and the stockings were hung...

the hustle and bustle slowing...

the excitement building...

precious family soon to arrive...

to join us for this most special celebration...

the birthday of our King!

Wishing you and your loved ones a most joyous Christmas!

Merry, Merry Christmas!

Many Blessings!

Oh Christmas tree!

Our tree is filled with lots of color...

and some sparkle too!

it shares little messages...

holds some of our favorite things...

ornaments made by the children...

they are the ones I cherish most and look

forward to seeing each year...

it's a very special tree to us-

a bright and happy tree...

our family tree.

and did you spot the painting below?

it's a surprise gift from my dear friend, Becky!

she is so talented! she just recently opened her darling shop...

filled with her beautiful work...

when I opened my gift I just cried- happy tears-

all the details of this painting have such special meaning!

(which Becky knew!!)

see the glitter??

Oh! it's just perfect!...

and it has already made this Christmas one I will never forget!

Thank you (again!) sweet friend...YOU are truly a gift!

Happy Monday!

Many Blessings!

A few more Merry...

Christmas gifts!

all created with lots of love...

each one very simple,

a little something...

wood die cuts from the craft store,
covered with fabric,
glittered edges,
and a velvet ribbon to hang...


a jingle bell dressed in ribbons and tinsel..

one of my favorite simple gifts delivered with

a very special message!

yummy, yummy cookies!

found here,

you must try them!- you'll be glad!

all dolled-up on a Christmas plate with ribbons

and a tiny cookie cutter...

always a welcomed gift!

a perfect gift for all the children's friends-

(and I keep extras on hand "just in case" by the door)

simply a bag filled with peppermints and a happy wish!

a "ruffle" necklace with a posy...

made from fabric scraps and vintage beads...

a fun girlie gift!

and an ever-popular classic...

a monogrammed candle,

(my hostess gifts this year)

my version...

with glitter-of course!

a bow and some "bling"!

"It is often the thought behind a present that is the true gift."

Have a wonderful weekend!

Many Blessings!

Twas the night before...

the school Christmas parties...

when all through the house,

not a creature was stirring,

except Mom like a mouse...

up in her studio,

she could be found,

molding and shaping,

and creating all-around...

an extra special gift was being made on this night,

in hopes our dear teachers would certainly know,

what a sweet Blessing they are,

and how we love them so...

and now finally finished,

and tucked safe and sound...

waiting to be opened,

and spread joy all around...

Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas to all!
and to all a good day!



Have a happy day!
Many Blessings!

Don't forget!

Go

HERE

today...

and everyday this week!

You don't want to miss this!

It's truly an AMAZING Christmas celebration!!

I'll see you there!

Happy Monday!

Many Blessings!

"A Holly Jolly"...

Christmas is sure to be had...

simply by creating these happy holly pins...
you'll be so glad...

so many options...

from colors to trims...(and a little sparkle too!)

Oh! dear Martha!-

I'm a bit sad...

I just need more time this Christmas you see...

to create all the delightful things you've inspired!

for now though...

this "Holly" pin I shall wear...

and others I made, soon I will share...

in hopes of spreading a bit of "Jolly" this season!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Many Blessings!

and this little birdie...

is on her way to a birthday party!

for a very special little girl...

Kate McRae

she's all dressed-up in her very best too!

and sending a lovely message...

(my favorite verse you might have guessed!)

she'll be just a small part of a wonderful celebration that

sweet Kim is hosting! How special it's going to be!

Have a happy day!

Many Blessings!

This little birdie...

is on her way...

to this *AMAZING* friends house...

where she will be just a small part

of something very BIG !

she's all dressed-up...


with lots of sparkle,
ready to shine...
in hopes she'll help make this Christmas extra special!


and for our sweet friends and family...
a gussied-up water bottle is one gift they'll receive...


attached they will find a little note...
sharing glad tidings and much good will!



"It doesn't take much to change the world...
just a simple idea and a heart like His."



Happy Monday!
Many Blessings!

The "Bon-Bon necklace"...a tutorial

This summer I designed and created the "Bon-Bon" style necklace...

they are so fun (and easy!) to make!

After receiving dozens of emails requesting a tutorial for them...

I finally have created one!-

just in time for Christmas!...

I think these would make darling little gifts...

Begin by gathering your supplies...
fabrics, for wrapping large wooden beads to form the "Bon-Bons"...

large wooden beads, beads- any color or style- used as spacers,

cord and/or ribbon

(I used vintage seam binding on this tutorial for tying the ends of the Bon-Bon)

cut various fabrics into 4 X 41/2 inch squares

(I chose seven different fabrics just because I like an "odd" number)

measure a piece of cord or ribbon at least twice as long as the

desired finished length of the necklace...

string wooden bead on...

to hold the wooden bead in place...loop cord or ribbon back through bead

pull tight to secure...

for spacer beads, simply knot on each side of the bead...

trim the 4 inch sides of the fabric square with pinking shears...

center bead on square, roll tight around bead...

tie each side to create the "Bon-Bon"...

you can use ribbon, cord, or vintage seam binding as I did...

repeat until desired length...

using other beads in between the "Bon-Bons" as spacers...

Enjoy!

also, stop by sweet (talented!) Kim's blog- the TomKat studio

for a chance to win a "Bon-Bon" necklace!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Many Blessings!