A Christmas Tag!

I was tagged by A Hen's Nest. You need to stop by this blog if you haven't. Henrietta has a wonderful blog - and she is one of my favorite people on the net! She has helped me so much with getting my sidebars to look the way I would like! Just really a wonderful person! :)
Since it's Christmas and this is a Christmas themed tag - I just had to do it!!

1.) Have you started your Christmas shopping?

Oh I've been done for 3 weeks now. I was quite late this year - I like to be done by the end of Oct. but it was just to busy, the weather was too nice, the boys didn't have their lists finished etc. :)


2.) Tell me about one of your special traditions.

On Christmas Eve everyone get to open the presents in their stockings. The rest of the presents


3.) When do you put up your Tree?

Usually the tree would go up the last Sat of November. Since the boys became teenagers they joined their Dad in thinking the tree didn't need to be up till the 24th of December and could be taken down on the 26th! So - this year I decided to see how long it took till someone mentioned something about no tree up yet. This Sunday morning hubby asked about it, so I put it up. I guess the tree means more to them then they thought LOL

4.) Are you a Black Friday shopper?

Not happening! Don't like shopping to start with - not going when everyone else does.


5.) Do you Travel at Christmas or Stay home?

We have spent 3 of the last 21 Christmas's on a beach in Mexico - it's a nice change from the cold and snow. This Christmas we are staying home.


6.) What is your funniest Christmas memory?

Well - I really don't have one. Well not a funny one but it had a great ending! On Christmas day in 1991 - I was in labor with son 2. He was born the next day at 3:15pm. One Christmas I will never forget :)


7.) What is your favorite Christmas Movie of All time?

Every year we watch the original "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" as a family. We really like the new version with Jim Carrey too.


8.)Do you do your own Christmas Baking, what’s your favorite treat?

Yes, I do some baking but it's not easy. Hubby has a slight allergy to nuts, and chocolate gives him headaches. What do you bake at Christmas that does not involve nuts or chocolate?


9.) Fake or Real Tree?

We used too have a real tree every year, but I was never very good at remembering to water it. One year when we were gone over Christmas we decided to get a fake one, at least the needles wouldn't all be on the floor when we got back.


10.) What day (as a Mom) does the actual panic set in to get it all done?

November 15!! Especially this year since I hadn't finished the shopping yet. The rest will all work out. I'm not the panic or worry type.


11.) Are you still wrapping presents on Christmas Eve?

No - they are all wrapped and under the tree as soon as the tree is up.


12.) What is your favorite family fun time at Christmas?

Staying home, visiting with the kids, relaxing.


13.) What Christmas craft do you like the best?

Anything that involves snowmen :) I love to paint/make ornaments for the students on my school bus. Started the tradition 4 years ago. Every student gets an ornament, a candy cane and some small candies.


14.) Christmas music. Yes or No, and if yes What is your favorite song?

I absolutely LOVE Christmas music. Don't care what kind - though the old Hymns that we sang in Church when I was young are my favorite.


15.) When do you plan to finish all your shopping?

Done! WOOHOO!!


Any blogger is welcome to participate in this meme, even if you haven’t been tagged yet. Heather over at the Top Ten Christmas Blog will go back and add your blog link to the list if you wanna play along.


Just simply copy and paste the questions into your blog, and then answer them.

Then tag 5 or more of your favorite blogs, and leave them a comment telling them they’ve been tagged.

That’s it! We’re looking forward to seeing everyone’s answers!
My turn to tag!

Christie Cottage
BedeSisters
Chris' Comments
Hip Chic Designs
Candles by Marla

When you post your blog, please spread some Christmas cheer, and leave a link back to Heather at Top Ten Christmas Blog, and the blog that you were tagged by- which happens to be A Hen's Nest.

Rainbow Metals

Dvora has an amazing metal shop on Etsy. Rainbow Metals has the most wonderful magnets, jewelry, items for children and more. This is a very unique shop!


My name is Dvora Schleffer. I live in a small village in the north of Israel. I have been crafting ever since I can remember myself. I started making jewelry when I was a teenager and never stopped. My "RainbowMetal" store in a new adventure for me that I just started about 2 months ago. I have been making sterling silver and gemstones jewelry for many years under the name "DvoraSchleffer". I wanted to try something different, with more colorful and fun items. I also ventured into non-jewelry items for the first time with small home decor items like magnets, pictures etc. Since my name "DvoraSchleffer" was already taken by my existing store, I came up with "RainbowMetal" which I think reflects the essence of the store - colorful metal.

I have a small studio at home where I do my crafting. I have several working areas in the studio for all my different crafting needs. My work process is made of several stages. First I plan my designs. I make several sketches until I decide on thoise I like. Then I decide on the techniques I am going to use. I actually have several different techniques that I use to make my rainbowmetal items. After that I make the design and see if it works as planned or if it need any changes on the way. I am not addicted to any supplies, I love experimenting and trying new things all the time. I am however addicted to tools! I have a wide selection and I have a list of many more tools I would love to get. So in answer to what would I add to my crafting space I would say - many cool tools and more space so I'll have room to put it all!

