Christmas with ittybittybirdy

Well despite their being no sunlight for photographing

my computer crashing

and endless baking, cleaning, wrapping, and what not

I am here to share with you my home as it is this Christmas

and a few extra sweet things as-well

Ah there is nothing better than inspiration from flickr and friends like you

and 4 bags later I finally have my own gumdrop wreath

only problem is that I have a whole bag left and I can't stand the taste-ick!

I thought I might hang some of my vintage Christmas records above my dinning room bench

but then I scored these amazing vintage Christmas cards

at my local flea market Sunday for just $2!

Miller seems to like them :)

this is my very favorite Christmas tree yet

it's a beautiful Blue Spruce

and the prickly needles have made eating Christmas ornaments

a whole lot less fun for poor miller

I'm sure someday we will get a fake tree

but I can't imagine it quite yet

I love going and picking one out

helping out our local community

and the smell of pine

These are a few of my favorite Christmas decorations

My first Bradley Doll was eaten by Miller

(I'm sure your sensing a pattern right?)

So everyday before I leave for work I have to move these

to the dinning room table

I've been very good not to go to the flea market for the last few months

but I just had to go this weekend to catch the last minute deals on Christmas goodies

it's a pretty strange market

mostly just tools

but one table always has me forking over my cash

and this week was no exception

most of the items I picked up I will be saving

to place in my etsy shop next holiday season

but I just had to have these vintage candles

and this adorable little snowman :)

I also picked up this beautiful felt and sequins santa

Whenever I start taking photos Miller just has to be in the shot

Charlie on the other hand hates cameras

We will be taking the vitrolas back to Jim's dad this week

it seems my husbands family would rather it be left to rot in a basement

than have it be a center piece of our home

it makes me really sad and mad

but hopefully someday we can get another one! :(

I made a few ornaments for my fluffy white tree using the mushroom form my Merry Kitschmas digital kit and the cotton candy from my Circus Party kit.

I really adore the way they turned out but I'm going to have to figure out

how to make the paper stick to the plastic pendent

without bubbling or blurring

This is my first Christmas in my whole life

that I will not be spending with my mom and dad

so last night they came over for dinner and to exchange presents

My vegetable barley soup was a success

and yours truly was spoiled rotten!

I got some Christmas village pieces, pjs, an amazing coat from Anthropologie

and a CRICUT!

Quite honestly I have no real clue what it does

but I know it's really cool and cuts paper

I guess my dad has been watching infomercials on it for years

who knew?

So I'm excited to find out what I can do with it :)

If anyone has one I am eager for tips!

I am just crazy about my Christmas outfit this year

I pulled the whole look together rather quickly

as I was cooking all day and had no time to properly put myself together

before the folks showed up

The skirt was an awfully big purchase for me

I'm more of a penny thrifter gal

but it was love at first sight

at the Crafty Wonderland Holiday Sale

It's so amazing how many talented people are from Portland!

The Skirt was made by Loni Gaghan

of I Love to Love You on etsy

I also ran into the owner of Knittn' kitten right after making the purchase

and she said the fabric came from her shop

small world!

Thank god for safety pins because the skirt is too big! CRY!

I was just sure it was going to fit but well at least I have room to grow! :)

You must must must check out Loni's shop!

I wish I could be her model!

I just ADORE clothing that makes your heart smile when you put it on :)

I wanted to remind you that my Merry Kitschmas digital kit is on SALE!

My sweet friend Karli used my Christmas kit and Rosette kit to make these oober adorable pages of her beautiful girls all dolled up for the holidays

I'm always so inspired by Karli's layouts

and her use of color!

I'm am just crazy mad in love with how she ampted up the colors

of my very traditional colored kit!

Check out Karli's blog - Retro Plant - to see more of her pages, vintage treasures, darling daughters, and digital kits too!

My very good friend Stina shared her handmade cards

and Christmas Tree ornaments she made using my kit.

She has a step by step on how to make the ornaments on her blog

(just change the language to English)

It's such a wonderful blessing to have so many wonderful friends

come into my life each year through my blog

I am truly blessed!

I wish you ALL a very very Merry Christmas,

a Happy New Year

and a prosperous and especially wonderful year to come!

Love~ Chelsea Ann