...and the stockings were hung...

Even though it seems like every day is the same (tedious COVID-19) the time is flying by.  Hard to believe Christmas is almost here.  I worked on my Christmas cards a couple of weeks ago.  This year I chose to do a two-sided card rather than a folded one.  I had the cards printed at Costco - they are very affordable, great quality, and fast turned around.  

I kept Richard busy putting the return address labels and stamps on the envelopes.  

My intention was to have a little "fun" with COVID-19!

The great reveal:

Have a joyous holiday however you choose to celebrate!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I wanted to share with you my 2018 Christmas card.  I hope you have a wonderful and glorious holiday!

With all the rushing and stress of the season, I think we could all use a little serenity right about now.

For the birds...

The quilt I'm currently working on has to take a backseat (at least for a while).  Christmas will be here before you know it and I've got tons to do to get ready.  (Our tree and other holiday decorations are up - the day after Thanksgiving - our tradition.)

We usually send our grandchildren gift cards or checks, but I still like to send along a little something to open.  I took a quick run to Michaels yesterday to see if I could find anything to get my creative juices flowing.  I saw these sweet little $1 wood birdhouses and just had to take some home.

Step 1 - gesso

Step 2 - allow to dry then sand, sand, sand!

Step 3 - apply ceramic tile adhesive through sequin waste to form roof tiles

Now I need to wait for these to dry, sand some more and paint like mad!  I'm curious to see how they will turn out.  I don't like to plan too far ahead especially on a project like this...whimsy works best that way at least for me.

Oh Christmas Tree...

It's a rainy, cold day even here in SWFL.  I did manage my daily walk, but my brain was going faster than my feet.  We're hosting a dinner party in a few days.  I decided to make some small Christmas trees as a gift for our friends.  Perfect way to while away the time when it's so glum outside.

The trees were made completely out of miscellaneous stuff in my studio.  A little gold paint and glitter goes a long way to make these trees look festive.

2" wooden cubes, drill hole in middle (top)

torn scraps of book pages, ribbon, wrapping paper, trim, etc.

hors d'oeuvres sticks, wooden bead (painted gold), 

brass star (hole punched) adhered with 527 multi-glue

glitter added

glass marbles adhered with glue to bottom of wood cubes

(these will serve as feet)

stack torn papers in graduating sizes small to large on stick;

glue stick into drilled hole

VOILA!!