Holiday Snippets

 

 

It came and it went. Every year the anticipation for Christmas to arrive builds and builds and then on Christmas Eve i have to take a deep breath and make sure i enjoy the time that will be spent with family, because i know it will go by so quickly. And it's a bit intense sometimes hopping from gathering to gathering in so few days. I savor the quieter moments spent doing something a little special and out of the ordinary...the Christmas Eve cheese fondue supper, an adventure walk in the woods, settling down to learn a new game, and noticing the outdoors. Taking the time to ponder what has been and what may lie ahead in the New Year. And that is nearly upon us!

Snowy Walk

 

I almost got way too caught up in the hectic pace of Christmas happenings last week. And then Sunday came. The temperature was moderately warm for this time of the year and big chunky snowflakes were falling from the sky. I realized we had hardly stepped foot outdoors in the past 4 days and it was time to take a break from it all and head out into the woods. It was just what we needed, just in time.

Art and newfangled craft

 I'm participating in an Art and Craft Sale and Show this weekend with three other talented women. It promises to be a cozy and fun event. Each artist participating in this years Fa*la*la show will be selling wares that are unique unto themselves. I can vouch for these ladies because i own a piece (or more) from each of them:

 Marathon 1981 came to my attention last year when it seemed i started to see her plushies everywhere! She creates completely original, whimsical, one-of-a-kind kooky characters with personalities. I took this little dudette home with me one day for my daughter (okay, it was really for me--O. thinks it's scary)

She hangs out on the couch a lot with our cat Franny looking a tad perturbed. But mostly they get along.

 Dawn Chaput is a raku pottery fire-er extraordinaire (i should know, i've taken a class or two with her), and she also makes beautiful and organic hand-built vessels, cups, bowls, and wall hangings. I've been trading and collecting pieces from and with her for a few years  now.

I've known Ms. Melanie Wesley for some time now and she always manages to surprise me with some new artistic skill she's picked up or project she's been working on. She's a top-notch seamstress and clothing designer (including earrings, necklaces, and other bodily adornments), she can knit up a storm, and has more recently taken up painting. It was about time she got herself a studio (aka The Stitchery), which will be the very place this sale is going to be held. I've always found other artists studios to be an inspiration and hers is no exception. If for no other reason, come visit her cozy studio done up in her vintage modern clashy (and classy) style.

 

This is one of two wall hangings i have of Mel's. Her attention to detail is incredible!

I think it's safe to say that Melanie has nearly achieved rock star status with her infamous bunnies. They're just so freaking adorable. I believe she's been working on a fresh batch for the show, as well as a simpler version, stuffed with lavender.  If you'd like to see more of the wonders she has created, just check out her website.

And then there is moi. I'm just wrapping up close to 30 small 6x6 inch paintings for the sale. There will also be postcards and christmas cards. I will leave you with a few teasers. Hopefully you have been enticed to come to the show this Saturday!

December Countdown

Over the past few weeks, O. has been asking me what day it is, what we are doing, and when it’s going to be Christmas. There have been Christmas decorations out (seemingly earlier than ever) in any store you go to, and it’s hard to explain to her that Christmas is still a looooooong time away. At least in toddler-land. She still doesn’t quite grasp the concept of weeks and months and she’s just starting to understand that there are different days of the week. Yesterday marked the first day of December, and so we made our own advent calendar to help us count down the days until Christmas.

It's our first official decoration we've put up and i'm trying to think up little treats to stick into every numbered pocket. I don't really want to have to go out and buy things to stick in them, so i've been finding little things around the house...a few dried cranberries tied in a wee bag, some felt in the shape of a christmas tree...i've still got some thinking to do. There are still a lot of days to fill.

 

I knew those toilet paper rolls I'd been saving would find a use!