Tree Festival

I want to show you some pretties from our local charity Christmas Tree Festival. My favorite is the wreath on the pink door. It had me with just the pink door!  I hope this is a bit of inspiration for you as you start your Christmas decorating.

Early Christmas shopping

I started my Christmas shopping early when I heard about the beautiful soaps Dalene hand makes. She has so many stunning designs, it is hard to not choose them all. They come in blue, pink, yellow , green , and even some orange for fall designs. She is welcoming new orders at her email address daleneruhe@hotmail.com.

So if you are on my "Santa list" you may just get one from me. 

Using what I have....or I'm too cheap to buy it.

I made a cross-stitched Christmas tablecloth for my niece who is getting married on Saturday. I was going to buy wrapping paper, ribbon and a card but my daughter said let's use what we have. So this is what we came up with. Butcher's paper, seam binding and copies of vintage wedding cards. Does it say  "what a creative family!" or does it scream "THEY WERE  TOO CHEAP TO BUY WRAPPING PAPER!" Well , the deed is done and this is how we are taking it . No excuses. 

I'm Blue

This is a little redo I did in my sitting room before Christmas but I am just now getting the pictures. It used to be a tuscan style with and italian painting , brown plaid chairs, and burgundy pillows.  I took down the painting above the mantle and added this new mirror. There is writing in french in each of the four corners.
I made new simple pillow covers in icy blues.  I made bolster pillows out of the same fabrics for the chairs. 
I slipcovered the brown plaid chairs in a natural cotton duck. I was so happy to find this super soft throw at TJ Maxx. Usually when you go shopping with a color in mind you can never find it.

The fireplace surround is gray marble so I think it compliments the blue nicely.

I bought this blue church at Christmas but it matches so well I hate to pack it away. I got the nice little color change I wanted without having to change too many things. Since the room already had golds and neutrals I could get away with it I think. I'd like to do the family room in the same color scheme but the walls are green in there so that would require painting. Ugh....painting! I will have to think on that one some more.

Fun with vintage wallpaper

I have been having fun playing with some vintage wallpaper. It is fragile and a little tricky to work with but well worth the effort. Some of the papers I got from my friend Rhea

at sweetnshabbyroses. She has more for sale! I have a few patterns available in my etsy shop.

These are Christmas ornaments I covered with 6 different papers and of course german glass glitter. They don't scream Christmas so they could be left out all year long. 

Remember these bowls or baskets from the 50's? Ok, maybe you are younger than me. They used to make them with leftover greeting cards, usually Christmas cards. I made mine using vintage wallpaper that was laminated for strength.  It's a cute little catch-all for the desk or craft table. All the lovely patterns make me happy!

I've been busy!

I have been lucky enough to have some creative time to myself. I created 2 collages and 2 sets of Christmas cards for my etsy store. Creativity feels good doesn't it! What did you make this week?