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Saturday, December 1, 2012

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

The Christmas decorating is wrapping up (no pun intended, he he) here at my house. It's been a little hard to get into the spirit since it's been unseasonably warm here, but I got over it quickly enough once I started bring out all the Christmas goodies. My hubby and I just love the Christmas decor so I tend to go a little crazy. This is the one time of year that I am happy to have popcorn ceilings, as they allow me to hang my snowflakes/stars from the ceiling as a tree topper.

Bottle brush tree are one of my favorite things to bring out.

The mantle is covered with them, and I use silver tea pots, creamers and sugar bowls as stands. I'm still in need of a few more, but I'm sure I will find them over time.  My garlands tend to be very sparkly and very drippy with silver and crystals.

Since I don't have a young child at home anymore, I've really missed seeing toys under the tree. I've started collecting vintage ones to use as decor. My sweet hubby found this tricycle on the side of the road set out for the trash. Of course it didn't look anything like this when he found it. It was red and very sun faded, and the metal had lots of surface rust. My sweet man spend an entire weekend restoring it to this little cutie. I love it!!

 Here is the rocking horse that I got at Sweet Salvage last month. Now he has a little friend!
I love the way it looks under the tree.

 Here are some the ornaments that I made for the tree over the past couple of years. I am having a little open house and make and take ornament party next weekend and my guest will be making one of these.

 I made this one a few years ago.

 This one is new this year. I covered one of those paper mache' ornaments with music sheet paper, and used crepe paper, silver tinsel and mica snow. Then I topped it with a bleached bottle brush tree that was embellished with glass pearls and gave it a silver pipe cleaner handle.

 This one is a couple years old.

 I made this one last year. I have one with an S on it for my hubby too.

 This one is new this year also. I used a vintage tart tin.

 Can you tell I like layering???

 Another old one.

 I wanted a variety of looks, so this year I wrapped some balls, that were colors I'm not using anymore in macrame cord and added some lace trim.

 Another new one from a tart tin.

Yup. you guessed it... a tart tin.  :)

This is a shadow box I made a couple of years ago and felt very honored and excited when it got published in Sommerset Studio Nov/Dec. 2010.

This is some of the garland that hangs between the family room and the dining room.
I'll probably show more of it later.

Well that's all for the family room! If you would like to see Christmas in my Living room, click here!  And if you would like to see some cool wood spool and vintage tart ornaments, click here!
I hope you all are having as much decorating as I am!


 Too see lot's more beautiful Christmas decor, go see Kathleen at Faded Charm for a holiday home tour linky party!!!!

64 comments:

Unknown said...

Soooo beautiful!!

Joanna said...

witaj
wspaniałe dekoracje ... podziwiam i nie mogę oczu od nich oderwać
pozdrowienia z Polski

Valery Klassen said...

Oh my goodness.... I don't know where to begin. Stunning!!!!! I want to move into your house. And... I must have that tricycle. I have an old red one in the basement that was my daughter's (might just have to paint it up like yours). Your decorations are just beautiful, you are so very talented. Thanks for sharing, you just put me in the Christmas spirit. Love ya!

The French Bear said...

Karen, I love, love LOVE it all!!!! It is just so peaceful and calm and white...I love it!
Hugs,
Mags
xx

Denise said...

Wow! What a gorgeous home you must have all through the year. Your Christmas decor is dreamy and your very talented with interior design.I regret My camera broke in Nov. I so hope Santa brings Me one early this year. Denise

Shell said...

So pretty Karen! I've started, but have been sick,,,Your home looks just lovely!! Thanks for sharing!!

Hugs my Friend!
Shell

Bunny Jean said...

Hi Karen!
It is ALL just so beautiful! Loving all the lace and white with a little touch of neutrals.

xo Bunny Jean

Unknown said...

Such beauty, I love all of it and you make it so magical:)
Hugs and love Marilou

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh my, exquisite. Everything is just gorgeous. Hugs, marty

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with all the gorgeous decorations. Everything is so wonderful.

I love the ornaments you have made over the years and the rocking horse is perfect.

Happy Holidays,
Tracie

American Cottage Antiques said...

Merry Christmas Karen, your house is beautiful! You've inspired me to go down to the garage and find my christmas boxes. Once I get started, I'll love getting in the christmas groove! Cheers, Mary

StasaLynn said...

As always - your Christmas decorations are breathtaking!

Merry Christmas to you and your hubby!

Linda K. said...

Always admire and drool over your Christmas decorations every year. First, the little tricycle is absolutely the cutest! What a sweet husband! The shadow box is awesome! Then all of your handmade ornaments are my kinda ornaments. Just beautiful, as always! Have a wonderful Christmas, Karen!

