gift – Sea Glass Pebbles

Do you ever take part in photo challenges on Instagram? I’ve done a few and find it really helpful in keeping my account active. I can’t say I’ve been especially great at completing each challenge mind you.

I’m participating in two at the moment, one for Coastal Crafts with crafty_costello and one for Etsy Christmas In July, which means I’m getting to share my summery sea glass pics as well as my wintry Christmas makes.

I’d love to hear what social media challenges you like. Pop a link in the comments if you have one.

mairidesign1I didn’t know which piece, or pieces, to choose for today’s #unique #rare #coastalpieces #craftsbytheseachallenge so I took a pic of them all 📸 @crafty_costello
There’s red, yellow, orange, peach, grey, turquoise, tall, blue, cornflower, lilac, emerald, black, white milk, turquoise milk, safety, multi, bonfire agate, and even a piece of blue kyanite.
#rareseaglass #uniqueseaglass #redseaglass #yellowseaglass #turquoiseseaglass #tealseaglass #blackseaglass #peachseaglass #kyanite #milkseaglass #blueseaglass #orangeseaglass #emeraldseaglass #bonfireseaglass #greyseaglass #lilacseaglass #multiseaglass

mairidesign1Personalised Christmas Star to hang on your tree
#photochallenge
#personalizedgifts #etsychristmasinjuly #christmasdecorations #christmasstar #star #christmasinjuly #icestar #rainbowstar #glassstar @etsychristmasinjuly
mairidesign1 #cijlovesjuly

For centuries it has been common for the bridal couple to give each guest a piece of wedding cake and a little souvenir gift of their big day in order to share their luck.

WeddingDressandAttire

Wedding favours originated among the French aristocracy and were called bonbonnieres. They would typically be a small box, made of crystal or precious stones, containing sugared almonds or other sweet treats.

This tradition spread across Europe, Italians gave chocolate and Spaniards gave orange blossoms and the English gave love knots made of ribbon and lace. Also, in the Middle East, the bride gave five almonds to represent fertility, wealth, longevity, health and happiness.

Today, the couple may give their guests a pretty bonbonniere favour. This is usually made from several layers of netting, filled with sugared almonds and tied with a ribbon. I used to make these and they are beautiful when puffed up to display their opulence.

Sea Glass Jar Mix Rope 1 But, less traditional gifts are very popular just now and couples are keen to find something a little bit different or something that fits with their theme, such as these little jars filled with mini sea glass gems, for a keepsake of their wedding by the beach.