Mushroom Men Feather Tree Ornaments

Just finished these 3 mushrooms. I am working on Kampus ornaments and I'll post those as soon as they are ready.  These guys are now available in my etsy shop.

I must find more pinecones!

I haven't made pinecone ornaments in a couple years.  This fellow was fun to make!  He's made with a real pinecone and vintage chenille.  He's in my etsy shop if you'd like a look see! Stay tuned more fun to come!

Making Christmas

I haven't forgotten about Halloween but just wanted to share these fellows. Wishing all a spooky October!

Krampus the Christmas Devil

Yes folks it is approaching that time of year again. December 6th is known as Krampus Day/night. When St. Nick has a horrible side kick Krampus. This magical Christmas Devil does not give out treats or gifts. He carries branches to spank the bad. Not only children but adults also. If you are really bad he will carry you off and throw you in the pit of Hell. Such offenders like abusers, back stabbers, cheaters, liars will be roasted in Hell. I'm sure we all know people who need a good whack or perhaps a worse fate. I know I do!
My newest Krampus is pictured above and I just finished him. He is vintage inspired and if you'd like a closer look he's in my etsy shop. He's larger than the one I made last year. Wishing you all a great week and don't be naughty!

Time to Celebrate 365

I am honored and thrilled to be included in the Christmas/ Winter issue of Celebrate 365 magazine a journal for the ornament enthusiast.  My Gingerbread Man is featured on page 29 along with some other sweet treats. Love Tamara's snowman with the peppermint nose! If you love ornaments and folk art you will love this magazine. Click here to be transported. You can subscribe or order one issue.
My Gingerbread Cookie Ornament is in my Etsy Shop if you'd like to see more of him click here!
Check back soon I will be having a Happy Holiday Give Away! Have a wonderful week everyone!

Krampus and Yeti Oh My!

Krampus is a favorite of mine when it comes to mythical creatures and folklore. Krampus is the devil like creature and sidekick of St. Nicholas. Known in many European regions such as Austria and Bavaria he makes his appearance with St. Nicholas during the first 2 weeks of December. He even has his own day which is December 5th. Krampus punishes the bad children by spanking or carring them away in his basket. Yeti is the cousin of Bigfoot. He is found in the Himalayan regions. He also makes an appearance in the Rudolph movie.
Both of these creatures are in my Etsy shop if you'd like a closer look click here! I also want to wish you all a very magical December!

One Lump or Two

Is there someone you know who is mean or nasty? Perhaps these naughty folks deserve a lump of coal for the Holidays! Coal's basket is full of lumps. I had several people in mind when I made him! So don't give in to Grinchism fight back with coal!

Pumpkins a Goblin & a Snowman Clown

I finally was able to finish some pumpkins. I started these last year. Two down and only 9 or 10 to go. The Goblin and the Snowman Clown I just wanted to share. I'm working on lots more! I missed a Harvest show last year it was rained out so I'm hoping to do it this year. It's at our local Cider Mill. They have a lot more than cider & donuts. They make the best fruit wines too!

Krampus A Devilish Sidekick

Krampus is the Holiday Devil that traditionally accompanies St. Nicholas during the first 2 weeks of December. The eve of December 5th known as Krampusnacht on this night St. Nicholas brings gifts to the good. The bad however aren't so lucky! Right alongside St. Nicholas is Krampus. He is the punisher of the bad! Have you been naughty this year? Do you deserve a spanking or perhaps you need to be carried off entirely! Krampus gives a whole new meaning to You'd better Watch Out, You'd better not cry! I'm telling you why Krampus Claws is coming to town! The word Krampus is Old German for Claw(Krampen).
The versions above are from old postcards. As you can see there are many different types of Krampus. My Sugar Cookie version is a tamer version but don't let him fool you! He carries a Birch branch for spanking!
Some fun Krampus links:
Krampus.com
Krampus Movie
Etsy

The Snowmen are starting to multiple

I've just added these Snowmen to my Etsy Shop. Getting up before the kids I can get a lot of painting done! Now I've got to go glitter a Yeti. Wishing all of you a wonderful weekend!

You can't catch me I'm the Gingerbread Man!

Did you know that gingerbread dates back to ancient times? Ginger and other spices were used as a cure for tummy aches. Small gingerbread cakes with symbols of the sun were used to celebrate the return of the sun at the Winter Solstice. When the cost of spices brought to Europe from the Middle East dropped gingerbread became more popular. The first Gingerbread Man was said to have been created for Queen Elizabeth I. After the publication of the Grimm's Brother's fairy tales in the 1800's Gingerbread houses and men became very popular. I though that was fun info who knew! I just finished my first Gingerbread Man of the season. I think he looks good enough to eat. He's here if you'd like to catch him!