Linda
Queen Bee Cottage

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

Thanks so much for sharing all your lovely photos. You must have high energy levels to complete all these breathe taking designs. Truly lovely and exquisite. Enjoy the holiday season and rest up a bit!!

Jane said...

Everything is soooooooo beautiful! What a gorgeous tree and mantel - oh, my! Thanks for showing the ornaments close up - so many good ideas there!
Happy Christmas!

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

It's a magical winter wonderland at your place Karen. The garland is gorgeous and you've created some unique decorations. Our place is sparse with decorations which is fine as I get to enjoy the decor of fellow bloggers.
Your hubby did a fantastic job on the tricycle, the colour is perfect.
Judith

ImagiMeri said...

You say you wrapped balls???? LOL

As usual girlfriend, it's stunning. We have to get together again sometime soon.

Hugs,
Meri

pendeur's said...

Enchanting Karen....thank you for sharing!!
Joyeux Noel

pendeur's said...

Enchanting....thank you for sharing.

Joyeux Noel

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Your Christmas decor is BEAUTIFUL!! Please come to my home and help me! It's AWESOME!!! Love the little trike under the tree!
WOW!
Warmly,
deb

Tina said...

So inspiring... thanks for allowing us to peek at your decorations.
T

Sheila said...

Hey Karen!
everything look so wonderful...I really love your style for the decor...simply divine.

Smiles,
Sheila

Anne said...

Your home looks beautiful! Love all your handmade ornaments too!
xx
Anne

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Your home is looking beautiful for Christmas, Karen! Your hubby did a great job on that tricycle ~ love the colors. I love your ornaments, too. I have a bunch of discs in the garage that hubby is getting rid of. I may just have to grab them into my craft room and try making some ornaments next year for myself. I think they'd make a great base.

Unknown said...

oh. my. GOODNESS! it's magical...a wonderland of beauty and wonder. wow...LOVE!

Marlynne said...

Oh Karen1 It's just breath takingly beautiful! Wish I could see it in person and also be involved in one of those ornament making parties! I love the trike your husband fixed for you1 I'm going to use your idea about vintage toys under the tree! P.S. Thanks for all your help with my latest problem with G.B. Storage! I'm finally back to blogging again!

Anonymous said...

Absolutely stunning! It looks like a Christmas Wonderland! I love every inch!

Kim @ French Country Antiques said...

Looks great, Karen. Sooo romantic and festive all at the same time.

Pollyanna said...

Your ornaments are all amazing ... I am going to post to Pinterest this very minute .... thanks for sharing!!

Bohemian said...

Karen your Christmas Decor is Breathtaking and Picture Postcard Lovely! The Flocked Tree with all of the Hand-Made Ornaments is Enchanting! And that Tricycle your Hubby Restored from a curbside 'score' is so well done! Yes, it is a bit difficult to feel Seasonal when the temps are still in the 80's *winks*, perhaps that is why I'm loving my White Faux Tree so much, it just looks more Wintery. *Smiles*

Dawn... The Bohemian

Pendra said...

After sunset when you turn off the lights does your house look just magical... I just adore your handmade ornaments and that shadow box is just the cutest. The trike is amazing...what a sweetheart! I enjoy every moment visiting you and your beautiful home. Thanks for sharing!

Vicki Dutcher said...

Yep, it is officially Christmas time now! So fun to see all your original works. Kudos to DH for rocking out the trike! Thanks for sharing your Christmas home.

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

Oh Karen, I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Everything looks gorgeous! Your tree, sigh! Your ornaments are awesome and that shadow box is stunning. Our kittens would have lots of fun in your living room. That's the reason why ours will be pretty undecorated this year. The little ones play with almost everything that gets near their little paws. I've decorated a little bit in the studio but haven't taken any pictures yet.
Happy Sunday!
Hugs,
Julia

Charlene said...

How very pretty! I wish I ha a flocked tree!

Romeo said...

*sigh* without a doubt the best, very best Christmas decorating EVER! And as a fellow popcorn ceiling owner, I love the idea of the snowflakes suspended for a tree topper! At least there is some benefit to these less than attractive ceilings! Our tree in the living room is already but, maybe.....thanks so much for showing your beautiful house!!!! One day I will be able to do all whites. Maybe by then you can free up your calendar to come help :) Romeo would LOVE that!!!

Hugs and purrs,

"Her" and Romeo

Anonymous said...

Absolutely stunning and I love your shadow box. It must be wonderful to spend Christmas surrounded by such beauty.

suziqu's thread works said...

Wow Karen my eyes are just sparkling too! So much sparkle and glittery goodness. Looks beautiful!
Have a fun week dear friend,
Suzy

Sugar Lump Studios said...

