Here's my latest creation.  While I tend to make mostly jewelry, I occasionally see something that inspires me.  This Flexible Flyer called out to me while out junking.  Someone in my household had plans for it that included a very steep hill.  Mischievous adventure diverted; it is now a playful and nostalgic holiday decoration.  There's nothing to say that you couldn't remove the decorations once snow arrives and have a fine time.  But you didn't hear it from me.   Don't you just love the faux snow?

Have also found a pair of children's ice skates.  While I doubt they are vintage, they were worn and had the right amount of shabby goodness.   I'll try to photograph them before they go to a holiday show. 

When does everyone decorate for the Holidays?  In my neck of the woods, it's the day after Thanksgiving.  Decorations come down the day after Christmas.  Thank goodness for artificial trees! The neighborhood where I grew up decorated about two weeks before Christmas.  Demolition was January 2nd or 3rd, depending on the calendar.  A few years ago, I was putting my tree up on December 23rd.  Just had too many client requests for my other business;  window treatments.   I was frantically sewing, decorating, gift shopping and scrambling about.  Had a reality check as I was sewing till the wee hours in the morning.  It occurred to my sleep deprived and bleary brain that  life was too short  for such goings on.  Thankfully, I've learned to pace myself;  my workroom closes down in December.   Lesson learned about  priorities.  As a small business owner, these situations sometimes occur. We find ourselves working hellish hours and at odd times of the day and night.  The plus side is that we set our own hours, pajamas are acceptable attire and we have the best boss in the world.   As a parent and spouse, one needs to prioritize and to preserve family and traditions.   Putting them first is a no brainer and effortless.   It's a relief, as my family brings me endless happiness.

On a final note, we are planning on a live tree for Christmas.  Severe allergies have prevented us from doing so for several years.  We have a silk tree that is amazingly lifelike.  However, there is nothing that can duplicate the delicious scent of fresh pine in your home during the holidays.  After several years of painful allergy shots, we have been given the go ahead for a cut tree in our home.  Should the slightest symptom return, it will reside for the rest of the season on the screened porch.  Not looking forward to moving a fully decorated tree.  Keep your fingers crossed for us. 

In the meantime, here's wishing you a stress free holiday season.