Tuesday, December 17, 2013

T is for Twentieth Anniversary



Hi, everyone!  Won't you join me for (virtual) tea today?  In addition to the cookies above, I offer you a taste of the season...

Image source: http://alteredbooklover.blogspot.com

...not tea, but wassail!


My wassail is probably quite different from traditional English wassail.  Mine is just a mix of apple, orange, and cranberry juice, simmered together with cinnamon sticks and a clove-studded tangerine.  The wassail shown above has been chilled, but it's also good when served warm, straight from the simmering pot.


Now that we're all settled with a beverage and treats, I'll show you the project I have to share today.  It's a present that I recently gave to some relatives on their twentieth anniversary.  This couple loves camping, so I decided to make a decorative banner for their camper.  Now they can go "glamping!"  :)
 
(click to see a bigger photo)

Actually, here in Minnesota we go more for the "northwoods" look than the "glam" look, so my banner has a cozy, homespun vibe.  The pennants are made of wool felt, the motifs are from evenweave embroidery cloth, and the gingham accents are from lightweight cotton flannel.  I also used some beads, plus a button upcycled from old clothing.


In keeping with the homespun look, I used a casual running stitch, and I didn't turn under the edges of the appliques.  The bird, heart, and pennant shapes are all of my own design. 

Some of the inspiration for this banner came from personal taste and northwoods style, and the rest of the inspiration (especially the idea for love birds, as well as the running stitch) came from the Needle~Thread~Cloth October challenge.  Yes, October...I've had this banner finished for awhile, but I couldn't show it on my blog until I had given the anniversary present...which I did this past weekend.  I'm glad that I could finally share the photos with you.  Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

8 comments:

Craftymoose Crafts said...

I've never had wassail of any type, but judging by the ingredients, it sounds like something I would like. Lovely banner--glad you could finally show it off!

Rita said...

I've never had wassail, either. Yours sounds good, though. I might have to snoop for recipes online. I never would have thought of it.
Yup! MN is north woods with wolves and bears usually--LOL!
Happy T-Day!

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I made wassail once. I started with the same ingredients you used, then added pineapple juice, the cinnamon sticks, whole allspice, and sugar. I added orange slices to the hot wassail mugs. I love it. It's like apple cider on steroids (grin).

Your banner is adorable. I love the design, and the fact that you made it look almost "primitive."

Sorry I'm late. My internet is down and will be for a couple of days, so I'm at my neighbor Sally's working on her laptop, which is NOT fun. I'm no good with a touchpad because I need a mouse.

Thanks for joining T today. Now I'm in the mood to throw some ingredients in the crock pot and let them simmer while I sing a song about wassailing.

I'll miss you the next two weeks. Have a lovely Christmas and safe, festive new year!

~*~Patty S said...

Your wassail looks and sounds delicious = a refreshing treat hot or cold I'm sure!

The anniversary banner you made is lovely and such a thoughtful gift...

oxo

Halle said...

The wassail sounds delish! I really like the banner.

Lynette Jacobs said...

i had no idea what wassail was ;-)

I love your banner.

Dianne said...

oh my, the wassail sounds delicious. I used to make it with orange, apple, and lemon juice--and quite a bit of sugar! the cranberry option sounds lovely...cute banner...your friends will think of you whenever they put it up! happy T day!

Denise van Deventer said...

The wassail sounds gorgeous....I am pretty sure the combination of ingredients would be awesome together! Love your sweet banner....
Wishing you a really blessed and joyous Christmas Denise! May it really be wonderful and special! xx