Sunday, December 21, 2014

Walkin' in a Window Wonderland!

This might be the last post that I will get in before Christmas. I have a tablescape planned for 13 to 17 guests that I will not be able to share until after we enjoy it all on Christmas Eve. I hope that you will still be interested in seeing it after the Holiday has passed.
I think that you will like it!

So, for now, I'm sharing our Winter Wonderland in our dining areas bay window...it's always a fun spot to highlight with seasonal decor.

A venetian mirror is the center of attention this year with a handmade Noel banner and a cherished card from my sister from many years ago.



An ironstone tureen holds a rosemary plant with my sweet, little snowmen in the scene.





 "J"

and "P"...for me!

I just can't take how cute they are!






A candle votive hangs from a wrought iron hook....I made a bunch of these as gifts. Walmart carries the jars.

Diamond dust glitter coats the outside with "icy snow"

I made a wreath with boxwood and a hanger and added the "Let It Snow" letters from my Christmas window project from last year.

This jolly snowman was a gift that I gave to my dad many years ago. They are Feathered Friends by Lenox. When he passed away it was returned to me. I always think of him when these come out every year.

This one is Birds of a Feather that I gave to him, too. I miss our Christmases together!

Faux evergreen trees and garland entwined with burlap ribbon set the wonderland theme.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays...I wish you all the best that this wonderful season has in store!

Love, Hugs and Kisses,
JP
and Gucci, too!



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astrollthrulife  

Friday, December 19, 2014

Re-wind to New Year's Eve 2013 a Celebration in Blue & Gold

I'm re-winding to New Year's Eve 2013.....the celebration was a hit and this post didn't get to make the rounds before New Year's to give you some ideas for your own bash...so, maybe this year!

 I was delighted when I was asked to assist in decorating the clubhouse, in River Run Plantation, the community where we have been residing for the past 1 1/2 years, now. 
Reservations for 30 was planned, so what a thrill it was to be able to create some beautiful, decor on a large scale and a wee bit nerve racking...a first time biggie for me!

I designed and ordered this special banner and beautiful new clock to be used for years to come.
  I always edit my photos using Pic Monkey's editing tools. It's a free website @ picmonkey.com

Since I love to play around with editing I upgraded to their Royale package to take advantage of their fun upgrades....it's worth the monthly $4.99 fee for me!
  Frost is one of my favorites to apply along with some fun bokeh effects, like the stars in the two photos above.

The clubhouse is such a great place for meetings, activities and a wonderful space to entertain! 
 
Here's another pic of the space with some changes using exposure, sharpening and frost. 

Isn't the clubhouse lovely all decked out in carribean blue with silver and gold?
 The band soon fit perfectly, in the corner, under the stars.


Seating areas were re-arranged for groups and intimate conversations...

and even a space for the guests to dance.








This pic has radiance effects.



I had a lot of helpers to assist with the execution of the decor. DIY, chair covers were cut and adorned by many. Plastic, dollar store, rectangular tablecovers were used to transform the plain folding chairs into elegant ones for around 50 cents each.
You can see more of how I used them in my Christmas post here!

The Christmas tree was re-decorated with hats and horns and co-ordinated decor.

And I highlighted the star on top of the tree with a little glare.... a fun touch...don't you agree?

A little lens flare, with more bokeh stars, was added here adding a fun festive touch.

This edit was done using the lipstick tool.


And then more of the same, by adding more highlights, to the centerpieces candle flames.

One of the centerpiece pics with a simple, film grain, touch.

More lens flare was added to the ornament in the centerpiece below.

Film grain, exposure and sparkle bokeh add some punch to this simple vignette.

Hats and horns waiting to be worn sat on the dividing wall.

Some lens flare editing was done here with highlights to the star on the chandelier.

This phenomenal cake was a feast for the eyes and the taste buds, too! Created by River Run's special cake decorator, Sandy Wolfe.

And then entertainment was enjoyed, for the celebration, by all!
 Love, Hugs and Kisses,
JP
and Gucci, too!



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Thursday, December 18, 2014

Christmas Countdown Frame with Cranberries & Burlap

I managed to cram in one more creation for Christmas... it's a tad bit late, I should have had it done at the beginning of the month. Better late than never!

A, newly painted, large, black frame, burlap accents, cranberry strands, chalkboard tags and Christmas mementos pulled it all together.

It's a perfect Christmas countdown calendar board, above the desk, in our kitchen!

I created tags, in "Pic Monkey", printed them out on card stock and hung them from jute string. I painted this Santa almost 30 years ago. 
As of today there are 7 days left until Christmas.

I removed the tags each day as they passed. If I'd had more time I would have added some seasonal stickers to the backs of each and just flipped them around...next year I will!

A favorite, tattered post card adds to the display.

"Mom's" tiny porcelain bell, a mid century heirloom, will ring on Christmas day.

Christmas will soon be here or may have already passed, depending on when you happened upon this post.

I thought you might like a closer look at this little display that hangs on the wall by our desk. 

He's my sweet, little Santa that was in our terrarium for Christmas here


This year's frame was a take off of my cranberry display frame that I made a few years back.
 
I made a more glamorous one last year....it's back on display in our living room, again, this year.
 I had to add an extra tag for one, extra special, day after Christmas. It's a birthday countdown for    my youngest, Kristi Marie aka Kris, Miss Kris, Kwis D Mawee (as she used to always thought her name was) Happy 27th Birthday.....I am so proud of you, my single mom of three.....I love you and miss you so very much! xoxoxo

Hoping to get a few more posts in before Christmas passes this year! 
Love, Hugs and Kisses,
JP
and Gucci, too!


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