Monday, December 18, 2017

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.
               

50 comments:

  1. Such beautiful watercolors and I love your acrylic! Just lovely! Your tree is so beautiful with all those lovely and handmade ornaments. truly unique and special.
    Kate

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  2. Linda that painted tree you did is excellent ~ divine! Love it!

    Happy Week to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  3. You have a wonderful tree Linda. Wow, you have quite a collection of ornaments from swaps, but that is really a smart way to display them. :) I had a little smile about Bill's brother. And your painted tree is really lovely and too nice to be a calendar page. :) I wish you a Merry Christmas and a very happy new year too. And of course, happy T day too. Hugs-Erika

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  4. Your tree is fantastic, love all the decorations. Great shot of the Grinch, too! Beautiful Christmas art. Merry Christmas and a happy new year, happy T day, hugs, Valerie

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  5. What a beautiful tree. I never thought to get a small tree to hold my swap items. That's really clever. And the tree looks good, too.

    I had to laugh at the grinch. You are lucky you get to buy your own gifts from your hubby. Do you wrap them, too?

    I am in LOVE with your new watercolor art. I am also a big fan of Twinkling H2Os. And of course, your tree is fabulous. Again, your calendar puts mine to shame.

    Thanks for sharing your art, your time in Cape May, your breakfast at Ocean View, and your coffee with us for T this Tuesday. And I hope you have a wonderful, joy filled Christmas, too.

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  6. A wonderful Christmas tree with all the different lovely things.
    Famous watercolors and calendar.
    Merry Chrismas

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  7. this tree is like Magic!! i can see you put all your heart into this painting. and i like the tree with the ornaments of árt buddies also. what a nice time to remember all the swaps that have been part of your artistic journey:)
    have a wonderful Holiday time, xox

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  8. Dear Linda, my friend!
    First of all I want to say THANK YOU SO MUCH for the lovely Christmas greetings you sent me! You brought a big , big smile into my heart! Your tree adorned with the gifts from artsy friends is ADORABLE and it shows what a lovely woman you are to appreciate the makes of your friends in such a kind way ! If I turn around behind me on the handle of the door hangs a little wooden house ornament you sent me some years ago as I won a candy on your blog- I look at it very often and always think how lovely it was to get it from you! Your charming husband does exactly the right things for christmas - mine is the same kind of boy - they are right as they are! ♥♥♥ I love your amazing watercolor wreath and baubles and say thank you for linking it to Moo Mania & More! Thank you for always supporting us there so well!♥♥♥
    This little angels are adorable! Your calendar pages are so artsy and beautiful - this tree is really beautiful painted- wow and you made Sheila, Elizabeth and me happy to link the spread to the Dec. theme at ART JOURNAL JOURNEY! Thank you very much for all your wonderful work, hosting and supporting of the challenge! Much appreciated!!♥♥♥
    This sunset is simply WONDERFUL - you are such a happy girl to enjoy it with your lovely hubby !

    I wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year my dear blogfriend!

    HAPPY T-DAY!


    oxo Susi

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  9. I love your tree with all the handmade ornaments-so special! and your painted tree is wonderful-I love it and would be pretty in a frame too.
    Merry Christmas and Happy T Day Kathy

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  10. Your water colour and acrylic paintings look beautiful and so does your calendar page.
    The Christmas tree looks wonderful with all the great decorations that must each hold a special memory for you,
    Happy T day and Holiday wishes.
    Yvonne xx

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  11. Love the photo with the Grinch!!! Bob doesn't shop either and I don't mind at all. He tells me how much to spend and I get what I want. Or on the rare occasion I give him a list and he picks out something for me. One year he totally surprised me with a couple of gifts he made for me and the whole family take about the year Bob was possessed by Christmas aliens . Wishing you the Merriest of Christmas's!

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  12. LOVE your little tree! This year I'm using the little tree I bought my Mom years ago. When I get my large one out of storage (next year) I was planning on having this one in my craft room.......now I know how I will decorate it!
    Since there is nobody, in my family, that will go into a craft store I get to buy what I want for Christmas too......and like the rest of your commentors I get what I want.....LOL!
    My favorite meal, to eat out, is breakfast, and yours looks yummy and what better place to have it. LOVE the sunset.
    Merry Christmas and Happy T-day

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  13. Love the tree you have with the handmade ornaments ~ I have a smaller one with mostly handmade items ~ love handmade creations ~

    Happy Week to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  14. Your little tree with home-made ornaments is so beautiful. How fun to relive the excitement of opening the happy mail. Did you tell Bill, "Don't eat!" so you could take the T Day picture? He's a good sport. The Grinch made me laugh. I'm such a Grinch about the decorating more because everyone seems to disappear into the woodwork for the cleanup. Your watercolor and angel ornaments are very pretty. The calendar spread is gorgeous! Happy T Day and a Merry Christmas!

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  15. Wow, what a wonderful tree and each of the ornaments must be extra special being handmade and I love that each one reminds you of friends and brings back such happy memories - perfect 😁. Your wreath and baubles paintings are amazing and those little lace angels are so cute too! That huge yummy breakfast looks delicious and your Christmas tree painting is so very pretty! What lovely final thoughts, I'm wishing you the same this Christmastime - Happy T Day and Merry Christmas! J 😊

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  16. I love your snowy acrylic tree as well as the tree decorated with handmade ornaments. Some people don't get into that part of Christmas while remaining good people. Sometimes I feel the same way. For example, when I hear "Baby, It's Cold Outside" for the kajillionth time lol Happy T Tuesday

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  17. I have loved seeing your calendar pages throughout the year Linda and this beautiful tree is one of my favourites :)

    Sounds like 'your Grinch' more than makes up for his grinchness!

