my favorite view (today)

This is my mom and dad's house and the house that I grew up in. They have always placed the tree between the living room and family room. On the living room side the ornaments are very traditional and formal, while on the family room side they are fun and toylike.

Below is a picture of her dining room and her victorian tree.

I just threw in this picture because I love this bathroom. I helped my mom redo it about two years ago. I actually made those curtains. Check out the handpainted sink. You cannot see it in this picture, but the faucet is green verdigris medal that looks like garden plumbing.

My Favorite View (today)

My little village is finally done!

What I learned from this project...

• There is a reason they are so expensive to buy, each house took about four hours.
• Even the most common box can be formed into something. See there was a reason to buy those truffles.
• Hot glue and I have a love-hate relationship. I love it because it holds it all together, I hate it because it hurts so darn bad!
• Snow-Tex hides any structural mistakes, a very cool product!
• Go smaller than instinct tells. It barely fits in the space I envisioned it for.
• Chimneys are hard to construct, hence the crooked one.
• There are many miniature picket fences out there to choose from.
• "If you can't afford it...make it yourself!"

Which brings me to my next project...it won't be until January to start that one. I'll give a hint...it is a large piece of furniture. Stay tuned...

My Favorite View (today)

Christmas Baking

One of my favorite holiday traditions is baking. This is probably because that's what my mom did when I was growing up.

So everyday when my kids are at the table doing their homework, I make a batch of cookies.

So far I have made fudge, white chocolate dipped gingersnaps, dark chocolate almond bark, chocolate hazelnut bars, chocolate & mint bars, chocolate peanut butter balls (above) and coconut pyramids (above).

My poor friends who don't like chocolate probably hate my cookie plates!

I always host a cookie exchange also. This year it is small, just nine of us, as many dear friends have moved. It is always a lot of fun and the treats NEVER disappoint!

Cherry Blossom Manor

Here is my second house in my little village. A great friend and I gathered this morning to each make one. Hers was a castle with a turret, soooo cute! I wish you could see them in person as the pictures do not highlight all the sparkles and snowflakes. The best part has been naming them, this one inspired by the color. Stay tuned for my final addition...I think it shall be named "Old River Chapel".

Winter Dreams

I had seen a village here and fell in love with it. Unfortunately, I could not afford it. This is my first attempt at creating my own. I will soon add a church and another house. I named this one "Cotswold Cottage".

This tree is in my dining room and I am still working on crowns to fill it. We have lots of little neighbor children that we are close to, so when they come over they will choose a prince or princess crown to take home from the tree.

They make cute tree toppers too!

Enchanted & Royal

Here is the final product of the romantic cottage chandelier. What you cannot see is all of the sparkles from the glitter dusting I did. I really enjoy making these chandeliers and everytime I do one it quickly becomes my favorite!

Below are some of the crowns I have made. I set out to make them to add a little shabby Christmas to ones decor. Some are made of fabric, stiffened to make the unique shapes. Others are made of paper, stiffened also. All are embellished with rhinestones, ribbon and glitter.

I have also adapted these to ornament size. I will soon post those as well. As always, thanks for stopping by and I hope something here inspires you like so many others have inspired me!

Happy Creating!