Painting, Decorating and Baking Christmas Cookies

I thought I had put up a lot of wreaths on our windows, but I believe these folks win the prize!  This is an old Christmas painting I did a few years ago.  Christmas scenes are my favorite subject and I could paint them year round.  At this moment I am working on a new cupcake painting and should be able to share that soon.  After this one is finished I'm putting up my brushes and taking the rest of the month to finish up preparing for Christmas and enjoying some family time.

I'm still playing around with the tripod and camera settings and taking different shots of our tree.  I promise these should be the last two tree photos that I'll share. 

This morning I made sugar cookies and you can find the recipe here.  These cookies melt in your mouth and the aroma of fresh baked cookies will linger throughout the day!

Are there any presents under your tree yet? 

I'm linking this post to:

Christmas Decorations

Today I did a little decorating outside with some left over evergreen from the tree.

It's not really snowing here.  I just edited this photo at Picmonkey. 

Last week I made a top hat from black posterboard.  I had seen these somewhere in blogland and decided to see if I could make it myself.  I took the shade off a lamp and swapped out the hat.

The postcard in this picture is our home many years ago.  The family we bought the house from gave it to us and the previous owner passed it down to them.  I love how this "Greetings" postcard has stayed with the house over the years.  Several things have changed as each family did some remodeling.

I found some old sheet music online and printed it off and put it in the typewriter.

I've been practicing taking photos at night of the Christmas tree with the lights off .

I read somewhere that I needed to have the ISO at 3200 and I really like the results.

This old house was freezing today because I kept opening the windows to hang up my wreaths like in this little painting that I did a few years ago.  I ran outside to see if all the wreaths on the windows were centered and started laughing.  One wreath was upside down.  All the bows were at the bottom except one and it had the bow at the top. 

I've been adding a few decorations each day.  Either I'm getting too old to do this in a day or my decoration boxes are multiplying.  Are you finished yet?

Catherine Holman

White Christmas

Our local theater is playing "White Christmas" on the big screen.  I can't wait! 

I adore old Christmas movies!  What's your favorite?

Catherine Holman

Cupcake Collage Print and Kitchen Christmas Decor

I'm having so much fun decorating my kitchen with my freshly painted white cabinets.  Now I need to start baking some Christmas cookies!

Check out my new "Cupcake Collage Print" in my Etsy store:



 Remember to use the discount code BLOGREADER12 to receive 25% off in my Etsy store. 

Catherine Holman



Decorating Fireplace Mantels For Christmas

I've decorated this mantel twice already.  Am I the only person who does this?

While going through boxes I came across these new little trees that I bought on sale after Christmas last year.  The sales lady gave me a funny look when I plopped 15 of these sweet little trees on the counter.   So, I took the garland off that I had used for years and put up my little forest on the mantel, saving a few for other areas of the house.  

This is actually a faux marble fireplace that I painted on the wall.  The only real fireplace in this house is directly behind the same wall in the family room.  You can go through either doorway into that room.

I've always wanted to hang my stockings from this fireplace, but it's a huge stone mantel and there is no way to attach them.  I've tried the adhesive strips, but they won't stick to it.  The stocking holders that sit on top of a mantel don't look rustic enough with this fireplace.  I'm up for any ideas if you have any.  I've tied them to the garland before, but I'm not crazy about that either.  Picky, picky......

This is my husband's old truck that he played with as a child.  It's old and rusty and is hauling a load of Christmas trees. 

I'm linking up with The Lettered Cottage for Mantel Decorating Ideas in the Holiday Home Link Pary and Holiday House Link Party with Jennifer Rizzo:

Catherine Holman

Folk Art and Cupcake Art Sale

I'm still decorating, but wanted to take a moment to let you know that even though Cyber Monday has gone and past, my blog readers can still get a 25% discount in my Etsy Store through Christmas.  Use the code BLOGREADER12 at checkout.  We offer a variety of personalized prints that make great gifts.   Just look under shop sections in the left sidebar of my store and scroll down to personalized. 

Remember that after Christmas the discount goes back to 15% and that savings is good for all my blog readers all the time. 



Catherine Holman

Our Christmas Tree

It snowed the other day.  Great big fat flakes fell from the sky and ended pretty quickly.  I was so shocked to look out the window while putting lights on the tree because it had been rather warm the day the day before.  I'm dreaming of a white Christmas.  How about you?

