Our Sunday Morning - Last Week and Now

As i got so busy last week with making presents and otherwise getting ready for our festivities, i never got around to upload photos, let alone post here. So, here are 2 photos - 1 from what we did last Sunday Morning and what happened today..as we are back home after a whirlwind family visit extravaganza!!

Oh, and Happy Belated Solstice to you as well....

We made truffles for the first time, and wanted to share them as gifts. Last Sunday, we finished them off after doing most of the work Saturday night. We made two kinds - Cream Earl Grey Milk Chocolate (for our non-vegan friends) and Dark Chocolate Fudge. The second recipe i got from jae steele's great book Get it Ripe. I sprinkled it with cinnamon and cocoa but otherwise i followed the recipe. Fun to make, a big process, and a bit messy. I am happy with the taste of both but definitely need to work on my coating technique.
This is Li'l C and i at my parents house this morning. He loves the camera, almost as much as he loved all the family, company, and attention he got this weekend!

I wanted to fix up our wreath, and saw this great idea on Design Sponge. While i didn't want to devote a whole wreath to my left over felted sweaters (as i had other ideas for them, that i will show you soon), i could at least make a few leaves.

Instead of using an oak template, i looked up holly leaves to trace. I found these pine branches discarded on the side of road, i'm assuming from someone else's tree maybe? Suits me! I also like that i've been able to reuse my standard wreath and just update it a bit. I am calling this year's winter holiday decorations as Chez JVC 'a homemade christmas,' as you can see from my previous post, most of our tree decorations were handmade too.

Our Sunday Morning - Tree Trimmings

We bought our tree last night, and set it up to decorate today. We are lucky enough to live in a neighbourhood that has a farmer himself come in to sell organic trees from about 3 hours from us. He talked about the culture shock of staying in Canada's biggest city for these last 2 weeks, but i know i would say the same if i was in his shoes!
Anyway, here are two photos to describe this morning. Lil C has helped me put together this yo-yo garland over these last few weeks, and he especially enjoys wearing it as a boa. And, we all enjoyed some festive drinks - C had rice milk with cinnamon, J had Soynog with whiskey, and i had Soynog with Amaretto. Yum!!!

Christmas Tags

Just a quick note to check in with you all, as we're still in holiday mode here. Christmas is a week-long vacation for us, not just two days!

This year, as usual, i wanted to do something fun for gift wrapping and tags. I decided to not buy any new wrapping or bags, nor gift tags. So we used old gift bags (even ones that weren't so festive like this one above) and i looked through my stock of old holiday cards to make gift tags. I don't know why i keep all that i do, but luckily i had a lot of old cards that i could re-use. They make simple tags and are great for my wallet and Mother Earth!

I also used old fabric that i didn't want anymore. I found festively coloured ones from a trip to India i made, and also used fabric remnants from recent projects. Fun and a great way to add to the gift itself!

The Holiday is Almost Over

As i sit here, i am in awe that it is already January 2009, and my holiday is almost over. I kept to my simple plan of reading, watching movies, and eating at home. But, now i feel like 2 weeks has gone by and i'm just not READY to return to work! I have slept in, yes. I have relaxed, yes. I even have eaten well. But, now i feel like a couch potato instead of the having just had the luxurious at-home vacation i so craved for. Maybe because i haven't crafted or done much home work. But, hey, i am more relaxed than i have been in months.
Having said all that, this holiday was also filled with some great visits with friends and family. I have to include the whole month of December, as we started our festivities early. Seeing friends from out west, and friends we don't see enough was an added bonus or two! Also, spending time with family was lovely this year. The drives to see them weren't as treacherous as we expected, and each visit was longer than the typical dinner visit. Very nice. Very chatty.So, now that the holidays are over, i can share with you what i was working on. Here are some of the projects that kept me busy post-gift giving. I made a long scarf for my father-in-law (it was nice to make something straight off of someone's wish list!), i embellished some linen napkins i gave to my sis and soon-to-be-brother-in-law(!) using the Blender Pen method (don't you just love this simple technique!), and i made my sis a long necklace of found objects i thought she'd appreciate (knit balls, a very old key, and a replica of the Empire State Building).

