Ready? Set? Decorate!...

Oh My!  How did it get to be December so quickly?  It certainly has rushed right on in.  I am so not ready.  Today Mr. C got out our meager holiday decorations.  He says,"This is a lot of STUFF!"  I say, "Honey this is a very small amount compared to lots of people."  "People who have storage lockers full of decorations"  He repeats, "This is a lot of STUFF!!"  (You could easily read another word in place of stuff.)

Actually he would have left half of it in the closet but I told him to bring it all out because I want to edit what I have this year.  Hmmm...was I really just saying that or do I really intend to draw down my reserves?  We will have to wait and see on this issue.  I might get sentimental once I see each item and then I will be in trouble to let it go.  Or...maybe this is the year I truly do save less.  After all most of what I have is very old but not vintage or antique...just cheap affordable stuff for the decade I was able to acquire it.  I really do enjoy opening each and every box and seeing what is inside that I thought was cherished and turns out to be just stuff.

This is Mr. C's Christmas fun to play with.  He usually sets it up around the base of the Christmas tree.  Last year we did not have a tree up as we were gone.  It will be nice to put up a small tree this year and enjoy the train and wait for Santa to drop down the chimney on Christmas Eve.  Oh Yes...I Do BELIEVE!!!
At some point this season you will find me all snuggled up with some hot cocoa with peppermint sticks and watching my very own copy of "Miracle on 34th Street".  I said I am sentimental.
Our rain is definitely coming down in "Biblical Proportions" as was predicted.  Our 6 inch rain gauge overflowed during the night and it is still raining.  We have another two days with the worst storm still to come.  This will really help our water table for our well we rely on.  The summer was very dry so the rain is very welcome.
My list is made and I am checking it twice.  Some how no matter how much I get done the list just continues to go on and on and on.  Yesterday I was able to get some International packages shipped.  No long lines was very refreshing.  Being early is a bonus.  Lots to do but with a plan it gets done.  I just need to stay focused and not get side-tracked (which I so easily do all the time).    Mostly my focus this month is to breathe and not let myself get all stressed over what I cannot accomplish.  I hope you are taking care of yourselves as well.
Thank you beloved followers and commenters as you really brighten my day.  I love the feedback and sharing of ideas.  Blissful Creating and Joyful Jingles...

Fabric, Yarns, Beads, Flowers...

Here is a garden of flowers.  These were created by the dear sweet Judy of jfabrications blog.  They flew all the way from Australia to land here at my home.  Judy makes each of these from bits and snippets of fabrics, yarns, beads and felt.  They are each so unique and beautiful.  I immediately thought of placing them on a wonderful pillow for a lovely Spring garden theme.  After all it is Spring in Australia.  Judy made some into headbands for little girls and they are adorable.  You can see photos on her blog.

While in the studio today trying to clear some of my worktable and organize projects and mailings I spied a little styrofoam cone shape on a shelf.  Hmmm...I pinned the flowers to the cone and now can enjoy them for a little holiday tree on my desk.  This photo does not properly show them at their finest however I never did get a good picture of it so this will be the one I share with you.  Please trust me that it looks quite nice in person.

Here is one of the flowers in close-up for you to see.  Judy puts a lot of time and care into each and every flower and I very much appreciate her work.  You can imagine all the possibilities of adding bits and snippets of lace and threads and fabrics and beads and buttons and even some bling.

This one I must admit is my very favorite.  The blues are my heartthrob.  Thank you sew very much Judy Dear.  You are such a generous and creative lady.  I cherish your gifts and your friendship.
Now lets make some flowers and see what else we can adorn with them.
Our weather is warmish but very rainy.  The skies were dark all day as the rain fell to the earth.  The wind was very strong and lots of leaves, pine needles and branches were falling down.  No trees crashing yet but we still have lots more rain coming over the next four days.  Snow is falling at the 6000' elevation and above which is good for the ski resorts.  I am at 3400' elevation and get snow when it is much colder.  Truthfully I would be happy if the snow stayed high all year long as it is treacherous and gets icy and dangerous.  
I am enjoying seeing all of your holiday decorating of your homes.  So much inspiration and joy to see what lovely vignettes you create.  I thank you for sharing.
Blissful Creating in this joyful season of holiday magic...

Gifts into Gifts...

I know I have said it before but it requires saying again...bloggers are such wonderful people. When you find a blogger who you share creative common ground and you become really good friends there isn't a better feeling for your heart and soul.   Jillayne is one of these special people.  You probably know her and her blog so no surprise here.  This surprise package arrived for me one day.  I couldn't imagine what it would contain.

It contained a jackpot of beautiful and creative and wonderful gifts.  Thank you my dear friend.  I am so very grateful for you.

This is an assortment of beads and charms in my favorite peacock colors.  Many of them are hand created out of polymer by another friend of Jillayne's.  The beads and button are exquisite in person.  I will think of just the perfect way to use these lovelies.

This bracelet was a complete surprise as I never knew Jillayne to make jewelry.  What?!!  You did it just for me?!!!  Thank you beyond words.  This bracelet is so much fun and very well made my dear.  I love it and you.  This is vintage bling heaven!

