Deck the Door

Christmas is my favorite time of the year.  When I was a kid I loved driving to my godparents' house (about 10 miles from our house) and seeing all the houses lit up with twinkling lights.  My mom always did up the house crazy style.  She had a whole collection of houses that she would arrange with a manger and baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph.  And she would always get a new house every year at JoAnn when they'd clearance them out at the end of the season.  It seriously took up 3 or 4 tables.  She stated giving away her houses the last few years she was sick.  She didn't want to leave too many behind, i guess.  She also made wreaths to sell and give as gifts.  She was truly a talented lady. 

This year seems a bit blah for me.  Maybe it's because she's gone.  I didn't really want to put any decorations up, but Annika has been asking since November 15 when we can put our tree up.  I don't want to jade the girls' Christmas just because I'm not in the spirit.  So we put up the tree the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  We put up a few other decorations here and there -- the garland and stocking on the mantel, the garland on the stairs.  Another thing I wanted to attempt was an ornament wreath.  They are all over Pinterest right now.  And now mine will be there too.  I pretty much followed the tutorial i found here.  And here is the finished product!

Doesn't it look amazing!  It really looks great when you drive down the street.  The only think I might change is the bow to something more like the one in the link.  I think I'm going to put a few lights outside this year, too.  I know the girls will love that.  The Hubby is coming home this weekend, so I'm sure he'll love to help with that project. LOL!

The Name Game

For a few years now alphabet photography has become all the rage.  I started putting frames together for friends and family.  I gave some to family members at Christmas one year.  I've made them for friend's baby showers or for their baby's christenings.  They are the perfect gift because of the personalization.  I truly enjoy making them and I hope people enjoy receiving them.  Here are a few of the ones I've done.

I did this one for a co-worker.  She was giving it to her sister-in-law for her bridal shower.  I framed it up and had it matted for her. 

This one I did for my baby sitter's son's Christening.  I had it printed in black & white and had a mat cut to match the letters below the name.  They loved it.

These are the last two that I made for a friend's brother.  He is giving them to his wife for Christmas this year.  They are the names of their children.

Here is what they look like matted and framed.

My friend loved them and was sure her sister-in-law will, too.