A funny story about the scarf: I had been working steadily on it for about the whole week prior to Christmas. My father-in-law was looking for a long scarf of at least 60 in. I figured a scarf would definitely something i coudl finish in this time period. So, i estimated how many balls that would take, and bought an extra, Just In Case. Well, you know how the story goes. It's the eve of Christmas Eve, and i have used up all my balls, but i only have 55 inches or so, and i was pretty much done. Not wanting to give my FIL something he didn't want, and already taking a chance knitting him something myself, i was determined to find a knitting store open on Christmas Eve. Sure enough, the lovely shop Lettuce Knit was open for a shortened day - the staff person there even told me they're open just for last-minute holiday knitting emergency needs like mine. Whew. Thankfully, the 1 1/2 hour drive to the families allowed me to finish the project without a worry at all.

a crafty vegan's 12 Days of Christmas - Day 12

Spending Time with Family and Friends

Clearly, this is what i was doing yesterday as i didn't get around to post! I love Christmas, because it means good quality time with loved ones. Even though J and i see our families throughout the year, visits typically are shorter and not as jovial. Maybe it's the opening of presents that makes us feel jovial, or maybe it's because everyone is together, or maybe it's because it's tradition. All of the above works!

Yesterday was no exception - we spent time with both our families, talking and sharing stories. I also love Christmas because it means spoiling and treating our families to gifts, something my parents especially do for me all year long. It's good to let them know i appreciate that and want to give back, as a way of saying thanks and i love you.

The rest of the week, we'll be getting to catch up with other friends and i'm looking forward to that too - some friends who i haven't seen in months and Christmas allows us that.

Crafty Holiday 2007

Here are some of the highlights from this holiday season. I tried to cut down on my gifts, as last year i felt like an over-worked elf. I really enjoyed making things this year, and only had a few mishaps - namely i ran out of white thread on Christmas Eve! Yikes! I also didn't finish a gift for my sis in time, but good thing she's a crafter too because she understood.

It was especially fun making the softies for my nephew - i made them on the cute book we got him, The Octonauts. Very fun. I can't wait to see a show with them, as i also made a puppet theatre from Bend the Rules for his birthday.

The napkins were made with a lovely white cotton that had bubble-like circles on them - i thought it made the napkins a bit more classy. And, get a load of those books! I've already gone through Midwest Modern several times and bookmarked some inspirational pages for my new house. My cat loves when we get gifts because he loves to tear apart the tissue paper. I don't let him eat it, and the mess is manageable enough - we all deserve a treat, don't we?!

Day 12 - Merry Christmas Tree

Every year, i look forward to decorating the tree, and have fallen in love with using a real tree. This year, i brought out the ornaments and used a 'craft' vibe. I also have a collection of ballerina ornaments as well as mermaid, so i mismatch and play with the theme each year. I annually add a new ornament to the tree, whether it's something i bought, or more appropriately, make.This year, i made some birds out of knitted squares. Here are the simple steps to make your own:
1) Knit a small square, and fold in half on the diagonal.
2) Mattress-stitch 3/4 of it closed, and add cotton batting as the stuffing. Can also insert a small stick of pipe cleaner to mimic legs.
3) Close the seam and then add outside features: some wings, beak and eyes. For the wings, i knit even smaller triangular pieces. And, for the beak, i cut a small diamond shape out of felt, and i cross-stitched the eyes on. I also added a tail from the left-over yarn. Once done, i added a piece of ribbon to attach to to attach the tree.

I'll be off from blogland for a few days, so have a Merry Christmas and wonderful New Year. See in in 2008!

Day 11 - Learning New Crafts

I am a creature of habit, and the crafts i make fall into this category as well. I wanted to broaden my craft skills and adventures this year, so i spent some time looking through my Readymade magazines and book for gift inspirations.

My sister is also very crafty, and while we share some craft mediums, she also does amazing work with cross-stitch and resin jewellry. So, since she's so creative, i wanted to make her something that stepped out of my craft realm.

I decided on a great lace bowl from the Readymade book. I had to use epoxy to make a mould, and it was a fun project that included rubber gloves - something that typically is not in my repertoire. This was a good challenge, and while it required a few steps and improvization, i'm happy with how it turned out. Sis was a bit confused at first what it was for, but after i explained it was a bowl with separate holes, we got on a roll that it could be for fruit, muffins, and of course, cupcakes!

Day 10 - Being with Friends

December marks holiday parties with friends, let alone family. We've gone to some now, and still have a couple more for just after Christmas day. One thing i truly love is the commitment my friends have to my vegan ways. Thought and care is put into ensuring that i can eat something, and not just salad, but something similar to the non-vegan dish othes are enjoying. That's what the holiday sentiment is about for me - being accepted and included.

Last night was no exception, where were were invited to a traditional Danish 6-course feast, complete with a fish and a cheese course. I made my vegan tuna salad and brought along some vegan herbed creme cheese. The rest of the dishes were lovingly put together by our hosts, and were vegan-friendly (and stretched the Danish menu to be inclusive).
Mock Tuna Salad
1 cup TVP (large chunks), rehydrated as per package
1/2 cup of vegan mayo
2 sticks of celery
1 small onion, diced (optional)
2 pickles, diced (optional)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp kelp powder
1/2 tsp seafood seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
squeeze of lemon juice
sprinkle of wasabi powder

1) Place rehydrated TVP in a medium sized bowl. Add diced veggies.
2) In a small bowl, mix mayo with spices until thoroughly combined. Add to tvp mix. Finish with splash of lemon and wasabi.
3) Chill in fridge for up to one hour and serve!

