Friday, November 29, 2013

I just linked up!  Join the party.

Tractor Light Parade, Santa, and a Yeti

My day didn't go quite as planned.  The plan was to cook a turkey dinner (we want leftovers) and create a bracelet tutorial for the blog.

Instead....  I spent the day helping decorate our tractor / trailer "float" for the Tractor Light Parade.  It was so fun and exhausting!  Our local town hosts an annual tree lighting, Santa visit, and tractor light parade.  Yup, we live in a rural community and we like our tractors!  The only rules for the float... agricultural vehicle and LOTS of lights.

So I am sharing a few photos of our decorating crew.  Have fun, be creative, and go over the top with your decorating for the holidays!

Santa's Helper

We will have a Santa, Yeti (I know, the best!), Santa hats, and reindeer antlers for the kids.
 

Lights, lights, lights!  Our family -- cousins, babies, moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles --- everyone will ride on our float.  We will bring blankets, pillows, and TREATS for the kids. 
 
Hot chocolate, cookies, popcorn, and coffee will be loaded on the float.
 
 

We added stockings on the corners, golden stars, large ornaments, and, of course, lights.
 

The crossed skis have colored lights wrapped all around.
 

Almost finished.  We will add large red bows and wreaths at the parade tomorrow.
 
Country living is down-to-earth fun.  Can't ask for a better place to live.
 
 

Friday, November 22, 2013

I Just Linked Up!

Tater Tots and Jello Link Party

Handmade Holiday Gift Guide

Thursday, November 14, 2013

3 Beautiful Decorations Crafts and Printables for Thanksgiving

With the holidays quickly approaching I am feeling the desire to make fun crafts with my daughter.  Since Thanksgiving is around the corner, I thought we could focus on thankfulness and gratitude.


Pretty Candle Centerpiece

I started with a pretty centerpiece for my table.  Holiday smells are so easy to recreate with store bought scented candles.

 
 
I started with some pretty leaves and acorns from my yard.  The scented candles came from a large retail store.  I chose candles with great color and, most importantly, a great scent!  Next I pulled out a serving bowl I already own.
 

 
 
Then I layered the leaves on the bottom of the glass dish alternating and mixing the different colors.  The candles are placed in a cluster at the center of the dish.  Finally, the acorns and acorn caps are poured around the candles.  This is a great look for the senses -- color, texture, and wonderful scents.
 
 
The Thankful Bowl
 
Next project is a Thankful Bowl.  I found fantastic printables (links below).  For this project I printed Thankful cards from Tater Tots and Jello!  They are wonderful.
 

Again, I went into my yard and gathered autumn leaves, persimmons (I have a tree), and pine cones.  Pine cones in my area fall around this time each years so I can use them for fall and winter decorations.  I like the texture and added color for the display.  I also printed out the Thankful Cards from Tater Tots and Jello.


I layered the bowl with leaves making sure to mix the colors and leave some leaves peeking out the side.  Then the persimmons were added in the center.  Pine cones were placed at random throughout.  Last, I added the Thankful cards around the rim of the bowl. 

The idea is each person at the table can take a card and write a short note of thanks.  I will also add pre-written cards to be read aloud during the meal.  My cards will include a short poem or saying, scripture, or a word of thanks to the people in my life.


Thankfulness Wall Display

A great alternative to this display is to use pomegranates, gourds, or apples.  Each of these is easy to find at the grocery store and can be used later in a meal.

 
 
To display these lovely thankful cards I strung two pieces of twine on my kitchen wall.  To attach the cards I used paper clips (yes, paperclips) and clothes pins.  For added color and interest I included fall leaves.  I love the rustic look of this display. 
 
This display hangs just under a large, wood 'Y' representing our family name.  It seemed the perfect place to put words of thanks -- I am most thankful for my family!
 
 
Here are some fantastic links to other blogs.  These blogs have wonderful ideas, recipes, and stories.
 
