Reflecting on Christmas 2014

Looking back, remembering the blues, silver and sparkles that were part of my home for Christmas 2014.  

 The other part, brights with shades of red.

  



Missing it, already. 

Ele

paradox

It's this time of year when decorating, for me, seems to become a paradox. A mix of winter (and I mean ND winter), with planning for warm trips. It's the conflict between beautiful crystal trees, shimmering snow, brisk temperatures, vs. seashells, warm sand, and the heat of the sun.

As this conflict of nature surrounds my soul, it amazes me how the two can have qualities that are the same: beautiful clear blue skies, the calming sound of the ocean/wind, and shimmering sand/snow. Sameness in the midst of conflict.  

So how does this work in decorating my home without it looking messy? Calm the conflict by finding common ground. In this case I drew on both color and texture.
  

 

Silver crystal-like starfish and crystal branches= an interesting paradox that brings sameness to conflict. 

 

To glitter starfish use spray adhesive and shake on silver glitter or glass glitter. Use a glitter tray from a craftstore. It will save you frustration and glitter!

 

...and may you feel God's blessings in the New Year,

even when they might not be right in front of you. 

Ele

 

Thanksgiving

Joining Inspire me Monday. http://www.create-with-joy.com

On this Thanksgiving Day, I hope that you are able to find thankfulness. If this holiday has been one of trials, I hope you are able to venture through the lonliness, sadness, pain, and/or frustration to a place of calm, love, and thankfulness.

At my house, on holidays, vintage items make their way from the cabinet, to the dining room table.  Worn treasures that were once loved are still loved. Some items have belonged to my loved ones, others carry the mystery of their existence in their cracks and crevices. I can only wonder whose table they onced graced.

But for now, they are on my table, spreading love to those who broke bread with us today, and reminding us, that we have reasons to be thankful.

Blessings and God's Peace,

Ele

FAll is in The Air

The changing of seasons is very dramatic in the midwest. Warm days turn into chilly evenings, and chilly evenings tease of frost at night. Flowers and gardens are covered with blankets to keep them warm, to save them from demise. A blanket; a protector, a shield. For my family, this was a summer we would like to forget, but living with the loss of a loved one daily, does not allow. Cool evenings, covered with a warm blanket, holding on to those who are so dear, helps us forget...for just a moment.  

So, I have never been more ready to show signs of changing seasons in my home. It was time. Time for the pumpkins to arrive. 

Gone are the days of the indoors orange plastic pumpkins. Pumpkins come in all types of textures, shapes, and colors. My favorite, velvet pumpkins; luscious and dramatic just like the change of seasons. It oozes warmth.  


Peacock Blue Velvet Pumpkins

 

Caramel Colored Pumpkin

Visit www.etsy.com for some great handmade pumpkins.....and take time to snuggle with your loved one.

xoxo, Ele