Friday, October 26, 2007

Very Merry Peeking!

It is a miracle. For the second weekend in a row (or "start of the weekend") I have spent a considerable amount of time in Barnes and Noble, with my husband, without three children in tow. Translated, this means actual time to choose books, browse and ponder the selection.
Tonight, I was most impressed by this book, "Merry & Bright".

I know, I know. Christmas is two months away. BUT, in preparation of the merry holiday, I have decided to gather ideas about decorating, gift making/giving and celebrating this blessed day in general EARLY this year.

We say every year that we desire to "keep it simple" in terms of gift giving and the hustle and bustle of the season in general. And typically, we do well. But this year I really want to focus in on the spirit of the season and the "Reason for the season" and push to the wayside all of the commercialism, debt-digging and hair-pulling stress-fullness of the season that many find their way into at this time of year.

Some of the highlights? I would have to say that simple decorating in general was what really stuck with me. Really working with what you have and using items from nature, handmade ornaments and lots of good old-fashioned pieces. Lots of using natural decorations like herbs and sapling trees potted in milk glass. But also very "crafty" ideas for creating wreaths made of comic strips and other fun ideas.

Me? I have been inspired to
add a mirror to my mantle so that I can trim it with garland and, perhaps, beads of some sort,
to (hopefully begin, if not finish) handmade stocking for ALL FIVE OF US,
and to make these amazing handmade ornaments made from strips of fabric, bits of felt and ribbons (some of these just might be given as gifts for friends).

It is always good to be inspired. And that I am after getting excited for Christmas (a bit early) tonight!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love the idea of handmade stockings, something you can keep forever and they only get better with age.

I've found some large mirrors at very good prices in Home Depot and Bed, Bath and Beyond. Or maybe you could find a large, simple mirror and mount some antique tiles around the sides?

XO, C

Anonymous said...

HI there!
I am handmaking a stocking for Gracie and to be honest I started it LAST year and will most likely not finish it this year (but I am trying!). You are a role model for me:)
-Steph

Anonymous said...

I love Christmas crafts and giving homemade/handmade gifts. OK, I have a confession.........we started listening to Christmas music last week..... LOL
Love you guys,

Nathalie

Amanda said...

We're missing you! I have to admit I was at target today {I know, the commercialism}, but I got so excited for Christmas! I just love the baking ,decorating and general feeling in the air during that time of year. I have to say I have made stockings for our family, but haven't finished Ian's and now I have Everett as well...anyway at Target today Ian said "Mom, why don't I have a stocking"? Poor kid!

Amanda said...

P. S. We miss you and we have to talk Disney.

Amanda said...

P.P.S. Love the new blog look!

Nesting Momma said...

I love your new look! What a fun book. You are getting me into the spirit of decorating..hehe
I just moved all my furniture around...so I am in the mood to make something pretty!