Tuesday, December 6, 2011

More Christmas Decorating

As each day passes, I’m gaining a bit more confidence when it comes to our Christmas decorating.  I found that if I introduce ‘new’ things a little at a time, then Frankie seems to accept them more readily…says I holding my breath.  Here’s what little I’ve gotten away with  accomplished over the last few days.

I added a few things to the fireplace mantel and the shelves behind it.

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There was an awesome craft show this past Saturday in Annapolis Royal with some very talented artists and crafters participating.  I need absolutely nothing but when I saw this doll, I just knew she had to come home with me. 

I very rarely played with dolls when I was a child, preferring my box of crayons or paints but I think I’m making up for it as an adult.  Her face is sculpted and the gal who painted her facial features did an incredible job. 

She seems very content to watch me as I create in my studio.  I think I’ll name her ‘Patience’.

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When we lived in Florida, I purchased these hand carved spool Santas. 

Can you spot them on the shelves of this little collectibles cupboard?  I leave them out year round in my studio because after all, they are made from  vintage  wooden spools that once held thread.  *wink*

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Here’s another photo to give you some perspective as to where they reside in my studio.

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Below is my Coke bottle Santa collection.   Several have been gifted to special friends and family over the years and these are the ones that remain.

Christmas Toys Divider

I designed, sculpted and painted these little guys about six or seven years ago and they are made from authentic vintage glass Coke bottles.  Each one has a different theme and they are Mr. Painted Quilt’s favorite of all our Christmas decorations.  

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Frankie helped us make the decision to forego our big tree this year.   We decided to ‘try’ just the feather tree and see what happens.

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The mini poinsettias have been moved to the sideboard…

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and this little seasonal vignette sits atop the pine dough box in the kitchen.

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I’m hoping that there will be more to come.

knametag1b

54 comments:

Michelle said...

Love your decorations and those COKE BOTTLE SANTAS! AMAZING!!! My mother is an artist (although she does not think she is) and she has made many Santa's in the past...this is a very cleaver idea..no clue how you did it..thinking clay and/or resine?

Love the Feather Tree...these are very hard to find in Oregon..found one last year at an antique store but it was something like $50 + so I had to pass on it. I have seen a couple of tutorials on how to make one or something similar..maybe I should try that!

Thank you for sharing.

Michelle

Needled Mom said...

I'm glad to see that you have managed to slip a few things out without disturbance.

I think that new doll's face is stunning! The carved Santa spools are real gems too. I can see why your husband loves his Coke Santas. They are really beautiful. I just read where the Coke protege bottle recently sold for a record price. I doubt that it is as beautiful as your bottles.

Anonymous said...

Kaaren, I feel the same way as you about dolls. Was a bit of a tom boy in my childhood but just love them now. That one is absolutely beautiful. I sent you an email from Mary Lou and Whimsey Too blog, re cats and Christmas decorations. Thought of you as soon as I read it! Beth from Alberta

Loves to Quilt said...

Morning Kaaren, I love your coke bottle Santas! I have given up with the big tree as well. I now have a little scotch pine that sits on a blanket chest--PERFECT!

Darlene said...

Wonderful, wonderful touches of Christmas here and there. (need to trick Frankie - LOL)

Your Coke Bottle Santas are absolutely amazing.

When all our Christmas decorations were stolen years ago I lost my feather tree - sigh! Yours is wonderful - hopefully Frankie will ignore it. :-)

Shakerwood said...

Love it all specially the feather tree. We have one about that same height but have never been real happy with the decorations I have on it each year. I guess I'll try again this year with something different! And those Coke Santas are fabulous!

Joan said...

Lovely decorations and the Coke Santas! Wow! Your house looks so cozy and inviting. I'd love to spend time in your studio. Thinking of you! Take care! X0

Sydney said...

All I can say is...WOW! What talent you have. Well, we knew that already! I thank you for sharing your lovely home with all your fans! Merry Christmas!
sydney120@aol.com

jayne@~an eye for threads~ said...

