EAB Designs

Handmade Santas

 

I discovered these little handmade Santas at a local craft show a few years ago. They are from Saint's Nicks.  You can find their show schedule on their web-site, but they also take custom orders online as well.  Santa's robes are made from vintage fabrics and blankets and they use a variety of items in Santa's pack to match the recipient's personality. My oldest daughter, the artist, received the Santa on the left and my youngest, a nature lover, received the other.  I just love the charm of their vintage blankets, preserved berries and sweet expressions.

Christmas Cones

 

A selection of Victorian inspired Christmas cones have been added to my Etsy shop, and can be found under the "Holiday" section.  They are a a perfect addition to your holiday table, mantel, or tree.  Hang one in the center of a wreath or on the back of your dining chairs. Filled with holiday treats or small gifts, they are a delightful hostess gift or welcomed surprise when placed at your dinner guests' place settings.

From now, through December 23rd, I am happy to offer FREE SHIPPING on all orders totaling $50 or more.  

Advent Calendar

Last year I blogged about our traditional advent calendar which we have happily used for many years and will do so again this year as well.  You can find pictures of it here.  This year, sweet girl will be away at college until December 11th, so I made her a special advent calendar for days 1 - 10 which she can take back to her dorm this weekend. I numbered ten glassine bags and inserted a folded sheet of paper,  trimmed with scalloped scissors and stamped with Christmas sentiments, to hide the contents.  So even though she's away, she won't have to miss out on a tradition she has always looked forward to.

 
 

 

 

Thanksgiving Traditions

  

The day before Thanksgiving brings a flurry of activity to our kitchen.  Today I made our three traditional pies, sweet potato, pumpkin and apple, and also our decadent Thanksgiving mashed potatoes with butter, cream cheese and sour cream blended in.  (Thank goodness we only eat this once a year!)  This is sweet girl's favorite Thanksgiving dish and she can't wait to get home from college to have some.  Next on the list was preparing the hot crab dip for our lunch tomorrow.  Our youngest began this tradition and it wouldn't be Thanksgiving for her without it.  We sit down for dinner, with all of our traditional favorites, in the evening.  Following dinner, we watch "Miracle on 34th Street", with a scheduled intermission to feast on holiday pies.  Speaking of pies, I have a confession to make.  I ate a slice of the sweet potato pie already. It's my mom's recipe and it's just so yummy.

 

I wish you all a wonderful day tomorrow surrounded by the ones you love.  We have so much to be thankful for!  Happy Thanksgiving!  

Holiday Place Card Holders

I like to surprise my holiday dinner guests with unique place card holders which they can take home as a small gift at the end of the evening.  This year I embellished petite mercury glass finials.  Once my guest lists are finalized, I just need to attach a small metal rimmed tag with the guest's name.  Other years I have used pretty ornaments or small beautifully wrapped boxes with holiday treats.  It's something that can be done far in advance to make your holiday table sparkle.

Mercury Glass Birds

I purchased a number of these mercury glass birds a few months ago and just got around to embellishing them today.  I do love them unadorned as well and keep one under a cloche in my studio.  However, I wanted to dress up the ones that will be coming with me to my holiday craft show this weekend.

 

I created a sprig out of natural white tallow berries and a manuscript paper leaf.  A vintage rhinestone was then attached with a soft colored silver ribbon.  These would look beautiful mixed with a bit of fresh boxwood and vintage ornaments on a holiday table.  I may end up having to make some more.... I think I want to keep some for my own holiday decorating!

Greetings on a rainy Friday....

Just popping in to say hello.  Sweet girl and I have been home together since last Friday recuperating from the flu and a cold.  Thankfully, she is better and returned to school today.  We have been living in our pj's, mostly sleeping, watching HGTV and the Food Network, and eating lots of chicken noodle soup. (Barefoot Contessa's recipe is the best!)  The house is quiet today. Although we were sick, it was fun being nestled up together.  Haven't been out in days, so it was a nice surprise to get a few packages in the mail.  I purchased four beautiful vintage rhinestone brooches on Etsy and they all arrived at one time.  So pretty!

 

 

Future Designer in the House?

Today, I walked into my 16 year-old's room and this is what I discovered on her dress form.  Isn't her design pretty?  I just love it - especially the tucks of fabric and the bustle on the back.

She used an Anna Maria Horner fabric that she asked me to order from Etsy and, just like a Project Runway contestant, pinned it to her dress form to create this dress.  I'm not quite sure how she even managed it, because the fabric is still in one piece of yardage and was never cut.  I also noticed underneath the dress, she used thin strips of my husband's colored painter's tape to outline the design on the form - a step frequently seen on Project Runway.  And speaking of being crafty, while I was in her room I snapped a couple pictures of this necklace holder she made.  She asked my husband to take her to Home Depot where she purchased some wood, hooks and paint to make this.  I think it looks great in her room.  She never ceases to amaze me.  Makes me want to run right over to school to give her a great big hug!