Merry Christmas!

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!

Peacock Decorations for Holidays and Beyond

After I started decorating my house for Christmas in lovely peacock shades of blue, green, turquoise and plum, I decided to share photos here. Then I was curious to see what others had that might fit the theme. I have found some beautiful, fun and whimsical items to share with you.

It was hard though to stay with the focus of decorative items because I ran into some gorgeous jewelry, clothing and accessories along the way. Maybe my next blog post will feature some of those!



Photos from top to bottom, left to right
1. Peacock version 2, print
from beckidyb

2. Sweet Leaves - Indigo Garden Fabric Mix Branches (set of 6)
from janejoss

3. Caribbean - 7 piece party set
from PartyPoms

4.Feathers
from closencounters

5. Peacock Plaid Christmas Stocking
from SuZeFashion





Photos from top to bottom, left to right.
1. Laminated Peacock Placemat
from WingAndWillow

2. Gold Glitter Blue and Green Paisley Print Quilted Round Star Table Candle Holder PERFECT FOR HOLIDAYS OR ALLYEAR
from JunesMaterialThings

3. Peacock Feather on Blue Topaz Painting 12 x 24
from hotjavva

4. Sweet Leaves - Blossom Blue Fabric Branches
from janejoss

5. Bird. Lime Green and Turquoise Bird. Bird Brain Mixed Media
from chinamommy




This color scheme could also work well into your New Year's celebrations. Hope you enjoyed! Merry Christmas! Have a great day wherever you are !

First Blog Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to Ave the winner of my first blog giveaway!
Check out her blog Made in Canarias at http://tite-roy-gatra2.blogspot.com/.

Ave won a set of handmade note cards
and a silk dupioni butterfly bookmark!


Thanks to all who entered! Stay tuned for my next blog giveaway.
Happy holidays!

Peacock Christmas Holiday Decorating

Usually I start my Christmas decorating the day after Thanksgiving but ... this year I couldn't quite get to it as I was busy with my shop, etc., so I'm still decorating. I'm almost done though, yeah!


Thought I'd share some photos. For the past 2 years I've wanted to coordinate my decorations with my home decor, focussing on teal, sapphire and avocado green with a bit of plum. So my house this year is decorated in peacock colors and it is so lovely!





Also, I decided against the big artificial tree which usually takes me a week to decorate by the time I pull it up out of the basement, along with the myriad boxes of lights, ornaments, extension cords, etc.

This year I've decorated this cool topiary that I acquired from a store closing a few years back (I was using the stand for craft shows!). It takes up less floor space and I was able to decorate it in a few days since it takes fewer ornaments and lights!












I've also incorporated my collection of blue and green glass bottles which I use as vases in the summer. For the holidays I've turned them into bottle trees! What do you think! Enjoy the photos!







Now I just need some peacock feathers!









Remember to enter my first blog giveaway! Only a few days left.
Go to my Thursday Thanksgiving Day post and follow the instructions given there.

Have a great day wherever you are!

Friday Blog Baking Chocolaty Chocolate

Today I am baking cocoa chocolate chip brownies with chocolate frosting. I firmly believe that if you are going to bake chocolate delights like cakes, brownies and cookies, that you have to make them really chocolaty (for some reason spell check doesn't like this word)! I'm taking most of them to a women's gathering tomorrow, which is a good thing since I enjoy chocolate.



Don't be misled by these photos! They are not all chocolate. I went through the food photos I have taken and couldn't find any cookies or brownies. I seem to have gobbled up the chocolate yummies before I could take any photos so these will have to do. They do look good don't they? By the way, what's your favorite chocolate dessert?



Then this afternoon I was reading some of the posts from blogs that I follow, I came across this post from Dacedesign about chocolate. Can you smell the chocolate! Read it and enjoy!

Remember to enter my first blog giveaway. Go to the Thursday November 26 Thanksgiving Day post and follow the directions.

Have a great day and bake something chocolate!

First Snow December First

Heard the plows go by early this morning! The first snow, white, crisp and cold! It's not really winter yet but the first snowfall means it can't be far away.




Took a few photos before much of it melted away but I missed the trees glopped with snow like someone had sprayed them with whipped cream. Take a peak and enjoy!




Don't forget to enter my blog giveaway by going to the Thursday November 26 Thanksgiving Day blog post, following the instructions and commenting. Have a great day wherever you are!

