December Blocks Finished

I had hoped to get these two blocks completed before the end of the month.  I have managed to keep up with these fun blocks this year. I would like to say thank you to Corey for the Birdie Stitches designs at Little Miss Shabby and to Michelle for the 12 of Hearts designs at The Raspberry Rabbits.  It is great that these talented designers share these Block of The Month designs with us.

Birdie Stitches Block 12

12 of Hearts Block 12

Now to get these blocks pieced together.

I will be sure to share the finished projects, soon I hope.

"I Wish You..."

I completed a gift for my sister a few days before Christmas but waited until she opened her gift before sharing it.  It was made from a design created by Jenny of Elefantz.  It is called "I Wish You..." a shabby roses design.  I subscribe to Jenny's magazine called Elefantz Home and have enjoyed every issue so far.  Visit Jenny's blog and get to know her and you will be blessed.  I think my favorite kind of project is one that uses embroidery and fabric piecing which is true of many of Jenny's designs. 

I used a French General jelly roll to use as borders.

My embroideries could not be centered because of the way I traced them on my linen but I kind of liked the way they "float" around the wall hanging.

Wishing You Love, Hope, Joy and Peace.

 

O Christmas Tree

We did get our tree decorated with the help of two of our grandsons.  I had intended to put white ribbon on it this year and not use my red cranberry beads.  I thought that the white ribbon would make the tree look better with my new curtains.  I guess that sounds a little silly.  Oh well, maybe by next year the walls will be repainted and the whole room will look "finished".

The best part about decorating, besides the help from our grandsons, was taking out ornaments and remembering.  Remembering who made it or gave it to us or when we bought it, a little trip back in time. 

The beautiful hand painted ornaments below were made by my mother in law Virginia.

O Come, Let Us Adore Him

Now to get the gifts wrapped and under the tree.

Merry Christmas to all!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

I have been slow about decorating this year and have decided to do a lot less then I usually do.  I had planned to participate in some of the blog parties and share my tabletops and our "bookcase mantle" but I was not able to get the decorating done and pictures taken.

I thought it would be fun to share just a few pictures from our living room.

I love bottle brush trees but did not bring all of my collection out this year, I chose to use the white trees.

This table was moved to our entryway to make room for the Christmas tree so I set my trees and pastel houses up here.

When I took the pictures we had not yet decorated our tree, you can see it in the background.  With the help of some of our grandsons our tree is now fully decorated. 

On our "mantle is our "Once Upon A Midnight Clear" village.

I made a little edging with old organ music sheets.  The paper is old and fragile.

The Prince Of Peace

To us a Child of hope is born,

To us a Son is given;

Him shall the tribes of earth obey,

Him, all the hosts of Heaven.

His name shall be the Prince of Peace,

Forevermore adored'

The Wonderful, the Counselor,

The great and mighty Lord.

His power, increasing, still shall spread;

His reign no end shall know'

Justice shall guard His throne above,

And peace abound below.

To us a Child of hope is born,

To us a Son is given;

The Wonderful, the Counselor,

The might Lord of Heaven.

Author Unknown

Vintage Ornaments

I found this ornament tutorial on one of my favorite blogs My Desert Cottage.  I decided to give it a try using what I had on hand.  I had fun with it but you will have to visit Karen here and see her beautiful creations and her great tutorial.

I think that the silver one is my favorite.

It is great when bloggers take the time to share ideas and tutorials.  I didn't have everything on hand that I might have used but now that I tried and found what I like best, I will try it again.  I will be stocking up on silver pipe cleaners.

Giveaway Win!

Look at this great Cosmetic Case! 
I am sure that some of you remember having one or knowing someone who had one. 

I won this and the things inside when Shannon at A Southern Belle With Northern Roots had a giveaway.

Inside there are red napkins, perfect for Christmas, a cameo,  ice cream cone wrappers and a note from Shannon.

I don't think I will use this case as it was originally intended but I will share later where it ends up residing.  Visit Shannon, you will enjoy your visit, she has a cooking blog too called North Dakota Kitchen so take a few minutes and say hello.

'Tis the Season

On Saturday December 10th we had a Ladies Luncheon at our church.  The theme was 'Tis the Season and several ladies decorated tables with the theme in mind.

I went to the church at 10 am to decorate my table along with a few other ladies and took a few pictures of their tables decorated.

When I came back for the luncheon I forgot my camera so I missed the tables of those who decorated a little later.

I always enjoy seeing the creativity and care each lady uses when they decorate their tables for this event. Thank you to Cindy who planned this afternoon of fellowship and focus on the reason we celebrate.

Ornament Exchange 2011

Tonya of Hillbilly Handiworks hosted an Ornament Exchange again this year.

Last year I believe I exchanged four ornaments and this year I decided to do six.

The ornaments below are what I decided to make for the exchange this year.

I found the idea for these ornaments in this book.  It is full fun designs and there are many I hope to try.

This was my inspiration.  I used some scraps from a "honey bun" I had used for another project.

 Below are the ornaments I have received in this exchange.

This lovely beaded snowflake was made by Evielynne, visit her here. 

This beautiful ornament made from tiny pieces of fabric was made by Sharon of Vroomans Quilts

This wonderful Santa is from Fiona, she lives in Australia and you can visit her blog   here

The mitten is from Laura in California

This Old World Santa ornament filled with Balsam Fir was made by Beth and you can visit her Etsy shop here 

Sharon also sent this gingerbread man wooden button.

and this sweet birdhouse

Thank you Tonya for all of your hard work to make this fun exchange possible.

Merry Christmas!