DIY Christmas Family Tree

You've heard of family trees, I'm sure. . .but have you seen a Christmas family tree? . .There are a few around the blogs. . .but certainly not many. . .And I don't know why. .They are such an easy, fun project that always puts a personal touch on any tree. . .

I recently bought this small silver tinsel tree, reminiscent of the 1960s, at an antique store for $1. . .and thought and thought what decorations to use in keeping with the vintage style. . .Our living room this year is all about grays and whites with a little color thrown in here and there. . .I wanted to stick with neutrals for the tree. . .While bringing out decorations for other rooms, inside Grandmother's old Christmas tin I found small glass ball embellishments. I believe they were once used for corsages years and years ago. . .Perfect for the tree. . .

But it wasn't enough. . .

I thought for another day or two. . .You know how sentimental I am about family. . .Grandmother's glass ornaments teased my memories. . .

Then one morning it dawned on me. . .I had decorated a Christmas tree many years ago with tiny framed photos of the family. . .and me. . .and John. . .Took a few days to find and dust them off. . .The perfect size for our silver tree. . .What a JOY it has been, too. . .So personal and fitting for our Country Farm Home. . .

Of course, a family Christmas tree doesn't require images of the past. . .There are no rules. . .Just as there are no rules on how to frame or hang them. . .But I thought I would share my secrets with you to maybe get you on your way. . .

First I had to choose the photos. . .I reduced my choices to tiny images, as well as changing the color photos to black and white. . .Then I pasted them onto one page using Publisher software and printed them onto  a sheet of plain printer paper because I knew I would be framing them. . .If not framing, a heavier paper will be necessary. . You might consider textured paper as well. . .

After cutting out each image, I decided to use my Dad's old stash of color slide frames, sandwiching the photo with the slide matt and plain backing. . .then slipping it into the tiny frame. . .I'm not sure if you can still buy these, but it would be simple to make your own. . .cutting a matt, backing with cardboard, and framing around the square with silver craft tape.

A ribbon loop attached to the back finishes the ornament for hanging. . .

For variety, I simply placed the oblong prints into a small plastic bag, folded the excess over the back, and secured it with tape. . .adding a ribbon loop on one end. . .

Of course, for a super easy project, simply print out the photos any size you wish. . .punch a hole at the top. . .add a ribbon loop. . .and hang! There is really no end to the possibilities for crafting a family tree in your own style. . .

I hope I have encouraged you to add some personal touches to your tree this year. . .It has certainly filled our living room with the Joy of sharing Christmas with our family. . .past and present. . .

A Little Whimsey For The Christmas Bath

I have no idea how many years I've had these whimsical little fellas. . .They never fail to delight me. . .I've displayed them all over the various homes I've lived in. . .Not every Christmas do I bring them out. . .although I do visit with them as I go through the boxes of decorations each year. . .

They are 'vintage' decorations that never seem dated. . .especially when hung in new settings. . .such as this one in our bath. . .It's the 'view from the tub'. . .

As always, I like to keep things simple. . .borrowing a child's Santa suit from the Country Store. . .a towel from the kitchen. . .a reminder to sip hot chocolate while soaking in bubbles. . .and poinsettias gifted from a dear cousin who never forgets me at Christmas. . .Nothing else is needed. . .

except maybe a little Christmas music. . .a smile. . .

and a soft, warm flannel Mrs. Clause gown to jump into afterward. . .(grin)

What A Prim And Proper Christmas Kitchen

 

Truly a prim and proper Christmas kitchen. . .and just the way so many Delta farmer's kitchen looked in the days of numerous tenant and farm houses up and down the gravel road that fronted our DUNCAN FARMSTEAD. . .If I ever buy another farmhouse to renovate and decorate, the kitchen will look much like this one. . .I'll hide all the modern conveniences and enjoy life during the early twentieth century. . .In fact, I have already sketched the plans. . . 

Isn't it simply charming?

Out of dozens and dozens of photographs of the White House Creations store in Bernie, Missouri, I chose the ones of Dottie's kitchen to share the last post for this year about her shop. . .for it is probably my favorite area to visit. . .It is so on target for the several houses I visited years ago where some of our farm workers lived. . .

Notice the long counter with cotton sacking curtains below. . .

Make-do shelves. . .sometimes made from wooden crates that the local groceries threw away. . .

Another long counter for the make-do sink area. . .

Water was drawn from an outside well. . .but sometimes lucky housewives had a pump hooked up in the kitchen, too. . .

More often than not, clean dishes sat drying beside the sink for the next meal. . .

And. . .always canned goods composed the main source of vegetables and fruit for the winter. . .

I love the added touches of Christmas. . .sprinkled around by Dottie and her loyal "elf" helpers (several local ladies who love to decorate). . .It is so festive with the greenery. . .the old-fashioned lanterns. . .gingerbread and such. . .I could easily enjoy sitting down at the table for a country Christmas dinner in this setting from the past. . .