Enjoy -- Tammi


 Links
 
 
 
 

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

3 Sultry, Sexy, & Exotic Earrings

What is it about Morocco, Madrid, or Istanbul that makes them exotic?  Is it the sensual, curving shapes in architecture?  Perhaps the luxurious and luscious colors? 

The allure is powerful and emotional.  I tried to capture the essence and spirit of Morocco, Madrid, and Istanbul in my latest earring collection. 

Each piece, to me, speaks of the shapes and curves found in the architecture, vibrant colors, and sensual movements of Morocco. 


https://www.etsy.com/listing/167786599/antique-silver-golden-citrine-and-blue?ref=listing-shop-header-3
Antique Silver with Golden Citrine and Blue Iolite Chandelier Earrings
 
These beautiful peacock earrings feature hand wire-wrapped gemstones in iolite and citrine.  The colors are an alluring complimentary contrast.  They sway to capture the light and shimmer.
 
 
 


https://www.etsy.com/listing/167788625/silver-filigree-london-blue-gemstone?ref=listing-shop-header-1
Silver Filigree London Blue Chandelier Earrings
 
Stunning London Blue gems swing sensually from antique silver filigree pendants.  The gemstones are hand wrapped in sterling silver wire. 
 
 
 

 
 
 
The Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and Orange Carnelian stones are a perfect contrast for one another.  The colors are full of life, exotic, and vibrant.  They sway gently on the silver filigrees. 

Saturday, November 2, 2013

6 FABULOUS ACCESSOIRES

Statement Clutch

COTTON TIMES
  https://www.etsy.com/listing/125345192/clutch-hot-air-balloon?ref=trending_


I loved the statement clutch (above) by Cotton Times.  The shop contains numerous unique and fun bags and accessories.



I love Etsy!  It is a fabulous marketplace for handcrafted and unique items.  Etsy is a wonderful place to find diverse and creative items.  Perfect for gift giving!
I decided to browse for fabulous accessories.  In particular I was drawn to the artistic and creative pieces I found. 
There are so many wonderful items it was difficult to select just a few. 



The cuff bracelet by Lines and Light is a beautiful, artistic piece.  I love its delicate appearance and unique interpretation of the classic cuff bracelet.


 COOL CUFF BRACELET

LINES AND LIGHT
  https://www.etsy.com/listing/102742446/silver-webs-cuff-bracelet?ref=br_feed_52&br_feed_tlp=jewelry



Three Bird Nest is an incredible shop!  It stocks a wide variety of handcrafted, knitted, and leather accessories.  Perfect for yourself or as a gift.  I LOVED this scarf because it is classic yet modern and versatile.  We all need versatility in our wardrobe!


UNIQUE INFINITY SCARF

THREE BIRD NEST
  https://www.etsy.com/listing/161513996/ivory-knitted-infinity-boho-scarf-indie?ref=trending_item




French Robin Designs is my shop.  I know but I love these earrings!  I want them for myself.  I love the gold twists that are sensual and feminine.  The London Blue Topaz is stunning.  These are extremely beautiful earrings.

 
GOLD TWIST BLUE TOPAZ EARRINGS
 
 


 
These shoes are incredible!  Custom by Kylee stocks a wonderful variety of statement shoes and accessories like these flats.  The artistic play on the unconventional added to a practical article of clothing is very clever.  These are a definite conversation piece.
 
 
 
EDGAR ALLAN POE FLATS

CUSTOM BY KYLEE
 https://www.etsy.com/listing/150404827/edgar-allan-poe-the-raven-poetry-flats?ref=shop_home_active



I love the soft pink in this quartz arrowhead.  It is edged in gold to add more interest.  It is a pretty, feminine, yet edgy piece by French Robin Designs  (yeah, that's me again).


QUARTZ ARROWHEAD AND GOLD NECKLACE

FRENCH ROBIN DESIGNS
  https://www.etsy.com/listing/157932525/rose-quartz-arrowhead-pendant-necklace?ref=shop_home_active