Cleaning the Attic

I’m disciplining myself of the daunting task of CLEANING the ATTIC! I have not taken down the tree or any of the other holiday decorations, so I can properly store them away. I store everything in a walk in attic for elfs. Wow, I’m on my 3 day of ripping up old boxes, deciding which toys and stuffed animals we are keeping and which ones were donating. Reading letters and post cards from when I was 12. Which makes the daunting task that much longer! Yiks. I even found a letter from a pen pal I wrote only  a few times from Japan. This letter is 37yrs. old!! Gum, included in envelope. Not sure how I found this girl. Her address is on the return envelope, I should see if her family still lives in that home. Maybe I will.

That's not all.....

The most interesting thing I found is the “Original” paperwork for a 1921 Carl Gottlob Schusterjun. German violin. We have the violin in a different location, but I hadn’t really done any Goggle research yet. So, I looked it up and found out this violin is worth $2,600.00 It was made in 1920, sold in Ohernheim, Germany to my husbands Great Great Grandfather and  purchase in 1921. My husband is not interested in selling it. He has played many instruments including this fiddle/violin. I don’t think he’s going to give it up at any time soon. I’ll keep digging and hopefully there’s something else worth really keeping.

This is the markings on the inside of the violin. To be sure it's an orginal.

Happy New Year

After all the events that caused you tears;

Here comes the new ones that will bring you cheer;

Forget the past, the future is here;

Let us welcome the

Happy New Year!

More Paper Snowflakes

Michelle over at Sweet Something Design has another beautiful way to decorate with paper snowflakes...The tutorial is all right there for you. Just click on Sweet Something Design link and get started.

 Ok...I have plenty to do, but while I'm relaxing, I may have to get some paper, scissors and tape and start weaving away.

Denise

Not stressing....

Well, it's getting a little closer as we all know...
Hopefully you are not stressing and finding time to
sleep and recover from working, shopping, baking,
and decorating.  I too, am trying to take care of
myself during this hectic time. 

I have given up a few things and trying to not feel like
I have to do it all... Living an hour from a mall and working
my gift shop during the busiest time of year, is not the easiest
for me anymore..Gosh...did I just admit I'm getting older?
Well maybe I am, but there are some things I still love to do when
you live in a 1840's old home. 
That is....decorating and enjoying the effects of all my old collections.

This is my antique baby sled with a primitive snow fairy sitting on
top of my dining room buffett. Seems abit funny to waste all that
space, when I could use it for serving food during the holidays...
but where would I put the baby sled?



Floating Snowmen Candles, in water & cranberries centerpiece

 

I love this wooden tray. I use it for every season to display something pretty.
This maybe my favorite.





This is my fireplace in the center of our home.  Not to flashy, but I really love it
with my old salt glazed pottery collection. I purchased these needle point stockings
from LL Bean, years ago...they don't make them like this anymore.

 


I use battery opp. lights in between the garland, just for a little candle touch.






I simplified my tree this year...I have sooo many ornaments.
So, I put only the glass ornaments and candy canes on.
I have a few Christopher Radko ornaments in there.
Minus the one my daughter broke when she wound up and threw
something at her brother and missed...it's one of those memories
that is now...fond!

This is my mini tree, this tree has all the smaller ornaments that I always feel like

I left on the big tree after taking it down.

And last but not least...my favorite place in this old house.
The foyer.  The gingerbreading trim work along with the
cherry banister and spindals are truly a treasure to this
house.  I love my little anna lee dolls too.

Well, I hope you enjoy my little home tour.  I love seeing all
of yours and it inspires me to keep thinking outside the box.
Happy and Healthy Holidays to all of you.








































 

 

Ice Luminaries

Here is a lovely way to light the way for your guest arriving to your Holiday Home.  This craft, you will have to do ahead of time but really almost pennies to prepare.

~Find a plastic container (like a cut down milk jug, plastic tub or large plastic cup) that is the size you would like your luminary to be.

~Find a smaller cup that fits inside the larger one with at least two to three inches of space around the interior cup.

~Spray the outside of the smaller cup lightly with a cooking spray and place it in the center of your larger container.

~Fill the smaller plastic cup with beads, sand or whatever you may have on hand to keep it centered and steady.

~Gently place blossoms from a poinsettia plant around the edges of the larger container and fill the outer section with distilled water.

~You can use regular water but distilled water will make a clearer luminary. Freeze at least overnight. ~When you are ready to light the luminaries, remove them from the freezer and remove the inside cup.

~If you have any trouble removing the inside cup, just wait a few moments until it thaws a bit. ~Immediately place the luminaries outside with a small candle in each one.