Christmas Tree and Fireplace

Hubby and I went to Designer Flower Center to look for a small 18 to 24 inch artificial Christmas tree for the scene we are working on, see entry for October 30, several days ago.


I didn't care for the trees they had, proportion of size of needles to size of tree was too big but I found some sprigs that I liked to put together as a tree. At left is one of the sprigs separated. After quite a bit of time trying to make a nice looking little tree I gave up, will have to let it rest and come back to it.

Jan did amazing work painting the bricks on the fireplace parts.

And here he is positioning pieces together to see how they look. Amazing! I will do the wood finishing.

Here is the living room again, with the fireplace. I have two small plates similar to the ones on the fireplace and we found a small rug at Walmart that has the look of an antique rug like, just needs some fringe added.

Don't forget, first person who follows this blog and makes a comment wins the giveaway.

Brick Fireplace Basecoat and Giveaway

Halloween is over, only 34 children came to our rather quiet neighborhood. Jan sat out in the beautiful evening to greet the children and give out candy. I've got a bad cold so didn't want to expose the little darlings to my coughing and sneezing.

Instead I was contemplating the start of our Christmas scene project. Jan started it today! He sawed the parts for the layers of brick and wood framing and painted the base coat for the brickwork.

And, here are the pieces layered in order. The wood is from our back yard fence, we saved some when it was replaced in April.

It does resemble his childhood fireplace! I know Jan will make it amazing when he renders the brickwork.

A fireplace needs a clock and I know just the type I want, will tell you soon.

Witch Grizelda

Witch Grizelda wishes you

Happy Halloween

Christmas Scene of Animals, Raggedy Ann and Andy

1980s Christmas Scene

In the mid 1980s I had an 8x4 foot front window that was perfect for a tea party Christmas scene of woodland animals. I made the paper covered fireplace and used orange and red cellophane for fire in front of lights. Over the mantel was a rabbit Merry Christmas painting I had purchased at a boutique. The gorilla and teddy bear were my son Doug’s. Raggedy Ann dolls, raccoon and cat were borrowed from my sister and a friend. The rocker at the left was my son Joe's. Lace window curtain on left was my peeking area to watch people come see the scene. The table was covered in plaid, then lace topper trimmed in ribbon. Animal crackers were served along with tea.

The woodland Christmas tree had decorations animals would eat, apples, walnuts, candy canes. There was a mouse hole at the bottom right with a small wreath above, inside the mice slept in a flat tin can bed.

The train ran around the base of the tree and Christmas carols played. I posted the sign at upper left so people would know it was okay to come close rather than watching from the sidewalk. It was magical to watch families come and enjoy the scene.

For several years I've wanted to re-create another scene, this is the year!

Kohler Home in 1960s, Baarn, Netherlands

It will be a free standing little house, about 3x6 feet. There will be many differences. The fire place with be inspired by my husband's childhood home in Holland, above.

Doug's Gorilla and Davree the Monkey

Look who we have here! This is the original gorilla from the 1980s and my precious Davree She wears a pink shirt and little pink bow on her ear. My grandsons gave her to me in 2005, she proudly sits on a chair near the entry to greet any visitor. Her name is composed of their names, Davis and Reese.

Come back often and watch the progress of the 2013 Christmas House. 

Organizing Caddy

For years my small sewing caddy has worked to keep items organized and easily moved to whichever sewing machine I am using. 

 

It holds scissors, pens, markers, eye glasses, nail file, tweezers, screw drivers, lint brushes, small ruler, kit for changed leather belts on my treadle sewing machines with two needle nose pliers, oiler, light lubricant, honing stick, eye piece, sewing machine keys, nylon strip for flossing tension discs and I'm sure I've missed a few things. 

After much frustration over the years when I needed to hang a picture, measure, sand, touch up, having handy tools and running back and forth to the black hole garage I decided I needed a second caddy.

So the bliss of a caddy is now at my fingertips. I'm a handy woman but hate the disorganization of the garage so had hubby make my design.

I love the new caddy, a bit over sized but room to grow. It has my hammer, small nails, 

screw drivers, pliers, measuring tape, pencil, paper and sanding block. Here it sits, pretty as a picture just waiting for little projects.