Come to think of it, I don't have to buy another farmhouse to get a prim Delta kitchen. . .I just remembered we have two shotgun farmhouses that have not been finished on the interior and are open canvases for creating some farmhouse style rooms. . .I may get busy and put together another country kitchen in one of them such as this. . .One that I could actually use for special occasions. . .Wouldn't that be fun? . .I would also have the opportunity to buy more of Dottie's wonderful handmade furniture. . .Hmmmm. . ."Oh. . .John Dear. . .I have an idea. . ." (grin)

As always, I am obviously inspired by White House Creations. . .I hope you are, too. . .

If you didn't see and read the post at DUNCAN FARMSTEAD about her Christmas log cabin, don't wait another minute to go there! You can't miss this porch and the story behind it. . .

CHRISTMAS COMES TO A DELTA LOG CABIN

Find the details of where to visit White House Creations at: THE CHRISTMAS GATHERING

We wish Dottie and all her elves a very HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON. . .AND BLESSINGS FOR THE NEW YEAR. . .and MANY THANKS for her WONDERFUL SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. . .as we venture on next to our own COUNTRY FARM HOME CHRISTMAS. . .and some current farm style decor. . .See you there. . .in a day or two!

Plain and Simple Christmas Stocking Inspiration

Sometimes 'simple' makes a bigger statement than any other. . .

I'm back with more photos from White House Creations in Bernie, Missouri, looking for more inspiration. . .I am never disappointed. . .and have become very aware that even for our Farmhouse Style, the simplicity of everyday red stockings captures the Spirit of Santa better than any of my choices in the past. . .

Now. . .Why didn't I think of this? . .Totally traditional. . .definitely bringing thoughts of past Christmases on the farm. . .

For many years we never had anything else but stockings from the sock drawer for Santa to fill. . .To be truthful, they usually were Daddy's biggest socks and definitely not red. . .It wasn't until I was maybe six or so that my Grandmother Duncan gifted us with felt stockings, shiny and glittery with embellishments. . .They were big and deep. . .making us very happy since Santa had to fill them with many more goodies than normal. . .

But. . .now in my adulthood. . .memories of those everyday stockings, carefully hung Christmas Eve night where Santa would be sure to find them, bring a smile. . .

Their contents on Christmas morning would appall most these days. . .but we were thrilled to find apples, oranges, nuts and candy. . .In fact, Christmas was about the only time during the year that we had real oranges. . .We found them sweet and delicious and a Christmas treat. . .

You can just imagine how bumpy those knit stockings looked, hanging plump and full. . .

Everywhere I looked, Dottie inspired my stocking revelation more. . .even in her log cabin, 'simple' made a statement that was undeniable. . .

This was Christmas as I have always seen it in my memories. . .and will be easily incorporated into the farmhouse style. . .without taking away any of the more contemporary look. . .After all. . .less is more even now!

Don't you agree?

With. . .

THE GATHERING: Christmas At Dottie's This Weekend

It is no secret where my absolutely favorite place to shop is found. . .especially at Christmas. . .WHITE HOUSE CREATIONS in a little town called Bernie. . .That's in the Missouri Bootheel for those of you who are not familiar with the area. . .on Highway 25 South of Dexter. . .

And this Saturday, Dottie will be hosting her annual Christmas Open House!

She calls it "The Gathering". . .and it certainly is. . .People come from Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Georgia and many, many other states each year, pulling trailers to load up with her beautiful creations. . .This year guests will be treated with at least seven other vendors on the grounds. . .and there will be hamburgers and hot dogs cooked right there so that you can continue shopping after a quick lunch. . .

As always, Dottie will be offering 20% discount on everything. . .And just look at a few photos I snapped yesterday as they continued to move in more and more goodies. . .

Between now and Christmas, I will be highlighting more photos of the various vignettes everywhere you look. . .to share her Christmas cheer with you. . .Believe me. . .It will make you smile. . .and remind you of Christmases past but crafted for the present. . .

"Scheduled for November 13 the 9:00 to 4:00. Everything store wide will be 20%off excluding special orders or items needing to be shipped.There will be outside vendors also which some will not be set up to take credit or debit cards so be prepared to bring cash or checks. And of course will be having hamburgers and hotdogs cooked by Steve , Kelley and Ryan! Please join us for this yearly celebration!" CLICK HERE FOR WHC FACEBOOK

My suggestion?

Get in you car, truck, van.

Head to Bernie, MO very early with your coffee cup in hand.

Visit with the crowd of fellow shoppers, waiting for the opening.

Experience a unique Christmas experience that you will never forget!!!

And here's another tip:

If you see something you like, grab it. . .

Don't wait. . 

Don't hesitate. . .

Or that treasure may be missing when you return!!!

SEE YOU THERE!