A Victorian New Years Day Celebration

As we say goodbye to 2008 and enter the fresh new beginnings promised for 2009, I thought it would be fun to share a little history on the celebration of New Years taken from the book of Mrs. Sharp’s Traditions…

In Victorian times, New Year’s afternoon, rather than the night before, was the time for gala entertaining and celebration in the form of New Year’s Day open houses. Tradition held that all the ladies of a family (and all boys under the age of ten) remained at home to receive callers while the gentlemen went out to pay visits.

During the 1870s in large cities, it was fashionable for bachelors to make rounds of New Year’s Day calls to the homes of eligible young ladies. Newspapers even printed lists of the homes that would be open and the hours they were receiving visitors. The only requirement for admission was calling cards. The young man would be introduced to the eligible women of the household, under the watchful eyes of parents and assorted relatives, before being encouraged to partake of the lavish refreshments.

Not surprisingly, the custom quickly became sport. Young men would try to rack up as many as fifty calls a day (being more interested in becoming intoxicated than in meeting their hosts’ eligible daughters), and young women would eagerly collect calling cards as if they were butterfly specimens.

By the late 1880s, the hospitality of the day had so been abused that opening up one’s house on New Year’s Day to strangers was snuffed out by social disapproval. During the 1890s, however, the tradition of New Year’s Day open houses evolved into “family calls” and receptions for invited guests only. After World War 1, the custom of New Year’s Day “calling” virtually disappeared and New Year’s Eve parties increased in popularity.

"A good beginning makes a good ending"

However you choose to celebrate your New Years, I hope your celebration will include the happiness of loved ones around you and a bright anticipation for the coming year ahead!

The Queen Of France Comes To Florida

Marie Antoinette came for Christmas. Her holiday was not spent in the glorious palace of Versailles, but in a little 3 bedroom 2 bath bungalow in downtown St. Petersburg. All I can say is that I must have been really good this year because Santa gave me a French Christmas that was fit for a Queen!!!

It started with these Marie Antoinette shoes…..

Are these not the cutest shoes you’ve ever seen??? These darling shoes have been on my silent wish list for many months and they arrived as a gift from my SIL, Glenna, who is one of the most fashion forward gals I know. Glenna is one of those blessed with a talent for giving the most beautiful and thoughtful gifts…..every time.

I never talked about these shoes with her, but she reads my blog from time to time and noticed where I posted once about these shoes. Can’t you just picture these shoes with a pair of cute blue jeans? I tell ya’ I am gonna be as sassy as the Queen of France in these shoes!

Then Mr. Cupid did his shopping for me this year with Marie in mind. It started with these wonderful books, each one about Marie or Versailles…

He continued the Marie theme with music. All of these wonderful French music CDs. I really love the Musique a la Chapelle Royale de Versailles. This 5 CD set contains music that was played in the chapel at Versailles before and during the rein of Louis XIV. All the music that Marie would have known. If you loved the French Opera scenes in Sofia Coppola’s 2006 Marie Antoinette movie, then you will love this beautiful music too.

Now I can go to France everyday without leaving my studio with my French 356 days a year calendar. A gorgeous picture each day of something in France.

And Versailles perfume and matching body lotion too!!! This is a classic French fragrance made with jasmine, rose, orange blossom, lilac, lily of the valley, musk, amber sandalwood and patchouli, among other beautiful plants. Many of these ingredients were also in the perfume that was custom made for Marie Antoinette during her time.




And a sparkling Fleur de lis ornament topped everything off,

I enjoyed many hours on the sofa on Christmas day listening to my Versailles music, while reading my Versailles books and wearing my Versailles perfume. But I’ll let you in on a little secret….this Maire Antoinette theme holiday was in part due to celebrating this….

Maybe you saw this exciting announcement on Jenny Doh’s Blog. Jenny is the Editor in Chief of Somerset Studio, Belle Armoire and many other magazines under the Stampington umbrella. There is a new magazine coming to newsstands on April 1, called “Marie”. Jennifer Jackson was announced as the Managing Editor and there was a call for artwork. Since this was my very first magazine submission, I spent a month with crossed fingers and bitten lips until I received word that I was selected to be featured in the Marie magazine!!! I can’t begin to explain how excited I am about this. As much as I adore all things Marie, to be included in this special Marie magazine is true kismet for me.

So please stay tuned to my blog. I won’t reveal any further details until I have the actual magazine in my hot little hands. So now you can understand why Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France made such a grand appearance in my home for the holidays this year. Vive la Reine!

The Christmas Cactus

Well, I thought I could stay away from blogging for at least a couple of week’s…. no such luck! I just had to share this pretty Christmas Cactus that I’ve had for 3 years now. I have a horrible green thumb, but for some reason this plant likes me.

I really adore the Christmas Cactus. They are a traditional plant that was popular in days gone by and they have a wonderful reputation for long life and are often passed down from generation to generation. My mom has a Christmas Cactus that belonged to HER mother. When my Grandmother passed away, my mom came home with her plant and it’s still going strong! My mom estimates that the plant is well over 30 years old by now. My mom has even given me cuttings from my grandmother’s plant.

