The Christmas Mantle

Yikes! Seems like I just can't keep up lately. I'm sorry it's been awhile. We had our Christmas party (for our group of high school friends) last weekend. So that was a lot of fun! And then we also had Thanksgiving out at my parent's house, since it doesn't work to get together on Thursday.

 

 I found this guy a couple weeks ago! Right away I knew he would go over the fireplace.

 

 And he did!

 

 I then figured that Santa could use some Elves. And so they found their home for the season too!

 

 Our little place gets almost no sunlight. So it's always so hard to take pics.

Sorry for the glare.

 

 One of my favorite planters holds glass picks.

 

And this guy was found this summer. He's also a favorite. I have two of these aqua McCoy planters with the icy looking ridge, so it helps things look at least a little symmetrical.

 

 This glass garland isn't "vintage". I bought it at Macy's in the late 90's. It was originally really expensive stuff, but I was able to buy it after x-mas for 75% off. Each strand is 7 ft. and I have 6 of them. They're real fun to decorate with!

 

So that's that! We love having a real wood burning fireplace, and have been making a fire almost every night lately. I'm almost done decorating. Still need to get the big tree up. That'll happen Friday  I think. Hope You've all been well!

Erica

p.s Just a reminder to those that are part of the SWAP, packages need to be mailed no later than Dec.8th!

 

"Mama, let me in, let me in"!

 

 

 

Your Swap Partners!

 

We had a great turn out for our Swap! Below is the list of partners. I've made each gal's name a "link" to her blog so you'll be able to communicate through a blog comment, initially. But please let me know if you're having trouble getting a hold of each other, and I'll provide email addresses.
*also, please shoot me an email to confirm that you've made contact with your partner.
ericaabryan@hotmail.com

Marci (Parsley Vintage)  .......... Shirley (Zetta's Aprons)

Deb (Garage Sale Gal) .......... Linda (A La Carte)

Dorothy (Hens Rule) .......... Sue (A Very Cherry World)

Vivian (Viv's Whimsy) ......... Susan (Eclectic Shorebird)

   Jenny (Jenny's Heart) .......... Debby (Cozy Blanket)
 
Trisha (American Honey Home) ....Betty Jean (Shabby Tea Party)

Erica (Golden Egg Vintage) .....Jen (Adventures In Mixed Media) 

Kim (Musings of Kim K.) .......... Sandy (521 Lake Street)
 
Patti (Paintin-Patti) .......... Susie (Little Susie Home Maker)
 

*I hope I haven't paired you with someone that you've recently swapped with. If so, let me know right away and we can try to switch things up!

Have Fun!! And let me know if there is anything that I can do for you along the way!

Happy Holidays-

Erica

 

Here Are The Swap Details Again, In Case You Need Them. :)

 

1.It's a ONE on ONE swap, and you'll be sure to email each other right away to touch base. I hope you'll get to know each other a bit, if you don't already.

 

2. You'll make TWO kitchen themed ornaments for your partner

(doesn't have to be an actual ornament, but can be something that sits, etc. )

 

3.You'll make and send ONE paper tag or card in this theme as well.

 

4. You'll include a recipe card with your absolute favorite Christmas Cookie (or another holiday favorite) written for your partner.

 

5. And you'll include a couple little extras of some sort. Perhaps something SWEET!

 

6. You'll post pics of what you received from your partner.

 

7. To join this swap you must have an active blog. There are a few of you out there that aren't active right now but I know you're great swappers, and of course you can join too if you'd like. You girls know who you are! :)

 

8. I'll keep the sign up for a few days. Then I'll send out emails with partner names. Let's have our packages MAILED BY DECEMBER 8th! That'll give us one month to make things. 

A Christmas Swap! Now Full.

This swap is all about the SWEET side of Christmas! I'm thinking; Santa Mugs and Hot Cocoa, Candy Canes, and Ribbon Candy, Gingerbread and Sugar Cookies. You get the idea!

We will be making a few little things to hang in your kitchen for the holidays!

 

I fell in love with this teeny tiny sheet of cookies and this jar of candy canes that I found at Michael's. There are several different tiny treats to choose from. You better go look! :)

I made this little shadow box to hang by my vintage Santa Mug collection.

 

 

Ok...Here are the Swap Details:

1.It's a ONE on ONE swap, and you'll be sure to email each other right away to touch base. I hope you'll get to know each other a bit, if you don't already.

 

2. You'll make TWO kitchen themed ornaments for your partner

(doesn't have to be an actual ornament, but can be something that sits, etc. )

 

3.You'll make and send ONE paper tag or card in this theme as well.

 

4. You'll include a recipe card with your absolute favorite Christmas Cookie (or another holiday favorite) written for your partner.

 

5. And you'll include a couple little extras of some sort. Perhaps something SWEET!

 

6. You'll post pics of what you received from your partner.

 

7. To join this swap you must have an active blog. There are a few of you out there that aren't active right now but I know you're great swappers, and of course you can join too if you'd like. You girls know who you are! :)

 

8. I'll keep the sign up for a few days. Then I'll send out emails with partner names. Let's have our packages MAILED BY DECEMBER 8th! That'll give us one month to make things.

 

 

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Let me know if you have any questions at all. I know this swap is a bit open to interpretation. There are soooo many different kinds of things we could make! The pictures above are just for inspiration obviously. I'm not expecting anyone to hand stitch a 9 foot garland, or send a 12"wide wreath. But at least you can tell what kind of stuff I have in mind. You could even send your partner a vintage red and white kitchen potholder, or red handled utensil. A packet of mulling spices? A cute dishtowel...ok you get it! :)

Lets have fun!

Erica