~~A Child is Born~~

I love this picture of Mary with baby Jesus...

We shall read Luke 2 on Christmas Eve and prepare for the celebration of our Saviors birth.

Merry CHRISTmas!!!

~~My Mary Christmas Card~~

Isn't this the sweetest Clapsaddle card for the Christmas time? I just had to post it as my first name is Mary and the card uses the name in the Christmas rhyme. Thought it was so cute and just wanted to share....hope your week is going well. Try to enjoy each day and remember what we are celebrating...I know I have been. Blessings to each of you as you anticipate gathering with your family later on this week.

~~Some Christmas crafts~~

"The Stockings were all hung by the chimney with care"

A few years ago I received a request from a shop owner friend of mine here in town to make a "shabby" Christmas stocking for one of her patrons. She wanted a simple, yet elegant stocking with charm and lace. I love this beautiful rose cotton fabric and it was a hit with her customer. The quilted back side fabric was white and pink roses...it was lined in another rose ticking fabric. The lace toe had a vintage teardrop pearl danglie tied to the tip.


Below is a craft I picked up from one of my fellow bloggers that was suggested with candles. I put my own touches to them and created a special candle for a Christmas present for my cousin which is shown in the last picture showcasing a vintage picture of our grandmother...

Before I started, gathering my supplies.

Finished product, ready for gifts in several sizes...I found out I prefer the 4" pillar size.

The one I designed for my cousin...she has it on her dresser in her bedroom. I made the silk roses and added some millinery flowers in her favorite lavender color and also incorporated a lonely lavender colored faceted rhinestone earring that was our Grandmothers and is located on the top left. Not sure if you can see it in this picture.
It came out so pretty and she was so happy with it..she even cried. She said it would definitely be an heirloom to her. I have since purchased a cloche to go over the entire piece for protection.

Had so much fun making these up, decorating and designing...

~~Christmas week - 2009~~

Christmas week is fast approaching and as many of you are doing, I am bustling about getting things ready for my family so I can take time to enjoy Christmas and it's true meaning with them. Happiness to each of you as you prepare for your loved ones.

~~Enjoying Christmas festivities with my family~~

Recently our little town enjoyed "Vine Street Walk, A Victorian Showcase of Christmas"...
This beautiful Ellen Clapsaddle card reminded me of that time, but long ago, when families dressed up and went strolling down the streets and admiring beautiful Christmas lights. Here in our small town of Paso Robles, we have a street strictly devoted to the beauty of arranging Christmas lights and decorating beautiful yards. Some are a sight to behold!
Some of the businesses offer warm cookies or hot cider to warm up with and visit with folks a little.
Blessings to all as you enjoy this Christmas season with your families.

~~"It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas"!!!~~

Yes, it's beginning to look alot like Christmas all around me...

The picture above showcases a cute little Christmas Tree skirt I made a few years ago to go with this sweet white wood christmas tree for a Gift Shop here in town. The owner purchased several Christmas stockings, ornaments and tree skirts along with the wooden trees from me. I had "sew" much fun making each item...all originals. Maybe I'll add a few more items I made later in the month.

Blessings to each one of you at this special season of celebration!!