"Fluffing" my little art room and looking forward...

My little art room  looked like a cyclone hit it over the lasts few weeks.  

There was glitter, fake snow, GLIMMER MIST and paint everywhere!!!  

I made some little book/ cigar box collages for some dear friends and the process was fun, but messy... 

Soooo, now that Santa has delivered those, I needed to tidy up my space

 as I look forward to some new art adventures in the new year. 

My art closet was a total disaster...

How many times have I straightened it??? 

I wonder how long it will last this time....

Never underestimate the value of treasures found at the hardware store.

I bought these great units several years ago at HOME DEPOT and they are so perfect

for so many of my embellishments.

I LOVE being able to see what I am searching for...

It feels so good to actually see the wood of my working desk.

I'm almost ready to sit here and plan some

creative magic in 2012.

More about that later...

My sewing machine table was covered with "parts" and pieces in many different stages.

Now I can actually see it again, too.

I can't wait for a new mixed media piece

 to call me to my beloved BERNINA.

As I completed my "fluffing" the other the afternoon,

the shadows were so deep...

I finished just before the late-December early sunset.

As December is ending, I am thinking of a few more items that need to be given to charity.

I'm off to deliver those items...

As I go out the door, I'm delighted by the sight of the still-glittering message from Tonya.

Thank you for this beautiful treasure,

a constant reminder of a message that I want to carry in my heart every day...

Post-Christmas musing

What a magical Christmas season it has been for me and my family.

I have been blessed beyond measure, 

and gratitude for all that 2011 has brought is utmost in my mind.

I treasure every moment leading up to Christmas, but when December 26th comes,

I begin getting my home "de-frocked" of all the strictly Christmas theme,

and concentrate on some of the fun winter adornments that I will leave up until Valentine's Day. 

My little snow people vignette is a favorite that I bring out year after year...

Here is a treasured hand-stitched piece from my pal Susan.  I just love keeping it out in my little art studio.

My village will stay open and operating through the often-gray winter days.  

The little swirling ice skaters will lighten my heart and home.

Buttons and Gabe were such good helpers as I made about a million trips to the basement with all the decorations that had to be stored for another year.  

It feels good to have this much done...

Let's look out this big bay window at the welcomed gentle rain that is coming down on this

late-December day.

A cup of tea or coffee sounds great, doesn't it???

Enjoy these last few days of 2011...

HELLO DECEMBER...

Wow!  Can you believe it's already December ???

I always try to get my Christmas decorations up by the Thanksgiving weekend, 

since December gets so hectic. 

As my parents have gotten older, I have helped

 them put up and adorn their "very tall" tree, too.

So it has been a very busy time, but a part of the holidays I truly love.

Here are some shots of my little nest,

all ready for Santa to visit in just a few weeks.

I love my "slim" tree... just perfect in my cozy space.

I have such a love for miniature villages. 

Several years ago my sweet mother 

found a fabulous cabinet for me to display my village in all year round,

which is soooooooo nice.  

I can open the doors for a wide view, 

or close it up, while still enjoying much of the view.

I found a little pond with skaters... I can see them gliding round and round...how fun!!!

Yes, I still am a child at heart!

The table is set and ready... All I have left to do is bake Santa some cookies 

and pour him some milk on Christmas Eve...

Gabe is lounging on the bed, as all the lights are being lit...

Buttons is just trying to catch a nap during all the bustle...

Last year here in North Carolina we had a BIG SNOWFALL on Christmas Day...

the first in my lifetime.

Do you remember this???

It was a magical and beautiful holiday, but I really hated missing more time with my folks.  

We caught a very early brunch before the roads became totally snow-covered.

Who knows what this year will bring?

I hope you will have a grand time with all your December festivities.

Don't get tangled up in all those Christmas lights!!!

HO HO HO!!!