I have the best success with this plant when I leave it ALONE! Through trial and error I’ve discovered that they like to be a tad bit root bound. Every one I’ve transplanted into a bigger, roomier pot, bit the dust, so to speak. Now, I leave it alone except for a little water every now and then. In the spring I move this plant outside to our patio and it stays outdoors until just before Christmas. To make the plant bloom, there is a secret I’ll share with you. About one month before Christmas, virtually stop watering your plant and place it somewhere that it can get at least 14 hours a day of darkness. I put mine under an outdoor buffet table that is covered with a tablecloth. Then about one week before Christmas I bring it out from under the table and it’s full of blooms!

This is the plant I found today after being pretty much in darkness for the last month. The blooms are a beautiful mix of white and salmon. The traditional colors for this plant are pink, red or white. If you’ve never tried growing one of these beauties I suggest you adopt one from your local garden center. They make great gifts too!

A Sincere Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who shopped my Last Minute Stocking Stuffer Sale! The elves are working hard to package all the orders for shipment in time for the big day.

Now that all my Christmas orders are done, I’ve hung up my soldering iron and closed shop for the holidays to catch up on some family love time. I’ll also be restocking the shelves and giving the boutique a little makeover for the upcoming New Year. I won’t be posting until after the holidays, so until then, I’d like to wish everyone a beautiful and loving Christmas and may your New Year be merry and bright!

Last Minute Jewelry Sale!

Surprise!!! It’s a last minute sale and just in time for Christmas!!!

While working in the studio today putting the finishing touches on my last custom orders for Christmas delivery, I felt the urge to offer a little sale as a thank you to all my wonderful and loyal customers. I have a number of jewels in stock and ready to ship and I’ve discounted these beauties 25% to $60%!!!! Order by Thursday, December 18th to receive in time for Christmas. I’ve selected the perfect jewels for all those last minute stocking stuffers and gifts for teachers, co-workers, friends and family, really anyone who could use a little extra sparkle this year.

The sale is for in stock items only, so I can ship them to you FAST. You’ll find big savings in Earrings, Broken China Necklaces & Bracelets, Postcard Jewelry, Queen Jewelry and Couture Jewelry. Order quick before your favorite is gone! And a HUGE THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has purchased my jewelry this past year. Now let’s go shop!!!! : )

Glittered Pinecones

Welcome to Holiday Crafting and Decorating Idea #17! Even the humble pinecone can be elevated to a holiday standout when enhanced with sparkling glitter!

So simple to make and the pinecones can be collected on nature walks…free décor, compliments of Mother Nature! First start by brushing glue on the outside edges of the pinecone and then glitter the edges with your favorite shade of sparkle. This is a fun and easy craft to do with the little ones too!

Glittered pinecones make beautiful decorations when grouped together in bowls or baskets, attached to packages or even when used as pretty tree ornaments. Venture outdoors and have a look around to see what “ornaments” await your discovery!

Grouping Holiday Collections

Welcome to Holiday Crafting and Decorating Idea #16! Try grouping favorite items together for visual impact. Here’s a collection of hand-carved Santa’s my dad made for me.

I love these guys! Years ago, my dad and I had a joint creative project. He would carve these cute Santa’s and I would paint them. Since I live in Florida and my family is in Virginia, he soon tried his hand at painting the Santa’s himself. Every now and then he surprises his daughters with one of his creations in our Christmas care packages sent from home. He signs the bottoms of the Santa’s and dates them too, so you can see why each one is so precious to me.

I usually scatter them all over the house, but this year I grouped them together as a collection. I think they look much better displayed this way… an Army of Santa’s to spread holiday cheer! If you have a collection that has special meaning to you, try grouping them together this year for a unique display!

Romantic Holiday Potpourri Balls

Welcome to Holiday Crafting and Decorating Idea #15! This is a project I blogged about last spring, but it’s such a pretty ornament that I wanted to share it again for the holidays.

These are so easy to make and make wonderful gifts too! Cut squares of a tight weave lace or tulle and place your favorite potpourri inside. Gather the edges up and secure. You can add extra layers of lace and trim around the top to make it as “ruffley” as you like. Loop and add a long satin ribbon at the top so you can hang your ornament, then use a hot glue gun to add a sparkling jewel (I used an old earring and some crystal drop trim).

Isn’t this romantic? Here is a picture of the back so you can see the potpourri peaking out.

I hope you’ll try this pretty and romantic ornament project!

Another Ornament Display Idea!

Welcome to Holiday Crafting and Decorating Idea #14! A favorite ornament makes a great focal point when displayed alone.

Here I’ve placed a festive blown glass Santa ornament in a vintage ice-cream dish with sprigs of holly around the bottom.

Holiday Greenery

Welcome to Holiday Crafting and Decorating Idea #13! I always like to add a touch of greenery here and there around the house. Look for unusual places to tuck in some holiday greens. I snipped these holly branches from a tree in our yard and used them to add a touch of Christmas over framed art.

