Sharing Christmas With a Jolly Man!

For many years, I have loved the jolly round gentlemen full of cheer and giving. The one who works all year in his work shop to bring joy to boys and girls, young and old. For more info about the history of Santa Claus, click HERE for interesting details.

For me, I like to think of Santa and his helpers working to bring love and comfort to so many. Basically we are all Santa's at Christmastime. In many ways whatever we do for another with God's direction and faithfulness reflects a bit of how Santa has worked for so many years. Oh yes, it has changed through the years to a commercialized time starting earlier each year, but I still hold on to the way it was and remember~~~

As far back as I can remember my father and I would take a trip to visit Santa Claus just before the 25th of December. We would ride on a bob sled through a wintry tunnel as if we were at the north pole. This was constructed in a popular department store in our town called Murheads, which was a clothing department shoppe. It was a special time when wonder and wide eyed imagination drew us to the man dressed in red. I remember he looked so kind with his glasses and long beard. His voice raised loud as he gave out a big HO HO HO! I was fascinated to say the least. You can see from the pic how my dad played along and was so enjoying watching me with my eyes big like two saucers.

When my father passed away, I found this picture in his wallet. He carried it for 40 years. I never knew he carried it with him always. He was a very special man.


Through the years I have collected Santa's in an old world style, traditional, shabby, and yes, painted many a Santa Claus too. My collecting is basically complete as I have no room left for any more Roly Poly guys to sleep in the attic from Christmas to Christmas ~ year to year. Well, maybe a few more~~~~~I can make room!

For about one month every year, these guys wake from their slumber in the attic to visit and bring Christmas cheer and help us greet the new year. They are always ready to give thanks as we remember the reason for the season.

Starting with a couple painted guys, they all wish you a very Merry Christmas~~





















Merry Christmas!

Sharing Collectible Santas!

Hi Friends, Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Now, with the start of the Christmas season, there is decorating to do and Christmas Day to prepare for. I was able to get our decorating complete before Thanksgiving and start right back to work after a few much needed days off. I have lots to share with you this holiday from around our cottage, and today, I'll share a few collectibles from my Santa collection. Little reading, with lots of pics.
Welcome to our snow covered cottage. Come in to a warm fireplace with glowing candles and the 7 foot Christmas tree graced with 48 Thomas Kinkade cottages, fluffy red cabbage roses, crocheted snowflakes with copper, sage and Tuscan blue ornaments.



Above the fireplace is my newest painting from Kirklands just for the holidays. Click to enlarge and see the pics bigger.






My newest Santa, is a lamp. Later I will embellish the shade with trims.










Meet my tall hand painted wood Santa's, Buddie and Beau.




I'll be back again soon to share lots more Christmas decor including my cherished manger, hand painted by my mom, shabby pink rose room retreat and new treasures coming to my shoppe.
Till then, enjoy the Christmas season and blessings always.
Celestina Marie

Apron Charm

Welcome to Fun Friday and Fashion. Today I will share a few aprons in my collection vintage and new. I am not sure exactly when I started to love aprons of all kinds, but I have for awhile. I don't have a large collection, but of the dear treasures I own, I use them to decorate my home. I wear one at times, when I think about it.

Half aprons and bib aprons are both favorties. I have an assortment of both hanging in my studio and kitchen, even the laundry. Please join me in viewing these treasures.


Look at the wonderful crochet my grandma added to her apron pocket and edge. Layers of gorgeous threads, very creatively formed into roses. She was a wonder!!




This one was sent to me some time ago from Scrappy Jessie. She saw my studio and thought it would go nicely, and it surely does.

This apron is a beauty made by Connie of Living Beautifully.





These two Christmas Aprons were made by my grandma many years ago. One is a fabric with kittens and the other with a sweet little dog. I can still see her wearing one while making Christmas dinner. I am not this neat when I cook. Look how clean they are!


This last apron is one that I am working on. I started with a white ready made canvas apron. Then I added the end of a vintage dresser runner that my mother had made many years ago. This type of runner was popular back in the 50's when crafters used to use a special fabric ballpoint paint to follow the designs premade on the runner. I see where this has become popular again and supplies sold in crafting catalogs and in art shops. Anyway, one end was flawed from years of use so I decided to cut one end and make it the pockets for the apron. It is now 2 pockets in the center with the original runner lace. I still have lots of embellishments to add to complete, but wanted to share the start of this keepsake.


Thank you for stopping by today. I hope you have a great weekend and enjoy the fall season whatever your plans.
See you Monday for Marvels and Musings.
Smiles, Celestina Marie