pictures

              shop                               facebook                                blog

Sunday, December 24, 2017

merry christmas from the garden

Since so much of the country is heading for a winter deep freeze, I thought I would share some holiday warmth from the deep South.
I photographed this precious winter scene a few years ago for Romantic Homes magazine.
I thought this would be the perfect time to share a few more photos from that special day to warm your heart.
To all my gardening friends...
Enjoy!
 

 





 
I might be dreaming of a white Christmas...but I am so happy that I can dream of snow but live in my garden!
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas...
 


Sunday, December 10, 2017

ready for more...?

I am obsessed with ephemera!
Especially around the holidays.
How about another paper project?
Old papers, cards and letters are so beautiful. Here is a short tutorial on how-to make one of my favorite paper ornaments. It is a nod to the past...
 
 
1. Start by finding some old cards. You can make copies of some of your favorites or use clip art if you don't want to cut up old original images.
2. Then find a circle template that is 2 to 3 inches in diameter. I used a juice glass as you can see in the image below.
3. Now cut out the circles. Each ornament requires 6 circles of the same diameter.

 
4. Now fold each circle as to create a square shape in the center of the circle. (See image below.)
5. Make a 3 inch ribbon loop (cut the ribbon into 8 inch pieces for a 3 inch loop). This will be the hook used to hang the ornament.
6. To assemble the ornament, use paper glue (a glue stick works well), glue the folded edges together to create a cube.
Remember to tuck the ribbon loop into the cube before the final panel is glued into place.

 
I like to assemble a lot of these little beauties at one time. I hang them on my tree, on garlands and on gift boxes. They also make lovely favors for dinner pary guests. 


 
For a special treat for kids, you can hide little treats or money in each ornament. Then let the kiddos tear into them!

 
Feel free to copy the images below to get you started!
 

 
For those of you who follow my magazine articles, you might remember seeing versions of this idea! It was featured in Romantic Homes and Flea Market Decor magazines. Thank you for supporting me throughout the years!!!

 
This is a great project to get you into the holiday spirit. Maybe you can throw a kids (or adults) holiday crafting party! Frost sugar cookies and assemble ornaments. Don't forget to invite me too...it sounds like fun!
Enjoy.
 
 


Friday, December 1, 2017

christmas clip art

How about a few fun and easy crafts to get you in the holiday mood?
Clip art love!
 
 
Make a simple gift tag by gluing an image to a packing label.
Or make beautiful greeting cards with scrapbook papers, bits of lace and tiny buttons...

 
Make a cone out of a greeting card. Then glue on a ribbon handle and button embellishments. Fill the cones with tiny treats and hang them on your tree or around your home. They make adorable gifts for holiday guests.

 
Glue an image or a card to a piece of foam core, mat board or poster board. Glue ribbon or tinsel around the edge and make a hanger out of a piece of gold string. Voila...an ornament!

 
Glue a pretty image to a glass bottle. Next, use floral wire to create a hanger. Embellish with greenery or precious berries.


I turned this vintage image into a place card...
 

 
I thought this image was so beautiful. I enlarged it, made copies and cut out the heart shape. On the back is the dinner menu. It's a lovely table decoration and a take-away for your dinner guests!
 
 
Click on the images below and save them to your computer...then you too can make some fun and easy holiday crafts






 
Feeling crafty? I sure hope so! You can find a lot of other terrific holiday ideas on the Romantic Homes blog. You'll see some of my ideas featured there along with other wonderfully creative contributors. It's a great place to go to be inspired!
Have fun...