A Cottage Witch's Gift Guide 🎁 The Art of Frugal Hedonism

“Noone has ever become poor by giving.” ― Anne Frank
Hello Wildflowers! In this episode, we’ll be exploring the art of frugal hedonism, having a glimpse at what an Australian Christmas feels like, and making some charming handmade gifts that cost next to nothing. From pet portraits, sugar scrub bars, and chocolate truffles to miniature faerie gardens and scented charm bags, we'll be using all our witchy creative skills and thrift store finds to craft our way to a truly magical holiday season.
I so hope you will enjoy the video!
🎁 THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WATCHING, WILDFLOWERS 🎁
🎁 MY SOCIAL MEDIA AND LINKS 🎁
• Shop: www.nancychalmers.com/shop
• Patreon: / theramblingrose
• Instagram: / nancychalmers_
• Facebook Page: / nancychalmer. .
• Blog: www.nancychalmers.com/blog
'Birthstone' necklace by Argent Silversmith: argentsilversmith.com/
'Wise Old Owl' wall vase from Little Oddly: / littleoddly
'Catch the Wave' and 'Wicked One' songs by Velvet Moon: open.spotify.com/artist/0hK1a...
00:00 Summer Arrives in The Shire
01:13 The Art of Frugal Hedonism
03:13 A Sweet Pet Portrait
07:50 Scented Charm Bags
10:17 Choc Mint Truffles
12:05 A Mini Fairy Garden
14:24 Calendula Sugar Scrub Bars
17:21 A Travelling Spirit

[@lindamcconnell1653]

Bonjour from Quebec. As I write this, fog is rolling in and enveloping my little corner of the world in the countryside. Fairies must be whispering. I've just discovered your channel and am spoiling myself on this last day of the year 2022 by watching all of them. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and delightfulness. We all so need it.

[@theramblingrose_]

Bonjour Linda! Wow, that sounds so ethereal and moody. I'd love to see it! I'm so thrilled that you are having a 'Rambling Rose' marathon to ring in the new year. Which is your favourite episode so far? xx

[@autieangie]

that dress is STUNNNNNING!!!

[@theramblingrose_]

Awww thank you! You know, this was a thrift store find, there's no label!! I can't believe how perfect it fits 🌷🌼🌺

[@chantellucky4565]

❤️❤️❤️ What a beautiful, beautiful white dress on you!!! Love it!!!

[@theramblingrose_]

Thank you, I love this one so much. Almost warm enough now to put on my summer frocks again 🌹xx

[@GeorginaNZ011]

An absolute joy of a video again Nancy! Absolutely adore all of the gift ideas, the thought and love that goes into anything handmade truly makes it that much more special 🙂

[@theramblingrose_]

It really does! But… I’m afraid I’ll need to make more truffles 🙊 I kinda sneakily ate them all!! 😂 Thanks for watching Georgina, I’m so happy you enjoyed the episode. Can you remember, what is the best handmade gift you ever received?!

[@ericaemmett7069]

I *love* the sugar scrub bars! I’d always been put off by the idea of making soaps because of the complexity, these would be perfect!

[@theramblingrose_]

That’s how I felt for a long time about candles… but I’m working on mastering ALL the crafts over my lifetime - that will keep me busy! Like anything, once you’ve had the homemade version of a body product, you never want to go back!

[@CricketsBay]

Melt & Pour glycerin soap is quite easy to work with. And fun. It only requires molds (any shape or size), dyes or micas, a container to pour from, a spoon to stir it, and a microwave. It's a lot of fun and not complicated. But melt & pour soap does need to be kept away from moisture and high humidity until time to use it.

[@theramblingrose_]

@@CricketsBay oooh, I might try this myself in a future episode. Thanks for the tip!