Magic Mushroom Pinecone Ornaments

Why Magic Mushrooms in Christmas decorations? I did a little digging and this is what I found.

Magic Mushrooms are supposed to bring good luck. I found several vintage postcards of gnomes/elves dancing in the snow with magic mushrooms. These postcards were for Happy New Year and good luck for the New Year.

Some folklore has Santa feeding his reindeer magic mushrooms to aid in flight. This has not been proven but I thought it was very interesting!

So may you all have a very Merry & lucky week!

Reindeer and Snowmen and Snowflakes Oh My!

Happy Friday everyone! Here's what I've been up to. Stay tuned I'll be having a Winter Wonder Giveaway soon! Have a very Merry weekend everyone!

Decking the Deck and Tree

I really try to enjoy every moment this time of year. I see how much joy it brings my boys and it helps to really cherish these times. My five year old told a boy on his bus who said Santa doesn't exist that he was going to get coal for Christmas. In our home we Believe!

Bringing out all the ornaments brings back so many memories. Many of these are from my childhood. Santa is plastic but I love his sweet face. He opens up and when I was young one Christmas he came with a dollar inside. Back then I could buy a lot of candy with a dollar.

I collect snowmen and gingerbread men love them they are perfect. These men don't talk back they just smile. I adore glass ornaments and I try to add a new snowman every year. In this photo I also have a reproduction Scott Smith ornament. He's the snowman with holly leaves. I love Scott's work and someday I'd love to have an original. Wishful thinking!

The last ornament is so special. My Aunt made this dough Christmas Clown ornament. She is a wonderful artist and I adore her and her fantastic work! She used to do craft shows now she just makes for family.

That's our deck and no snow yet! I finally finished my orders and I'll post some photos tomorrow. Have a Merry day everyone!

Still no Snow but another Snowflake

My boys want it to snow. Every morning they get up in hopes of seeing the white stuff. It looks like Thursday we may get some.

Happy Cyber Monday everyone those of you who have shops I hope you sell lots. Those of you who buy a huge Thank you!

Now I'm back to paint and glitter. I've got two reindeer to finish more snowflakes and snowmen. Have a great Cyber Monday everyone.

Retro Style Glittered Pinecone Snowmen Ornaments

I've always liked those vintage snowmen pine cone ornaments. Here's my version. I hope everyone had a happy turkey day! Back to painting and glittering! Sold Thank you!

Holly & Berries Ornament

I was told he made the front page of Etsy last night! I am thrilled I wish I would have been able to see him. Wishing everyone a Holly Jolly Monday! He is sold! :)

Which Tree Classic or Retro Colors

I think the retro colored ornaments would be great on a white tree! Hum... maybe I'll get one this year. Have a great weekend everyone!

Overcoming Fear Of....

Happy Friday the 13th! Paraskevidekatriaphobia fear of Friday the 13th. I do not have a fear of this date. In fact the number 13 is a favorite of mine so for me it's lucky. I am also a fan of the movies! Who doesn't love Jason's mom and Jason! This post is not about Paraskevidekatriaphobia.

Today I would like to explore Chionophobia. This is the abnormal Fear of Snow. Some of you may not suffer from this phobia. You may be lucky and may live in a warm zone where the fearful white stuff does not fall. I say lucky you! I am learning to overcome my fear through understanding and art therapy. I bought this wonderful book by Ken Libbrecht a Field Guide to Snowflakes. This was very helpful. I decided to do some art therapy and to actually make a Snowflake. I know! I was fearful at first but I took the plunge. Through hours of research I was able to learn more about the Snowflake I made. He is a Stellar Dendrites meaning tree like because of his side branches. I'm now proud to say I am no longer afraid. Understanding my Fear and the Art Therapy has helped me so much! I now look forward to the fist Snow and Snowflake! So what are you afraid of? Remember understanding and art therapy could be the cure for you too! Happy Friday the 13th!

Festive Mint Ornament & Friends

I know I said I didn't have my Christmas Tree up yet. I don't just a little one. I had to take the Halloween Trees down. I'm running out of room for my ornaments even on the little tree. Some of them are rather large. Ho Ho Ho! I'm off to finish a Frosty & Santa! Have a wonderful weekend!