Posts Tagged ‘christmas’

The dreidel, Christmas tree, black, red and green candles are readily identifiable elements of Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa, ones that we’re all familiar with.  I was chatting with Carol this afternoon and asked about her holiday plans. Along with a Christmas eve gathering and visiting family on Christmas day, she mentioned an annual tradition something akin to a Chinese auction.  Unusual maybe, but a unique experience that will continue with the next generation and the next . . .

I’m curious.  Does your family have a special holiday tradition?  When did it begin?  Share your experience with us.  And Happy Holidays.

Hi! My name is Donna and I am a newby at this!  I’ve been a collector and crafter most of my life, just like my mother before me.  I retired a couple years ago and my collecting and crafting increased! I’ve collected things that say something to me.  I have native made and inspired items from North, Central and South America.  I, also, have things I’ve gotten just because it was something I liked or thought was interesting or different.  I love Christmas and Christmas tree ornaments.  I really like anything handmade.  Someone had the inspiration and ability to actually take one thing and make it into something else, amazing!  I’m a Viet Nam veteran of the USAF and my son, Chris, is currently on active duty, also with the USAF.  If it supports or honors our troops, I’m all for it!  What will you find in my little shop? Handmade /painted pottery, Mola’s from the San Blas, wall art from the Americas, handmade Christmas ornaments, native American made or inspired objects, one of a kind pillows to items honoring our troops, almost anything!  Thanks for letting me share space at “Laura’s Emporium”.  It feels like home!

Editor’s note:  Donna’s booth #22 is upstairs toward front of the building.

Eco-friendly and reminiscent of childhood holidays, making your own garland can be a rewarding experience – with or without the kids to help. Short on patience or time? A garland doesn’t have to go round and round and round the tree. Shorter ones can be used over doors and windows, around lampshades, on the mantel, along shelves, etc. Here’s a list of just a few (some otherwise destined for the trash) of the many items that can be used.

• Fruit – apples, cranberries, citrus, apricots
• Cinnamon sticks
• Pinecones or bundled pine needles
• Popcorn
• Tree leaves, bay leaves or rosemary
• Nuts – chestnuts, acorns
• Thread spools
• Large beads
• Buttons
• Wine corks

 Use a large needle to thread onto wire. A rotary tool or regular drill with a small bit can drill holes in nuts. Small fruits can be threaded whole; slice and dry larger fruits like apples or citrus. Thread buttons in one hole and out the other so they show better and take up more space. Finish off the ends with a bow or ornament.

Limit each garland to perishable or non-perishable items. Non-perishable garland, save and use again. Write a date on it and who made it, and you can add a new garland each year. Perishable garland can be draped on trees and bushes for winter food for our snowbirds (the feathered kind).