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Someplace in Thyme

I have been creating since I was a little girl. I am happy to say that having my own website has opened up a whole new world for me. Trying new mediums is a joy and sometimes a real eye opener. I sell what I create on etsy and my website, someplaceinthyme. If you have questions,please email me at cpeterson72@q.com. I welcome new blog friends and am honored if you find my little piece of heaven interesting enough to follow.

Monday, July 6, 2009

HALLOWEEN & CHRISTMAS!! You HAVE To Be Kidding Me!!

I can remember years ago when the malls started decorating for the Christmas holidays months before fall and Thanksgiving. That has always bothered me and still does today. Hence the phrase "are you kidding me?!" I had the same feeling when I would enter craft stores and see the same thing. I didn't want to purchase and create holiday decor before fall, or at least before October rolled around. I wondered why I was always late in getting anything done! I wondered what happened to all the good stuff, where did it all go? Surely, they could not have sold it all already, it's only the end of September!!
Then the light bulb went off and it hit me!! Christmas in July? I don't think so....well....maybe. The years would come and go and I would promise myself that next year: I would finish the projects for the outside decorations, I would start earlier....but I didn't.
Now, I get it!!! There is a reason the stores have all those goodies available in July or August. We need them, we just don't want to admit it. If we don't shop early to be able to create early, it won't get done. At least, not for me. This year I am looking forward to all the pretties coming on the shelves and the ability to create and design without having to hurry and staying up late trying to finish something. Bring it on! This year I am way out ahead of you!!
As you can see, I have already started. Marcus Brothers fabric, and my favorite too. Pink roses on black and pink roses on pink, make up this hanging stocking which has over a cup of french lavender buds in it. It's more of a victorian look, and I am a country girl at heart when it comes to decorating for the holidays. I love a green tree, the smell of spruce, strung cranberries and popcorn along with hand made decorations from the children. I will admit, this stocking stole my heart and I almost kept it for myself. Oh well, there's always next year....

Lots of handmade roses and silks at the top and on the toe. I am not a victorian kind of girl, but I have to confess, I love this stocking.

Lots of faux pearls, sequins and bling on this. I love the effect and have to confess, it was hard to list. I may have to make one some what like it for my own home. My guest room would be better with this hanging off the chair.
Many years ago, I cross-stitched this santa holding a tree. I wasn't sure at the time what I would do with it. I just happened to come across the finished cross-stitched over the weekend. I decided to see if I could put together a "little bit country" with the "cottage" look. I love it! When I start to design and create something, I never know what the finished piece will look like. I don't have a picture in my head to start with. I begin with the center and let the fabric take me where it wants. I know that many crafters, designers and artists have a vision of the end result and then make it happen from start to finish. I don't work that way. I may have an overall idea of what I am after, but I usually let my mind go and my hands do the work. You just never quite know what the result will be. I must say, I am almost never disappointed. Life is a surprise everyday, and so is my work. It's a miracle waiting to happen.

A close up of the cross-stitch. I think I did a great job of marrying the country santa with the cottage fabrics, lace and roses. I am so pleased with the finished product. Both stockings are available on my website: someplaceinthyme.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is absolutely beautiful needlework!! I would proudly display anything you made in my home!!
Love,
Marilyn
xxoo

Lisa said...

Love these!! Yes we noticed that JoAnn Fabrics has all the Thanksgiving out!!! And all the craft stores have out the Christmas fabric etc. I guess if you are doing these things they need to be done soon!
Hugs, Lisa

NicNacManiac said...

Your stocking is lovely. The needlework is exquisite. I guess I better get over to the stores before you clean them out.
Thanks for sharing and have a fantastic evening!!
Merry Christmas, Nerina :)

Anonymous said...

It's never early to prepare for something . . . whatever it may be :-) That way, there's no pressure of a deadline and you can just think of tiny bity ideas up until the time comes.

Your stockings are lovely by the way. Lovely ans Sweet :-)

Unknown said...

Being in the floral bizs for 37 years...I have never gotten used to the fact that Christmas designs start right after Mother's Day. Christmas greens are cut and processed in June, boxed and held til Nov. when shipping begins. Some floral places even begin planning displays and open houses in Janurary!!

gail said...

Hi ,,, how are you doing in this heat??? Aagghh! I love your new stockings. I am with you. This year I am and HAVE to be ahead of the holidays. I create the same way. I have been told that creative and right brain thinkers work that way:) Cant wait to see whats next,, Have a great day (())gail

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Thanks so much for stopping by and your gracious comments. I love both of these stockings. They are just gorgeous. I guess I should get my act in gear, but it just doesn't seem like the holidays yet. I think you are right, we do need to start now, I just need to get into the spirit of things. Thanks again for coming by. Hugs, Marty

Kris said...

Hey Char,

First I want to thank you for my surprise package. You are just too kind my friend. LOVE IT!!

Like you I was always put off by the early holiday items seen in stores. But, Like you, I now understand the need for them being there so early. Each year I tell myself I'm going to start early making items and never do. You've inspired me to get a jump on it this year. :)

Kris

Anonymous said...

Oh that stocking is divine! You know how some things are visually edible? That's one of them - oh yes, it's eye candy; ) I agree with the sentiment of your post. However... I have to admit that I am in holiday prep mode. I have to get products ready for when I'm doing shows as I won't have time then during the season itself.

TY so much for your lovely comments and for visiting me - I have not been out and about in what feels like ages, yet here you came to see me, xo. Your support is so affirming. I love my stuff - but I know it's not for everyone. And then you were just so, well, nice. TY.

I've just gotten done submitting one of my wallhangings in a juried show PLUS I submitted MaidenShade to be considered for a spot in a rotating artist project at a local mall. It's kind of like a coop where you may be with a number of other artists and each takes turns manning the shop. Then there are monthly open houses and artist walks where you get exposure. I wish it was for MANY months at a time, but it is 1 or 2.

Talk to you soon, xJ
MaidenShade.wordpress.com

Nancy said...

Lovely lovely lovely, Char! Great post. I'm coming back tomorrow, but just wanted to let you know I stopped by today, too.

Loved your 4th pics!!!