I also use cut greenery from the yard to tuck in floral arrangements, place around candleholders and to also add in wreaths and garlands. Take a look around your yard to see what “free” décor awaits your creative ideas!

The Well Dressed Doorknob

Welcome to Holiday Crafting and Decorating Idea #12! Don’t forget to add a little holiday glitz to your doorknobs! Here I’ve started with a bunch of cream and gold grapes, then I added a couple of small glittered floral picks and tied everything to the doorknob with a white & gold sparkling tassel.

I try to decorate all the interior doors with a little glitz and glam during the holidays. It’s like a little holiday treat every time you reach for the door handle!

If you look close, you might notice that we have old-fashioned glass knobs on our doors. We live in a 1924 bungalow that still has all it’s original hardware. I’ll never forget the day my young nephew came racing into our home on his first visit and he stopped dead in his tracks. With his eyes wide open he said “Aunt Joy, you have DIAMONDS on your doors!!!!” I always laugh at that cherished memory and I sure do WISH they were diamonds! Whether you have “diamonds” on your doors or not, try adding a little holiday sparkle in unexpected places this year.

Natural Decorations

Welcome to Holiday Crafting and Decorating Idea #11! I love to use touches of glam on natural everyday items in my holiday decorating. Here I’ve added metallic gray ribbons on a group of pears and I think they look very festive!

I’ve placed the pears in a favorite vintage compote, which was filled with a bedding of sheet moss to further enhance the natural look. I like to keep this in my kitchen but I think it would make a really pretty centerpiece on a table too. Try looking at your favorite holiday fruit with a creative eye this year and see what you can create!

Glass Globes

Welcome to Holiday Crafting and Decorating Idea #10! You can purchase these plain glass ornaments at any craft store and they are so much fun to craft with, especially during the holiday season.

First I painted swirls on the outside of the glass with gold glitter glue.

Then I filled the inside of the globe with more of the vintage music paper shreds that I made with my paper shredder.

These are really fun to make and you can fill the globes with anything you wish…tiny pictures, a collection of sand and shells, beads and glitter, the possibilities are endless! I hope you’ll try making a few of these fun ornaments this year!

Nativity Display

Welcome to Holiday Crafting and Decorating Idea #9! Here’s a sweet way to display a nativity set as a centerpiece or a tabletop decoration. Use a vintage platter!

I found this small, very old chalkware nativity set at a flea market but it was missing the manger. I like to display the pieces on an antique serving platter with bits of sheet moss for a natural look.

I really like the contrast of the earthenware platter, natural moss and the nativity pieces!

Combining Heirlooms And Ornaments

Welcome to Holiday Crafting and Decorating Idea #8! Create a sweet still life display by using a vintage ornament with a cherished heirloom from your collections.

I think this darling antique baby shoe makes a precious and sentimental ornament holder!

Festive Cranberries

Welcome to Holiday Crafting and Decorating Idea #7! Nothing says the holidays to me like bright red cranberries. My favorite idea is to use cranberries as a base for floral arrangements, especially white flowers. I think the contrast is so beautiful!

For simple table decorations, consider filling pretty saucers with cranberries and votive candles.

You can also fill favorite flea-market finds, like this vintage sugar bowl, with cranberries and a single votive candle.

If you’re having a dinner party, a vintage wine glass or goblet filled with cranberries and a votive, at each place setting is pretty too!

Cranberries are inexpensive and can be used in so many ways with your holiday décor. Take a look around and you’ll be surprised at all the great ideas you’ll have to use these festive berries!

The Christmas Cloche

Welcome to Holiday Crafting and Decorating Idea #6!

Try placing a favorite object under a glass. It seems to give even the simplest of items an air of importance.

Here I’ve used a small ornament that I usually hang on the Christmas tree and I’ve also used more of the vintage music paper shreds.

Now that it’s showcased under a cloche, I think it makes a really charming holiday vignette!

Ornament Treats!!!

Welcome to Holiday Crafting and Decorating Ideas #5! Here’s one last idea for using a cake pedestal in your holiday decorating – Ornament Treats!

You can show off a collection of your favorite vintage glass balls or other ornaments by placing them in cupcake and candy cup wrappers on a pretty cake pedestal.

They’ll look like “ornament treats”!!! I keep this display on our buffet and I think it’s a really simple and cute decorating idea for any kitchen or dining room.

Cake Pedestal Ornament Display

Welcome to Holiday Crafting and Decorating idea #4! Here’s a fun way to display a favorite holiday ornament - feature it on a cake pedestal!

This is a special ornament that we purchased on our honeymoon and I wanted to display it alone this year. To hold the ornament in place, I made a little “nest” by using my paper shredder to shred vintage sheet music.

This sentimental ornament will not be lost on the tree this year and now I smile every time I walk past this pretty display. As you decorate your tree this year and reminisce over your special ornaments, why not select a favorite and display it on a cake pedestal!