My favorite piece is the cute giraffe painting. I had fun venturing into non-jewelry items for the first time. I got to decorate rooms and not just people; I got to work in different sizes and different techniques than those I am used to. The paintings for children's room were especially fun to do, and this giraffe painting is my favorite. It turned out so much nicer and cuter than I had expected.

The Christmas Orange

Sometimes it is easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas. The busy traditions of the season and the appealing advertisements for material goods can leave the pure and simple truths far, far behind.

Jake was nine years old with tousled brown hair with blue eyes as bright as a heavenly angel. For as long as Jake could remember he had lived within the walls of a poor orphanage. He was just one of ten children supported by what meager contributions the orphan home could obtain in a continuous struggle seeking donations from townsfolk.

There was very little to eat, but at Christmas time there always seemed to be a little more than usual to eat, the orphanage seemed a little warmer, and it was time for a little holiday enjoyment. But more than this, there was the Christmas orange!

Christmas was the only time of year that such a rare treat was provided and it was treasured by each child like no other food admiring it, feeling it, prizing it and slowly enjoying each juicy section. Truly, it was the light of each orphan’s Christmas and their best gift of the season. How joyful would be the moment when Jake received his orange!

Unknown to him, Jake had somehow managed to track a small amount of mud on his shoes through the front door of the orphanage, muddying the new carpet. He hadn’t even noticed. Now it was too late and there was nothing he could do to avoid punishment. The punishment was swift and unrelenting. Jake would not be allowed his Christmas orange! It was the only gift he would receive from the harsh world he lived in, yet after a year of waiting for his Christmas orange, is was to be denied him.

Tearfully, Jake pleaded that he be forgiven and promised never to track mud into the orphanage again, but to no avail. He felt hopeless and totally rejected. Jake cried into his pillow all that night and spent Christmas Day feeling empty and alone. He felt that the other children didn’t want to be with a boy who had been punished with such a cruel punishment. Perhaps they feared he would ruin their only day of happiness. Maybe, he reasoned, the gulf between him and his friends existed because they feared he would ask for a little of their oranges. Jake spent the day upstairs, alone, in the unheated dormitory. Huddled under his only blanket, he read about a family marooned on an island. Jake wouldn’t mind spending the rest of his life on an isolated island, if he could only have a real family that cared about him.

Bedtime came, and worst of all, Jake couldn’t sleep. How could he say his prayers? How could there be a God in Heaven that would allow a little soul such as his, to suffer so much all by himself? Silently, he sobbed for the future of mankind that God might end the suffering in the world, both for himself and all others like him.

As he climbed back into bed from the cold, hard floor, a soft hand touched Jake’s shoulder, startling him momentarily and an object was silently placed in his hands. The giver disappeared into the darkness, leaving Jake with what, he did not immediately know!

Looking closely at it in the dim light, he saw that it looked like an orange! Not a regular orange, smooth and shiny, but a special orange, very special. Inside a patched together peal were the segments of nine other oranges, making one whole orange for Jake! The nine other children in the orphanage had each donated one segment of their own precious oranges to make a whole orange as a gift for Jake.

Sharing what we truly value is the true spirit of Christmas. Our Heavenly Father gave us His beloved Son. May we, like the children in the orphanage, find ways to share His love with others less blessed.

–Rewritten from an anonymous source by Laura Martin-Buhler

Christmas With a Capital "C"

Yummy Sweet Treats!

Do you love sweet treats? Have I found the perfect shop for you!! Grandma Althea's Kitchen has the most amazing snacks I've seen! I get the munchies every time I go to her shop :)


*Where are you from? Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am originally from a tiny town near Pittsburgh, PA. I am going to be visiting family all over PA, FL, and NC until sometime in January, but plan to continue my shop. Most of my family are good cooks. Making holiday cookies and chocolates together is actually a family tradition we do every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

*How did you decide on your shop name? Why did you start your business?
I'm a Grandma, and my name is Althea. I just recently started it after hearing about Etsy. I think its great that there is a place for handmade items!

*When did you start candy and treats?
I've made them as long as I can remember!

*Is there one treat YOU can't resist?
Blackberry pie made by my Grandmother, before she passed away. She was actually an awful cook, blackberry pie was the only thing she really made well!

*What would you love to add to your creating space?
I'm not really sure what you mean by creating space, if you mean my Etsy, I'd love to add pies, but I'm afraid that the post office would not pay attention to "This way up" labels. I may send a few test ones and find out.

*What’s your supply addiction; is there a specific color or type of supply you just can’t pass up?
As in ingredients? Hmmm, generally it's more like a recipie that looks great that I just have to try! I really like allrecipies.com as it has a rating system, as well as Taste Of Home magazine.

