The year comes to an end

Today was the last Simple Living Toowoomba workshop and it finished off the year just perfectly for our group. Since last February we have learned how to recycle/reuse, declutter,  make sourdough, do Sashiko embroidery etc. Each workshop has been interesting as has been the chatter and questions from those attending about how to make soap, the principles of permaculture, the finer tips of making sourdough, how to replace plastic and so on. We have all learned so much from each other even though none of us are experts.

You are probably wondering where I got that beautiful purple lily in the photo above....well all will be explained at the end of this post :-)

Racheal from Birdsong Market Garden started the morning off with showing us how to make seasoned salt which would make great Christmas gifts. Racheal buys Himalaya salt in bulk which you can see in that huge bottle.

This was followed by Margaret who showed us how to wrap gifts, etc. Furoshiki style. There are instructions in that link if you would like to have a go.

Considering Margaret had left her fabric she was going to work with at home and had to use what she always has on hand in the car, she did very well. Sorry for the blurry photos but I had the camera on the wrong setting even though I did actually have my glasses on :-)

This is one way of wrapping a gift for Christmas, birthdays etc.

Then our co-ordinator, Margy, showed us an easy way to make a little box instead of gift wrapping. I was sitting next to Shiralee from A Peaceful Homemaker who thought they were pillow boxes so I had a look for them on Pinterest and there are some really pretty ones on there if you want to check out this link.

I have made a different size of these before and did a post a couple of years ago called 'Stop! Don't throw out those Christmas cards' as I made a box from a card.

Then we shared a Secret Santa gift. Someone made this beautiful crocheted rag rug....

.....as well as some other lovely bits and pieces to go with it. 

I was second last to pick my gift and chose this stunning lily which Margaret brought along so I now have instructions on how to look after it especially during winter. Isn't it the most gorgeous colour?

We finished off with buying some gifts and veggies from our clever ladies, Shiralee who also has an Etsy shop Hilda and Lillian....

....Margaret who made dishcloths, facecloths and crocheted bags and Racheal who brought along some of her produce from Birdsong Market Garden which sold like hot cakes. 

So if you live in our region do come along and join in next year. We have visitors from the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Warwick etc. so perhaps you can bring along a couple of friends and make a day of it in our beautiful city. 

Planning for next year's workshops is already under way and we will be learning about herbs in the first one which will be in February. 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!