More trees if you Please

Although I am just posting pics now - I have had my decorating up for a while -We have been in the Christmas mood all month and I can't believe that the big day is almost here!

I would like to wish everyone a

Happy Holiday

filled with family, prezzies, and good things to eat,

Christmas cheer, and relaxations and all things good!!

I took a bit of a break from my work for the last two weeks, giving me time to shop, decorate, and enjoy the season with my family

(and nursing the babies through colds).

the following pics reflect some of my Christmas projects/works in progress

Here is an animal tree that we placed on the mantel

(up out of the way of curious kiddies)

the animals are all hand-made circa 1920's - part of an ark set that is missing the bottom of the ark. I love the simplicity of these animals so I have kept the tree bare and topped with a rustic crown from Nancy's metal art.

I think next year I may add some pop-corn or seed garland and some rustic bead ornaments.

My girlfriend and I embarked on a Gnome hunt this year - both of us creating gnome trees for our homes. This is going to have to be a progressive tree because I still have tiny gnome cake toppers, Dresden gnomes and yellow mushrooms that didn't get finished. I also plan to add more woodland creatures and perhaps a woodland scene under glass.

Tune in next year to see more gnome ornaments, and perhaps a three foot toadstool that I have sketched out!

two yards of vintage red velvet made for the perfect skirt

There's no place like GNOME for the HOlidays

(ok.. totally HAD to do that - sorry:))

-B

Pirate King is welcome to my house for Christmas

Celebrating a Birthday in December can be difficult,

it's easy to be overshadowed by the bling and bells of the Holiday Season!

Since my son's Birthday party falls on or around the 10th of December, I try to use that date as a deadline for having all of my Christmas decorating completed.

In the past I have coordinated our tree to match the theme or color scheme of

his party.

In this way the tree does double duty... one part Christmas tree...

...one part decoration for the party.

I have to admit, this year's theme was a bit daunting at first

Seriously - have you ever TRIED to find PIRATE items in the Christmas aisle .....not to mention the very fine line that this theme walks between being cute and tasteful and horribly trashy!

I do think I did a pretty good job of keeping it on the cute side - I must admit, finding three super cute pirate ornaments from Kim Hardt helped to inspire me.
A thrift store Ship graces the top of the four foot tree

Jewel tones reflect prettily against the wall

Bubble lights add a water element and the fun primary colors keep it youthful

Wooden crab and fish ornaments with glass gem ornaments for sparkle

I uncovered most of the "treasure" in my costume jewelry stash

The tree was set up on a small treasure chest for a bit of extra height.

Gems, pearls, gallons, jewels and gold chains spilled forth.

A miniature ships wheel is the finishing touch.

A wonderful Pirate king from Kim Hardt.........And his Pirate Queen! Only Kim can make a severed head look cute! The party was a success, and I did end up finishing a few more trees throughout the house, but the pirate tree has been the big hit and will stay up till the big day!

Yo Ho Yo Ho a Pirates Tree for me!

Frances Vintage Crafeteria

Join me at he 5th Annual

Frances Crafeteria This Friday- Dec 3rd

Located on the NW Corner of Camelback and Central

6- 10pm

There will be some amazing tables set up

- this is the place to get those

PERFECTLY PERFECT gifts

just the place to find one-of-a-kind goodies for your mom, sister or best friend!

you know, when they open the gift and say

OMG - WHERE DID YOU FIND THIS!

There will be live music, hot coffee and sweets too

- pleeeezzz does it get any better than that??

Be there or Be Square!