When "Frantic" is a Way of Life......

I don't know that I know any other mode.......and I seem to operate so much better under pressure, so I don't know that I am complaining......I would just like to know what it would be like with enough time to do it all.......but, I've given up on that and there is just so much I want to do that it goes full speed at all times........I've pictured a few of the things I have been getting ready for the Open House December 5th.........I just love to have handmade things tucked in and among the regular inventory to make the store feel festive.....

Cones are easy to make and can be hung on the tree, a cabinet knob, or set in springs holding candy or treats.....

Lacey mantel banners.......Joy or Noel.......add wonderful holiday charm.

"Wishes & Dreams"ornaments.........the perfect gift to give someone needing inspiration and encouragement.......

Winter foot snuggies.....cream, black, cranberry, blueberry, and pink.......so warm!

Cloche crochet cotton hats....in oatmeal or black......

Hand dyed millinery flowers for the cloche crochet hats...... Not a good picture, but an idea of the wonderful antique satin stockings available....

An assembly line of tags.....

Sweet altered bottles.....

It would seem that the last few months, and for the next few weeks, the word "frantically" will be attached to just about everything I do. It's not that I want it that way......it just seems to be the way it is, and with no easy way out..........Thanksgiving is "under my belt" and hopefully not on my hips :), and we are on the way to the Christmas Open House at the shoppe on December 5th. I am such a stickler at not decorating for Christmas before the Thanksgiving holiday has come and gone, so that doesn't leave alot of time to get ready for the event. I have, however, been "frantically" (there that word is again) getting handmade items ready to tuck in and among the wonderful vintage and antique items we offer on a daily basis. I always have to smile when customers ask me when I am going to get my "Christmas stuff" in......like a box arrives with all the vintage and antique Christmas decorations and accessories like magic. I think they are all so accustomed to even the antique stores in the area shopping at the Trade Market bringing in reproduced vintage and antique decorations, that they expect I do the same....But, I don't. I am very proud of the fact that everything in the shoppe is vintage, antique, or handcrafted to blend in with all of the old things we love so much.....

It would also seem that little elves have been busy in my art room as there are tags, stockings, ornaments, crocheted hats and snuggies, altered bottles, and cones.....and tons and tons of glitter everywhere......they really should have been neater!!!!! Within the next few days the store will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland full of new merchandise from dealers and some added by me as well......all for the season and the upcoming Open House........we all are working hard to make this very special for those of you who are in the area and can come.......it will be a fun day!!!

Don't forget the last day to comment or follow for the November giveaway is midnight on the 30th........they are great for Christmas or spring......

xojana

From My Home to Yours.....

Have a blessed happy day.

Jana

White Wednesday & Giving Thanks.....

I took on the daunting task of switching my library area with the dining room so we would have more space as our small family grows with son in laws and grand babies....(yes, they are already talking about having a second "tater"). I never knew that my mother and nieces and their families would actually take me up on my invitation to host Thanksgiving at my home.....but they DID. My mother lost her husband last March and also just got back from Italy where she spent 10 days with her sisters......and at age 83 she was tired. So.........we had to really, really put it in high gear to get the rooms switched and cleaned for company. I am quite pleased with the way the bookcases hold my white pottery instead of the dark books they once held and there is plenty of room for the table...even with the leaves. Although it was ALOT of work......it was worth it. I'm sure if you ask my husband right now he might not agree......it has been a chore for sure.....and it just happened to be all white, so I had to share. If you want to see more beautiful whites today, jump over to Kathleen's Faded Charm using the button on my left sidebar. I'm sure you will find other gorgeous whites and many best wishes for Thanksgiving today. I know I am sending you my very best and hope your holiday is full of family, friends, and good food. I have so very much to be thankful for and I know I often forget to be grateful during the stressful times.......but life is very good. I hope yours is too.....Stay safe this holiday if traveling and hold your family and friends tight....in the end, they are really all we have.

xojana

Good Times, Hugs & Goodnight Kisses........

From "this" To "this"

I have been pouring my own candles and making my own soap for the shoppe since I opened. I adore the fragrances at Majestic Mountain Sage because their quality is far above anyone else I have tried. I also love the fact that they care enough about their oils to put them in these wonderful amber bottles rather than the cheap, flimsy plastic ones the others use. I could never make myself recyle these beautiful bottles, much less throw them away. I finally came up with an idea of what to do with them that is not only creative, but decorative as well. After removing all the paper labels and cleaning the bottles, I "aged" vintage and antique lace from my stash , wrapping the bottles in various techniques and styles. Buttons, jewelry findings, and labels were all added creating bottles of all things good......a perfect stocking stuffer and a great item for my Open House on December 5th.......and the best thing of all......I have more storage space in my linen closet now these are gone!

AND these..

Whose up for some "Good Times" ?

And who couldn't use a "Hug"?

And last, but not least....."Goodnight Kisses"

It's such great fun and so very rewarding to make something from nothing......and keeping it out of the recycle bin. Also, remember to comment or follow for the November giveaway of Victorian cones this month. The deadline is November 30th. THEN there is also the repurposing challenge contest which ended January 15th.....so much going on, but we always have time to create!!!!!

Make your Day Great...xojana