Please tell me I'm not the only one running in circles

Actually, everything is finished

except for straightening The Playground.

But up until about an hour ago,

it was touch and go.

I would like to share just a few more things

that never made it up here.

I had leftover satin from the last tree I made

so decided to pick up another Sytrofoam cone

and make another tree.

Rolled only 45 roses on this one!

Will gift it to a long-time friend tomorrow.

These fabric wrapped ornaments

will be given to my friend's sister tomorrow.

I didn't realize I hadn't posted these yet.

They were on my phone - just never got downloaded.

And a few more cards.

Remember me talking about my little neighbor, Jaylen?

I've had such a great time the past 24 days

leaving little treats in her stocking

hung on the railing in the breezeway.

She told me all she wants for Christmas

is a bunny.

Or a dog.

I'm sure she means a real live bunny,

but I decided to make her this

in case Santa falls short.

The Christmas Countdown has been so rewarding.

Every evening when I put the next day's

gift in the stocking, there's a little thank you note.

Here's a couple of my favorites:

Pretty good for a six-year old, isn't it?

Her mamma told me that Jaylen

does this all by herself.

I'm impressed!

Here she is creating a Christmas card

for her parents.

This was the same day she said to me,

"What's wrong with your hair?"

I was in dire need of a haircut

and knew I wasn't looking my best

but I put a surprised look on my face and replied,

"Why?  What's wrong with my hair?"

She said, "It's a wild mess on top!!!"

How could you not crack up?

Time to wrap it up for another year.

Perhaps next year will take it's time

and December won't creep up on all of us.

The struggle was real this year, trust me!

From our house to yours,

I hope your Christmas is magnificent.

Enjoy the food, the gifts and each other.

And remember the reason for the season.

Oh - and of course, your tree!

We are definitely enjoying ours.

Countdown to Christmas

I just love it when all the "stuff" that goes into making a card actually makes it to the paper just like the visions in my head.  And sometimes even better than those visions!!  In light of that, behold the magic when the colors, image, embellishments, glitter, glue, ink, paint, and ribbon meet paper.  As simple as this card is, there were quite a few techniques and products used on this card.

Lucky Frosty - he's getting a ride!  Here's another one of those timeless images combined with the more modern day items.

Brrrrrrrrrrr ... this image just makes me cold.  Hopefully, all the animals are in the barn keeping warm.  My favorite part of this image is the snow stacked up on the fence.

Another timeless image.  I never had a doll baby like this, did you?  Timeless elegance.

This picture just makes me smile.  "Little maid smiles happily while angel guards the Christmas tree" ... so sweet.

Now that December is here, be sure to surround yourself and your loved ones with things that remind you of happy times.  Enjoy the season.  I'll be back to share more Christmas cards.

More Christmas

I am smitten with vintage images and just love the timeless and classic look.  I've said it before, and I'll say it again.  I wish today's Santa would dress like this.

Joyeux Noel.  Look at this sweet little angel (no pun intended) ... now that is a classic look.

Another timeless image.  Pieces like this just seem to melt away the commercialism of Christmas.

Yes, here's the man of the season again.  Men don't refer to their clothing as "outfits" but I sure do like his!

Graceful.  There's no other word to describe this couple as they glide on the ice.  I tried to ice skate one. time.  That's all it took was one. time.  I had those skates off my feet quicker than you could say "ouch" ... never again.  Graceful?  I was not!

Best Wishes For Christmas.  Something tells me these little sweeties are going to have a steaming copy of cocoa (with marshmallows) when they go inside.

This next image reminds me of a Winter wedding.  Maybe because The Runner and I had a December wedding.  With lots and lots of snow.  And cold temperatures.  And cars that wouldn't start.  I wish they still made sleds like these rather than the plastic discs.

I remember having a little hand-warmer like her.  Of course, mine was not real fur - but it was toasty warm just the same.

This hare sure is getting his exercise in!!  I couldn't ice skate, but I sure loved to ski.  Cross-country ski, that is.  Oh, I tried downhill skiing a couple of times, but preferred to stay on the bunny slopes with all the children.  Those lifts?  Oh no.  Never.  I do not miss the cold and the ice but I sure miss skiing.  As a matter of fact, I still have my skis.  Yes.  In Texas.

My father worked part time at a nursery and when flocked trees were popular, he brought one home and this tree reminds me of that one.

Whoa ... this dude makes me cold just looking at him.  And, I must admit that I am just a little intimidated by his stature.

I leave you with this image; it's not vintage and doesn't really have a timeless or classic look but I think you'll agree with me that this child is having a good time.

See you next time with more Christmas cards.  We're coming down the wire now, aren't we?