make xmas happen

14 December 2014


Now I'm a parent I realise that Christmas needs to be created by someone, and when you have a little one, that responsibility lands on you. Unfortunately this is the time of the year that I suffer the most from the dark days and the lethargy that it brings. I have tried to keep myself busy as a way to distract from the winter blues, and it does work, but then I swing from happiness, to misery in the blink of an eye. I kind of have to force myself to get busy, but once I am busy, then I'm on a roll!
When I was little, times were hard for us as a family, but the xmasses are really the best memories I have, it was magical...and for kids it's really important to feel that magic I think.




This is our tree. It's a little one, its in a basket and on our sledge this time. I made some star garlands out of wallpaper this year, and also some pom-poms (which smell like sheep, I love it!). The felt leaves and acorns I made last year. The star on the top I made out of an old fish finger box! I covered it in glitter. There are a few treasured critters on there too...whale, fox and new for this year...a barn owl (our annual purchase from Liberty's). All in all, I like our tree very much


we always get out the angel chimes every year, and our littlun loves them, I had them when I was a tot too. The other carousel is made of 9ct gold sheet, cut by handsaw by my mister for her first birthday, the animals spell out her name!...its a treasure.


I made the stocking last year out of an old cashmere scarf.


The gold things around the bottles are tiny metal maple leaves from the model shop!
The bottles are old beer bottles from the market, I love the rusty wire stoppers.

mid...'cheese'


we have more blankets than we know what to do with! Me and my mister can't resist a nice blanket.


this is the first star wreath I made with gold glitter and pheasants feathers.

This is our desiccator, we found it in the antique market...its for drying out scientific samples, yes.
I made it into a snow scene!




Our nipper stuck those felt snowflakes and the window, I'm very impressed!


So now that I am slowly cleaning the house and putting up decorations, I feel better. The look on our daughters face helps a lot. 
She phones Father Christmas everyday to tell him if she's been naughty. She demands the xmas tree lights are switched on at breakfast time. She sings xmas songs in the car and has been devouring her body weight in mince pies and chocolate coins (well not really but it seems like that!). It can't get any better!




 Ho ho ho!!! x

24 comments

  1. What a warm and lovely post, the simple joy of Christmas.

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  2. I love the snow scenes in the bottles!

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  3. Nearly time for Solstice celebrations, then we can look forward to a weeny bit more daylight each and every day. Your decorations are delightful, you are building a beautiful Christmas for P xxxxxxxxxx

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  4. Beautiful, all of it. And I'm a fellow lover of white interiors - those Scandis have got it right. Lots of light in the gloomy days of winter. Your house looks gorgeous.
    S

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  5. Loved looking at your christmas decorating pics last year and this year too. Thanks for sharing. Your home looks so cosy.

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  6. How beautiful and refreshing to see original decorations. A truly personal, cosy and delightful interior.

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  7. Beautiful decorations - the tiny carousels are amazing!

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  8. Utterly stunning, and what beautiful Christmas memories you are creating for your daughter. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Vanessa x

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  9. so beautiful and tasteful! You are so clever!

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  10. so beautiful and tasteful! You are so clever!

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  11. I love your approach to Christmas and life; completely charming. The littlun is already showing talent in the placing of those snowflakes.

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  12. Your christmas decorations are amazing. I made star wreath after i saw yours but instead of black stars i cut mine from old maps and it became to be my favorite decoration this year. I love the christmas scenes you made in a glass jar, tiny little magic. Blankets are fantastic, i truly understand that you can resist them ;) To be honest i have never tried roasted chestnuts, i need to get some but it is not easy to get them here in Poland ;)

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  13. I think you are vey creative, it's impressive. Happy Christmas for all your family :)

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  14. I've made some star and wire wreaths too... such a satisfying little make. I hear you on the winter blues. I get really really bad at this time of year. Christmas looks beautiful in your home... merry christmas to you and yours xx

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  15. Absolutely beautiful. Especially the beaming face of your little girl.

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  16. Thanks for sharing... I can relate to what you're saying. Your decorations are magical... your home looks so cozy and beautiful.

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  17. Love everything you've done! Very festive indeed!!

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  18. Anonymous18.12.14

    You must work so fast! I feel like I have been working day and night and I haven't spent any time on decorating except our tree! I still have gifts to finish making and so much wrapping to do (and wrapping paper to make). Anyway, I realized the same sentiment this year. I want my gals to have special lives and we are the ones that will make that happen. My family stopped celebrating xmas (save the turkey dinner) years ago so now with my inlaws and my own little family Xmas is magical again. Next year I'm gonna start earlier on the decor! Your photos are a real inspiration!

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  19. What a beautiful post! Open, honest and absolutely gorgeous - oh and the house, decorations and family - swoon! I'm so jel! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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  20. I love your daughter's face, so happy and excited, bless her. I too have a weakness for blankets, everyone complains until it gets cold then they all want to snuggle!

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  21. I love this post, but love your Solstice one even more xx

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  22. Your home looks so inviting, love all your creative ideas especially as they can be made for very little.
    Merry Yule!

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  23. I don't think I've ever posted on your Blog Artemis....I've watched & been enchanted by your creativity down here in Australia WAY before Little Pehr was even a BUMP....!! However, your words at the beginning of your post caused my throat to constrict & as I scrolled down your pics to the little Fox in your tree I felt compelled to engage 'properly' with you & let you know how VERY SPECIAL I think you are....As an Artist & a Mother I think you are INCREDIBLE....Pehr is a VERY LUCKY little person & I can't but help be envious of the MAGICAL memories you & Neo are creating for her....If I could have a 'do over'....I would so WANT Parents like you....!!!!! THANK YOU for sharing your World....!!!!! Cheers from here, Tamarah xx

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  24. Anonymous2.12.22

    Love every bit of this!

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