Christmas Traditions

Only a few days remain before Christmas and I have been busy getting ready. My studio has turned into gift wrapping central and my Saginaw Watertown slide table has already proven very handy (click here to read more about it).

Growing up we would spend our Christmas Eve at my Aunt Ann's. She was always an amazing hostess with delicious dishes served on crystal platters and linen napkins. My Uncle Norman would serve us virgin cocktails in fancy glasses. We'd play shuffle board, darts and open our presents. They are such fond memories! 

When our daughter was born we started a new tradition. Every Christmas morning I make a large breakfast for my family. We feast on pancakes, scrapple, eggs, sausage, and pan fried potatoes. It's definitely a new favorite! After breakfast we exchange gifts and relax. Last year it was so warm we went for a walk in short sleeves!

What are some of your Christmas traditions? I'd love hear about them, please comment below!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

A Milkhouse Holiday Sale

Yesterday I participated in A Milkhouse Party's Holiday Sale. I had such a great time! I met a lot of great new people, saw some old friends and even made some new ones.

I was so excited to start using my new art show display (you can read more about it here) that I set it up in my dining room on Wednesday. I wanted to get acquainted with how all the parts worked and the best way to handle the large panels. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to assemble. Below is a picture of my trial run.

I began setting up at the Milkhouse on Friday afternoon. I set everything up but due to my location being right in front of the back door, I had to open the panels to allow other vendors easier access. I had a great location and was glad to help out the fellow sellers! To avoid any mishaps, I labeled where everything would go and packed them up until the following morning. 

I always wake up super early when I have a big event and without fail I got up at 3AM. I used that time to finish last minute preparations and finish packing. I really enjoyed the quiet time before the kids woke up to get organized.

After getting everyone ready for the day, I arrived early Saturday morning to run electrical cords, close the panels and finish hanging things. My mom was nice enough to come help and give her expert staging advice. I ended up switching a lot of my display around to highlight my new products: Canvas prints and framed prints. 10 A.M. rolled around fast and after I scarfed down a Wawa gobbler bowl, I was ready to greet customers!

I had an amazing time meeting new people that live in the area. It's so inspiring to see people recognize the places that I paint or connect with the artwork personally with a memory. It's awesome to know so many people identify with farm life through the farm animals and landscapes that I paint. I truly enjoyed listening to all of their stories and sharing my own.

The day went by fast and my friend, Courtney, showed up to help me tear down. While I was going out back to get my truck, I was lucky enough to see a beautiful sunset.

Thank you to everyone who came to visit me and to those who purchased my artwork!

10 Minute Christmas Card Holder

Now that our house construction and kitchen are finished, I finally have the opportunity to decorate this winter. What better way than with the beautiful Christmas cards we receive from family and friends? Here's a crafty post for displaying Christmas cards this holiday season and will only take about 10 minutes and about $3.00!

What you'll need:

1. Stapler
2. Ribbon (without wire)
3. Scissors

1. First, wrap a piece of the ribbon around the cabinet door vertically and cut it to size.

2. Use the piece you cut as a template for the other cabinet doors you want to decorate (I was covering four cabinet doors, so I cut three more ribbons).

3. Next, wrap the ribbon horizonally around the cabinet door and cut it to size.

4. Repeat step 2 for the remaining cabinets' horizontal ribbons. 

5. Make bows using this method:

6. Wrap each cabinet with the ribbons and secure them using the stapler. I wrapped the vertical ribbon first then the horizontal ribbon. 

(Inside the cabinet door)

Note: I placed my horizontal ribbon right above my hinge so they would be the same height.

(Inside of cabinet door) 

7. On the front of the cabinet, attach the bow where the ribbons overlap. I stapled it in an inconspicuous spot inside the bow. Make sure you get under both ribbons and over the bow before attaching them. 

Viola! You're ready to display your family and friend's seasonal greeting cards. You can use clothespins or pins to attach them. I have some leftover mini clothes pins from my sister-in-law's bridal shower that I will be using. (You can read about it by clicking here)

Note: I left two cabinets without bows for variety and to maximize card displaying.