As we prepare to decorate our tree, I can't help but think of my favorite ornaments to come, my vintage glass ornaments. I thought I'd find a few of them so that you could possibly add a few to your collections.
Top Left: CashmereJellybean Top Right: BigBugVintage
Middle Left: TheVintageResource Middle Right: VintageSurplus
Bottom Left: goodygirlred Bottom Right: vintageer
{ handmade curiousities inspired by the natural world } - bugmicellany
If you've visited the "deck the halls" archives here at Vintage Indie, you know that I love Christmas and celebrating. I know we haven't made it to Thanksgiving yet, and I have a lot to be thankful for, but I don't want you to miss out on getting the most perfect advent calendar to do with your children this year.
"It's made with 24 recycled paper bags, perfect for putting whatever you want inside them (a chocolate, a gummy bear, a little toy or just a message) and the packaging make it perfect for keeping it for another year if you want. - Le Petit Pot
Glittery Pinecones
Crochet Pinecone
Felted
Above: Green Baboon Designs
Natural
Above: Kate's Natural Crafts
Felted
Above: Angel Dog Designs
Hand Sewn
Above: Helena Crafts
Sparkly
Above: The Bakers Daughter
If you've visited the "deck the halls" archives here at Vintage Indie, you know that I love Christmas and celebrating. I know we haven't made it to Thanksgiving yet, and I have a lot to be thankful for, but I don't want you to miss out on getting the most perfect advent calendar to do with your children this year. I plan to feature a few throughout the next couple of weeks!
This advent calendar is a simle "clothesline" and numbers set. I'm loving the chevron clothespins! Find this kit at HeartandHandmade2
Hello everyone, I'd like to introduce you to the art of Elly MacKay also known as theaterclouds. Elly MacKay resides in Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada with her family and creates these magical works of art.
Elly says, "I make these images by inking yupo paper and cutting it into layers that I set up in a miniature theater. I play with the lights and filters to create atmosphere and then photograph the scenes."
Aren't they wonderful! Pick up your print at theaterclouds over at Etsy!
Looking to make your guests feel right at home this Christmas season? I have a few ideas help you do just that!
Guest Soaps
Left: Mediterranean Fig & Lemon Right: Peaches & Honey
Shop: Orange Thyme
Slippers
Shop: The Happy Feet
Nougat Candies
Shop: Kettle Confections
Some shops just know how to pull together the most perfect blend of items and colors for a vintage Christmas.
Shop Grand & Taylor for these items and many more!
(link should be working now)
Christmas is such a glorious time to celebrate and no matter how fast it seems to come though media and marketing, our eyes should be focused on the reason why Christmas is Christ-mas. Our eyes should be focused on Him. Advent seems to be a wonderful way to slow down our thoughts on gifts and purchases and direct our hearts towards Jesus.
Recently a lovely lady from our home school co-op introduced me to the idea of "Christmas School". The idea is that you celebrate Christmas daily within your school time. Whether you're choosing a special book to read that's been wrapped like a present or creating writing prompts to reflect upon Christmas and the heart. Whatever that it is you choose to do, it's to be made special
I recently had the opportunity to get a sneak peek at another great way to focus on the reason for the season and a great idea for "Christmas School", a Nature Study Advent!
I'm talking about the new Nature Study Through the Holidays. A mini book of nature studies for advent. I don't know about you, but I'm one of those home school moms that needs directions and specific instructions on how to make school fun. I love the idea that this mini nature study by Shining Dawn Books is as easy as downloading the pdf file, printing out the pages for each child and taking off! It's full of ideas for incorporating nature though traditional advent. They've even included scripture references and hymnals along withe their nature topic.
Do fun things like explore your neighborhood by candle light and discover all the reds and greens you can find on a winter walk. I think this Nature Study would make a great addition to any home whether you home school or not. Create a new tradition this year and learn more about nature while you focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
Visit Shining Dawn Books to purchase this down-loadable ebook for only $5.00!
Truth in Review: Shining Dawn Books did provide me with a digital copy of their Nature Study Through the Holidays. I was not paid for the review or required any certain context within my review. All reviews posted by me are truthful in content and not bought. Gabreial Visit our Disclaimer/Disclosure for more info.
Hello, Vintage Indie Readers! Gabreial asked to me to contribute posts over the next two weeks and I am happy to do so!
When I was a little girl my father was in charge of stringing the lights on the Christmas tree he bought from the parking lot of the Jaycees Men's Club. The tree was usually a balsam with sparse branches and a fragrance to match no other! The lights my father put on the tree had large bulbs and these wide flower-shaped aluminum light reflectors. Our skinny balsam filled out in such shiny glory once the lights came on and illuminated the shiny ruffled surfaces of the reflectors.Today I have some of those aluminum reflectors for our Christmas tree, but I have collected lots more at flea markets and estate sales. These shiny flower-shaped reflectors are a fun addition to holiday crafting!
You can usually find these shiny beauties at a few for a dollar or much less. Often you can find a whole box with dozens of them for a few dollars!
One of my favorite things to craft with the reflectors are wreaths. The reflectors are the perfect "cup" to hold small vintage glass ornaments and bits of tinsel, glued securely down and attached to a tinsel-covered wreath form.
Here is a detail.
This is the perfect time of year to score some of these reflectors for yourself. The thrift shops are putting out Christmas goodies and there has to be some reflectors in the mix.
Good luck and happy holiday crafting! Beth
Elizabeth Holcombe Fedorko, aka Bethsbagz, began her checkered crafting career when at four she realized using paste on paper was better than eating it. Inspired by vintage dime store treasures, vintage fabric, and a no-fear attitude toward color, Beth crafts totes, pin cushions, wreaths, and corsages into her Dime Store Chic creations. Beth would love you to take a peek into her whimsical world at her blog.
I love the reds and whites of Christmas time don't you? Ormolu offers classy paperie items for your gifts, scrapbooking and tree. Head over to their shop to see more.
{ SHOP ORMOLU }
Yes, it is true. I love Christmas. A nature inspired Christmas is very close to my heart. My first tree was very rustic in style and reminded me of the grapevine wreaths my dad used to make when we lived in the country. These nature inspired picks, take me back home (which isn't far from where I live now) in memory.
Beautiful ornaments and tags are created from nature itself, by maka le waken.
Deck the Halls in style with handmade wreaths from RoxyCreations.
Can you believe it is already time to spread holiday cheer? Join us weekly for our Deck the Halls Series 2009.
{ SHOP NESTA HOME }
Are you struggling with your Christmas party budget? You've bought the food, prepared the menu, cleaned the house and somehow missed the decor for the table? Contributing Editor Barb McMahon is here to the rescue with a simple and charming way to make your guests feel special at the dinner table. You probably already have all of these things in your home.
Barb McMahon writes the blog May December Home - home decor with a focus on environmentally friendly/handmade/re-used design.Chris A. writes, "Here is my newest Christmas decoration creation. My vintage Christmas
wreath. Complete with vintage tulle, balls, pearls, ribbon, buttons,
etc. It's kind of a Shabby Vintage Style. Now... to find just the right spot to hang it.
Best holiday wishes,
Chris"
I love it when everything is all matching labels, tags, packaging and wrap. I also love it when I don't have to coordinate these things myself. Below is a few companies that do all that work for you with some really great kits for all of your wrapping needs. (Click images to enlarge)
Sweet Papery has created these Gable Box Kits that include the ribbon and labels!
KitsandCaboodles one of my favorites on Etsy has created these Gift Wrap Kits including vintage goodies!
Don't forget to shop the Vintage Indie Market - Holiday Edition for all of your gifts!