You are a true inspiration! Every time I pop on The Painted Quilt for a visit I find my mind triggered in so many inspiring directions.
Thank you for all you share with us Kaaren.
Be always in stitches.

Janet O. said...

I am in awe over your Coke bottle Santas. Better stop giving them away and keep Mr. Painted Quilt happy!
Those little carved spool Santas are such sweet little treasures, too. Very nice, cozy-feeling Christmas decor.

Karen said...

You have the decorating touch for prim style.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

All just so lovely, but oh my heart, just love that you put up a feather tree. I have my Gr.grans, but afraid the kitties will ruin it.

Amy R said...

Kaaren, Your home is beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing. And, your SANTAS are AWESOME! I'd never seen them before. . . .

Anonymous said...

The black kitty who adopted us and has lived here nearly two years now slept during the whole time we decorted the tree. The next day I had everything out to decorate and furniture moved etc...boy was she bent out of shape! She would just slam her body down and pout. She hasn't bothered a thing....wait..take that back..the little tree she was using to rub her sweet lips across before trying to take a nibble! I quickly scolded and she hasn't touched since.

Siobhán said...

I love your decorating! Very nice and classic--just the way I like it. The coke bottle santas--oh my gosh, how COOL! I've never seen that sort of thing before. You are so talented!

sunny said...

What a fabulous feater tree! It's huge. Patience looks right at home with all your wonderful decorations. I hope frankie decides to play nice!

Sandi said...

What a lovely display you are creating in your warm inviting home Kaaren.

Your decorating and creative skills are to be enjoyed by all.

Just breath-taking! Thank you for sharing with us all.

WoolenSails said...

Wonderful decorations and love your santa collection.

Debbie

Allie said...

AMAZING- you could give tours, Kaaren! I think I love the coke bottle santas best!

Lesley said...

I adore your house tours...a little bit of Christmas throughout...so lovely! I've never seen a coke bottle Santa...amazing! Thanks so much for sharing!

Orcsmom said...

Kaaren,

Your house seems to be in top tip seasonal order! We also have made the decision to go with out our usual big tree and just use my husband's grandmother's feather tree. It's perfect, especially since we have 2 new yellow lab pups, who are having a hard time understanding the meaning of NO! Hugs!!

Pam

Jeannie Marie said...

Wishing you many more seasons of decorating. I have to agree with all that the Santa Coke bottles are divine!

Rosa said...

Awesome decorastions.Thanks for sharing!

Colleen said...

Love it all...including the Feather Tree. Those coke bottle Santas are amazing. Thanks for sharing.

Jenny of Elefantz said...

Kaaren, what a true talent you are. Those coke bottle santas are exquisite!
Patience is perfect. Love your decorating is soething magical, my friend.
Hugs
Jenny
xx

Betsy said...

Looks fabulous Kaaren

Shelley said...

You're coming to my house next week to decorate, right? lol ;) Now, I have to dig out and spit shine my drawers from an olde Singer Treadle!

linny said...

Patience is beautiful, I can understand why you had to have her.
Also your coke bottle santas just amazing. I enjoy seeing your decorating.
lyn.robyn.smith@gmail.com

Sandy said...

Your Coke bottle Santas are wonderful, Kaaren! Your decorations are really pretty.

Anne said...

Love your artfully placed Christmas treasures!

Jubama said...

de belles décorations !!!

Pink Diary said...

i'm impressed with your christmast decoration. awesome!!

Gmama Jane said...

Kaaren, I am in awe of those Coke Bottle Santas!! Oh my word, how absolutely stunning! You truly are an artist. I'm not even in your league...You Rock!
Blessings
Gmama Jane

antique quilter said...

just wonderful, I love seeing how others decorate and their treasures, you certainly have some treasures !
Patience is just perfect there.
Kathie

Carrie P. said...

