I've been waiting for Halloween to get over so I can begin readying the house for Christmas. A few of the crafty bloggers I read are already getting prepared for Christmas crafting. So I am shamelessly starting my preparations as well! The first thing to do is:
Take Inventory. I'm looking at my boxes (oh, so many of them!) of Christmas decor, craft supplies, fabric, etc, to remind myself why I need to get rid of a few things...to make room for new things. Isn't it fun to find those things you bought at those post Christmas sales...then forgot about?
I love to start the season by going to thrift stores and antique malls to look for vintage christmas items before the vendors do their displays and raise their prices. I found the four Santa mugs the other day for 99 cents each at Savers. I have a large collection of them, but they are fun to put on wreaths and around my doors on garlands. I've made neighbor gifts with them. I'll be doing a whole post on them later on.
Getting an early start on Christmas crafting gives me the luxury to make things for fun. I've already started on my neighbor and friend gifts...and I'm one of those annoying people who starts Christmas shopping in July. But the closer one gets to the holiday, the less time you get to craft for fun. Yesterday I made the funky little placecard holders to the left. They'll be used in a future post. I used vintage wooden spools and buttons. I inherited a huge box of wooden spools from Grandma Patta. They used them to make Barbie furniture.
Since I'm not one of those classy people who believes "less is more," I also decorated the back!
I'm going to be re-thinking my kitchen decor a bit this year. It has been a gingerbread theme. But this year I'm thinking about "Peppermints and Polka Dots!" to show off more of my vintage Christmas collection.
Have a Holly Jolly Crafting Season!
If you want you can wait until after "Trunk or Treat!" =D
Shirly, Shirly, Shirly! I did not know it was YOU until I clicked on your name to let you know about my Christmas Tag Swap. OMGoodness, I have goosebumps as I could not be more excited that Shirly is YOU! I am beyond excited to have you. Just look at your wonderful projects. I am so inspired! I hope you don't mind if I post your A-Z photo by your name. YOU must be shared!
ReplyDeleteAgain, thank you so much.
(Tag making tip. Cut a base shape with card stock and "sandwich" it between your front and back printed papers. This will keep your tags lovely over time.)
Here is the "E" I forgot in my excitement typing!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that Elizabeth shared your blog link over on Creative Breathing. Your pictures are wonderful and inspiring. I look forward to being in E's little tag swap with you. Expect more company to pop over for a visit. ;-)
ReplyDeleteEeeks! I'm going to have so much fun here! Oh hi, E sent me over to meet you! :)
ReplyDeleteOh yes! Peppermint and polka dots! Go for it! I just feel so happy after reading this post. ♥
ReplyDeleteHello Shirley,
ReplyDeleteI love your desk organizer and the wooden spools!! Super cute!! I can't wait to get started either. I have a few more things I want to make for Halloween and then I will get started on Christmas!! I went to the antique store today and bought a bunch of Christmas pillows. The most I spent for one was 3.95 and it still had the store price tag on it!! I have a want list and will go back each week to spend my allowance until I get everything I want LOl I hope it doesn't get gone before I get back but if it does, no biggie right.
Hugs,
Lynn
Ahhh... A girl after my own heart!!! Your desk organizer is just adorable! I love the vintage images that you modpodged on it! It would be so cute to hold your Christmas cards! I too can hardly wait to get out my Christmas decorations. It's like old friends coming to visit when I pull them out of their boxes!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is as cute as a bug!
Blessings
Linda
Hi Shirley...Welcome to the Neighborhood!!
ReplyDeleteYou are very creative...and I see we collect some of the same Christmas items...lol Mugs!!
Looking forward to pulling up a chair and chatting and learning from you.
Cindy from Rick-Rack and Gingham
Stuff was so cute. It isn't fun to look at unless it is fun to do! You are so creative, you must have got my creativity too!
ReplyDeleteShirly,
ReplyDeleteOMG!!!! I just came over from Elizabeth's blog and I am in love!!!!! Another one of us "primary girls" who love the bright primary colors! I am so glad I stopped by...and please come say hello! Sandy @ 521 Lake Street :):)