5 in 5 - November 2017 - Pumkpin time!

Welcome to '5 in 5' where on the 5th of

each month I post 5 photos that I have

taken in 5 minutes.

Last year I posted about the award winning pumpkin grown at Hyde Hall RHS garden. This year Matthew Oliver beat his own record and so I went along to see.

There are lots of pumpkins to be seen this time of year and many homes and gardens have been decorated for Halloween. We were excited to be in York where the shop windows had amazing displays. In particular, the narrow Shambles and side streets were full of atmosphere, especially at night time. And we discovered 'The Shop That Shall Not be Named', it's Harry Potter theme even more magical than usual.

Back home we were too busy to decorate for Halloween and in the days after I saw some bargain pumpkins. So I bought a large one and set to, making some soup. With a little chilli it makes a warming lunch for this time of year and there is lots to go in the freezer. It seemed a good opportunity for 5 in 5 photos:

There is still lots left...

I will chop the rest for the freezer to use in curries, pies and for risotto.

But one of my favourite ways of using pumpkin is roasted, with beetroot, and what other vegetables I might have that are suitable. These are such versatile squash and I'll be looking out for other new recipes to try - but I'm interested to know about your own favourites - please share!

It is always fun to have company in this photo challenge so a big thank you to Mary-Lou, Maggie, Melanie, Melissa, Karen, Kat and Borqna for taking part last month. And to all those who visited and left comments.

And YOU would be very welcome to join in too, so I hope you are inspired to get out your camera. Here is the plan:

1.  Choose a location.

2.  Have your camera ready.

3.  Set a timer for 5 minutes (I use my mobile phone).

4.  Take as many photos you can until the time is up.

5.  Choose 5 photos to download and share by using the link tool below.
                         
                              You have until the 25th of the month to add your photos.

How to upcycle a Christmas gift bag

This weekend saw me on one of my regular craft retreats and as I am going to India at the beginning of December I want all my Christmas cards made and sent in plenty of time. I packed card blanks and sorted through my boxes of Christmas materials, but the thing I most wanted to use was a large Christmas gift bag that I have saved for several years.  I knew it was too useful to pass on or discard, and  I love a challenge, so I lost no time in cutting the bag to see what it offered.

I especially liked the baubles and spent ages fussy cutting these.  There was a lovely pile when I finished.... 

 and these made lovely cards.

I was still left with lots of the bag so I cut out reindeers from the snowman, and trees from the green background.  

There was only small scraps left of the bag when I had finished and I was really pleased with my upcycling achievement. I love using materials that other people might throw away and it makes me wonder why I have spent so much of merchandise in the past. I no longer go on big spending sprees and have learnt that having too much just creates indecision and overwhelm. So I am now trying to use what I have and to create space.

I made about 75 cards this weekend, using different materials and techniques.  But the baubles cut from the bag are my favourites and most of my other papers and embellishments stayed in their packs. It just proves that it's not what you've got, it's what you do with it. What have you got lurking or hanging around that you could use?