Delayed decor

The pictures were taken on my camera so the quality isn't great but here's my dresser.  I love the new grey although it looks blue here :s

And this is just a little collection of some of the other bits of décor in my hall and dining area.  The wooden nativity scene was bought in Krakow 9 years ago now.  I like its rustic charm and it takes pride of place in the hall to be seen by all who come into our home during the Christmas season.  Similarly, there is another nativity scene in the dining and living room and I make a tradition out of retelling the story of Jesus' birth while we set up the nativity.  The porcelain figures in the image here were given to us by my uncle and once had a wooden stable to accompany them.  I think they must be nearly 30 years old and still very pretty despite the odd broken hand.

On the right are images of some handmade bits that I made several years ago but managed to make an appearance this year in our hall.  The children made a wreath each using some sparkly foam stickers, felt sheets, and cardboard wreathes all from Baker Ross.  They looked really effective and appealed to all 3 kids (and my niece made one too).  The hanging garland on the right is probably one of my favourite quick makes- its a bit fiddly to start with but pretty in the end.  I'm hoping to make some more less Christmassy ones so will do a full tutorial post when I do.

Right, it's the middle of January so enough talk of Christmas until next November (or October!!)

Farewell 2015, Hello New Year!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Last year was quite big for me in terms of life change and I think 2016 will be too :D
My first focus is going to be health; better eating (with the help of the hairy bikers recipe book so hopefully a few recipe posts) more exercise classes and better sleeping habits.
Christmas this year was lovely although I admit I tried to cram a lot in with the acute awareness that since I'm now working full time, I have less time with the children so I had to make this year extra special. I'll post pictures soon of our 2 weeks including shots of the decorated but I wasn't as focused on the house decor this year with work in the run up and tragic family news 10 days before the big day. All that aside, it has been a time of good memories.

As usual, post Christmas I hit the sales :D
Christmas cards, glass baubles, garlands and other decorations were purchased and will be a feature next year.

                 
The cards were from Hanbury Hall which is a National Trust site about 40minutes away from us.  1.5 miles up the road from Hanbury Hall is Jinney Ring Craft centre which houses the workshops of 12 crafters and their small shops of beautiful makes.  I bought the baubles in the gift shop there and already have thoughts on doing my dining room and dresser differently next year with these as a central theme.

The weather was awful when we went to Hanbury Hall and Jinney Ring and so we didn't stay long.  On the way home my hsband suggested we go to a Garden centre and it was here that I picked up these Gisela Graham decorations.  They were all quite folky and up my street but I went for a modest 7 (but may have to look online for more!)  Again these have given me some inspiration for next year as I will focus on larger decorations and maybe even no baubles- we shall see.

I saw this paper garland with gold ric rac and loved it immediately.  Unlike the other items I bought, I have no idea where it will go but I have all year to decide.

My husband chose the wooden sign but I like it too and is a bit different from the bunting and fabric hangings so a welcome addition.  The book and stationary are from paperchase and to be honest, I just liked them.

Today we went to another very large garden centre because they had a skating rink and we have been promising the girls we would take them since October.  There was a hobby craft there so I had a happy hour wandering the isles and could have bought lots but settled on these card letters and bird with the intention of decoupaging them.  I also bought some wooden items a few months back with the hope of doing a little decopatch but hadn't seen the paper or glue at a reasonable price.

The paper still wasn't cheap but it was oh so beautiful and I have read a few blogs that say I can water down PVA and use it although it has a longer drying time.  I will keep you updated of my progress.

The final purchase I want to share is some scrapbook paper I got at TK Max last week and then some free paper that came with a magazine my hubby bought as a stocking filler.  I am hoping to make lots of bird houses with these to create a unique display in the hall.  If my husband is totally against it being in the hall, then I may do it in my office but do it I shall and soooon :) 

Did I mention that another aim for this year is that it will be more craftilicious!