last minute gifts and a back deck friend

I've been busy doing a little of this and a little of that. I'm not terribly rushed, although I've just started wrapping. I think I'll finish it comfortably. Yesterday, I made these 2 quick little gifts. The first is a  little mug rug inspired by Exuberent Color's blog post. She made so many and I managed one; still I'm quite satisfied.

I also made this potato bag for the microwave. A quilting friend had one at our UFO day to microwave her potato, and I thought it was really neat. To make the small one I cut about 7.5 by 16.5 inches of a cotton print, muslin and cotton batting. Stitch them together envelope style and turn right side out. After stitching the opening closed and ironing, Fold it muslin sides together at the same time folding down a flap, right sides together for closing. The flap can the be folded over top for cooking.

I haven't actually tried it yet, but the directions are to wash the potato, lightly dry it, no need to pierce, and microwave for about 3 minutes.
I got my little table top tree up and finished putting my antique ornaments and birds on it. The garland is actually a ball of specialty yarn.

I have 2 bluejays that have finally gotten comfortable enough to stay awhile at the feeder. I so love their colors!