Countdown to Christmas: 48 Days I Admit It! There is More to Christmas than Santa Claus

Some days I just get this feeling that there is something at Rolling Hills Ministry Thrift Shop that is meant for me. All I have to do is go search for it. 

Tuesday morning, I had a bit of time to kill and what better place than Rolling Hills, or as I call it, "New to Me". So, I was wandering the aisles with a couple of interesting items balanced in my arms. (if I get a buggy, I get a bit carried away) and I saw a shopping cart full of items any seasoned thrift shopper would envy. Beside it knelt a woman checking out stacks of dishes. I commented on her goodies, because Rolling Hills is one of those places where you can strike up conversations with total strangers, plus we're in The South...but I digress.

She responded to my comment by looking up at me with a big smile and proceeded to show me some of her goodies, but more important, upon meeting her, I knew she was that SOMETHING I was meant to find at Rolling Hills that day. 

Barbara and I are kindred spirits!

She told me her purpose for buying a buggy full of baskets, pieces of china, and other decorative items she had so carefully, and thoughtfully collected. She creates gift baskets to sell with the proceeds going to help her disabled son.

These aren't just any baskets, Barbara Ellis Durbin creates one of kind baskets that tell a story where the receiver is instantly transformed into the main character of their own romance novel. 

 Even though I find a lot of great things at Thrift Shops, many of Barbara's items appear to be from higher end antique stores and estates sales.

She also creates these instant vignettes just waiting on a table or shelf for which to be displayed. 

She told me she spends hours selecting the right combination of treasures and treats, but her "labor" is that of love and it really shows.

All of her work is securely shrink wrapped, but done so with elegance. Who knew shrink wrap and elegance could appear in the same sentence!

I could go on and on, but I'll let her photos tell the story.

Barbara's baskets can be found at

Vintage Bee

100 Main

Jonesboro, LA

And aren't we in luck!

They are having an open house Sunday afternoon on November 9!

But if you can't make it, you can always ask her if she ships. Imagine receiving one of these in the mail and taking a few moments (or hours) to enjoy the contents.

And remember, it may not be new, but it is new to you!

Countdown to Christmas: 49 Days Breakfast with Barry Belcher! This and a cup of coffee (or two) will jump start your creativity.

If you haven't met Barry Belcher, it is time you do!

I came across one Barry's videos on YouTube while searching the web for ideas others have shared on decorating for the holidays.  I spent the next hour watching video after video.

Originally, I was waiting to add him to my blog on December 1st, but since his "vlog" includes some clever decorating ideas for Thanksgiving, I thought I'd get you hooked on him as soon as possible.

Prepared to be entertained!

My friend, Karen, and I share a philosophy, "The smaller the budget, the greater the creativity."

I feel Barry is a kindred spirit.

As I ATTEMPT to prepare for the "Santa" season, I am still working on swapping out Halloween with Thanksgiving decor.

I just love these foam plastic Jack-O-Lanterns and have added to my collection over the past few years.  Usually, the bases are draped with burlap, black tulle and spider webs. My son decorated this year and didn't want to put forth that extra bit of effort.

photo coming soon...it is pouring down rain today.

Makes me wonder why I bother.

Halloween 2009 

Twinkle lights tucked beneath the tulle helps light the way for Trick-or-Treaters and the Jack-O-Lanterns' individual bulbs are replaced with battery operated tea lights because I don't want to do the whole octopus thing with the cords.

photo coming soon, it is pouring down rain today.

So, once Halloween is over, a quick about face, and now we are ready for "Turkey" Day!

photo coming soon...it is pouring down rain today!

Steph McCrombie, Photographer

HOLIDAY POINTER:

Occasionally, I pick up a Jack-O-Lantern from a thrift shop or garage sale that I already have. No problem, just a few well placed slices with an Exact-O knife and Voila, I have a new expression.

photo coming soon...it is pouring down rain today!

Countdown to Christmas: 50 Days Sean Bean as Santa Claus? Well, at least we know he won't get killed off...or will he?

Sorry folks, it's not a new major motion picture...it's just a meme. But I'd be glad to take a meeting with a film exec and discuss my ideas.

Sean Bean has played some iconic characters like Zeus (Percy Jackson), Boromir (Lord of the Rings), Caesar (Is this the Shakespeare version? I haven't seen it yet), and of course, Mellors "Aye, I Luve Ya" in Lady Chatterly's Lover.

So, why not cast him as Santa Claus, St. Nicholas, or Father Christmas?