Late Sunday afternoon our daughter, Amber, and son in law, Scott, were going to a tree farm to cut down their tree and invited us along.  We had already decided we were going to use our artificial tree like we have for years.

I took this photo of our son, Eric and Amber taking their own picture. 

See all those trees behind them?  It's always magical to walk through a tree farm with a saw in hand ready to make the perfect choice. 

This one's too crooked,

too fat,

way too tall.....

Victorious!  Amber and Scott loaded their tree up on the sled and pulled it back to send through the shaker, where loose needles are shed and then the tree is bagged in red netting.

My husband was concerned that he was being a scrooge about this whole tree thing and told me to pick one out.  Did we cut one down?

No, they had some beautiful frazier firs that had been shipped in and standing up around the barn where you go for hot chocolate and pop corn.  We found what we were looking for there.  They bagged it up and hoisted both trees on top of the vehicle.

Realizing we no longer had a tree stand, we make a quick trip to the store,

then returned where we worked at removing the red netting.  That tree was wrapped so tight that we had to work at pulling the branches down just like an artificial tree.

Once we had all the branches shaped we stood back and proclaimed, "It's so perfect that it doesn't look real.  It looks like an artificial tree, but smells great! 

(perfection)

My husband decided it would look more real if we used the big old fashioned colorful lights.  I think he's right.  It reminds me of the trees of our childhood.  It may not be fashionably cool with tons of white twinkly lights, but it sure is nostalgic.  Now I have to figure out what kind of ornaments to use. 

For some reason this tree scared our dog, Lady who went flying up the stairs when we brought it in.  This is her first Christmas tree.  She seems to have adjusted today.

Hopefully the cat doesn't decide to give it a climb. 

Below is a new recipe card, my gift to you.  You can print this on 4 x 6 index cards.  Jot your favorite Christmas cookie recipe on it and slip it in a package for a friend.

Enjoy!

Catherine Holman

Holly Jolly Christmas Cupcake Painting

I started this little painting before Thanksgiving and finished it today. 

 This little 6 inch x 6 inch painting is now up for auction with "free shipping"  on eBay.

"Holly Jolly Cupcakes"

A snowy white cupcake decorated with holly leaves, has thick white frosting piped around the edges. Red non-pariels give a polka dot look to this festive Christmas treat.

We have a real tree this year and I'll share it with you soon.  I have to get back to decorating and cleaning up pine needles. 

Are you doing a real tree this year?

Catherine Holman

Cyber Monday Folk Art Sale

Too tired from all that turkey on Thanksgiving?  Just grab your favorite chair, put your feet up, and

come join me for a Cyber Monday Folk Art Sale in my

Etsy Shop  (use the discount code CYBER2012)

eBay Store (prices are as marked)

and

FineArt America Store (use discount code VKAEFB). 

Since each and everyone of you are my favorite blog readers, you can get this discount now through Monday at midnight. You do not have to wait until Monday for this sale. Shop now and you will receive a 25% discount in my Etsy and eBay stores.

FineArt America will only give the 25% discount on my portion of the sale.  (No discount on framing, canvas, etc.).

I just wanted to share my "Pumpkin Rolls" that I made for Thanksgiving.  You can go to Thistlewood Farms for KariAnne's quick and easy tutorial for these cuties!  These are made with Rhodes frozen dinner rolls.

Did you risk life and limb today for any sales in the stores?

Not me. 

Too tired, too full, too old and ready for a nap.....

Catherine Holman

Thanksgiving Wish

Groceries to get...

House to clean...

Food to cook...

Wishing you and your family a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!

Faith Country Church Autumn Folk Art Painting

I painted this scene several years ago on a very tiny, tiny piece of wood.  I wanted to be able to provide prints of this scene, so I painted it once again today and listed it on eBay:

"Faith Country Church"

Leaves gently drift floating and piling upon the ground creating a colorful palette of autumn beauty. Faith Country Church is celebrating Thanksgiving and will enjoy a hearty meal after the service with friends and family. Everyone knows there is nothing better to eat than a potluck dinner including Thelma's homemade pumpkin pies!

Have you planned your Thanksgiving dinner yet?  After burning our dinner last night, I hope I do a better job for our company.  I've come to realize that I can no longer multi-task. 