[@user-dd2kw9hf5h]

This looks like such fun to make. The kitty painting turned out so cute....Thank you for sharing...All the best...Melaine Fay

[@theramblingrose_]

Thanks so much. I loved that painting too and kind of wanted to keep it. That's a sign of a great gift, I suppose! Merry Christmas ❤️🎅 xx

[@hamnaddan1]

Omg, your videos and narratives are the most enchanting and peaceful ones i've ever watched. Your beautiful voice is the cherry on the top. And your beautiful dresses... where do you get them or what are their brands? Do you make them yourself? If yes, bravo. Keep the videos coming. Love them

[@theramblingrose_]

Oh, what a gorgeous, sweet comment, thank you! Many of the dresses are thrifted, but some are from an Australian label called 'Princess Highway' or 'Falkreath the Label'. I am keeping all my fingers and toes crossed for a lovely, ethical, sustainable label to sponsor the channel one day... because, alas, I cannot sew with this kind of skill! 🌹xx

[@sarahstewart4922]

A very beautiful video with some very helpful tips for this holiday season!

[@theramblingrose_]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed it xox

[@trishs.4326]

Love your gift giving ideas 💡 🌝👍🎉🙏

[@sarahmckelvey5178]

Beautiful!! Thank you Nancy!!

[@theramblingrose_]

Thanks Sarah! This was a huge episode for me but I loved each and every craft 🎁 what was you favourite??

[@leannebatten5761]

I have just found this channel and I absolutely love it.....thankyou

[@theramblingrose_]

You're so welcome, Leanne! Lovely to hear that and to meet a kindred soul 🥀 xx

[@ticisland]

So very beautiful and inspiring. I am in QLD and totally melting at the moment. I have enjoyed so many of your videos today while painting my books of shadows page. 🥰 Thank you for sharing this magical part of yourself. Your dad's song in your other video bought tears to my eyes, it was just the sweetest.

[@theramblingrose_]

Aww that's so sweet. I'm actually visiting Dad now and I read your comment out to him. He loved it! Thank you so much for watching xx

[@petrabraun3899]

So many good ideas Nancy! Loved to watch you creating!!

[@theramblingrose_]

Thank you dear, Petra! I’m thinking about painting my studio space to make it feel even more cosy and creative (you can see just how tiny it is in this film!). I still don’t have air conditioning though… so this summer all my gouache has been drying out!

[@thebeautyofyogaamberknight8957]

Such a beautiful visual display of ideas to share with loved ones. Your videos are magical Nancy!

[@theramblingrose_]

Thank you so much Amber! Magical is the energy I'm trying to create, that is for sure. Making life as enchanted as possible is really what gets me going in the morning aha xx

[@pattiedavison4298]

So Beautiful 😻 Thanks you so much for sharing with us 💞

[@theramblingrose_]

Oh you are so welcome, Pattie! Thank you for watching 💐xx

[@debby891]

So many creative ideas and gifts from the heart and hands are always more special❤

[@radiantchristina]

Fabulous video and great tips! The painting is adorable !

[@theramblingrose_]

Ohhh thank you so much for watching and subscribing, Christina! I'm so thrilled you enjoyed this episode. I'm uploading a brand new one right now, so I hope you'll enjoy that too xx

[@claudiaporta3883]

I find your videos so enjoyable! I love the kitty painting gift you have done as a lover of cats I would be frill to receive a present like that, your friend is a lucky lady!!🌸💗🪷

[@theramblingrose_]

Oh Claudia! Thank you so much for your kind comments. I’m actually doing two more pet portraits this week - a scruffy little terrier named Eric and a beautiful white pointer named Lucy. Can’t wait to get started!

[@CAILINSONA]

Another beautiful beautiful video. The painting of that kitty is just so special!

[@theramblingrose_]

Aww thank you! I'm working on two more pet portraits this week, I do so love them 🥰 Thanks for watching xx

[@kelseydavis501]

So lovely Nancy!!

[@theramblingrose_]

Oh Kelsey, thank you so much! It makes me so happy to see my 'Sistas' comments pop up!

[@BrittanyS143]

Hi, love your soul! Your introduction omg if as you stole the words out my mouth lol! If everyone on earth would w

[@theramblingrose_]

Wow, thank you! I'm so so happy to know my words and stories are reaching out to kindred souls. Sending love from my corner of the world to yours, Brittany 😊

[@hilkkahirvonen4831]

Another wonderful video, so proud you’re in Australia! I’m in Melbourne 😊😘

[@theramblingrose_]

Oh hello Melbourne friend! I lived there for over a decade, teaching at a design school in the city. It's a pretty great city - especially the restaurants! yum!