Another part of holiday parties are the gift exchanges. Dear Santa, in such an UNcompromising (right??) position here was won by my sweet partner. He actually lept up over the table to get it in his madness to win it, even. We played what is called (to us, anyway) Bingo Plus where 2 rounds of dice are played, and people who get a 6 can pick a price. The second round involves stealing other people's gifts. And this, J stole happily. I'm not so sure....

Day 9 - Wrapping Presents

I love wrapping presents, and i love doing them as soon as i get home or finish making the gift. I also love reusing other things as gift wrap. This year, as i'm trying to cut costs both for me and for Mother Earth, i had fun with unique ways to wrap things.

Here are some of the highlights, i think. The round white things are sand dollars that i made into rings - costume jewellry/gift decorations.

Day 8 - Happy Winter Solstice!

My partner and i celebrate this day and love our new tradition for it. It started out in honour of my pagan sisters, and then it became our own ritual to go to Kensington Market's Festival of Lights extravaganza.

I really can't do this fun evening justice except to say it's full of street theatre, music, participatory audiences, a march, and cold feet. We take a lantern with us each year, promising to make our own one year, but so far it hasn't happened. I had every intention to make this one from Bust's current issue, but alas, life got in the way. Next year, for sure, i promise myself!

Traditionally, we took this day to have as a special occassion for just ourselves, and open one present each. Because, we're carefully watching our present spending and making this year (and therefore have less presents to open), i think what we'll do instead is enjoy some nice eggnog by the fire, with my sister who will be visiting is. Bless her for coming to see us.

Day 7 - Make and Buy Handmade

I have always grown up making gifts for friends and family, even when being crafty wasn't so 'in.' These days, we can read articles even in the New York Times about making handmade gifts, to mark how far we've come, i guess. A couple of years ago, there was even a discussion on CBC radio about the idea of making gifts vs buying, though times were a bit different then - someone had the audacity to say that making gifts is cheap and insensitive to those that can't return them to a store to get something 'better.' Grrrr to that. I'm much happier living in a world that's crafter-friendly.

I love making gifts and spending time to think of exactly what the recipient might want, and how to make it. I go through my supply of craft books and blogs to look up ideas as early as September. I have a notebook filled with craft ideas that i regularly check over. My dining room table turns into crafter central until oh about Christmas Eve. Good fun, i promise!

This year, i vowed to Buy Handmade and it's been a great challenge. I've also vowed to make gifts for everyone, but also to cut down on gifts - my little change purse is stretched thin these days! It may be too close to buy things on-line now due to mail travel (especially from the States) , but sources like Etsy or Poppytalk Handmade, let alone some great blogger stores, and the onslaught of crafter fairs are great places to go. Other great stores in Toronto include MADE, Fresh Collective, Nathelie-Roze, and my favourite hat maker Wildhagen, whose bird hat i wear is a great conversation starter!

Day 6 - Holiday Potluck Salad

Tis the season for holiday potluck parties, both at work and with friends. If you're busy with buying and/or making presents, the idea of making something to eat can be taxing, especially if it's for co-workers who are not vegan, or even vegan-friendly. What's a grrl to do?

I created this wheatberry and tempeh salad, inspired by Super Natural Food's book; her chapter on healthy pantry cooking is especially good. I thought it was a nice, festive dish, so i wanted to share it here.

Festive Salad
2 cups wheatberries, cooked as directed
1 block tempeh, small cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup vegan mozzerella cheeze
1 small apple, cubed
1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1 cup dried cranberries
handful of greens - spinach, endives or leaf lettuce

Fig Citrus Dressing
1/4 cup orange juice
zest of 1 lemon
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp fig syrup
1/2 cup olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
cracked pepper, to taste

1. Saute tempeh cubes until golden brown. Place on napkin to soak up excess oil and set aside.
2. Make dressing - grate lemon into measuring cup and add wet ingredients. Whisk together so that oil is emulsified, at least in part. Add garlic and pepper at end. Set aside.
3. Mix wheatberries, cheeze and apple in large bowl. Add dressing, seeds and berries. Mix thoroughly. Right before serving, add tempeh and greens. Transfer to a fun party plate or container to take to the potluck.

