Holiday Festivities and Art

  Hello lovelies! By now most of the holidays being celebrated have already begun or will soon be here. I am finally caught up myself and did make some time to make some Christmas projects. But first I want to share my favorite little Christmas tree in our home. It's the tree completely decorated with handmade ornaments from various swaps I participated in over the years, along with some gifted pieces and some of my own ornaments too. It brings me so much joy year after year to think about each person who made them.

 For my peeps at T Stands For Tuesday hosted by Bleubeard and Elizabeth I have  a few pics from our trip to Cape May earlier this month:

 While in Cape May we have breakfast at the  Ocean View restaurant at least twice and it's always so much food that Bill ends up finishing some of mine. The extra toast goes to feeding the seagulls;) And often we then skip lunch and just go out for dinner. Food, coffee and service are always excellent! We must try lunch or dinner sometime.

 I spotted Bill's brother from another while walking about one night:

 We have always called him the Grinch because he does NOT Christmas shop at all, he does NOT do any decorating (and complains every year he brings the boxes down from the attic), and has nothing to do with the cards either. But he's a genuinely good guy so we deal with it, and he is good in so many other ways. And as a bonus, if I buy my own gifts I get exactly what I want:):)

I painted two pages in my watercolor journal since I hadn't done anything with watercolors in awhile:

 Sorry about the odd angle on the second one. I was trying to capture the shimmer from the Wink of Stella glitter pen on the ornaments.
 Products: Peerless watercolors, Twinkling H2Os, Pitt pen XS Black, Deco Color red marker, Wink of Stella brush in Clear, Versafine Onyx Black ink, clear stamps- Waltzingmouse Stamps).
 Joining Moo Mania and More (Christmas).

 I made a bunch of these lace angel ornaments to add to some gift packages. Joining the Simon Monday Challenge (party!)

 My last calendar spread for this year is complete:

 acrylic painting. The page was prepped with black gesso to start. I am also joining Art Journal Journey once more with the theme of "Let's Celebrate" hosted by Sheila, and Paint Party Friday.

And some final thoughts for you:

                                              sunset in Cape May

 As the sun sets on the year 2017, may the new horizon and journey take you to your hearts desires in the coming New Year! I appreciate all of you for sharing your art, your lives , and the time for leaving your comments, and especially to those hosting the challenges.

                                              Merry be your Christmas,
                                              peaceful be your home,
                                              joyful be your family,
                                              blessed be each one.
               

Lots To Catch Up On

 How is everyone doing? I have so much catching up to do. First I was MIA because Bill and I went to Cape May for 5 days to celebrate the Victorian Christmas festivities as we did last year. We had mostly sunny and fairly mild (50's F) days. The coolest day was our day on the beach by the lighthouse -the air was crisp and there was a cold breeze. However, that did not stop me from doing this:

 Let me tell you -that water was CCCOLD but I always dip my toes in no matter what the temperature. I didn't last very long though:)

 A few pics about town:

First up- for the gang over at T Stands For Tuesday- after settling into our room we went for a late lunch at Delaney's Irish Pub-a place we always visit at least once each trip. As you can see Bill was praying I get the dessert photo taken quickly :):)

Just two of the many beautifully decorated homes we passed by each night. These were on the way to the caroling and tree lighting ceremony.

                           It was getting very crowded as we neared the park.

The lighted tree. Just spectacular to see in person! Not easy to get a pic as throngs of couples and families were getting pics taken in front of it.

 Sadly when we got home it was only just in time for our great Aunt Betty's funeral. She passed away in the hospital. I had seen her just before we left and had that feeling it would be the last. As difficult as it is, she did live a long (just shy of 91) mostly good life and she will forever be remembered in our hearts.

 Also while away, I did get some wonderful happy mail. I had won another $50 GC- this time to Altenew, and the pkg. arrived! I just haven't had the chance to use anything yet, but once the holiday frenzy settles... I also received my order from the Simon Says Shop - a few dies and things to make Christmas cards. I may only get a few of these done but will keep them in mind for next year:)

 For the Simon Wednesday Challenge  ("gift it"), Try It On Tuesday ("twinkle, twinkle"),  the Simon Monday Challenge ( "Christmas/Winter Holidays") and the new challenge at Tag Tuesday (Christmas Memories) I made this tag:

 As hard as I tried I just couldn't capture the glitter on the snowflake, words or poinsettia. It looks so pretty in person.

 I also have the first part of December's calendar page and art completed:

A close up of the cardinal:

and then I digitally added a sentiment to my page-just for Art Journal Journey hosted by the talented Sheila this month with the theme of "Let's Celebrate!" :

 I am also joining Paint Party Friday later this week. It will be a pleasure catching up and making lots of visits- I sure have missed everyone!

 "Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving; make every day a holiday and celebrate just living."         Amanda Bradley