DECK THE HALLS FRIDAY - HOLIDAY CARD ORNAMENTS

I vow that this year I WILL COMPLETE SOME OF THE HOLIDAY PROJECTS ON MY LIST.

Every season I get these ideas to create wonderful handmade ornaments, embellish our stockings, create an advent calendar for the kids, make some gifts, craft beautiful package toppers and wrap all my gifts before Christmas Eve.  Inevitably the days become hectic, what could be done today can always be done tomorrow and before I know it the holidays have come and gone.  THIS YEAR WILL BE DIFFERENT.  To accomplish my goal I am starting early.

My first project is these fun ornaments.  I remember making them in the 4th Grade and how frustrated I became when they didn't come out perfect (even back then  I was a perfectionist).  Since the little ones were born  I have been on the lookout for "childproof" ornaments for our family room tree.  Hopefully next week I will have my own to show you.  CLICK HERE FOR THE HOW-TO

If you want to join me in my pre-planning fun. starting next week I will put Mr. Linky up for you to share your pre-holiday goals and projects.  Just create a post sharing something you want to try or a project you have done in the past.  I hope you join me!

Best wishes for a happy weekend!
-Tammy

HOLIDAY INSPIRATIONS: Vickie Smyers for Bethany Lowe Designs

I have fallen head over heals in LOVE with the designs of VICKIE SMYERS.  Her work is produced from her original folk art pieces by BETHANY LOWE DESIGNS.  The details are incredible.

Such a FUN & FESTIVE feather tree.

The bears are my FAVORITE!   I want them all...

I am always a sucker for AMERICANA THEMED HOLIDAY DECOR!

Vickie's santas have incredible detail.  I personally more of a "Jolly" santa collector but can appreciate the true artistic quality of these pieces, gorgeous!

I am becoming a BIG FAN of her snowpeople, each time I look at them I LOVE them more and more...

These are quite tall, I think I NEED them to put above my kitchen cabinets this year...

What do you think of VICKIE SMYERS pieces?  Some of the above pieces will be available in my store later this year.

Are you a collector of FOLK ART STYLE pieces, VINTAGE OR VINTAGE INSPIRED pieces, or more TRADITIONAL STYLE pieces?

Thanks to everyone that stopped by last Friday and an extra BIG THANKS to Jen over at J. NICHELLE HOLIDAY for mentioning me on her blog and for posting her own HOLIDAY INSPIRED post last week.  Be sure to stop by Jen's blog and store to see her amazing creations,  last weeks Santa is AMAZING!!!

Have a great weekend!

Best wishes,

Tammy

HOLIDAY INSPIRATIONS - CELEBRATING HOME

Welcome to our very first Holiday Inspiration Friday (I need a better name, any suggestions)!  For those of you who may be wondering, why is she writing about Christmas in May?  I am a planner and I literally start thinking about the next Christmas on Dec. 26th.  It turns out many of you do too.  So here we are talking about Christmas in May...

What I would LOVE to see happen is that these weekly holiday inspired posts become interactive, A PLACE TO INSPIRE & BE INSPIRED. It would be great to occasionally link our favorite holiday posts and ideas together sometimes random ideas and sometimes themed parties like favorite recipes, mantles, trees, traditions and so on...

This week I ask, where do your holiday inspiration come from?

I LOVE magazines and holiday books.  My favorite holiday book is CELEBRATING HOME - Decorating for the Holidays and Seasons.  Just look at some of what is inside...

Dreamy tablescapes

This amazing chandelier...

Vintage ornaments

Realistic decorating ideas - stunning...

Every season is represented and I promise you that you will be inspired.

In 2002, SEASONS OF CANNON FALLS, a seasonal home decor and gift company, began to restore an amazing 1868 house that had fallen into disrepair in the small Minnesota town of Cannon Falls.  The house has become a showplace for the company and is used to shoot their catalogs and is the backdrop for all of the ideas in this book.  Called "River House" it has been featured in many magazines including, Country Living, Mary Englebreit Home and others.  The house is perfection and my inspiration for nearly every room in my house!  It is well worth a look!

Of course this isn't my only source of reference when it comes to holiday decorating ideas.  I have a HUGE collection of holiday magazines, other great books and of course blogland.

Now I ask you, "Where do your HOLIDAY INSPIRATIONS come from?"

Best wishes,

Tammy

This post is part of INSPIRED BY over at THE INSPIRED ROOM.  If you want to be inspired be sure to stop by!