A Handmade Christmas

Last year, my Christmas was a vintage one. All my decorations were old ones from the 1950s to the 1970s. It was kitchy and cute (see my little vintage Santa in the photo below). This year, though, I've decided to theme my house, A Handmade Christmas. The day after I hung my decorations, a friend came in and said, "Wow, this sure is cozy," and then asked, "Where'd you get those banners?"

She was referring to banners that I have draped across my windows and the corners of my family room. Handmade banners, created with vintage paper as backing and fabric in front that are the colors of Christmas. I  got them at Funky Junky Art on etsy. They are beautiful and well-crafted, and the best part is that no one else has them. I can't stand when I go somewhere and see my ornaments some place else. I prefer to have something fairly unique, which is why I go handmade or vintage.

Bad photo, good decorations

I also have the hand knit stockings hanging on the mantel, and a knit advent calendar. Today's gift for my son (it is December 1st after all) was a peanut butter candy. It's all very crafty and homey. I have colored lights lining the kitchen and music room, and Santa's Magic Key hanging from my front door.

Today, while working at the Boonton Holiday Shop, I found handmade balsam sachet that smells just like Christmas. It's small, so I hung it from my rear view mirror in my truck. It's motivated me to start sewing patchwork items. Christmas is too soon to sew for, but I am thinking of using my old clothes to start sewing hearts and stuffing them with lavender for Valentine's Day. I know it's far away; I'm just feeling crafty.

Sunday we will get our tree, and then I will be breaking out my ornaments. That will be the last of the decorating. All will be complete and ready for Santa and his tiny, little elves.