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Thursday, December 10, 2015

Creating Christmas

Welcome to Day 5 of Creating Christmas hosted by Jann of Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson.


I love that title,


"Creating Christmas".


I have spent the last two weeks doing just that around our house.



This magazine photo, cut out several years ago, was the inspiration for my Christmas decor this year.


This little vignette using my grandpa's rocking chair was the first thing I did to create Christmas in the house.


The vignette didn't last long, but it sparked my creativity.


Cherished pieces, like this 20" tall Santa, have turned our cottage into a special place this Christmas.


Our house is Steve's art gallery which means vignettes have paintings as backdrops


and Santa seems to fit right into a painting of the village where we lived in Jamaica.


Simple greens,


favorite ornaments,


and playful pixies make me smile as I walk through the house.


I love how adding a little Christmas postcard to my old Underwood puts me in the holiday spirit


as do touches of red and white throughout the house.


A Santa in every room


as well as little Christmas trees


make me wish Christmas lasted all through the year.


A ladder in the guest room


 is decorated with hand knit stockings


stuffed with teddy bears my sister brings me from her world travels.


My 1927 edition of "A Christmas Carol"


and a silly little felted mouse


share the ladder with a pixy.


More little pixies sit on a cabinet


beneath a chalkboard I created out of an old mirror.


A vintage look Santa paired with mercury glass hearts


and a collection of snowmen adorn the guest room dresser.


I created a Simple & Sweet Christmas in our little cottage.


Now, I would love to see how you "Create Christmas" at your house.


Link up to this post or any of the other parties hosting Creating Christmas.

Silver and Gold at Tea Time With Trina
Thrifty Christmas at My Thrift Store Addiction
Romantic Christmas at Anne's Attic
Old Fashioned Christmas at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

The parties will be open until Christmas Eve so please come back to visit and link up again and again.




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55 comments:

  1. Betsy@My Salvaged TreasuresDecember 10, 2015 at 4:33 PM

    Thank you for sharing a tour of your sweet cottage and for hosting, Carol! So much eye candy! I love it all!

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  2. Rita C at PanoplyDecember 10, 2015 at 4:33 PM

    Hi Carol, I couldn't wait to see your "Creating Christmas" (I really like that phrase too) because I knew I was going to love it, and I DO! Your Santa in front of Steve's painting looks totally fitting and very cool. I love textiles, of course, and your placement is just perfect in your cottage. Oh gosh, I just love your cottage, every time I see you decorate it. Happy Christmas, Carol.

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  3. 20 North OraDecember 10, 2015 at 4:44 PM

    Oh Carol - your home looks so gorgeous! Love all of your bright and cheerful colors and Christmas décor. Everything is just so sweet!

    Judy

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  4. Linda @ A La CarteDecember 10, 2015 at 4:47 PM

    Carol, I love your home any time of year! At Christmas it is magic! Thanks for sharing your sweet cottage and your talents with us. I can't wait until some Pixies move into my home soon!
    hugs,
    Linda

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  5. ANNEDecember 10, 2015 at 5:02 PM

    I agree - it is magical! LOVE love love your mercury glass hearts! and so much more. Just beautiful...

    xo

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  6. SusieDecember 10, 2015 at 5:10 PM

    Carol, It is so pretty at your house. I love your new metal chairs. I loved seeing primitive Santa on the Jamacan streets (hehe) Hope you are doing well and loving the season. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

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  7. Joy JunktionDecember 10, 2015 at 5:38 PM

    I would Love Christmas in your darling cottage, Carol! Everything is so quaint, warm and fun! And, I love how you incorporated Steve's paintings or visa versa!! May you truly enjoy the days ahead! Blessings, Cindy

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  8. Mary@mydogsmygardenandmaryDecember 10, 2015 at 6:46 PM

    Carol, everything looks terrific. Thanks so much for sharing with us your beautiful decorations.
    Mary

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  9. GinaDecember 10, 2015 at 6:53 PM

    Your decor makes me smile every single time I see it!

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  10. JunkchiccottageDecember 10, 2015 at 7:15 PM

    Hi Carol,
    So sweet and festive. Love your pixies they are so full of whimsy for the holidays. Everything looks so great.
    Enjoy your decor before you sweet trip with family for Christmas. Hugs.
    Krsi

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  11. Kim December 10, 2015 at 7:16 PM

    It looks fabulous Carol, every inch is so festive and super charming!

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  12. bj December 10, 2015 at 7:19 PM

    I just can't imagine waking up every single morning in this adorable house. Your decorating has really created Christmas in your cottage by the sea. Everything looks wonderful...and I LOVE how your decor blends into his paintings. Sooo neat.
    I was really looking forward to your tour and you did not disappoint...everything is so sweet.