SuZeFashion Blog Giveaway

Happy Thanksgiving! Hope everyone had a wonderful day relaxing with family and friends.



SuZeFashion Blog Giveaway

This is my first blog giveaway!
I will be giving away a set of 2 SuZeFashion note cards and envelopes with a Silk Dupioni Butterfly bookmark.






To enter visit my Etsy shop, select your favorite item from my shop and come back here with the link. Be sure to include your email or your Etsy shop so that I can contact you if you win.
Enter by Sunday December 13, 2009.





Interested in other giveaways? Check out this blog give away at Dacedesignsetsy blog! Enjoy!

How to Have More Exposure for Black Friday Sales

For those Etsy sellers who are planning special sales for Black Friday, you might be want to have your sale posted on Delightfullyperceptive's blog. I've included the link to her blog if you are interested. You have until Wednesday to convo her the details. Check it out and happy sales to you!

One thing that I enjoy about the Etsy community is that not only are there so many gifted and creative people but so many helpful and friendly fellow sellers. Thanks to all of you who are so generous and supportive.







This week I have been working on Thanksgiving cards as a way to express gratitude to people who have been kind, thoughtful and a blessing to know.

Remember to be grateful for even the smallest acts of kindness. Take the time during this season to thank the people around you, even if you have thanked them before. Let them know that they are appreciated.

One kind word can change somebody's day, which can in turn change someone else's.

Slow Down, Look Around, Be Inspired

Lately I've become somewhat obsessed with taking photos of just about everything I see wherever I go. Most of the vegetation around my home has become a fitting subject as I practice with the various settings on my digital camera.

I have always admired the photography I've seen in various magazines and galleries. I appreciate taking a closer look at the world around us, taking what has become ordinary and creating a work of art.

I find that this has helped me to slow down, stop and observe more. Take time to smell the roses as it were. There is so much beauty around us, that it is all too easy to take it for granted.

I have been particularly inspired by the photography of fellow Etsy sellers and those whose blogs and tweets I follow. I hope you'll take the time to check out today's blog by Studio MME sharing some recent photos. http://studiomme.blogspot.com/

Slow down, take time to smell the roses! You'll find yourself refreshed and newly inspired.

Happy Tuesday!

The Last Dance of the Red Maple

Now that most of the leaves are gone and the morning frosts have arrived, I’m really enjoying all of the photos I took of the autumn leaves.



The colors have been spectacular in our area.
Brilliant reds, rich oranges and rust, vibrant greens and golden yellows!

I thought that for today I would share photos of one of my favorite trees (at least my favorite for now!).


We have this red maple tree which puts on an amazing show every spring and fall.


While I enjoy it in the spring because of the promise of warmth and new growth,
the fall colors really stand out against the grass and changing leaves on the nearby trees!



I hope you enjoy the red maple’s last dance for 2009 as much as I have.
Happy Friday!



The Last Dance

Yellow/Green Autumn Leaves Photos

I love yellow and green together!
When I saw the leaves on this tree last week,
it made me think of argyle.
In my search for yellow and green argyle for this blog
I also came across a few other beautiful items
in marvelous shades of yellow and green.






Argyle Birthday Card from twoguitars.etsy.com








Argyle Mural from singlestonestudios.etsy.com




Green Mamba Scarf from phydeaux.etsy.com




Vintage Lemon/Lime Mini Dress from MaidenRaptureVintage.etsy.com



Czech Crystal Beads from Julieslittlebits.etsy.com




Green Heart Kitchen Gloves from jen2001.etsy.com



Lemon Lime Quilt from stashthis.etsy.com

More Autumn Photos Inspiration

My herb garden continues green amidst falling leaves. Herb Harvest Green Plaid Journal from SuZeFashion.
A small pond nearby grows lush water-loving foliage.

Found this lovely bag by CecilandCo that goes so well with today's blog!
Check them out at:
www.CecilandCo.etsy.com and http://cecilandco.blogspot.com

Taking Autumn Photos Inspires Creativity

Every chance I've had this week I've been taking photos of the trees and plants around our area, and well any place that I can. The colors are spectacular and inspiring! I'm working on a montage to show the things I've seen and the projects inspired by this season.

Autumn Leaves Inspiration

Creative Inspiration

Many things inspire

my creativity,

but

the beauty

of

God's creation ranks high

on the list.

I finally

broke free

from

the captivity

of my studio

to stroll through the leaves and snap away

with my camera!