[@galelascala105]

Everything here is just so delightful, I am loving it all. So glad I found this the other day. I'm binge watching as I'm laid up with a twisted knee. More, Nancy, more videos! lol

[@theramblingrose_]

Oh wow, Gale!! I wish I could make another 30 videos for you overnight so your healing time flies by! Let's ask the faeries to send some elves in the night to edit all my footage hehe xx

[@galelascala105]

@@theramblingrose_ yes, I need some faerie magic...lol. really looking forward to the next video. I am in awe of the artwork you create, it's just beautiful ❤️

[@theramblingrose_]

@@galelascala105 Ooh I'll give you a super sneaky hint at what the next episode is about... 🍁🍎🍂🥧

[@cathypatman1224]

Loved It! Everything there in your Garden is Beautiful! Loved Your Gorgeous gifts, Especially your Soaps! The weather there in looks so Wonderful, it's getting colder here where I live. Your Flowers look so Happy! Happy Holidays To You! 💚❤️☀️🌲☀️❤️💚

[@theramblingrose_]

Awww yes, I’m so happy with how the rose garden turned out! They’ve been loving having some sunshine after soooo much rain. Happy Holidays, Cathy! Thanks for watching xx

[@cathypatman1224]

@@theramblingrose_ Thank You! ❤️💚☀️🌲☀️💚❤️

[@margolyn8291]

Beautiful ❤️❤️ You inspire me..🌠🌠💙💙🌻🌻❤️

[@theramblingrose_]

Aww thanks Margo!

[@Gramarye_cottage]

Luv these homemade gift ideas. I have made a few in the past. You’ve inspired me to start doing them again Thank you 🙏 As I am Pagan I choose not to celebrate any Christian events but I do celebrate The Wheel of the Year so any of these would make majakil gifts for any Sabbat 💚

[@theramblingrose_]

Absolutely! I work my own pagan vibes into the calendar, as you can see, I came up with a 'Litha' tree and 'Lithamas' gifts. It's bizarre in Australia where we have our stores filled with chicks, bunnies and tulips in the middle of Autumn!

[@Gramarye_cottage]

@@theramblingrose_ yep it’s just crazy 😜

[@madakamads]

I love your videos!! Thank you for all the inspiration you provide 🧡 I'll make sure to help grow your channel. Lots of love from Brazil 🇧🇷

[@theramblingrose_]

Oh wow Madelon! I'm so glad you like my content and thank you to the moon and back for helping me grow it! I do so love making films. Where in Brazil are you from? Are you by the ocean? xx

[@madakamads]

@@theramblingrose_ hi, my dear!! I'm from the southernmost state in Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul. I live about 2 hours from the ocean, from the mountains and from the capital city, in a beautiful small town. xoxo

[@ericaemmett7069]

Forest! 😍

[@theramblingrose_]

Yay! He's a cutie. I was a little nervous that I wouldn't get him 'just right' but my friend has already had a pre-Christmas sneak peek and she loves it! Thanks for watching, Erica xx

[@hollytaylor3643]

I love your videos! When will your book be published and will it be available in the US?

[@theramblingrose_]

Hi Holly! Thank you so much, you're too kind. 'Wild Faerie Magick' will take me some time... it is 200 pages, all hand-painted! But I do have some other products coming up, and yes, they all ship worldwide 🌹xx

[@charlesperez9976]

That portrait of Forest is remarkable,such a handsome feline,I’m sure that you captured his eyes succinctly! I am not an artist by profession (because the word art and profession are like oil and water,but that is merely my taste on such things),but I started off,juvenile,as a cartoonist,then grew to the third dimension with carving Tagua nuts,making a few Didjeridu,and carving masks. Why is mugwort popping into my head? I think that was a previous video,hmm. Anyway,I take my mugwort,dry it,and infuse it with any number of oils,form it into a cone,inscense-wise,and burn it on the lap of Chuchipwe,an ancient statue,I have named him that,no need to Google it,as the name only exists in my home. And mugwort drifts,along with its brother oil,often citrus,through the air. I need to buy your book,and I shall! 🥰

[@charlesperez9976]

Those Truffles look amazing! Sadly,Chocolate is poison for me,as it is for most familiars. I am nobody’s familiar,one with no home. I merely bounce around,to inspire,and also to learn from people like yourself. I am the vagabond familiar,the moon guides me,as do the tides,who reach up to the sky,to honor her gazing eye. Noah,yours,seems like a good chap,so nice!

