Christmas in July

Its not that unusual to see snow hanging around into May and June up where I live in the Rocky Mountains.  And it is certainly not unusual to see snowmen here at my house year round.  I am still busily working on inventory for my shows this fall....and you know what that means.....Christmas!

My friend, Dawn, gifted me some floral that I have used in a centerpiece.  This is a bit more glittery than I normally do, but I love the colors:

 All of the containers I have repurposed from garage sale or thrift store finds.

 I finally finished the deer trio.  I think they will make the perfect centerpiece for a sideboard or hall table.

 This is my first attempt at a diorama in a glass case.  I liked this case because it says "Polar Optics"

I bought this lantern a long time ago.  I simply filled it with a lighted tree and added a snowman and bow.

I stained this unfinished wooden reindeer and filled it with shades of silver and red.

 This sleigh is metal and is trimmed in gold tones.  I like the way it looks with the red and gold trimming.

 I've done and sold so many of these graters.  I rusted this grater, glued on the gingerbread, added a bow and a battery operated candle.

I'm working on some angel feather ornies today and waiting for my next round of company to come.  I will post the tutorial on making the ornies later this week.  Have a good day and stay cool!

Christmas in July

Happy Tuesday, my bloggie friends.  I have been a busy little bee lately.  In my quest to finish up all of my unfinished projects, I have been working my hot glue blistered fingers to the bone. 

I finished up some more stars:

This is one of the simplest crafts around.  These stars are made from paint paddles.  I cut off the piece above the indention and then cut the sticks in half, lengthwise.  I painted the pieces flat black, but you could use any color.   It takes five pieces to make the star and I just laid them out in a star shape.  I glued the joints together with wood glue and used a binder clip at each point to hold them together. Let them dry overnite.  Wind some jute around the corners, putting in an extra loop for hanging on the top point.  Add floral and a bow of your choice.  Voila!  Done.  These are pretty good size but would look good on a very large tree, hanging in your window or on your door, or I am going to hang them on my kitchen cupboard doors.

I also printed some items from Sunflower Friends that I purchased back in May.  These are great sellers at my shows, are very reasonable, and oh, so easy:

Check out Sondra's graphics at sunflowerfriends.com and if you order, tell her I referred you.

Finally, I finished up these really sweet ornies from a pattern from Sew Primitive Shoppe.  I put my own spin on these but I think they turned out really cute!

Well, I am headed over to my Etsy shop, where I will be listing these little mice,  Stop by!  I am having a Christmas in July sale until the end of the month!~

 

Reindeer

As promised, here is my first shot at the reindeer  I have been working on.  His name is Reinhardt and he is a 27" beauty from a pattern from Sparkles 'N' Spirit. 

He is a real cutie.  I plan on making more.  Now, on to those witch's hats! 

What 'cha workin' on Wednesday?

How can it be Wednesday already?  It has really been a busy week and here's what I've been working on.....

The tree, newly cut, smelling fresh, had to be dressed.....

And I always put up my Santa tree downstairs:

All Santas, All the Time

And I have been working on doll clothes for a Christmas gift.....ssshhh...don't tell Brooklynne.....

Plus I have been listing some of my things on Ebay while they have their free special going on.  I think I have about 85 items listed.  I still have tomorrow to list as well. 

So now its time to have dinner, embroider on pillows (I nearly sold out this year) and relax! 

Check back tomorrow for Terrific Thursday!

Thrifty Thursday

One thing that I have learned over the years is to use what you have, and own what you love.  I love Santas because they bring smiles to everyone.  You can't think about Santa without feeling happy.  I found these little guys originally used to hang on the sides of your flower pots.  But I love my old sifter so I use what I have and add what I love:

The little guys on the fake pie are actually made to wrap around taper candles.  I really like them on the pie, don't you? 

The other great thing about collectibles is you can recycle them each year, and move them around from one location to another and it seems like you have new items each year!  Maybe add some lights behind them or hang them in unexpected places like from a chandelier or a doorknob.

Another one of my favorite pieces in my house is Grandma Barnes' treadle sewing machine.  Though I never learned to use it, I always use it as a side table and love making little seasonal vignettes.  This year, I added some Santa decor, a faux book called Santa's workshop, and even (unexpected!) a pillow. 

Have a great Thursday, be thrifty when recycling and reusing your cherished possessions.