These are all just beautiful. What a gorgeous home at Christmas!

Nancy

Art From The heart said...

Gorgeous beyond words !
Hugs

Unknown said...

My gosh Karen!!!! Your home is a winter wonderland for sure! And your hubby did a GREAT job on that bike!!! So sweet. I made my first trip to Sweet Salvage with Meri last month! OMG!!! I had a ball! All kinds of vintage ornaments and items! Meri bought a beautiful redone RED King bed....I was so jealous! lol

I can't imagine the time this takes, but it really makes your home so magical!!!!!

Rhonda said...

I should be decorating downstairs but no, I'm reading blogs, LOL
The man is waiting for me, since he put the tree up an hour ago.

Love everything, Karen, all of your precious antique toys add more charm!

Words and Pictures said...

Okay... NOW I'm speechless!! Unbelievable...
Alison x

Lea @ CiCis Corner said...

I feel like I just toured a Christmas Wonderland. How gorgeous and it spells a whole lot of work to me. I cannot image putting up that much decor or rather, I can't image taking all of that down. :o) Everything is just so lovely and I sure enjoyed the tour. Happy week!

Eva Agnes said...

What an absolutely smashing post with lovely photos.
Great Christmas decorations.

Hugs
Eva Agnes

Laurart said...

WOW!!!....Oh WOW!!!...That is.....WOWOWOWOW!!! Amazing, beautiful, stunning, gorgeous...can you come to our house and decorate our sitting room? ;o) xxx

Elderberry Dreams said...

I just loved looking at your special ornaments and your home looks AmAzInG!! So pretty! I absolutley love that shadowbox!! Merry Christmas Karen, and thanks for sharing!

Little Miss Maggie said...

These are beautiful ornaments, Karen. Just gorgeous.

Unknown said...

There is only one word WOW...!!! Its stunning, gorgeous and beautiful Christmas decor. I saw some Ideas to decorate a Christmas tree on commonfloor which is also good. Keep sharing this kinds of article. Thanks.. :)

Snugglebug Blessings said...

Hi Karen,

Your house looks lovely! I love all the ornaments you have made over the years and the bike is just darling. Its beginning to look alot like Christmas at your house. God bless and Merry Christmas. Cathy

Sheila Rumney said...

What a beautiful holiday home. Love all the handmade ornaments!

Enjoy your Christmas season.

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Stunning! And I love the little trike. How sweet...

Blessings,
Spencer

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with all the gorgeous decorations. Everything is so wonderful.
Amway

Art and Sand said...

I love all of your decorations. We go away on a family vacation as our Christmas gift so I no longer decorate to the hilt like I did when the kids are young. Just the little bits I have make our home so comfy and cozy though.

Laloofah said...

What gorgeous, charming holiday decor you have! It's elegant without being fussy, and gives such a wonderful, loving, vintage, cosy feel, like a warm hug from a sophisticated grandma. :-) I love all the homemade touches, and my favorite items by far are the rocking horse and the wonderful trike!

Lily's Lace said...

You're killin' me! I don't have one decoration up and your house looks like it should be in Romantic Homes! Hey send them photos, maybe next December issue!!! It all looks too fab and beautiful! Steve did a great job on the bike, it looks great with the tree!! Great post,xoxox-cin

Karen said...

Karen you blog inspires me, and I love your photos. Blessings, and Cape Cod greetings.

Rustique Gal said...

Karen,
What beauty! I so long for those old fashioned Christmases! I hardly decorate, though I usually host Christmas eve. I hope to plan ahead for next year and do it up for once!
Love your ornaments! so inspiring!
Hugs,
Sherry

Queen Mom Jen said...

Soo lovely. Thanks for sharing! I am glad to have found your lovely blog.

Sherry said...

love your decorating and I love the idea of antique tools as decor. My children are too old now for toys as well and it's a lovely way to keep the "child" part of Christmas alive.

Vicki Boster said...

Karen-- I look forward to your Christmas decoration photos every year- they are truly some of the most beautiful I've ever seen. Your vintage crafted ornaments are so lovely on your tree-- it must take hours (and hours!!) to create all this dreamy wintery loveliness!! Thanks again for sharing these special holiday pictures-- your home is just so stunning for the holidays--
Vicki

Lorri Scott said...

Will you come decorate my house? xo

Unknown said...

Gorgeous decorations!! Love your blog!
Daisy

Carol Collett said...

Your home is stunningly beautiful. I particularly like the bird-theme Christmas tree. It is easy to see there is a abundant amount of love in your desert cottage. You are a true inspiration. Hugs, Carol

Amber Lyon Ferguson said...

Inspired!!!!

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