Although I don't really see Sean Bean as the Kris Kringle type, he could definitely portray one of the more nobler gift givers.

But how does one go from John Ryder (The Hitcher) to Belsnickle? Hmmmm

Anyway...

During my countdown to Christmas, I will be making "Ned" evolve into a more festive character...one who will surely keep his head about him during the holiday season.

Steph McCrombie, Photographer

HOLIDAY POINTER:

Follow Gus (and Travis) on Instagram @ifitwags

Countdown to Christmas: 51 Days Santas I Don't Collect

I know that it's hard for you to believe that with over 1000 Santa Claus figures and ornaments in my collection, there are some artists I do not collect.

Lynn Haney was one of the first Santa Claus figure artists whose work I could identify immediately. His smooth skinned and practically expressionless Santas do have a haunting beauty. His emphasis on detail creates the type of Santa Claus that I admire, but even his reproductions are too expensive for me to collect.

However, this post on eBay makes purchasing an instant collection for less than what one can cost is rather tempting.

16 Lynn Haney Santas 1992-2004 Many Retired

Perhaps it is because I enjoy a variety of faces and expressions that I would rather have ten $20 Santas versus one $200, and if/when I have $200 to spend on Santas, I usually go for quantity. There is something about a buffet layered with a varied of different Santas that appeals to me more than one centerpiece Santa.

Marmee & Company

I realize this stems from my collection of holiday magazine images that illustrate less is less and more, well it's MORE!

Byer's Santa Claus and Caroling figures are another series of collectibles with a very distinctive look. They are cute and more affordable than the Lynn Haney Santas but they never were my thing. However, if one just happens to show up at Rolling Hills or another of my favorite thrift shops, I think I could squeeze him in.

Retired Byers Carolers and Santas

Steph McCrombie, Photographer

HOLIDAY POINTERS:

When storing your cherished collectible figures, toss some cedar balls, blocks or a pleasantly scented bugdeterrent sachet in the box along with them.

NEVER mix fragile ornaments with heavy resin pieces. I generally don't wrap every ornament as if I am shipping them across the country but I do have divided boxes where I sort out heavy, light, breakable and fabric. 

I usually buy fresh white tissue at the after Christmas sale and use it for my large pieces. I wrap my ornaments in deli wrap. It comes in different sizes and is very handy in its pop-up dispenser. And finally, LABEL every box! And stack them heaviest to lightest. This way I can carry manage the lighter boxes and let my husband or son's bring up the heavy ones.

Countdown to Christmas: 52 Days Santa Collectors dot Com

When you have time...LOTS of time, check out Santacollectors.com.

Angie McKaig has created a very entertaining and educational site that any fan of the jolly man is going to want to add to their favorites.

Anyway, in attempt to give credit to both Kati, the artist of these beautiful one of a kind Santas, and Angie, whose affection for collectible Santas and her diligence in spreading the word about her favorites, I have included links to both sites.

santaworld.com

Picnic with Santa

Each of Kati's Santas figures is telling a story of his own. Her attention to detail and choices of accessories are as unique as each of the Santas she creates.

Doesn't this Santa (no longer available) bring to mind the little ditty "Teddy Bears Picnic"?

Steph McCrombie, Photographer

HOLIDAY POINTERS: When dusting Santa sculptures such as these, start by using a soft bristle clean craft paint brush or make-up brush to gently brush away dust from the hard surfaces. Then I suggest you wrap them snugly in tulle or a laundry bag with the pull cords, and fasten the "bag" securely. Use your vacuum's dusting brush and, if possible, adjust your vacuum to low. Do this ONLY when absolutely necessary and avoid "tugging" on the beard and real fur.



If you are displaying Heirloom Santas and decorations year round, invest in a glass front cabinet placed away from direct sunlight.

Due to lack of space in my recent home, I am down to two cabinets: my main cabinet houses mostly chalk ware Santas, some Valiant court, some by other artists, but mostly those I painted. And the second is really my china cabinet.

Countdown to Christmas: 53 Days So Much To Do

Wow!

There is nothing like trying to start a new blog goal and waking up to the busiest day you can imagine. Today was both Louisiana Tech's and Ruston High's homecoming and I had company all day. So here it is, way past my bedtime, and I am just now getting to my post.

I have a rather large to do list between now and Christmas Day, but don't we all.

The first thing I need to do is figure out how to add a countdown to my blog.  Technology can get a bit overwhelming this late at night.

