Happy weekend to you! We've got sunshine today, but it's 29.5 degrees out. I got more decorating done yesterday. This is my Jim Shore Nativity set which goes in pride of place on Dayle's parents china cabinet next to the tree. I put a little tea light behind the baby Jesus to get this photo. I am missing the donkey somehow and the crook in the shepherd's hand is gone.
Do you want to see some of my favorite ornaments? These are Italian angel ornaments. I found my first 1 or 2 in an antique shop and have picked up a few more over the years from eBay.
We got this brass lantern with crystals when we took all the grandkids on the Holiday Express railroad trip, and in honor of Dayle's career of 30 years as an engineer for Southern Pacific Railroad - which merged with Union Pacific RR his last 18 years.
I love these 2 handblown glass ornaments that Dayle has gifted me with over the last 2 Christmases. Isn't he sweet?
I got this basket on the island of Nantucket when I visited there for 4 days with my older sister Roberta. We stayed in the home of one of our ancestors, the Jared Coffin House. Our ancestor Tristram Coffin led a group of investors who bought the island of Nantucket for 30 lbs. plus 2 beaver hats in 1659. This is a small replica of the famous Nantucket baskets made by whalers on the ships and those who worked on lightships offshore the island.
This is a patriotic Jim Shore ornament that I found and love.
I know you know why I love this barn ornament.
I have a few Snow Baby ornaments.. they're so cute.
Snow Babies are always doing fun things.
Here is my Scandinavian Heart ornament that I make. I wrote up the pattern and it's available free in a PDF up on the right sidebar of my blog. I also have several Margaret Furlong ornaments made of porcelain in the images of sea shells. See the photo on the shelf? That's my maternal grandmother Lela Woldridge.
I finished up my Christmas cards yesterday and they are in the mail. I forgot to show you the embellishments I do on each envelope of holly and berries.
This is the inside of the cards, I handwrite and embellish each one. This one is going to my son's parents-in-law in California.
I was browsing inks on the net and came across this -- an anniversary edition red ink made by J. Herbin and before I could think twice I clicked "buy" and it arrived yesterday. It's the most beautiful and bright pure red ink I've ever had!! Can you believe this ink company has been in business since 1670?
Their anniversary ink comes only in this bright red - "Rouge Hematite" and a gorgeous blue - "Ocean Blue".
More tidying and decorating today and tomorrow. I have my 2 sisters and honorary sister Shirley coming for a holiday luncheon on Tuesday. I am making clam chowder from scratch and they are bringing salad, bread and dessert. I really do love this time of year! I hope you have a wonderful weekend doing exactly what you want to do.
❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉
*M*E*R*R*Y* *C*H*R*I*S*T*M*A*S*!*
❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉
((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Your tree looks delightful Teresa, so many pretty ornaments. I am fascinated by the inks, my Hubby and I both use fountain pens and he would love some of that ink...I shall have to look at the UK retailer. It would be perfect for Christmas, thanks for sharing xx
ReplyDeleteTresa, I love that every ornament has a story, a history that you can share. Your tree looks amazing, and your cards are terrific, I should be getting mine this week.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you and stay warm.
Meredith
Yep. It sure is cold outside, but that sunlight feels SO nice streaming through the windows and is helping to heat our home!
ReplyDeleteVery unique and wonderful ornaments--I especially love the snow babies, Italian angels and (no surprise here) your Scandinavian crocheted hearts! Beautiful nativity set!
Advent Blessings,
Aimee
PS: Southern Pacific RR--yea! My DH's dad worked for them too.
This post makes me homesick to put up my tree, but alas, it would just be me to enjoy it and I see no use in hauling all the stuff from the basement. In a way it is liberating, mainly because there is no clean up and packing things away later, but a tree is meant to be shared. I will go to my daughters for Christmas and watch my grandson open his presents and enjoy their tree. His new word is "cow" and I found him a cow ornament. I use to do craft shows and sell homemade ornaments. I absolutely loved doing that. Ornaments have special memories don't they, I love this time of year. If I were to get anything out it would be my Nativity. I am more painfully aware of the reason for the season, although I have always tried to point out to my family that Jesus is the reason we celebrate. WOW to the inks, it has been a long time since I have used a pen like that, I am thinking maybe since art class in high school. You are having some magical times during this holiday season. I wish you the best.