[@hirunijayasinghe8027]

very nice, lovely.xoxoxo 😍Amma.

[@theramblingrose_]

Aww thank you so much! I've been meaning to message you and Amma - will do today xx

[@stevenmcgonigal7755]

I was wondering do you use Aussies plants in your witchcraft

[@paulinehiggins8239]

So beautiful, I’d love to walk down the river again. Great video, just loved it. I’m making a few resin gifts this year, I agree a personal gift made just for you is just the best. LOVED your cat, your friend will love that one. Love painting, wish I was as good as you but I guess the main part is the enjoyment and I so enjoy it. Take care and again loved the video, see you again soon. 💕

[@theramblingrose_]

Thank you so much for your kind comments and for following my videos and appreciating all the hard work. What sorts of things do you make with resin? Beads and jewellery? And don't be afraid to just have fun with your art, not comparing it. I have been painting animals and flowers almost every day for about 6 years... you should have seen my first attempt at a cat - it was truly atrocious!

[@paulinehiggins8239]

@@theramblingrose_. No not jewellery as I don’t wear much but I do pouring art and a lot of resin flowers, I attach the flowers to the poured art. I won’t compare my work with others if I did I’d never paint I’m just realistic and realise I’m no van Gough but hell I enjoy it. I do resin coasters, trays, resin the bottom of wine glasses all that sort of stuff, just recently made my son a chess set. It’s fun and relaxing.

[@theramblingrose_]

@@paulinehiggins8239 Sounds amazing! If you ever do decide to join 'The Rose Garden' over on Discord, I would love to see pics!

[@theramblingrose_]

​@@paulinehiggins8239 Do you think you could make a paint palette out of resin? I'm looking for an alternative to the plastic ones I currently use. I was thinking pottery but I can't find anyone to make it?

[@paulinehiggins8239]

@@theramblingrose_. Nancy I’m happy to give it a go but I’d have to make a mould first, I could use one of my pallets to make the mould. Give me a bit of time to look at it, but I make no promises as my stuff isn’t great, but hell I’ll look into it for you.

[@paulacunniffe4123]

I love the music! What is it? Also lovely to see your face in a video! BB

[@theramblingrose_]

Oh woops! I just realised I hadn't linked the music in the description. I will fix it up now, but it is 'Catch the Wave' and 'Wicked One' by Velvet Moon. I absolutely love these songs and feel like 'Wicked One' is my theme song for 2023 - the lyrics are wonderful xx

[@ericaemmett7069]

Oh, and of course your tarot cards for my boss too!

[@theramblingrose_]

Ooh, I've been meaning to tell you that 'The Page & Cup' in Hobart are stocking my oracle cards, and if you get a chance to pop in and speak to Lynn (the owner), I think you'll find some magic there. Tell her Nancy sent you in xx

[@stevenmcgonigal7755]

I would like to make a magic spirit garden

[@theramblingrose_]

Do it, Steven! You will love it forever 🌱💚

[@rzch6092]

🌳🌲

[@theramblingrose_]

🌿🦋

[@siamsamad-oh8mn]

I like your vlogging and I feel sorry to say that I am not from witch community.

[@theramblingrose_]

Don't be sorry to say, all are welcome here and, I think, there's a little faerie magick in all of us 💐🥀🍃 Thanks for watching xx

[@cheryllynnfreeman1252]

Cool very inspiring thanks

[@kristinburton4953]

🌻🧡🌻💛🌻🧡🌻💛🌻🧡🌻💛🌻🧡🌻💛🌻🧡🌻💛🌻🧡🌻💛🌻🧡🌻💛🌻🧡🌻💛🌻🧡

[@theramblingrose_]

Aha love all these bright and sunny emojis Kristin! Thanks for watching x

[@Mila007a]

thank you for this wonderful video made from your heart❤🧡💛💚💙💜🤍

[@theramblingrose_]

It was my absolute pleasure! Thank you so much for watching and commenting ☺️

[@Mila007a]

@@theramblingrose_ You Welcome XoXo