Gag-Gift Backfire

Hi there!  Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!  I certainly did!   First, I'd like to give a big shout-out to my sister and brother-in-law in Laura, Ohio!  Hi guys!   They just started reading my blog and it was a small source of entertainment at our Christmas gathering!

They said they had a special gift for me this year; something only I could appreciate.  I began to get excited and wondered if it was something they found on the side of the road or maybe some rusty junk from the barn!  The possibilities were endless!

Brian proceeded to tell the tale of how they acquired such lovely items; they were at some type of holiday gathering for a club that was giving doorprizes; He spotted the items and silently hoped he didn't get stuck with them.  And sure enough, they called his name! ha!!

The bag was rather heavy and I was anxious to see what they were.

They actually aren't that bad; painted river rocks!   (I remember someone even suggesting we throw them back in the river!  No way!)

They just need to be displayed in a nice way and they'll be fine.    I found a small wooden tray, added filler and propped Joseph and Mary up a bit in the corners.   I think it looks nice!

Maybe some re-gifting next year is in order! ha!  Just kidding!   I'm going to look for more river rocks to paint to complete the set!   We need three kings, donkeys, ....!!!

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas!

Here's wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas!!   We just finished wrapping all the presents; it's driving our daughter crazy!   Such a fun time!

Here's a pic from last year.  We visited the Neiderman Farm north of Cincy for their wonderful Christmas light display.  You walk thru it, then they have a huge barn filled with more Christmas displays including a train display while you enjoy free cookies and hot chocolate.   It was very nice!

Merry Christmas!!

Debbie

The Home Stretch

We are only days away from the BIG day!   How are your plans coming?   I'm still behind but somehow it will all come together.   We all went shopping together today and that didn't work at all; much better when you are split up or I'm out shopping on my lunch hour, which I plan to do this week!

Here's a cute little nest cup I made earlier this year.   I decoupaged peat pots with old hymnal pages and found the Christmas bird-pick at Hobby Lobby half-off and just stuck it in.

And what do you do when you don't have a fireplace mantel for your stockings??  I found heavy-duty magnets with hooks and stuck them to the back of our front door (which is steel) along with our count-down Santa.   Really adds some color to our otherwise boring door.

And of course now that the craft shows are over, my head is spinning with all kinds of garden-related Christmas ornaments and decor!   I definitely need to write them down and hope to find all kinds of supplies after Christmas on clearance!!   I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Well, hope your final plans and shopping are coming together!  If not, just make the best of it and don't let it stress you!   They don't call it "hustle and bustle" for nothing!





Flea Market Flop

Well, last weekend was a bit of a flop at the flea market.  Lots of people going thru on Saturday but not many actual 'buyers' at all!   And Sunday a small snowstorm came through that practically halted everything.  We were packed up and out of there by 2:30.

It's hard to figure out sometimes why certain things sell, why others don't, different venues, etc.   I even marked items WAY down, to 50 cents and $1.00, not to make any money, obviously but just to unload it.  What is your experience with flea markets?   I'd love to hear of any successes or flops you've had and any opinions and/or advice you could offer.

One thing that was pretty funny.  Remember that vintage shredding I made?   My husband just couldn't understand who would want that and why and I ended up selling 6 bags!  HA!  In Your Face!   (5 to just one lady at the last craft show and 1 at the flea market, $1/bag.)

Here are some altered bottles I made.   The one with lights in it sold at the flea market, only $6.00!   Heck, the string of lights alone cost me $2.00!   That person made out!

Is everyone ready for Christmas??  I am WAY behind on being ready!   I'm going to be a major shopaholic this weekend! 

We have Winners! And Flea-Market News!

Hello everyone!  I know you have been anxiously waiting for the giveaway winners and they are..................First Place goes to  "Helen".    The runner-up is "Mary-Jo".   Congratulations!  

I really wish I could send out gifts to all who entered!!  Your comments were all so kind!   Thank you!

If Helen and Mary-Jo could email me with your info., I'll get your prizes out this week.

On another note, we decided at the last-minute to rent a booth this weekend at Caesar Creek Flea Market near Wilmington, Ohio.  We will be in Aisle 2 and will be selling lighted bottles, candle hurricanes, altered bottles, mini-plate stands and lots of other misc. items.   So come on out if you can!!    It's a fun place to visit!

Here's a picture of my table at the craft show last Saturday.  (nice calendar on the wall!)  Sold quite a few items but it wasn't really a big show.   I think next year we'll plan better and actually opt for the bigger, more-reputable shows; they are more expensive but as the saying goes.... you get what you pay for.

Well, thanks for visiting and again, thanks to all who entered the giveaway!  It was a lot of fun and I'm already looking forward to the next one!

Stay warm!!  It's downright cold here!
Debbie

Super-Easy Candle Hurricane Craft!

OK, This is so simple, yet it looks so elegant when finished!   That's the best kind of craft, right??   You start with a plain glass hurricane (purchased at the dollar store for............$1.00!).  

Then you cut lace to fit around it (lace from an old lace curtain purchased at the thrift store for..............99 cents!) and mod-podge it onto the glass.   I also stippled the glue thru the lace on the outside to help it stick (gets a little messy).   Once dry, wrap it with a ribbon and old key.

Looks really pretty with the candle burning inside!!  You might also try those new flameless candles.

I've also wrapped some in old sheet music and they look great too!  (But forgot to take pictures before I downloaded.)   I'll have these all for sale at the show this Saturday and I'll take pictures then.

And don't forget to enter my giveaway on the post below!!   I've got lots of extra craft items just itchin' to get mailed to a lucky winner, which will be drawn on December 6, so there's still time to enter!   Just leave a comment on the giveaway post below - that's it!

December is here and it was snowing today!
Thanks for visiting!

Debbie