Here is a pic of the set for the musical "The Christmas Post", which is being performed right now at our church. It is based on the old Norman Rockwell painting. I was lucky enough to be able to participate in the painting of the set. Several men from our church constructed it ...and did an amazing job! It is made to look like a 1940's department store...complete with revolving door! All the store windows revolve around as well so the set can be changed from inside to outside. We'll be going to see the performance this sunday...can't wait!

Meet Charlie...

I realize this has nothing to do with anything remotely creative but I thought I'd share what we are up to this weekend(amongst other things!)

We are having a very special sleepover at our house tonight! We have the bunny from work for a few days. Her name is Charlie ( thought to be a male for several years before they discovered he was a she!)

Charlie lives at the flower shop. She hops in and out of her cage at will and visits with all the customers. Her favourite place to be is right under your feet....nibbling on all the greens that drop to the floor. I've never been too fond of bunnies...all I've known have been biters...but Charlie is just the sweetest thing. The boys are having a blast with her. She certainly won't be lonely this weekend.

Magnetic Personality?

I'm back working at the flower shop these days...a fun place to be this time of year. But my crafting time has come to a quick halt now! I'm so glad I finished all my shopping, and wrapping, and have a good start on my baking...looks like I'll be working pretty much full time til December 24th! I'll try to remember to take my camera with me to work tomorrow so you can see some of the cool treasures we are creating!

I've been working on a few stocking stuffers these day. These magnet names are really fun....and really easy. I used my Close To My Heart Typewriter Alphabet to spell out the names....just inked them on card stock. The Creative Memories circl punch was the perfect size to punch out the letters. Used the glue gun to adhere them to clear glass jewels from the dollar store. Then glue gunned the dollar store magnets on the back. They look cool printed with all different colour inks, although that is a little more time consuming. Then I found these cool gift card tins at Michaels and used them to store the magnets. How easy is that?

Pin Cushion Tea Cup

Isn't this the cutest little pincushion you ever did see?
It caught my eye because I collect blue willow, but I thought the idea was just so cute. It would be a great way to give a special tea cup as a gift. And look at all the Christmas detail....LOVE IT!

Here are a couple of really simple ornaments I wanted to share...so simple the kids could make them!

The first is made from dollar store playing cards. Just cut circles, fold them in half and stick six together...gluing the ribbon in the centre.

I made a bunch of these words to put into the tree after I saw some on Ali Edwards site. Love....family...faith...friendship...celebrate...laughter....you get the idea. I was just thinking how cool it would be to do a whole tree with only these simple word cards.

K guys....go make some ornaments!

Vintage Ornaments

One of my favourite things to pull out at Christmas is my Vintage Ornament Collection. I've been picking them up now for several years, whenever I see them cheap enough at antique shops and flea markets. One year I should have enough to fill the whole tree! Meanwhile, I enjoy them piled up in my covered cake plate.
The patina on some of them is just beautiful...colours that certainly couldn't be replicated, I'm sure!

December Daily...

I just wanted to add a couple more photos so you can get the idea of what the finished product will be!

I was inspired by Ali Edwards and her idea of the "December Daily". It's a journal of the 25 days leading up to Christmas, and all the exciting things that happen....even if it is just an ordinary day. What a great way to remember all the little special moments that happen, then are forgotten.

Ali advises that you create the album itself before the business of Christmas starts. The take you pictures, print and then just add them to your book...a work in progress. I'm hoping to keep up with each day....so stay tuned!

I made the book itself from board, which I started cutting 6" x 12" . Some pages are only half that size, just to add some variety. Although all the pages I have numbered already, I may add some other pages inbetween if I need more space for one day. I may also punch some Christmas cards we receive and add those as well.

Sorry this post is all over the place....I keep having this problem when I am adding mulitple photos! If any ov you "bloggers" out there know how to fix that...I would love your help!

Thanks for stopping by!

Sully Snowmen

While 3 out of 5 of the Richmond clan were inside suffering from the stomach flu, Sully and I went outside for some FRESH AIR! And here's what we made!

We had lots of wet, heavy packing snow and before we knew it, our snowment were BIG!

I'm noticing one is leaning on a bit of an angle today....wonder if they are going to make it til Christmas?

Glass Ornaments

Been working on my Christmas ornaments!

The boys found me working on these one day and decided they wanted to play too. So everyone made a variety for our tree, and to give away this Christmas. Theirs were full of snow and beads and snowflakes and just about anything they could fit in there! I'll have to post some of theirs....or maybe you'll be one of the lucky receivers! LOL

It's hard to see in this pic, but inside the glass ball are curled up pieces of coordinating papers. A little time consuming, but I love the look. On the outside I used rub ons, which were a bit tricky....a flat rub on...a rounded surface!

I saw the idea for these on the 2 peas in a bucket site: http://http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/layout_images/1259442-6.jpg

And some cute monogrammed ornaments from Ali Edwards site: http://http://aliedwards.typepad.com/photos/holiday_projects_2006/ornaments.html

I hope you are all having fun creating for Christmas! Give these a shot...quick and easy fun.