Here is the bundle of fabric that was included in my surprise package.  I decided to make some gifts with it.  I began by cutting out the "postcards".  I gathered some supplies and went to the sewing machine.

Here is just a peek of what I am doing.  No reveal of the completed project as I am mailing a few of these very soon and want them to be a surprise upon receipt.  Thank you so very much Jillayne.  You have spoiled me and blessed me.  My gratitude is endless.
We have lovely weather...warmer than normal.  However there is rain coming toward the end of the week.  Lots of rain.  I think Washington state is sending their flooding rain down to us.  We have had a good amount of rain so our ground is quite wet.  After the extra dry summer we had the rain is welcomed.
I am very behind this year with my holiday efforts.  I need some extra elves to help me but they seem to be in short supply as Santa has them very busy at the North Pole.  I do believe...
May you each be able to enjoy the magic of this holiday season as you make your lists, check them twice and work on your projects. Blissful creating one and all...

Project Pink Scarf...

Here is a project I feel strongly about supporting.  Vicki who makes the most amazing knitted nests is gathering pink scarves for one year.  Here is her blog post for you to check out for further details.

So while my friend Sandy was visiting recently I was showing her my nest from Vicki that Mr. C bought me. Sandy is rather new to knitting and is creating her new little granddaughter the most beautiful and complex sweaters.  I told Sandy about the Pink Scarf Project as Sandy herself is a breast cancer survivor.  She immediately told me she had some pink yarn at home and would mail it to me so I could knit a sweater to donate.  This photo shows the yarn and Sandy's sweet note.

When I opened the box I literally swooned at how gorgeous this yarn is.  When I came round I thought...how in the world does anyone knit this variety of threads, yarns, ribbons and such.  I am not good at knitting.  Grandma tried but I just didn't get it very well.  When I made a mistake it was too hard to "un-knit".  So I gave up like most young folks would do.  I did keep at the crocheting Grandma taught me.  Oh how I wish I would have paid more attention and learned knitting from her.

So off to the local yarn shop I went.  Here is my yarn all wound into a ball.  I felt so guilty as the shop was busy that I bought some new needles too.  After all they did wind it for me without charge.  I also learned that the yarn label suggests which size needles to use.  Oh yeah, who knew?!!

I looked at this little ball of beauty and wondered how am I ever going to knit this.  Hmmm...curiosity got the better of me and I began my task.  The Knitting for Dummies book helped me remember how to cast on.    With lumps and bumps I managed to get a few rows knitted.  Do I ever feel proud.  After all I promised Sandy I would try to knit and if that failed I would certainly crochet the scarf.  And there is no rush!

I just love this photo.  The simplicity of the yarn ball with the beautiful handcrafted wooden knitting needles and my little beginning rows.  With my confidence building I will persevere and hopefully show you progress along the way.  I am keeping this scarf simple as the yarn will be the star of the show.  Thank you very much Sandy dear for sharing in this lovely project.
Our weather has cleared and today we have some sunshine.  For this entire next week it is predicted to be sunny and beautiful.
No crazy Black Friday shopping for me.  I am more of a gatherer throughout the entire year.  Mr. C and I will be going to our little town today and enjoying some local artisans sales.  I have something special I am hoping to acquire.  We will also support one of our local churches.  They have a fun little craft sale each year.  But the best part...the little church ladies prepare lunch for all to enjoy.  For a very small fee we can have a sandwich, hot cider or tea and a piece of home-baked pie.  Sit at comfortable tables and rest from a busy morning of shopping.  I am treating Mr. C today as he will be happy to have a break from shopping.
May you each enjoy the beauty of this holiday season.  Stay in the moment and remember to breathe.
Creative Hugs to all...

Thanksgiving Blessings & Gratitude...

As our Thanksgiving approaches I am feeling blessed and grateful.  Although this has been a difficult year I am thankful for all I have.
This little turkey is ready to set the table and let the guest know where to sit.  Very simple to make.  One circle of fabric gathered yo-yo style.  A piece of felt cut into a light bulb shape for the body.  Little black beads for the eyes.  Some orange/red paint for the chin and a small piece of toothpick for the beak.  Glue it all together and with a strip of card stock you can write the name of your guest.
 

Here is my little gathering of place cards.  Pretty cute if I say so myself.

 This year I set out some of my favorite Fall/Autumn treasures.  It is comforting to be able to enjoy them.

Nothing grand or over-the-top.  Mr. C does not enjoy holidays or displays so I keep it small and out of the way.  This is a wood and glass table and stools he built many years ago.  Makes my little treasures all the more special to me.

This is the overall view.  Each year I seem to add a new pumpkin to the lot.  This year it was the glass jar which is holding leaves.  My friend Sylvia gave it to me filled with Reeses Peanut Butter Cups!  Those are long gone into our tummies.  My bad.  Thank you Sylvia Dear.

Also this year I was fortunate to be able to add this knitted nest from Vicki of 2bagsfull blog.  Mr. C actually bought this for me and I am thrilled.  It is the creative touch that I cherish.
May each of you enjoy your Thanksgiving and enjoy family and friends during this time of grateful blessings.  For all of you outside our United States may you enjoy grateful blessings even though you do not have our Thanksgiving holiday.
Creative Hugs to all...