    How special to have all your arty decorations on one tree.... happy memories.

    Special Christmas Greetings to you and your family Linda from me and mine.

    Karen xxx

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  18. The painted tree at the top stole my heart right from the start, it's so beautifully painted, so full of light together with the lovely pink and blue sky, so thank you very much for linking it to Celebrate at AJJ.
    I love your little tree too with its memories of friendship.

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  19. A really nice winter scene is your image with the Christmas tree covered with snow. Very atmospheric!
    Dear greetings and Happy Christmas time!
    Sabine

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  20. There's only one gift card i 'am happy to see... Hobby Lobby...lol The rest of the the time i don't care to receive giftcards.. I'd rather have something someone picked out for me..

    I apologize for being so late to the party.. Its been a hectic day with an EARLY morning run to the airpost three house away.. and back and flopping in bed to sleep til noon..uughh.. But i'm here! And i just love your painted tree. Such a good job! And i have an angel like that on my tree from when my daughter was little..

    I have a grinch like that under my roof too... The only thing he has to do is put the lights on tree and somehow he still manages to grumble..lol Merry Christmas!! and Happy T day!! Hugs!deb

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  21. Merry xmas time,
    see you again next year!

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  22. A wonderful post, Linda.

    Merry Christmas to you and yours

    Thank you for joining us at MOO MANIA & MORE

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  23. Thank you for those Christmas Blessings! Lovely work in your journal :o)

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  24. Both trees are much beautiful, your special decorated Christmas tree and your gorgeous painted snow tree! I also love your beautiful watercolors and these cute angels! And at last this wonderful photo of the sunset in Cape May!
    Wish you happy Christmas days! Rike x

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  25. Love the Grinch on the bike and hubby so cute and thin ~ how does he do that and eat all that wonderful you show on your post???? LOL

    Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy New Year to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  26. Hi Linda! Love your painted tree and wreath and ornaments. So glad you are still happy from your vacay. I can vouch for buying one's own gifts, the only way to go! Merry Christmas! xoxo

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  27. Lovely post Linda, enjoyed your art this week. Merry Christmas!

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  28. I am so happy to see that you are having a wonderful holiday season. I just love your gorgeous tree painting! Wishing you and yours a merry Christmas, Autumn

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  29. Linda this tree is stunning beyond words! There is something about you and trees! I still remember the trees with words! Just wow! Your arty tree is amazing! So full of love and joy! You're obviously full of enough love and joy for two people at Christmas so Bill can take a pass! All your art is so festive, just like you! Merry Chistmas my friend, wishing you everything wonderful this holiday! You are pure gold and deserve the best always!

    Peace Giggles

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  30. Wonderful start in your Journal for the New Year ~ so creative!

    Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year to you all,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  31. Adorable lace angels ~ I love angels as you know ~

    Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year to you all,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  32. that card with the flower circle is so beautiful, I love it! Also that painting of the tree, I love that soft pink behind it. Wishing you warm holidays, and a great start tot the new year|! Hugs xx

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  33. Linda thank you for all of the beautiful art and wonderful photos this year. I look forward to see what you create next. Merry Christmas and Happy 2018

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  34. Lovely photos & your snowy Christmas tree is gorgeous. Wishing you Linda a Merry Christmas and all the best for 2018!

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  35. You created such a beautiful tree as if from a fairy tale book. Looking at the painting takes me away to a Christmas wonderland as well as the lovely Christmas balls and the pretty wreath. The ornaments in your Christmas tree are adorable!

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  36. Hi Linda

    Thank you so much for our lovely Christmas card .... it has pride of place and makes me smile every time I see it. My OH liked it too!!!!

    Thank you too for all the inspiration throughout the year.... wishing you and your family a happy, healthy and creative 2018.

    Karen xxxxx

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  37. Love your beautifully decorated tree as well as the wonderful watercolour one. Wishing you and your loved ones wonderful holiday celebrations 💕

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  38. I love yoru painted tree. Looks much more beautiful then the real ones :)

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  39. Your watercolor wreath is so pretty and the Christmas tree painting is lovely. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!

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  40. Oh what a beautiful - special tree you have with all those precious memories Linda - I love it! and I also really love all your art and especially the winter tree scene - thats so magical!
    Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas and all the very best for 2018
    Gill x

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  41. I love the painting of your tree in the snow. So apropro for the season.

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  42. Wonderful creations ~ especially the tree ~ Be safe, cozy and warm ~ wish it wouldn't snow it makes it hard to travel locally and long distance ~ It is what it is.

    Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, New Year to You,

    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  43. Lovely! Happy PPF and wishing you a Merry Christmas and an amazing artistic new year!

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  44. What a lovely post, I love the tree painting! Merry Christmas to you.

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  45. Merry Christmas Linda! I enjoyed seeing your lovely tree with hand made decorations - I saw some ARTchix images in there! Love your painted tree too - doesn’t using black gesso give the colours depth? Happy Holidays and all the best in 2018.

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  46. So much beautiful creations, those lace ornaments are so pretty and so is the calendar spread. The tree looks amazing. Thank you so much for joining us at Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge. Hugs, Sandra

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  47. Linda ~ Hope you didn't get too much snow ~ lovely post and photos!

    Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year,
    C & Z

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Thank you so much for your comments; it's a pleasure to connect with you!