Catherine Holman

Tinsel Town Christmas Folk Art Painting

Well, here it is Tuesday evening and I'm several days late finishing this painting.  Life has a way of taking over and my mind can't seem to stop making changes to the scene as I work.  But, tonight this painting is now up for auction on eBay.

"Tinsel Town Christmas"

Holly Flake, the choir director, hugs each of the children before they leave to head home for the night. On Christmas Eve parents will sit expectantly in the pews celebrating the true meaning of Christmas as the children of Tinsel Town recreate the scene on stage.

I just burnt my supper, so I'm out of here!

Catherine Holman

What's on my paint table you ask.....

Well, maybe you didn't ask, but here it is.  I'm working on a new little (8 x 10) Christmas painting.  I just had to.  I adore painting Christmas scenes.  I also have plans for a 16 x 20 Christmas scene soon.  Hopefully this little painting will be up for auction on eBay on Friday evening, or sooner. 

Each morning I get up bright and early and then the day takes a completely different turn from what I had planned.  Am I the only one this happens to?

Catherine Holman

Proud to be an American!

We are so lucky to live in a country where we have a voice.  Get out and vote!  Oh, and check to see if you have a neighbor or someone who needs a ride.



Wickford Village Halloween ll Original Folk Art Painting

This painting is one of my most popular prints

"Wickford Village Halloween"

But, I painted this a few years ago before I had my new camera and I'm not very satisfied with the quality of this photo.  I'm not sure who bought this painting, so I decided to repaint it.

As I was painting, I made a few changes because I hate dislike painting the same thing twice.

Thus was born:

"Wickford Village Halloween ll"

(for sale on eBay)

Nothing like the movie, this quaint little painting includes smiling jack o lanterns, loving neighbors, and a safe place to trick or treat. 

Smoke stirs in the air along with the scent of crisp autumn leaves in the Village of Wickford. Tired children drop off to sleep after a busy evening going door to door for treats. Another Halloween has come and gone as jack-o-lanterns burn one last time lighting up the cold crisp evening. Mrs. Prittle has freshed up the outside of home with a lovely shade of dusky purple paint. Her neighbor, Anne, not having quite the courage of her dear friend, decided to use the same color on her front door.

I would love to rephotograph the original if possible because I used the same greens on the hills in both paintings.  As you can see, even the color didn't photograph true to life in the first one.  I'm amazed at what my new camera can capture.  When I look at the photograph of the new painting on actual pixels (huge) in photoshop, it shows little imperfections that can't be seen in the actual painting.  I love my new camera!  I use a tripod and manual setting when photographing my artwork.

Witch Which one do you prefer Wickford Village Halloween or Wickford Village Halloween ll?

Catherine Holman



A Pumpkin Cupcake With Brown Butter Frosting Painting

Hot off my paint table, is this little 4" x 4" cupcake painting that I listed on eBay.

"Pumpkin Cupcake Brown Butter Frosting"

Fall is in the air as well as the aroma of a freshly baked pumpkin cupcake. This autumn delight is topped with brown butter frosting and tucked into a polka dot cupcake liner.

Our son posts funny little comments on Facebook each day and this one really got me tickled yesterday:

"I can't believe how nonchalant the gas station clerk seemed when she told me that, in just a few days, the streets are going to be filled with tiny, little ghosts and goblins."

I've spent part of my day making treats for the little goblin guests that will be visiting tomorrow night.  I only hand out these handmade treats to children that I know personally.  Sorry, but all remaining ghosts and goblins get prepackaged treats. 

Are you making special treats for Halloween?

Catherine Holman

Giveaway and Halloween on Pumpkin Hill Folk Art Painting

Run, don't walk, over to a Haven For Vee.   My blogging friend, Vee, is celebrating her 1500th post and giving away your choice of a print from my Etsy store.  She will be drawing a name on Sunday evening.  But wait, before you go, check out my new painting that I'm listing on eBay this evening.

"Halloween on Pumpkin Hill"

Much to Mildred's surprise, when she threw her pumpkin seeds out on the ground after carving her jack o lanterns the previous Halloween, this years crop were a lovely shade of creamy white. Her neighbor, Hannah, watched longing for her pumpkins to sparkle in the moonlight, but hers came back the usual shade of autumn orange. The two neighbors decided to share their harvest as well as their friendship.

This painting makes a great companion to my print "Pumpkin Valley".

Happy Autumn!

Catherine Holman