Christmas 2011 Home Tour

Attempting to enjoy Christmas all month long, I tried to get a jump on decorating early. We started projects the week after Thanksgiving but as hard as I/we tried it seems like more could be done. A unanimous decision was made, also early on, that with lack of space and holiday travels we would go sans Christmas Tree once again. Next year will be different, hopefully.

My FAVORITE THING this year is the Santa Claus a little elf painted.  Neaelf did an awesome job and even painted one for his parents to enjoy at their house. For full tutorial on the Santa inspiration visit Bower Power.

My Second FAVORITE THING, an idea from Barefoot Daydreams, to display Christmas Cards. LOVE.
I have never claimed to be original in my decorating!

2009 Christmas Card picture with hand sewn ornaments by my Grandmother in a vase.

2010 Christmas card and a peek of pictures of from 1984.  My Mom dressed us in matching pajamas for our Christmas pictures we were eight, four and two.

Reminders of the Season as walk out the door.

For twelves months the door has been bare, I am so happy to finally have a wreath on the door to welcome you home.

Blessings to all this Christmas Season!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulder.  

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Might God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

 Isaiah 9:6  

   

President's Day Projects

I am always happy to honor our Presidents.  Especially when honoring them entails a day off of work and an opportunity to shop, run, make pillows and decorate for spring.  It has been in the mid-70's lately, which is encouraging the Spring feeling, fresh colors,  new growth and a trip to Jo-Ann fabrics (after a trip to Pottery Barn, for inspiration).

Inspiration Photo

Pottery Barn

 

 

 

 

The simple palette, fresh vibe and a different use for the glass votives is what I wanted to incorporate in my home.  So Sunday after church, a nap, and armed with this photo,  I picked up a slew of items at Jo-Ann's to make 4 pillow slip covers, a new table center piece, and a few random items that slipped into my basket. 

4 yards burlap

3 yards fabric

no sew hemming tape

white tulips

moss

butterfly stencil (random)

white paint (random)

brushes (random)

Sunday night while watching Secretariat ( yes I am still working on movies listed here),  I wrestled the burlap into a table runner and two slip covers for pillows.  Going into this project it was my intention to use the no sew hem for the entire project.  I really  haven't been on the project scene long enough to own a sewing machine so the no sew hemming tape is perfect, or so I thought.  It is perfect for hemming, hence the name, but it is not perfect for holding the front and back panels of a pillow together.  For that I turned to the glue gun. All in all, I am happy with the final products.  Monday, I completed the two larger pillow slip covers also using the no sew hemming tape for all the hems of the pillow but did have to use the glue gun again when putting the panels together.  Each pillow has 1/2"seam on all sides and 1/4"sem on the back opening.  The project took two movies to complete.

 Final Products

Fresh look for old pillows.

New additions for my Grandmother's needle point pillows.

 

 

Spring table decor-not sure what is going on with lighting in this photo.

First Floor: House Tour

Just a glimpse in to the first floor of the condo, townhouse, apartment, whatever you want to call it. It fits all descriptions.  I spared you the half bath and entry hall. These were taken on New Year's Eve right before the guests arrived, so party mode is in full swing.

Gally Kitchen

 

Dining room table and china cabinet that I inherited from my paternal grandmother, Mama B or "B".  I drove to Kentucky for Christmas for the sole purpose of hauling these pieces back with me.  Her table cloths and napkins are still in the drawers.

China cabinet / bar area

Family room featuring a new area rug, curtains and slipcover for the couch. 

 

Solo Christmas Home Tour

I missed all the excitement with Nesting Place Christmas home tour but all the houses were so beautiful and welcoming that it motivated me to get a few more decorations out and organized.  Most of my decorations are located in one room but in various spots.  But the highlights are:

Stocking on the "mantle" with coffee filter wreath. (ignore the thermostat, I do)

Coffee filter wreath. Thank you Nesting Place for the tutorial.

Side table with background of kitchen. The picture in the frame is from last years Christmas card.  This spot is also where new Christmas cards are collecting. 

Frames just hung, adorned with ornaments.

Ornaments that normally would be hanging on the tree.  But this year an executive decision was made to spend money and time organizing from the move instead of a tree.  I will enjoy my Mom's tree when I get to her house.

The ornaments one picture up and this sign are Glory Haus products, LOVE them!

Fitz and Floyd Frosty Friends pitcher and cookie jar, these guys always make an appearance through the holiday season and usually stay out until the end of January.

The Reason for the Season!

 Merry Christmas!  

2010 Christmas Card Picture

The Fabric of my Life.

http://hawthornethreads.com/home

Cut me off!  Hawthornes Threads consumes hours at a time.  All the pretty colors, all the possibilities.  

Pillows, shower curtain, reupholstering, window dressings.

My favorite thing about this site is the color grid.  

I ordered yards of the Henna Garden in Persimmon.

But was also eying  Daisies in Bloom and Large Whimsy Doozie in Aqua.

The hunt for a new condo is in full force so my ideas for decorating are taking over!