May Your Cup Be Full....

...of Christmas Cheer!!!!

thanks to my daughter for the photo from instagram

Christmas on the Mantel

Inspired by a picture that Simply Bungalow posted, I decided on a whim to do our mantel in old bottles and vintage ornaments.

There are a few odds and ends of dishes thrown in too because I discovered that I had sold most of my bottles.  A little tinsel here and there is nice too.

And some candle holders.....

 I think some vintage mirrors and windows leaning up along the wall in the back would be a perfect addition.

But, this was on a whim and I was out of time and oomph.

If you had some really special ornaments, this would be a great way to display them. Just a few as a small grouping on a shelf or as your table centerpiece would be nice. 

Blog posts may be a bit scant for a couple of weeks, making merry and all.  But, I have to say that I've been detached from the "busy" in a really good way and am enjoying the season.  I pray the same for you. 

I also hope I maintain that attitude and detachment at the end of this week, ha!

A Little Tree Surprise

When I came across this free pattern at Lark Crafts for a sand bag Christmas tree, I pinned it.

Unlike my other "pins", this one got done!  The pattern comes from the book Flip Dolls & Toys That Zip, Stack, Hide, Grab & Go by Laura Wilson.
I may need to buy this book.

I used vintage fabric scraps that I had on hand and filled the pieces with non toxic plastic toy filler (not sure what it's called) because I had a bag of it from a garage sale.  Otherwise, I would have used rice.

It's already been received by a special someone....

Who last I heard was playing "fetch" with them with her Daddy.

My daughter did not realize that they were supposed to be a "tree".  Hmmm...maybe I should have used all green fabric!!

How are your Christmas preparations going?  My youngest informed me that it was 12 days until Christmas this morning. "WHAT?!?! " She laughed at me and went to the calendar to show me.  She's right!

Madonna of the Kitchen Comes Home

On April 7th, 2011, I posted about my Madonna of The Kitchen Holy Water Font that had broken.  You can read about it here and see the sad pictures. 

Early in November someone commented that they had one for sale on Ebay.
I was thrilled.

Well, look what came in the mail!

Now, I'm not sure if I'm going to hang it in the same spot or not for fear of it breaking again.  Also, I'm afraid to put the holy water in it without some kind of liner or it may crack again too.  Details I'll need to figure out.  I'm just so happy to have another intact one!

Thank you Ebay seller jademani!!

Today is day 12 of Rebecca's 12 days of Mary.  I'm very happy I found this link up party. :)