Jeweled Christmas Trees

 Here is a Christmas tree that was made by my Grandmother from old costume jewelry. As a child, I remember seeing this picture hanging in her house. She gave it to me when I was in my teens (I'm in my late 40's now.)  Back then, when she gave it to me, I didn't think much of it, and packed it away in my Hope Chest.

 Fast forward many, many, many years.....my Grandmother's tree had inspired my mom to make one. I remember my mom collecting just the right pieces for her tree, which she eventually made about 15 years ago. My mom lovingly hung her tree up every year. 

 Back then, I didn't think much of it.

Since then, I have come to appreciate the beauty in these special trees made by two women who were not crafty, but who were inspired enough to try their hand at making something. I'm so grateful that I didn't do something stupid like donate these to the goodwill. I have never seen anything like these, and I feel very proud to display these in my home.

My Grandmother and my Mother are no longer living, and I will make sure I explain the value of these pictures to my children. 

Oh, and I'm thinking I need to make one to add to the generation of the

Jeweled Christmas Trees.

A Trip To The Mall

I had a great time shopping at the mall today with my daughters. I mostly tagged along to watch them spend their money along with some of mine. I window shopped for myself and got gift ideas for a few people. It's hard not to shop for myself.

Did I read somewhere about a down economy? People not spending much money these days? Well, I didn't see none of that at the mall. Of course, the people I saw were probably the smart ones who saved all year in a Christmas account. Then come October, they received a huge check from the bank.

Anyway, I did buy these beautiful tree ornaments.

 This fairy will end up in my studio after Christmas to join her long lost friends. That's another post.

 Who can pass up a cheery snowman jumping rope?

 

Black Friday

Black Friday? Not me! There is nothing I need nor want bad enough to put up with the crowds. Black Friday at my house is all about sleeping in, lounging around in pajamas, eating delicious leftovers, and putting up Christmas decorations. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with loved ones.

Many Blessings.

Project Bowl

I always have a couple pieces of handwork sitting in this bowl next to the couch. Here you see a Cathedral Windows bedcover in progress, and a scarf I started knitting last winter. Having quick access to these projects makes it easy for me to sneak a stitch here and there. I will rotate projects around because my attention span is not that long, unless I'm very close to finishing. Come to think of it, I dont believe I've ever started just one project and focused entirely on that one until its completed. I'm always coming across something interesting that I've got to try.

Fall Colors

 The air is cool and crisp these days and there are leafless trees everywhere reminding me that the fall season is coming to an end. Each season seems to get shorter. 

 There are those few trees that are struggling to hold on to their leaves. I love this tree in my front yard. It goes through at least three different color changes in the fall, the last one being a stunning burnt red color. It's one of the last trees to shed its leaves, my signal to get ready for some cold weather. 

As I walked to and from my studio today, I noticed each time, this tree had less and less leaves on it. By sunset, it was completely bare.

 What is left is a carpet of multi-colored leaves laying around until the last mowing of the season. As a little girl, I'd be raking these leaves up into a big pile just to jump in them.

I am grateful for being able to witness the beautiful Fall colors.

Take Flight

During November on Dawn's blog, d'blogala, you will find a daily journal prompt. I decided to join two of the daily prompts on one page. Dawn is trying to get everyone, who is interested, to do a little journaling every day. I think it's a great challenge. I enjoy working in my art journal, but don't always make the time. I find that I can't be in a hurry when I journal because then I feel I'm forcing the creative juices to flow, and then my mind shuts down. These daily prompts should motivate me. Want to join in on the fun?

Aww....

You feel bad laughing, but it's so funny.