Saturday, December 31, 2011

Paintings of 2011

2011 has been a productive year for cupcake paintings:


"Olivia's Orange Apron" and "Ruby's Red Shoes" are the first apron and cupcake series this past year.  Hopefully I'll add a few more in 2012.






I apparently fell behind on my folk art paintings this year, but produced my favorite painting, "Christmas at Ray's Diner" to make up for it.  This is a local diner from my hometown.  I hope to add a local scene each year.



Thanks for taking the time to read my daily drivel, scribblings, and for all the sweet comments about my paintings this past year. 
Have a happy and safe New Year!
Hugs,
Catherine


Saturday, December 24, 2011

Christmas Eve

This is what I spent the day finishing.  I decided the week before Christmas to crochet new stockings.  Did you have any last minute projects?


Before I turn out the lights on this day, I want to wish you and your family God's blessings this Christmas. 


Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Christmas Countdown ..... 3 Days


Have a Holly Jolly Christmas.... 

Red is my favorite color.....


I found these little cross stitched snowmen on Etsy last year...



Plop some candy canes in a glass jar for instant cheer....

I absolutely love silver tinsel......


Tuck in little bits of everygreen here and there...


We had some snowflakes today but no accumulation. 

I'm hoping for a white Christmas.  How about you?

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Christmas Countdown....5 Day's

Touches of Christmas on the upstairs landing....


The group picture of my brothers, sister, and myself with Santa on the shelf was taken around 1958.


Our mantel decorations in the family room.....



Which do you prefer, white lights or colored lights?


Friday, December 16, 2011

More Christmas Decor......

Today I'm busy checking my lists twice and cleaning house.  So, I'd like to share more of my Christmas decor with you . 






Tomorrow my daughter and mother are coming over to make cookies.  Are you ready for Christmas yet?

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Dining Room Christmas Decorations

Christmas decorations seem to add that special warm glow that takes my breath away  each morning when the sun is barely peeking up over the horizon through our dining room windows.

My sweet fairie tree....





The soft glow of lamp light...


I know I should someday paint this buffet white, but I'm having a difficult time making myself do that.  I don't like regrets.  By the time I decide to do it, painted furniture will be out and stained furniture will be in.  Am I the only one with this problem?


A hand painted clock and another sweet fairie....


Decorations by the front entry to greet our guests.....


Candle light and glitter everywhere....



and angels in the snow...


Do you decorate every room in your house for Christmas?


Thursday, December 8, 2011

Just settled down for a long winter's nap.....

Wouldn't you simply love to settle down for a long winter's nap?  Well, maybe in January I just might do that, but for now I have to ready the guest room for company that will be arriving for Christmas.

Since this room is decorated with lavender and green, Christmas red just doesn't work in here.  A few years ago I ran across some beautiful Christmas beads in lavender and I painted my "Snowman Jack in the Box" in the same colors.


I love lots of pillows!  I'm not sure how my guests feel about that though.  I crocheted another rose pillow in pink and the two little round pillows in the front will be be next in line for a little yarn love.


My guests are treated to a fluffy feather bed and a very warm matelasse cover to snuggle under.


I bought the Fairyopolis book because it matched this room, but it's such a treat to look at!


Years ago I painted this shelf to match the floors.  I know that sounds strange, but you'll see what I'm talking about in the last photo.


A little touch of Christmas cheer added to the bedside table....


I saved this photo for last because I've shown this floor many times on my blog.  For those of you who are new, I had to paint this floor or carpet it due to the condition of the wood floors when we moved in.  Being an artist, the paint won out.  Slippers are painted on the floor as you enter the room and a rather large hydrangea rug was painted to cover all the damage.  Can you see how the shelf mentioned above matches the floor? 
I'm on to the next room tomorrow!

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

While visions of sugar plums....

Christmas decorations are finally flying out of their dusty boxes and into their proper place around our home.  You may have guessed by now that red is my favorite color and a fair amount of that particular hue can be seen in these images.  I believe in adding a touch of Christmas to each room even if it's just the smallest touch of holiday cheer. 


Every time I walk through the door, I want to dive into this bed.  This is my view across the hall from my paint room where I sit at my computer.  It's always beckoning me to come and take a little nap.


Lots and lots of crocheted blankets are ready at the foot of the bed for those very chilly nights.


Cheery pillows in my favorite chair for reading....


Our cat, Bailey's, favorite place to nap the day away....


Simply change out your candles and add tiny sugar plum wreaths....


I'm off to crochet the night away making gifts as I watch my favorite Christmas movies.  Are you making any gifts this year?