Christmas Magic...

It's the most wonderful time of the year... and on the top of my favorite things list, in big bold letters is the word  CHRISTMAS!!

We have fires in the fireplace every evening this time of year..even if it is warm outside, the fireplace is burning. I love being in the kitchen making things like beef stew and chicken pot pies...best time of the year for comfort food!

This year we had an evening dessert Soiree' with cocktails and dear friends.  We were blessed to have the amazing group of 25 acapella singers from my son's school come and give us a private performance.  It was a Christmas gift for everyone.  Such incredibly talented teens sharing some of the most beautiful songs ever.  We all were moved to tears!  

I have been a busy girl creating holiday projects as well!  I adore making these vintage planter Christmas trees.  This one features a poodle planter and topper!

This is a vintage Italian angel I  embellished and sat within a bed of ornaments.  It was designed in a vintage pedestal dish.

This was a very favorite of my holiday creations... I found this vintage Tinkerbell in the bottom of a box of junk at a yard sale.  Her wings were bent in half but I just re backed them and embellished her to give her new life....

This is a vintage plastic deer who was not very attractive but glitter him up and.......

He becomes glorious!!

I assembled them all in place on the base of what was the box of a large round of Brie cheese...  It was the perfect base!  She was purchased and now lives in Jacksonville in the home of a dear friend so I will still get to visit her!

 Speaking of Jacksonville, my husband and I spent an incredible weekend with  friends for "A Black Velvet Christmas Dinner" at Randy and Kevin's on Sweet Cherry Lane.  Every detail was just SPLENDID and it felt like a Christmas before Christmas!

 I was so caught up in the bliss, I only took a few photos on my I Phone but my friend Karla captured all of the amazing details!   Visit her blog to view the beauty at karlascottage.typepad.com


The greatest gift of all is that of true friends... I cherish this more than any material thing this world has to offer.  Take the time this season to tell the special ones in your life how much they mean to you.  From my heart to yours, I wish you all the Merriest of Christmases ever!! xo

"Let it Snow" Holiday Portraits!

Christmas magic is in the air and this year, I was thrilled with the theme I chose for my holiday portrait sessions, "Let it Snow!"

For two days, it was snowing here in South Florida!  I invested in a package that included a snow blowing machine and faux snow that I mixed up in batches for the ground.  The snow was so life like!  It isn't wet and does not melt... just fluffy and soft and cool to the touch.    This type of snow is used for stage and movie productions and is non toxic and safe for the environment.

There were snow angels, ice skaters, snow princesses and more!  It was one of my favorite portrait session weekends ever and here are just a few of the photographs.....

May all your Christmases be white! xoxo

  

Roses in The Snow 2013, An Artistic Holiday Event

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  Once again it was time to open the doors to my Cozy Cottage for a candy colored Christmas event.  

The Cozy Cottage is my home away from home in the quaint town of Mount Dora, Florida.  It is truly a "girly girl" place, built in 1945,  and I have made it into a shabby chic heaven of sorts! 

 I love opening the doors for special planned artist events, and this is the second year I hosted A Cozy Cottage Christmas..... 

Beautiful ladies traveled from near and far to partake in this weekend of artful projects, antique shopping, tea room pleasures and a dessert soiree!   It all began on a Friday evening....


Across the street from the Cozy Cottage is a wonderful shop called Annabelle's Vintage Land.  Anne,  the owner opened the door for us for the evening and hosted a divine dessert soiree'.

 Lisa Lavalle and Julie Treadwell brought my dessert wishes to life and made home made cookies, a delectable red velvet cake, chocolate trifle and more!

      
 Friends gathered and happiness filled the air !

After some shopping time, we settled in as beautiful Tampa artist Molly Knox presented the Blushing Rose Bangle Project.  

All enjoyed learning a simple hand stitched rose technique and the finished bangle bracelets were divine!

Saturday Morning the Cozy Cottage awaited attendees with snow covered roses and happy gifts.

      Creative gatherings here make me such a happy girl!

After enjoying coffee, I presented my project, The Frozen Charlotte Altered Book Shrine.  This was an intense project with many elements.

 I loved sharing the story of the origination of the frozen charlotte, and from there, the magic took off!  The ladies were hard at work all day....

                              This was my sample book....

The kits all included a vintage book and all of the trimmings....

As an instructor,  the greatest joy is seeing the end results...they are all so individual.  Each and every one of the finished books were just BREATHTAKING!  Here are a few...

Lunch on Saturday was at the gorgeous Garden Gate Tearoom.  There were snow covered mason jars of roses, gifts, delectable food, and of course...MORE LAUGHTER!

Saturday night was "Cozy PJ night" as the artist swaps were exchanged.  There was an embellished stocking swap, a Christmas in the Kitchen swap, and a Christmas house swap!

On Sunday morning, rose inspired fabrics awaited for all to claim  on the vintage clothesline...

Our final project was The Roses in the Snow Pocket Watch Necklace which was taught by the fabulous Judy Stafford.  Each one was a wearable work of art!

Little did we know we would get a last minute surprise at The Cozy Cottage.  Sunday morning we found some sweet abandoned kittens in the woods.  I found out a day later the mom cat was hit by a car.

 A few of the ladies took home a Christmas Kitty and I bottle fed the others for a few days until all were safely placed in new homes.  It was such a joyful fun filled weekend....

We left footprints in the snow, laughter in the air, and left with love in our hearts......

I treasure being able to walk in the light of what I adore most... ART... it is truly a gift from above and I give God the glory for allowing me to bring my visions to life through weekends such as Roses in the Snow....

My greatest appreciation to the INCREDIBLE Heather Butler Coronel, my personal assistant, right hand girl,  and dear fabulous friend for photographing Roses in the Snow.  Your images will keep this event alive in my heart for always.

Until we may meet again,
I wish you all a Christmas song in your heart each and every day. Merry Christmas and God Bless...