*Which item in your shop did you enjoy making the most and why?
The Tom Turkeys are about to be retired as it's passing Thanksgiving, so my new favorite are the brownie trees! Although the fortune cookie cards are pretty fun, too!

Another Wish List

Well - there are only 24 more shopping days till Christmas!! Are you ready? We got the last of the presents in the mail today (thank goodness for online shopping!)
But of course there were a few things that I wanted and had to look for on Etsy. Seems that I link melting tart thingies. And so I went looking for the best price and with the best shipping to Canada. I found this amazing shop!! Of course I ordered some right away :) Want the house smelling nice for the holidays. I ordered the tarts in Harvest Mix, Vanilla Cream and Pumpkin Spice. Oh I'm sorry - I didn't tell you where to get them? LOL I purchased them from the first shop in my wish list! But please take time to check out all the other shops too - they have such amazing items!!

Beautiful Handpaint Porcelain Creations

Robin has an amazing Porcelain shop on Etsy! Robin Harley Porcelain Art and Graphic Design has the most beautiful porcelain ornaments! I know this because I happen to be lucky enough to get Robin as a swap partner in the "Ornament/Decoration Swap"! I received a holly ornament like the one pictured below. It is truly a beautiful ornament!


*Where are you from?
Was born and raised in Frederick, MD. Moved to Albuquerque, NM in '83 to be closer to family. Always missed the green and change of seasons. Moved to Oakland, MD 7 years ago.

*How did you decide on your shop name?
All the porcelain collectible art is signed and dated so, that's why my business name is Robin Harley. Am mostly known for the porcelain art. Am a porcelain artist and graphic designer. Porcelain is my greatest passion and love the complexity and challenges of it. I design graphics mainly for Commonbond Communications, Inc., although have designed logos and graphics for other people and businesses.

Why did you start your business?
Started my business almost 10 years ago. Before that, I just gave pieces away and was encouraged to try and sell my art. Is so important to charge reasonable prices, whether graphic designs or porcelain art, so anyone can purchase a piece to collect if they want or have a graphic or logo designed. Is so important to donate art pieces to help raise funds for children and donate here in Oakland, MD to the schools. To me, that's what art is all about - helping. And if more people came together, just think what could be accomplished.

*When did you start crafting?
Started crafting and doing art ever since I can remember. Taught myself to crochet at age six. Loved art but did not do well in high school but learned the basics. Art is what each person sees and portrays, not what someone tells you to draw and how it should look. It's about learning the basic techniques and doing what you visualize with those techniques and applying them. Therefore, Am a self-taught artist and hands on experience is the best I think.

Can you tell is a little about the process used to make your items?
Porcelain Art:This process has been experimental from the beginning. A lot of things I've done aren't even suppose to work - if you listen to people - as for myself, I hear my own drum and keep on trying. Each piece is hand casted by me. It's so important to have a light weight ornament. I cast, clean, hand draw every little detail, paint, apply gold and create each design. No piece is the same if it's looked at carefully. Have lost a lot of pieces as well but every time the kiln lid is lifted, after a high fire, it's like looking into a treasure box - I never know what the pieces are going to look like.

Graphic Design: All of my graphic design are designed in Adobe Illustrator. They are all scaleable vector files. Am self-taught with Adobe Illustrator but took Adobe Photoshop for a semister to learn how to color graphics for commonbond Communications, Inc.

*Where do you craft?
Do all my graphic designs and porcelain art at home. And am so grateful to be able to work from home.

What does it look like?
Each piece of porcelain artwork is all porcelain including the hand drawn detail along with each dot, some are painted, and all are signed and dated by me. These porcelain collections change each year. I control the process from beginning to end taking porcelain to its ultimate limits. Pictures do not begin to reveal the unique and dainty details on each porcelain piece. The Christmas ornaments are very light in weight.

*What would you love to add to your crafting space?
I'd love a Skutt kiln, potters wheel, and an Apple computer for drawing vector graphics. Get tired of fighting the PC's for graphic design work.

*What’s your supply addiction; is there a specific color or type of supply you just can’t pass up?
Porcelain is my supply addiction. So versatile and complex. So soft and luminous. Beautiful. Porcelain is my relief outlet. It's not work it is relaxing.
One day it would be wonderful to buy the gallon of red porcelain and make myself a teaset with the slip trailing of black dragons or flowers on it. But, my addiction to porcelain wouldn't end there - China painting. Am going to start teaching myself that.

*Which item in your shop did you enjoy making the most and why?
The teapots. Started off making nothing but teapots and tea sets. The shape of the teapots are fun to work with. My very first pieces were made of earthenware - what people call "regular ceramics". After 911 happened sales ended for teapots. The woman who had this shop suggested for me to make ornaments. That's how all of the ornaments, boxes, and other items came about. I couldn't end my passion of porcelain and actually, this turned out good so now anyone can collect.