Craft Night!

Well, I'm more than a little groggy this morning, but last night's Craft Circle was so much fun! In fact, as I type up this post I am enjoying my coffee along with a piece of the deep, dark gingerbread my friend Kim brought last night. It soooo delicious with a dollop of whipped cream. (Because, really - what's a Craft Night without delicious treats such as this?)

Now, my pictures are very dark because, a. I took them at night, and b. I was distracted by my "hostessing duties," so I didn't pay attention to things like flash settings and such.

Nevertheless, I'd like to share them with you!

I was expecting about eight women, but between illness and other responsibilities, only five could make it. So it was a nice cozy circle. :) Crafts included a sewing project, fashioning felt flowers, crochet and knit projects, paper crafting and as for me ... I worked in my clippings journal.

(A very little.)

So to prepare for Craft Night I set up the sitting room for tea and refreshments.  

I moved the round table into the (future) desk corner and here I set out some goodies:

And in the opposite corner I set up a tea station ...

(Inside the bear there are cocoa packets - isn't he cute?)

The family room I cleaned as best I could (of toys, clutter and whatnot) so that we'd have space to settle in and spread out. And of course I vacuumed the life out of the carpet!

And this picture really just does NOT do it justice, but on the platter below are thick pieces of that freshly baked gingebread (Kim's recipe can be found in this post):

Dear me, was it good! I only had smidge last night because I don't like to eat at night, but this morning I couldn't wait to indulge!

So we all sat and sipped and nibbled and chatted - and crafted a bit. It was a wonderful evening, the kind that relaxes you and recharges you at the same time. :)

We kept the "snow lights" on so we could see the first flakes fall, and I got to show off our flying squirrels. (They paid the feeders a visit during the meeting!) I also showed off my kitties a little (well, they showed off themselves). They were eager to be part of the group ...

Archie investigating a bag ...

... quite thoroughly.

The two of them ...

... they can be such trouble.

I think they gave the ladies a good idea of just how much trouble they can be! (Jumping on tables, knocking stuff over, scrabbling up the backs of chairs, (play)fighting, etc.) But they did it all looking incredibly cute, of course.

(Speaking of - cats, trouble, cuteness, etc. - I have a "Friday Felines" to go up later today. Probably much later today.) 

❤

And by the way, I really enjoyed reading all your responses about what you'd bring were you coming last night! (And wouldn't that have been fun? We should have a virtual "craftalong" some day ...)

What a wonderful thing it is to have a craft in your life - and some time, now and then, to spend on it. I sense a common theme among moms, though - we all try to find time for it, but as busy as we are, and as full as our lives are, it's quite hard to do that. I find when I can spend an hour or two just sitting (and sitting in itself is a treat!) and puttering over my "stuff" - I sort of reset my system. It's a way of getting in touch with something that is just me - it lifts my spirits and fires up my mind. Blogging makes me feel this way, too. :)

Ok, well I'd best be off - we're getting a late start here - I haven't even checked my email! Oh, and I jumped the gun on the desk delivery - I rearranged my day completely yesterday (even enlisting my mum to help with kid transport) because I knew I had to be here to sign for it. Unfortunately in the midafternoon I received a call from the delivery company - it will be delivered NEXT Tuesday instead. 

So those desk posts will come next week!

In the meantime, my friends, have a nice day ... I will see you again very soon!

:)

Comments

[Michelle]

Love the new photo of you! It was time for an update and I think the one you chose is "perfectly" you! Thank you for a blog I enjoy reading daily, and tea time with you is a bonus. It makes me feel like we are old friends chatting away.

[Denise]

I had thought to post about what I would be doing during your "craft session," but didn't. Instead I had a dream about it! I had to LOL! In my dream, I would have been *knitting*!!! What is so funny? I do NOT knit!! I must be thinking of the unfinished winter scarf for our brother, that my sister was trying to teach me to do - 6 years ago while she was visiting because my daughter had twins!! LOL!!! I so enjoy you sharing your life with us.

[Autumn Joy]

Thank you, Dawn. I got it this time.

[Dawn]

Hi Autumn,

The quote was by Ralph Waldo Emerson:

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in, forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day, you shall begin it well and serenely...”

Thank you for your kind words - and for stopping by! :)

Blessings,
~ Dawn

[Autumn Joy]

I'm enjoying your blog so much, Dawn. If I had attended your craft night, I would have brought my knitting. I LOVE to do all sorts of crafts, but a simple knitting project is best for me when it comes to working and talking at the same time.

I wanted to ask if you would mind posting the quote you had up previous to the one that's up now. The one about doing your best each day, and then letting each day go and starting anew. I really needed to hear that right now. Anyway, I meant to write it in my reader's journal, but it slipped my mind. Then when I remembered, it had already been taken down. Thank you so much!