Inspiration from nature

I had a big party to go to on Sunday. November is my cousin's birthday month and she decided on a whim to throw a party. I think I was more excited than she was because I don't usually go out without my entourage - my three children.

I couldn't go empty handed either and I didn't know what I could give to the girl who has everything. She used to be in the music business and shopping was what she did when she wasn't performing. Over the weekend and during my errands, colors kept flying at me -

I had very little juice left in my camera when I came across this beautiful maple tree there seemingly all alone at our town pool. I pulled the car over and ran to take the picture before I lost the late afternoon light.

When I got home, I knew just what I would do for my cousin's gift. I ransacked my stash and came up with these two beauties -


The problem now was how to get it done in less than a day. Guerrilla knitting had to be employed, which meant knitting every sitting and standing moment - in line, in the car at stop lights, at the stove, in the bedroom....


I also ransacked my jewelry box for a suitable strap, I found a silver chain. My cousin also likes vintage stuff, I had exactly one vintage button...





I didn't get to line it, of course, because I had no fabric and I truly can't sew (no matter how close I am with my cousin she was not going to get a lining made out of my only two Hermes scarves) . I was hoping the bling of the silver strap would get her to not notice that the bag wasn't lined. Besides, if she really wanted it lined, she can send it out to one of her old wardrobe geniuses, they'd be able to line it blindfolded!

Oh, and to give you a taste at just how fab the party was -