You know that song 'have yourself a merry little christmas'? Well, that's my goal for this year...to have a merry little christmas. I haven't been out into civilization much lately and when I walked into a Target store yesterday, well I was caught off guard...complete overstimulation. Two entire aisles just for wrapping paper? Will there ever be a point where the retailers say 'hmmm...47 aisles of Christmas lights...do you think it's possible that might be a little over the top?' Made me want to scurry back to my quiet little place in the country and snuggle in. Must have a lot in common with Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Oh but I love to decorate for Christmas...did I forget to mention that? And so this year I'm doing it all from here...my home and my studio. With items and materials I love and already have. Won't that make it more meaningful?
And just in case there are a few of you out there who are like me (who think 'handcrafted' and 'homespun' are positive words) and want to stay home more than get shuffled around in the shuffle, I'll be sharing a few of my lovely little holiday decorating ideas from here...home...where my heart is.
I've been a long-time collector of vintage thread spools, so I brought out some reds and greens and will display them in a small silverplate compote. What do you have stashed away in your studio or craft room that you can dress up for the holidays? Take this idea and run with it.
Idea No. 2 coming soon!
{p.s. I am not able to take any more journal orders for now...thanks for all who ordered! Also, my computer did officially die with no chance of a new life...if you contacted me within the last few days and I have not responded it means that I didn't get your message so please give me another chance.}
I, too, get way overstimulated this time of year...I completely avoid malls and shopping. I prefer to order online, create gifts and personal gift certificates - and focus on what the real reason is all about. Hugs to you :)
Posted by: Michelle Hart | 29 November 2007 at 10:47
Love your artwork I posted your blog..Good Luck with computer!
Posted by: Denise Fontaine | 29 November 2007 at 12:17
i couldn't agree with you more.
i thought this year that either my taste has completely changed ( now i love simplicity) , i already have too much, and/ or i am just completley unimpressed with most of what's out there.
i love using silver & gold and cream/white of course, add greenery, loads of candles and not be overstimulated.
preach on again sista!
Posted by: paige | 29 November 2007 at 12:17
Love your artwork I posted your blog..Good Luck with computer!
Posted by: Denise Fontaine | 29 November 2007 at 12:18
Love your artwork I posted your blog..Good Luck with computer!
Posted by: Denise Fontaine | 29 November 2007 at 12:18
I love the idea that you shared today. It was simple but elegant.
Posted by: Kerri | 29 November 2007 at 12:37
Oh, I am looking forward to your handmade Christmas ideas. I know what you mean about the craziness out there in the retail world. It's the traditions that are more meaningful and that we remember most, I think. Thanks for inspiring, as always.
Posted by: Andrea S. | 29 November 2007 at 12:41
I love the spools! Simple yet beautiful. Can't wait for more of your ideas.
Posted by: Vanessa | 29 November 2007 at 12:50
I sooooo understand the feeling of overstimulation this time of year. Too many things to look at and it's all good!
As Lizzy said in P&P: I am excessively diverted!
Love the spools...
Posted by: Dawn | 29 November 2007 at 13:33
Oh, I couldn't agree more...I love those words "handcrafted and "homespun." That is what has been so nice about blogging for me. I have found others of like mind.
Posted by: Cammy | 29 November 2007 at 14:11
Oh, I am so excited - I need more ideas for decorating. Thank you for inspiring, as always!
Posted by: leslie | 29 November 2007 at 14:26
oh very neat idea and it looks beautiful!
Posted by: Monicaa | 29 November 2007 at 14:40
We are on the same page! I have been in such a creative slump lately, but have developed a strong desire to make my own Christmas decorations this year. Every year I try to make our Christmas celebration more simple and meaningful. I can't wait to implement some new ideas. Blessings to you!
Posted by: Kelly | 29 November 2007 at 14:44
I totally hear you. I am not buying any new decorations this year either. I love the thread spools - can't wait to see what else you come up with (you are way too creative!). :)
I'm sorry your computer died - I hate it when that happens. It's such a hassle starting from scratch on a new machine.
by the way - I love the new blog photo of you and Madeline. So sweet! :)
Posted by: Petra | 29 November 2007 at 16:26
Love, love the spools! I have my grandmother's thread spools. They make me happy everytime I look at them. Great idea to bring them out of the studio and into the light for Christmas!
Posted by: Shelley | 29 November 2007 at 16:29
Your thoughts today reminded me of that scene in "The Grinch"...where Cindy Lou Who says "isn't it all so, so superfluous?". It's so easy to get all caught up in the hustle & bustle and lose sight of Christmas itself. Love what you did with the spools in the compote...sooo pretty. Speaking of pretty, the new photo is just beautiful! Simply, Leah
Posted by: Leah C | 29 November 2007 at 18:50
Rebecca,
Sometimes the simplest ideas are ones that we never think of. I've done the color thing with setting out holiday or seasonally colored buttons, but never thought of doing it with spools of thread. Thanks for the idea.
Also LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the new profile pic that you posted of yourself with Madeline. You look SO happy.
Hugs!
Carolyn
Posted by: Carolyn Peeler | 29 November 2007 at 19:41
Oh Rebecca, that is a beautiful display- I am writing it down for future reference!
I am wholeheartedly with you on the "handcrafted and homespun" bit too!
~Amber
Posted by: Amber | 29 November 2007 at 20:19
"And just in case there are a few of you out there who are like me (who think 'handcrafted' and 'homespun' are positive words) and want to stay home more than get shuffled around in the shuffle,"...oh, this is so me! I couldn't agree with you more. ahhh, home.
now if we could just perfect getting the kids everywhere they need to be and still enjoy home!
love all of your ideas! i will have to go hunting through my house now!
blessings!
Posted by: Jen | 30 November 2007 at 06:50
Good idea Rebecca - something so simple can look so very very effective! I can't wait to see what other ideas you share with us!
Posted by: Shirley Fyfe | 30 November 2007 at 14:29
I feel the same way!!!! Too much too soon.......... rememeber when LIFE was simple???
Love your style!!
Posted by: sharron | 01 December 2007 at 05:09
I had the same experience yesterday... I thought just imagine all this stuff, in every shop, in every town, in every country - and people just wandering aimlessly, buying more "stuff" - it's crazy! Love your idea for advent crafts (am doing a 'scrap' advent on my blog, but nice to have one to look at too!) - will be back to see what's next! Have a lovely Yule!
Posted by: caireen | 03 December 2007 at 03:48
Oh my!! I have lots of these spools but didn't know they were vintage! When I first started sewing in a big way when I got married way back in 1957, I'd always buy an extra spool of thread so I'd always have plenty around. I didn't have to buy thread for years until I realized it became weak after too long, so I didn't use them but also never threw them out!
Posted by: Chris | 03 December 2007 at 14:02
What a wonderful idea this is. We forget to use the things we already have or items that are not labeled specifically for Christmas in our holiday decorating. And how simple (but lovely) is your idea with the pinecone in the teacup. I have lots of teacups and pinecones, so I will definitely be doing this one! Thanks for these great ideas Rebecca!
Posted by: Jeanne | 04 December 2007 at 09:10