Usually this time of year I am well into learning a new Christmas musical program or trying to recall all the words (and notes) to Handel's Messiah. Unfortunately, I've had to give up singing. One to many bouts with bronchitis has really affected those high, long notes. This still leaves a big empty place in my heart when I realize the "daze" between Halloween and New Years can really fly by without significant events like your elementary school age child's holiday recital or the annual visit to see Santa and have a photo taken with him. 

But I digress...

So, tomorrow, not only do I have to dust the Santas that I keep up all year long, but I have to put away all the Halloween and non-Santas and prepare for my holiday decorating which includes a short stint on the mantle, buffet, and dining table for the turkeys and pilgrims.

Steph McCrombie, Photographer

HOLIDAY POINTER: One trick I like to do while decorating my home for the holidays is as I unpack a box of Santas or other holiday decor, I repack that box with my regular decorations and attach a note of what is inside.

Now, I use the term "regular" loosely. I love to change out my decor. There was a time when I would change out my decorations monthly.

My Santa crafting challenge of the day was to find vintage or vintage style brooches to add to all the Santas I either make or remake.

eBay proved more fruitful than my local thrift stores today, but I'll be keeping my eye out for the perfect bling for each of my Santas to give them my own little signature.

31 DAYS of SANTA CLAUS Day 31 It's Not Over...It Has Only Just Begun!

I can't believe I made it! I posted 31 times during the month of October in spite of all the other things I had going on.

So, HAPPY HALLOWEEN from my Zombie Baby!

I actually carried him around to stores today and he got a lot of attention. He even had his photo taken a few times. He already had a cute Halloween onesie but then I found this tiger costume at Goodwill for $1.99. I was just meant to have it.

During this past 31 days, I had really hoped to have crafted more Santas but what I gained by doing research for my blog (on eBay...LOL!) I feel more inspired to get back to creating my own.

I purchased a few Santas that have not arrived and I have really changed the course of my collection from chalkware, hand carved, and resin reproductions of popular Santa artists, to a lot figures.

Here are a few I am waiting to receive:

Santa's Uncle Swede

This little Santa's Uncle Swede  Doll measures 12 inches tall. With Stand  This cloth sculpture was designed from pattern through finish in the heart of South central Pennsylvania. form #355(7/93). A one of a kind. Hand made collectible. .Hand numbered 2802 .. He carries his sack full of toys.. A perfect addition to your holidays display or for gift giving.

House of Hatten

I bought this lot just for the House of Hatten Santa Sitting on the box.

After I received my Santa designed by Dee Gann, I just had to bid on tis one...

And I won!

Other than three for which I am waiting on an invoice, and a couple I bid on that have not closed out, my goal is NO SANTA NOVEMBER when it comes to buying Santa Claus Figures, Ornaments, Art Work, etc. off eBay.

But that doesn't mean I won't visit my favorite shops locally!

But seriously, I do want to thank all of my new readers as well as my old, and I hope you will continue to follow me as I attempt a new goal...

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS! Starting November 1st.

I will be still be talking about my Santa Collection and Santa Crafting but will be adding more about my other creative activities during the holiday season.

God Bless Us, Everyone!

31 DAYS of SANTA CLAUS Day 30 I'm not always a SHOPAHOLIC...but October is a great chance for Christmas Bargains...if you are willing to hunt for them.

I have a lot of small trees that I bought several years ago at a 90% off Christmas sale. I haven't used them like I hoped I would because I think they are just lacking something. So last night I got this idea that I would take pretty glass beads and fashion my own mini ornaments.

Today, I needed some "therapy" to help me deal with the failing health and decline of my nearly fourteen year old LabraWeimer, Hero. She was at the vet for two days and I missed her so very much even with knowing she should be coming home soon. So, I went shopping at my all time favorite store, Rolling Hills Ministry Thrift store.

So, getting back to my idea to fashioning ornaments from beads, the volunteers had recently put out several sun catchers with unusually crafted beads.

I bought all they had because the many of the beads on each strand would make great ornaments.

Even though I started this post late last night, I had to do most of the work on it this morning because I was too exhausted to type.

Over my past couple of visits to Rolling Hills and another church run thrift shop, First West, in West Monroe, LA, I found several small toys that work great with my Santas and some fabric in the form of remnants, placemats, two pillow shams, and a table runner that will make wonderful Santa attire.

To give you an idea of size, the tallest doll in the background is only a8-9" tall. I'll keep updates on either these blog posts or others under my creativedazewithgeri.blogspot.com to keep you updated on how I modified the toys or used them as is to enhance my holiday decorations.

