pink pillow ornaments

I went to visit a pink loving friend yesterday and wanted to give her a little something to thank her for her hospitality.  She loves Christmas and her beautiful decorations have been featured in Romantic Homes and Romantic Country magazines so I knew whatever I made she would make look special.

I have seen little felt pillows like these in magazines and they seemed like they would go together easily enough and allow plenty of room for embellishing...my favorite part.

It was fun working with pink and white since my Christmas decorating is in more traditional reds and golds.

I went through my stash of lace, pearls and buttons and found everything I needed.

These were so much fun (and quick) to put together that I think I'll make a few up for stocking stuffers. 

Thanks for stopping by and I hope your Christmas season is coming along wonderfully!

Christmas past...

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends. I just wanted to show you a few pictures from Christmas day. We went up to my FIL's on Christmas afternoon. He cooked a turkey and we brought all the sides...there was not one green thing on the table...not a salad or vegetable to be seen...just plenty of delicious starches and cheese. Mmm...mmm...good.

He did a great job decorating the tree and the fireplace...

Our kids came by Christmas morning. Of course, there were more gifts than any two children need and we made a pact not to buy more than one toy for each grandchild next Christmas. The highlight was the rocking horse that we bought for Andrew...

Emily was not too sure of it but she took a turn...

Andrew is taking his time making friends with it as well...All in all it was a memorable Christmas day. Tomorrow we are off to my parent's for another celebration. It will be the first time in years that all five of their children will gather around the table for Christmas tamales. With the exception of my nephew who is in the Airforce, the entire family will be together. I know it will be a time I will cherish forever.

Be thankful for all you have...for we none are guaranteed what the new year will bring.

Blessings to all,

Patty

a few more pictures...

I can't believe we're closing in on Christmas day. My goal is to have all my presents purchased... (just a few more to pick up tomorrow), and wrapped...(I'm waiting on my fairy elf to show up), by Sunday so that next week I can bake to my hearts content. How bout you?

I wanted to show you just a few more pictures of my SIL's before I move on to another Christmas wonderland...

more pink and green in the powder room...



some vintage red in her entryway and above her china hutch...

Most of what you've seen has taken years to accumulate. I call her the queen of repurposing because she is one of those people who can enter a thrift store or flea market and just smell a good bargain or can look at something really ugly and know instinctively what she can turn it in to. If I didn't love her so much I might really resent her for that.

I wish there was a way that my pictures and words could convey her heart for the Christmas season. The way her ornaments and baubles can stir her memory of Christmas' past and stories that always bring a tear to my eye...a favorite cookie recipe that is a more special gift than anything money can buy...I have been truly blessed in the SIL department...she is my sister in law by marriage...my sister in love through friendship...and my sister in Christ by HIS blood.

Tomorrow I am going out to visit another SIL who holds just as special a place in my heart and if I can twist her arm...I will be bringing back some pictures of her warm and cozy home.

I tell ya all this love is almost more than one girl can take.

Blessings,

Patty

The tour, part two...

Okay, where was I? We are moving into the "pink" rooms on the same home tour...My SIL has a split decorating personality...one side retro, funky and one side soft and romantic...

can you guess which side we've entered...

Yes, this is her master bedroom and yes, she makes her bed like this everyday and no, her husband doesn't' mind.

more beautiful baubles and trims...

You must be thinking this all takes A LOT of work...you're right...weeks and weeks of hard, dangerous, ladder climbing work. Every year after it's all done, I make my personal, one on one visit, we sit and I admire and she says, "I don't know if I'll do as much next year", but time has a way of making you forget the work...the time...the sacrifice...the painful, achy joints (sounds a lot like childbirth)...and I know the itch will come again, the crates will come down from the garage and the decorations will go up, even more beautiful than the year before. After so many years it can only be a labor of love.

Did that sound like the tour was over? Oh, no...more to follow.

Blessings,

Patty

Christmas Tour...

As promised, I wanted to share a few (or twenty) pictures of my SIL's Christmas cottage. I could share the most wonderful, hilarious stories about her decorating adventures but because I value her friendship too much, I will save those for a more anonymous post. Warning...these are not for the faint of heart...do not attempt this alone. Enjoy!

Vintage spatter ware...

the queen of repurposing herself...

vintage looking mug set...

the elf collection...

Trust me when I say this is just the tip of the iceberg and my photos can't capture the magic of the twinkling lights and cozy atmosphere of her home. Much to her chagrin, I arrange spontaneous tours annually. She says I bring complete strangers through but this isn't quite true...I have usually known them at least an hour or two.

I will share more pictures in the days to come...

Be inspired,

Patty

Christmas Blessings...

The decorating is done and my annual Christmas tea is but a beautiful memory...I just wanted to share a few pictures of my home in all it's holiday splendor. How I do love Christmas time...

I usually don't like pictures of myself but I had to show you the adorable apron my mom made for me...

the gingerbread friends...

the nativity scene...

my fireplace mantle...

I will be sharing decorations from a few of my favorite Christmas homes over the next few days. One house may spread over a few days because there is no way I can share only a few photos...it's all so beautiful.

Enjoy the spirit of the season,

Patty