What too much planning will do........

I changed up the colors of my living room Christmas decorations two years ago. We had the others for more than 10 years and I was ready for a change. You can really see a difference between when the lights are on and off on the tree. I thought I had enough ornaments on the tree until I turned the lights off. See how dull it looks.

And with the lights on it is so much nicer.

But I still think I planned it too much to the point that it looks boring. My goal this year is to buy different types of ornaments but stick with the three colors......grinch green, red and pearl. I'm more of a primitive person, too. And this looks like it is going too much in a sophisticated direction. So I think we will be adding some more prim. Any suggestions?

Blessings, Cathi

The Last Christmas in July project...but the cutest!

I have a friend named Sherry that hates my style of decorating. Most of it anyway. We have a running discussion all the time about my snowmen with teeth and my pumpkin with teeth. They creep her out. For me, the uglier the better.

I love this little guy. He is the final project that I worked on in my Christmas in July party. Yeah, he is ugly but that's what makes him so cute!! I think I'll name him (or is it her) Sherry.

Christmas in July Party

.......was really held in August but two days late isn't so bad. We had a great time. Not as many came as I had hoped but I guess not all are as "organized" as I am or as excited about Christmas all year as I am. Not that I don't enjoy all of the holidays but there is something so special and sentimental about Christmas.

I decorate a lot at Christmas. I tried to downsize one year but my 2 (adult) daughters, neither of which live at home anymore or help to decorate, had an absolute fit. So I have created a monster and have to live with it for a while.

Back to the party.......we watched 2 Christmas movies, ate breakfast casserole, and crafted for about 4 hours. After they left, DD27 (one of the above mentioned whining daughters) stayed for 4 more hours and 2 more movies. We had a great time.



The snowflake clipboard was made by DD27. Mine is the other one. I think she is going to have mom's creative gene! She did a great job! We both want to add a few embellishments but probably need to go shopping first LOL. Some projects have to sit and "simmer" for a while before they are complete. These were so fun and quick, we just HAVE to make more for our friends.

Finally finished my Rudy Day decoration

I finally finished the door decoration that I started on a whim during Rudy Day. I had finished everything on my list early and decided to start something new.

It's made of wool and homespun plaid. I love working with wool. It is so easy to work with when doing handwork. Not that I don't love working on the sewing machine, but there is something relaxing about handwork.

The "snowflakes" are small glass beads and the "berries" on the tree are larger pearl beads.

I will probably hang this on the guest bathroom door. I have something hanging there during the rest of the year but nothing at Christmas.

I just think it turned out so cute and am now inspired to move on to the next project!