Day 5 - Book Wish List

I love books and i love having books on my shelves. I also love sitting on my couch and looking over books - craft books, cookbooks, textbooks, design books, you name it! I also love getting books as gifts, and have gotten some great ones over the years. I put some books on my Christmas Wish List this year, but i have more on an extended list - this may be where going to my local library comes in handy.

So, in no particular order, here's my wish list for this year, including craft books, cookbooks, house help, work-related texts, and novels:

* My Sweet Vegan by Hannah Kaminsky - got it, yea!
* Amy Butler's Midwest Modern - check!
* Simple Gifts to Stitch by Jocelyn Worrall
* You Grow Girl by G. Trail - check!
* Dare to Repair by Julie Sussman and Stephanie Glaskas-tenet - check!
* The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai
* A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khalid Hosseini
* Wherever You Go, There you Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn
* Knitting Nature - 39 Designs by Norah Gaughan
* Lying in Weight by Trisha Gura

Edited to add: please feel free to check out my more extended list here - i save any book i need for pleasure or work here!

Day 3 - Winter Wonderland Snow Storm

We've been hearing about the storm that was forecasted for today, and they had it right! It's been snowing here since the crack of dawn, and the estimate of 25-30 cm will be seen (if not more). It's a perfect day to stay indoors - decorate the tree, watch movies, wrap presents, and pack. Taking this photo is as far to the outside i got to today.If the weather keeps up like this, we will surely get a White Christmas, the first one in a few years!

Day 2 - Family Stockings

J requested i make him his very own personalized stocking this year. Since we have been using a basic 'Santa' one i bought him years ago, i guess he was starting to get jealous of the one my mother made me when i was young, as well as the one i made our cat. So, as i know how much he loves my restructuring of things, i made him this stocking of old felted sweaters that have been in the family. Now, all three of us have our very own place on the mantal!
It was pretty easy to make. I outlined a standard stocking for the pattern and cut the arm lengths out of two sweaters. I had scraps remaining of the red sweater - and fortunately one of them being the bottom hem that i used as the boot cuff. i then sewed the stocking right side together on the machine, turned it right-side out, and then finished the detailing with the letter 'J.'

12 Days of Christmas

I have not been so excited about this year's holiday season (i'm pretty occuppied with other things, i guess), so to get me geared up for it so i can finish those last few gifts, i will be sharing with you my version of the 12 Days of Christmas - all things crafty and vegan, i guess. Stay tuned for some cute photos, links to great sites, recipes and more!
So, on my first day of Christmas, i am enjoying a nice cup of hot cocoa at home. It's helping me relax, organize things, and feel festive.

In this cup o' co, i've put:
1 heaping tbsp fair trade cocoa
1 tbsp Dagoba Xocolatl hot chocolate mix
2 tbsp rice milk
3 tsp sugar
1 tsp vanilla
3 dashes cinnamon
3/4 cup hot boiled water

Stir the first 4 ingredients together to get rid of bumps, add the water and then the vanilla and cinnamon for extra love.

Santa Came and Went

Now that it's after Christmas, i can share with you what's been keeping me busy for the past few months. The hardest part, the part that took the longest, was the planning and organizing of what gifts to make. Once i knew what to make for whom, the flow of creativity was much easier. And this year, there was a good balance between knitting, sewing, transfer work, and other mediums of crafting. J also got into the creative side of gift-giving too and made gifts for people - he made record bowls and made transfer hankies for his dad. The bowls are quite easy to make - just heat up the oven and melt them a bit to shape. (Here's a guide.) Of course, we did work right up until the last minute, but it was all worth it.

We decided to use fabric to wrap our gifts, instead of buying new wrapping paper. This way, we save on the environment, save some money, but also give great pieces of fabric as an extra gift. I also got some wonderful gifts but i will post about them later. Christmas is, after all, about giving, right? Of course, the other great part of the holidays is to be with family and eat. A lot. I ate constantly for about 4 days in a row. A lot of yummy nut loafs and some great chocolate mint soy milk to drink. I'm glad to be home, even though there's no snow!

I have created a Flickr set of my holiday presents - to see more, feel free to check out the pictures. But, for the most part, my gift-making included:* a book bag for my sister, who's an environmental chemist, so this book was perfect
* a cat tunnel for her cat, who loves to bury herself under the covers
* a yo-yo belt (for my sis too - we always out do ourselves for each other)
* a linen table runner with block prints and cross-stitch detail for my mom
* car dice for her too because she WON a car
* a knit scarf for my dad:* placemats
* pot holders and oven mitts
* an apron* a baby jumper for a nephew who's dad Loves Star Wars
* tea pot cozies
* soaps
* dog toys and vegan dog biscuits

ps. the photo on the top was made with this cool kalaidescope thingie i bought J