Lovely decorations. I am sure it is fun decorating your new home this year.

Lori said...

I love seeing your Christmas decorations. It must be fun putting them out in your new house.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your gifts. I would like to start with Santas and raggerty.
Good day and very sincerly yours
I'am french. I beg your pardon for my bad anglish
Truly yours
Edwige

Janet said...

You have some incredible decorations and such a way with displaying them. The Santa bottles are my favourite too and you really mustn't give any more away.
I love Patience, she's fiited right in. Can you have too many Christmas decorations? Nah!

Merilyn said...

Never seen coke bottle santas before, a very creative way of using them I have to say...they look amazing, beautifully done!!!
Nice little feather tree too, perfect size for the table!! You have done a beautiful job with your decorating despite the fact you have had to curb the amount this year! Hopefully by next Christmas Frankie will have grown out of his adolescent ways so you can go full tilt again LOL!!!!!

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Kaaren, you have a gift for decorating! I just love your pictures you share with us. They inspire me. :o)

Candace said...

I love your new doll, Kaaren - she'll be such good company (along with Frankie) in your studio! You've just gotta love his shenanigans - but it's good to see you're managing to outsmart him with some decorations so far ;>) Everything looks wonderful!
Cheers!

Kathryn said...

I can see why Mr. PQ likes your coke bottle santas the best. You did a wonderful job on them. Your home looks so cozy and ready for the holiday. Kathie L in Allentown

carol said...

I have so enjoyed reading about Frankie. I have been doing many smiles as I read and envision the antics going on at your beautiful, decorated home. As everyone has been commenting, the Christmas Santa Coke bottles are so unique and beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing your home and so many talents.

carol said...

I have so enjoyed reading about Frankie. I have been doing many smiles as I read and envision the antics going on at your beautiful, decorated home. As everyone has been commenting, the Christmas Santa Coke bottles are so unique and beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing your home and so many talents.

HIBISCUS HOUSE said...

I love your blog. I also love that doll you picked up. she has such expression. Beautiful Santas I like them all. I am now following you, you talented woman. Please visit me at Hibiscus House when you can would love you have you visit.

Carole said...

I so enjoy the way you decorate! What a beautiful gift you have. thank you so much for sharing your many talents! Cheers!

Hetty said...

Hi Kaaren
It is always a joy to visit your blog. The photos are beautiful and your decorating skills - very impressive.
Hetty

Zoe said...

Hello!
I found your blog through the bloger and i loved it at once!!!
Keep up the good work!!
I allready added you to my favorite blogs, and hope you add me too!!
www.creationsbyzoe.blogspot.com

Sandra Henderson said...

Very beautiful~! I love your taste in decorating.
I received my package yesterday! So sorry to not come by and tell you sooner, been so busy here. I LOVE my quilt~!!! Thank you so much for making this Christmas so special. I will always treasure my wallhanging and every year when I take it out, will think of you. I appreciate the extra fabric for the back so much! You are very kind. Merry Christmas!!! Sandra

Teresa said...

Love yoru decorations. I had not seen anything like the coke bottle or wooden spool Santas. What great Christmas decorations!

Maura @ Kisiwa Creek Photography said...

Hi Kaaren...I LOVE your Christmas decorating! You did a wonderful job on the old Coke bottle Santa's...I Love all the details. No wonder your hubby finds these his favorite decorations. I think your feather tree is perfect. Thanks for stopping by today...it was nice to 'see' you again. Have a wonderful evening!
Maura :)

Quiltaholic said...

I've been following you for a little over a year now and I have to say that every time I come here I feel like I'm a home. Your home and everything you do is just SO BEAUTIFUL and I can't wait to see what you've done and what you're doing next! Don't ever stop blogging and know that I adore your home! Thank you for sharing and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Miriam said...

I love "Patience" and your Coke bottle Santas are amazing!

Nanette Merrill said...

Oh my darling things. I love how it feels.