"I'll Be Home For Christmas"...

..."You Can Count On Me"...

..."Please have snow and mistletoe, and presents under the tree"...

These tattered German carolers have seen better days, but who else to sing a little Christmas tune?? Not this off-key sister, that's for sure. Only in my car. (*smile if you've seen that!) 

I found  a few more similar characters at East State Antique Mall in Rockford, Illinois, but they didn't survive the trip home very well as you can see by their shabby hats.

Party around the Christmas tree!

Quite a few items that aren't up to snuff for my Auntie Sisters booth end up displayed in my home until they can be repurposed, repaired or sent to the happiest of places, Goodwill. This Swedish angel is a survivor from a box of ten that didn't make the cut. The guy behind her just had his squeezebox re-glued. Sounds a little weird, doesn't it?

Aren't they sweet?

Never the less, the tiny bits of Christmas cheer displayed around my home make everything merry and bright!

German smoker with his hat repaired.

The handwork and painted faces are so simplistic and charming, how can I even think of retiring them?

Definitely a little worse for the wear., but I love their expressions.

Speaking of  "retired", the holidays are so much more enjoyable for me now that I'm not under the stress of commuting to work and worrying about deadlines or sales goals. Yippee Skippee! I am able to fill my days with family and crafts, Auntie Sisters, and friends. So that's what I'll be up to for the next few weeks, and celebrating my sixth wedding anniversary with my honey at  Pheasant Run in St. Charles, Illinois. Come on by for a wee bit of champagne and help us ring in the New Year!

Merry Christmas To All! See You in 2013!

Holiday Blessings,
Susan

Psalm 65

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.

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This Is For Artists and Crafters

It's like being under a spell....

Do you remember the time in your life when you first realized that you had the ability to create something that others admired? Perhaps it was a page that you had colored or some sticks glued together that garnered the "oohs" and the "aahs". Maybe you made some  new clothes for your doll, or a pincushion for Mom. Did you make breakfast for Dad or fashion a bouquet for a neighbor? Write your own song? How about decorating your room or putting together a fashionable frock? If you have a creative bone in your body you most likely remember the path that lead you to an artistic life.

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting a budding young artist named "Phoebe". Some of her creations are greeting cards and she also makes lovely potholders.

Aren't these precious??

Such joy in sharing her art with the world!

Adorable!

What is so special about Phoebe? She has the wide-eyed wonderment and curiosity of a young child and the ability to create with joy and abandonment. She is gifted. I hope that in our friendship I am lucky enough to have some of that wear off on me!

Like most artists, I have a deep admiration for people that are able to use their creative talents to make our world a more colorful and beautiful place in which to live. But how often do we get a chance to thank them personally for sharing their talents?

Do you know someone that knits?

Thank you G-G!!

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How about a builder?

Thank you Seth and Adam of Heritage Beam and Board!!

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How about a designer?

Thank you Ahndea of Heirblooms!  

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Are you privileged enough to know an artist?

Thank you Deb Loxton!

link to website

To all of the creative, artistic people out there-

Thank you for every stitch, every design, stroke of the paint brush and swing of the hammer! You make our world a better place.

Crafting away,

~Susan