The winter holiday, whether it be Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza, or however we choose to snuggle in during the long winter nights, is a celebration of abundance. It is definitely the time of year where our homes are filled with colorful, collectible, and festive decorations, our hearth with the warmth of glowing embers, and as fragrant delectables from the kitchen, we anticipate the time of year where generosity flows from our hearts.

I decorate my Santas the way some people decorate their trees.

Photo from eBay auction

I couple of days ago, I received these two Santas from an eBay seller. I must say, he is very inspiration. I love to make the faces, but when you start getting into costumes, I get a bit frustrated. If you recall, I hate my temperamental sewing machine, but I do love being the assistant to a fabulous theatrical costumer so I know I can make just about anything I put my mind and patience to.

I have a "collecting" disorder, and two of my MANY collections happen to be candlesticks and industrial textile spools, so I think you see where I am going with this.

Anyway...I took one and gave him a few accessories.

Face it, Santa, if you have arms...I'm putting you to work!

As you can see, I kept to his bright red and more contemporary color scheme.

This is really more fun than you can imagine. Because ornaments are usually affordable and easy to find, I hope you have a great time decorating your Santa figures.  It is yours, do whatever you want with it

photo from eBay auction

I purchased this lot a while back with the intention of giving the tallest Santa a face lift. I did not think I would like his felt costume, but when I received him, I think that his coat may be a wool felt versus polyester or at least it looks that way.

So, later I found this wonderful auction of felt ornaments just minutes from ending with no bids.

Photo from eBay auction

They are the perfect accoutrements to this handsome Santa Claus. I also replaced his sisal wreath with a larger jingle bell wreath from another auction.

The lamb at this feet and the carousel horse due for a repaint, is still under consideration.

Photo from eBay auction

This cutie pie received a nutcracker, a barn, and a sheep pull toy.

He still has his basket, it just isn't showing the photo. I am looking for small things to fill it.

sorry, a bit out of focus

Yesterday, I found a very simple tree topper Santa for $1.99 at Goodwill.

I added two porcelain dolls that I found on shopgoodwill.com. I just thought it seemed befitting to add Goodwill dolls to a Goodwill Santa.

Now it appears this Santa is either delivering dolls or abducting children.  I'm going to have to work on this.







































And finally, my beautiful Dee Gann (replica) Santa arrived in the mail. I have added nothing to him but that glittered Silent Night sign he's holding might have to go in a box.

31 DAYS of SANTA CLAUS Day 29 Whatever happened to Timeless Collectable Santas from Carol Bouquet Enterprise, Inc? PART DEUX: I think I found the problem.

So, just a few days ago I posted a blog about Timeless Collectibles Santa Claus addressing their loss of popularity and drop in price.

I think I've found a clue as to what happened.

I recently purchased two TC Santas on eBay and both have arrived just days apart.

Image from eBay

My first Santa to arrive was Noel, The Magical Santa, and if you recall I had to do a little "cosmetic surgery" on him.

Image from eBay.
Yes, I bought a Santa with no face!

Then my other TC Santa came in and there was a significant difference in the quality of the two dolls.


So today, Bejeweled Claus arrived in a much smaller box than Noel which also weighed significantly less. It seems Carol Bouquet Enterprises, Inc was producing inferior quality products.

To be fair,  perhaps they were make less expensive figures but why compromise your integrity when the larger and better constructed Santas were so desirable?

The fur on Bejeweled is "faux" (Oh, please...just say fake or acrylic) and there is definitely a lot more hot glue holding this one together.

The tapestry fabric is fraying and the mittens and boots are just made from a poly/cotton twill.

And they covered almost his entire face with a huge beard.

I decided to give it a little trim.  I heated up the glue with my trusty hairdryer and slid the beard down to the lowest part of his faceplate. At this point he resembled an Amish boxer because his nose is a bit off to one side.

Then I trimmed some hair from the lower part of his beard where it was the least noticeable and fashioned a mustache for him. He's so much more handsome now. 

Originally, Bejeweled Santa came with a bag of vintage "style" ornaments but this one didn't. You'd think he would since he was listed on eBay as NEW. Hmmmmmm.

Anyway, because I am not afraid to make necessary alterations in "limited edition" pieces, I will find something even better for his accoutrements.

And the jewel from which his name is derived. It is a small poorly made piece that holds his collar together...but I'm working on that as well.