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.