My art studio, my happy place all decorated for Christmas.

My sister came over and we did what we do best play. 

Vintage Christmas ornaments.

My sister gave me these, I think I want to start a vintage little tree. I've seen so many here, but God knows that I don't need to collect anything else, lol. 

A little decorating.

I just love these white cake pedestals and I get them out every time I can. I had intended for this grouping to go next to the fireplace, but we are still working on the chimney and I don't think it will be finished by Christmas. So for now I placed them next to the entry table. The white makes all the glitter pop out and they look so pretty.  

Kahlua and Amaretto Christmas cake for our association Christmas party.

I made this cake for our neighborhood association Christmas party. This is my second year attending. My jamo had to work and missed out on a wonderful evening of fellowship with neighbors. This association has no dues, it's run by an amazing and kind couple that have been part of this community all their lives, real pillars. They put a lot of thought, energy and at their own expense to make these get together happen, this year they rented out the local farmer's market. It's a beautiful new facility that I had never been inside. The farmer's market is always set outside or at least that's when I've been there.

  They have made us feel so welcome and we're so grateful, did I mention they're Christians.  They're always helping people out and doing so much for this town.  It's not an accident that we ended up just down the street, oh no it's not. God has no accidents. 

I was sitting next to a couple that have lived here for over 50 years and did I mention he's a farmer/gardener. Can you imagine all experience and knowledge right next to me.  I had to stop myself from asking so many gardening questions, how rude of me.  I literally felt like taking out my gardening note book and capture some of that gardening wisdom. Nice, nice wholesome people. I think I enjoyed his company because he reminded me so very much of my dad.  A farmer, hard worker with a kind heart and lots of stories that I could hear over and over again. 

   

Anyway this is what I took. I think I'm not keeping this one for just on Christmas. This cake is always so delish, I had just a bit of Amaretto left, but I would of liked to used a little more. I did use a whole lot of Kahlua. After cooking most of the alcohol is gone and you're left with just that unique flavor. I did use a little in the frosting and that did have a bit of alcohol.  It was amazing, so good. LOVE. 

Hand made paper ornaments.

This year I wanted to try and make some paper ornament to go with my theme, still not sure what that is, lol. I ripped some fabric in strips to make bows, I love the fray and ragged edges.

 Made a template, but I did need to hand cut, actually that's still so relaxing to me. The stickers I had for a while now and for the wheels, I just used a punch.

These are wood tags that I covered in paper. The wood reindeer I left it natural, just did some layering. I really love how these turned out. 

Garden update 12/11/18.

Last thing most people are thinking about now is their garden, but I'm so excited. First time growing carrots and beats, never tried in south Florida, just too hot. Lettuce is doing amazing, me, happy. My first 4 beads get about 5 hours of sun, not the best, but I'll take it. Loving this zone 8.

Adult beverage station, Christmas 2018.

Always wanted to try one of these beverage stations that I keep seeing on Pinterest. I just needed a little encouragement from a decorating local friend. I went with an adult beverage station, used my baking and glazing liqueurs like, Kahlua, Amaretto, Baileys, rum and cheap whiskey, lol.  Next year going to try a Hot Coco Bar.