ReplyDelete(((HUGS))) Susanne :)
Oh Teresa, there is so much I want to say. Let's see if I can remember it all. First...I love the hand blown glass ornaments! And the snow babies, and others as well. I love your JS nativity. I have a few Jim Shore pieces too, and love them. The ink is fabulous!!! Such a beautiful bottle and stamp on it!! Your hand written cards are lovely, as well as the holly you have added to each. I am not doing cards this year. And I feel guilty with every single one I receive! How interesting about your ancestor buying Nantucket!!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your luncheon this week!
XO Kris
What fun, Teresa! It was nice to sit and read several of your posts that I have missed not being on the computer much at all these past two weeks. You never disappoint! Love that you draw and make your own Christmas cards. How very special. You are amazing! Your Thanksgiving dinner looked great, and your table was so pretty.
ReplyDeleteEverything looks so festive and the photo of your home in the header with the Christmas lights looks so pretty. It is cold here too and looks like it will be for the next week or so. Enjoy your weekend and preparations for the Christmas holiday. Heather
ReplyDeleteYour cards are gorgeous! What a treat for someone when they open their mailbox!
ReplyDeleteI love your ornaments! I WONDER why you love the barn one so much??? You have so many memories on the tree. I love the story of your relative buying Nantucket. What an interesting past. Have fun with your dinner companions.
I love learning the history of your ornaments and other decorations, Teresa. Thanks for taking the time to share with us :) I got together with some ladies from church to work on scrapbooks today and I have crocheted some more wreaths. It was 23 degrees when I got home at dinner. Brrrrr! Happy rest of your weekend!
ReplyDeleteGracie xx
Hi Teresa, My little snow covered barns have just been named the Kasner farm barns!!! Perfect!!! They are miniature copies of your barn!!! Love all your decorations!!! You truly have the most beautiful handwriting!!! Have a wonderful week, keep warm and stay cosy in your beautiful home!!!
ReplyDeleteLove
AMarie
I just love your tree ornaments Teresa. A couple of years ago I did a post of vintage tree ornaments from my mums tree, I might take a few more photos of it and do a follow up post - you see, you have inspired me!
ReplyDeleteYour handwriting is so neat, puts mine totally to shame! Your recipients will love your cards.
Have a great weekend, Im off shortly to take my darling mum shopping.
Helenxx
Your decorations are beautiful and I love how they all have significant meanings for you and your lovely family. That little red barn one is cute :) xox
ReplyDeleteYour holiday ornament photos are great! I really like how you embellish each envelope and use two colors in each card. They're eye catching and fun! An inspiring post! :-)
ReplyDeleteYour ornaments are so beautiful and every one has a special story. I really liked having a tour, thank you. Your handwriting is so pretty! I love big, splashy writing like yours. Mine often looks small and cramped and I try to make it prettier but it's hard to change your handwriting! :)
ReplyDeleteok, you made me get into gear and get the tree out and decorate it...today! Your ornaments are beautiful. Amazing that the ink company is still in existence. That's great to use your skills of art and penmanship on the cards. Nice! I'm sure your friends and family enjoy your thoughtfulness in your work! We are still below freezing here and was 12 degrees this a.m. at 8! Still no snow, sigh! BRR~wrapped up for sure to head out to church. I love wearing my scarf that my daughter-in-love made me! Merry Christmas to you as well!
ReplyDeleteYour. Decorations are just so beautiful, it makes me want to have a tree to decorate.... We got a little one but no space to put it in the apartment so we will have right outside on the deck and will out some lights on it so we can feel we decorated a little. Love your pens and the personalized cards... Just an art piece in each card :)
ReplyDeleteYou have such beautiful items Teresa! I can tell that everything has been collected and displayed with love for the season! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete