Giving Money as a Present

I’ve got money on my mind. Our nephew will be 18 soon and we don’t know what to get him. Money is the obvious thing but is it a bit of a cop-out to give money as a present? Can’t we be more imaginative. Can’t we be bothered. Aren’t they worth more than that.   The thing is that money has its uses it can be: A resource with which someone can use for what they really want. An exchange of energy, you earned it...

Creating A Gratitude Book

As some of you will realise gratitude is a them of mine. Some time ago, months in fact, the idea came to me to start making Gratitude Books to give as presents.If we  record all the things we are grateful for, that we love and that make our hearts sing in one place we have it to turn to in the more troublesome times. When things feel tough and negativity threatens to engulf us we can open our book and remind ourselves of the bounty and beautiful we know...

Gift from the Heart

I’m lucky enough to live close to a glorious expanse of beach called Tralee Bay. One end is sand and the other pebbles. When I need to clear my head and reconnect with the wonder of nature it is a wonderful place to go.  Painting of Tralee beach by local artist Alex Gourlay, of Port Appin Studios   A few weeks ago I walked with the intention of finding a heart-shaped stone. I wanted one for a gift I was making for a friend. Intention is a...

Present Stash

I don’t know about you but I have often be caught out on the present front; forgotten or not known about a birthday or find myself unexpectedly invited somewhere, that sort of thing. My solution is to have a present stash; a selection of items which I can draw on in times of emergency. Here’s an extract from a earlier blog post about this very subject. I visited Kilmartin Museum today which I would thoroughly recommend. The Glen is full of...

Present in a Pot

I’ve moved this post over from my old blog. Spring is the ideal time to create pots full of flowers or food to give away as presents. I arrived in Euston, London on one of the hottest days of the year. A mistake you may say but actually there’s little choice when trying to get to the south from here, all in the same day. I left Connel Ferry at 8.30am being the sole person to get on the train, only to arrive in London with thousands. Last year...

Making A Wrapping Paper Tree

A pretty picture you could give to anyone:   1. Gather together: Various sheets and odds and ends of wrapping paper you like. (I collect bits and pieces of paper from all over and keep them in a box ready for projects like this as well as making cards etc) A sheet of white paper Glue – a glue stick is probably easiest. Sharp scissors A pencil 2. Make yourself a nice drink, if you’d like some music put it on, and create a pleasant space...