Bird Nest Cone...

Oh how can it be such a very short amount of days until Christmas?  My lists are long and time is short. Thankfully I have been able to spend time in my studio and check off an item or two.  When you have a gift to make do you begin with an idea or a sketch or a pattern or maybe something else?  Do you follow your original plan or do you "wing" it as you go along?  This bird nest cone is one of those gifts that was in my head for months but never clear as to how I would create it.  I gathered supplies and they sat on the table.  I would add or subtract from the lot and there they would sit.  I never had the right inspiration...until...
I just began my project and it came together from entirely different components.  Nothing at all like I had in my mind.  This is my best way to create.  I let the gift speak to me and determine how it wants to come together.

I am so pleased with how this turned out.  Even Mr. C was liking it and that is rare.  I used lots of fibers, laces, ribbons and my special hand sewn origami bird.  What do you think of the finished gift?  I am hoping the recipient will be very pleased as well.  This bird nest cone is due to take flight to its new home very soon.

While sorting through my supplies (insert "STUFF") I found this Christmas card I made years ago.  The envelope has a .63 cent stamp on it to include the extra hand cancel postage so this tells you it was a while ago.  I hand made the fabric beads and then formed the tree using the beads and embellishment beads.  A snowflake bead for the topper.  Some inking around the edges and off to friends and family that year.  Mr. C saw this on my table the other day and said, "That is a lot of work and no one will appreciate it."  I understand he is probably right however that never stops me from spending inordinate amounts of time making and sharing my joy of creating.  I am always drawn to the unique and hand made from the heart gifts. I believe my time and creativity is part of the gift I am giving.  Money and store bought do not always give from the heart.  I treasure making something special for someone.
We have had rain and then very strong gale force winds for several days.  Today was hours of raking up pine needles and debris into piles.  Tomorrow we will load the truck and deliver them to the county landfill. It is time consuming and labor intensive and expensive but necessary.  A huge pine tree fell across the roadway and took out phone lines but no one was injured.  We did have a struggle getting home around the road blockage but managed to drive around the cones from the top after trying the bottom of the road.  It was dark and we had no idea what was closing our street.  Power was out for several hours too. Thankfully all is well.  More rain is expected for Thanksgiving.
I have much to be thankful and grateful for...Family, Friends, Food, Shelter and my Loving Husband.  May you each have a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving.  Blessings to all...