint pick arrangements!!! They turned out so lovely. You little Christmas elf you!
melissa

Busy Little Quilter said...

OMG!!! These are so adorable! I have those peppermints (the little ones, too!) I hope you don't mind if I "copy" you!!!

I'm looking forward to the placemat tutorial. I already have my Christmas fabric crates out and ready to go. (You sort of scared me the other day when you said Christmas was 46 days away, so I got busy!!!)

Jocelyn said...

This is just TOO cute!

Anonymous said...

I was hoping you would share some of the projects from your class. I wasn't able to go.
Chris in Sacramento

Sinta Renee said...

I love your peppermint picks and I think your obsession has served you well! You know I'm going to have to copy you now!

Shirley--Knot-y Embroidery Lady said...

Your picks are beauties.
I loved the class on Saturday. I can hardly wait until I get this week behind me and pick up where I left off in class! Your food and class were THE BEST!

PunkiePie (Jen) said...

Clever! What a great holiday centerpiece those would make, tucked into some simple greens. Love it!