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  13. cynthia lee designsDecember 10, 2015 at 7:28 PM

    Love seeing your Creating Christmas...everything looks wonderful!!
    ~Cindy

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  14. KathyDecember 10, 2015 at 7:39 PM

    Your home looks perfectly wonderful! I adore your collection of pixies but I think my favorite thing has to be the 1927 book. What a treasure!

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  15. Row homes and CobblestonesDecember 10, 2015 at 8:02 PM

    Carol your tour of your Christmas creations is very enchanting and in every room your love of play and imagination is seen. I noticed the mice - so adorable and I love each and every one of your pixies. The Red and White is absolutely festive and your imagation with blending your vignettes into Steve's artwork is outstanding. Enjoy your family vacation.
    xoxo,
    Vera

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  16. SarahDecember 10, 2015 at 8:04 PM

    Carol, your cottage is so happy and cheerful all year long, but the Christmas touches seem to add even another layer of cheer. You make me smile! Creating Christmas is a wonderful way to describe this masterpiece. Merry, Merry!

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  17. HeidiDecember 10, 2015 at 8:23 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting!

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  18. Vicky HuntDecember 10, 2015 at 9:43 PM

    Everything looks amazing Carol! Magazine worth for sure! I love it all, but my absolute favorite is the Christmas Carol book. The graphic on the front is gorgeous! I would love to find one like it to add to my collection. I'll definitely be on the lookout. Have a blessed Friday!

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  19. HWIT BLOGGDecember 11, 2015 at 12:00 AM

    So LOVELY! A house full of CHRISTMAS - I love it! I get so much inspiration from your pictures...
    Have a great weekend and advent!
    Winterhug from Titti

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  20. Anne's Attic - DesignDecember 11, 2015 at 12:00 AM

    Hi Carol, I love seeing the sunshine through your window and upon your love displays. Your sweet cottage is so beautifully decorated and looks so very Christmasy. xx Jo

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  21. Jessica@CapeofDreamsDecember 11, 2015 at 2:25 AM

    So many cute little details, but the rocking chair and the felted mouse are my favorites.

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  22. Castles Crowns and CottagesDecember 11, 2015 at 3:25 AM

    Oh Carol, everything is just merry and bright in your home! Last night, we were at a special dinner party at the home of one of my husband's colleagues. We ate a sumptuous dinner, then the host asked us to think about this question: "What was your favorite Christmas?" We then proceeded into the cozy, fireplace-lit living room. Everyone shared. It was stunning because though everyone mentioned their favorite toy that they received as a child, there was a PERSON behind that gift. A forgotten, deceased distant aunt, a father who was never home, but was home that particular Christmas, a funny family feud over buying a tree, etc.....I was the only one that didn't share; I had more fun listening about the long, gone people involved in these MEMORIES. Christmas is memory and a memory-maker, and how we dress up our homes is part of that sparkle. Well done dear friend.

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  23. Vickie @ Ranger 911December 11, 2015 at 4:17 AM

    You've got so many things to see in your posts that I spy something new each time! I pinned your cute green and white tool caddy- love the colors! Thanks for all the photos of your charming cottage, Carol!

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  24. RhondiDecember 11, 2015 at 4:20 AM

    Hi Carol. Everything looks wonderful, so cheerful and colorful. I love the way you use smile touch s of color everywhere. Thanks for the tour.

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  25. LaurieDecember 11, 2015 at 5:26 AM

    Love, love your Santas. Especially, the 20" inch tall one. Your home is so festive and beautiful. Hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas.

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  26. Jackie @ travelnwriteDecember 11, 2015 at 5:32 AM

    Love the decorations and the way you've created Christmas. As always, inspiring. I'd love to do a ladder for our guest room in Greece but I've only found metal ones and don't think that will quite do the job!

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  27. podsoDecember 11, 2015 at 6:07 AM

    I do like your pixies here there and everywhere! Cute! And your house is so bright and beautifully decorated in your style. I love all the color, even the green chalkboard rather than black. Thanks for your comment--that's exactly how it was overseas--the special goodies tucked away for the special occasions.

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  28. KellyDecember 11, 2015 at 6:20 AM

    Your home is filled with so many adorable Christmas decorations! I would love to just walk through it in person so I could see it all in person up close. Your little mouse in the tea cup is cute and I like the lettered balls spelling out Christmas.

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  29. craftylesDecember 11, 2015 at 6:37 AM

    I could just wander around your cottage and get tons of ideas. I love your Grandfathers little chair, the vintage Christmas book and using your husbands painting in your vignettes.Thanks for the tour!

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  30. Feral TurtleDecember 11, 2015 at 7:58 AM

    What a beautiful tour Carol. Thanks for sharing your home and for the linky party. I love all of your beautiful vignettes. So pretty and very holiday inspiring! Cheers.

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  31. Thelma December 11, 2015 at 8:14 AM

    Thanks for hosting this great Christmas party.
    You home looks beautiful with all the lovely Christmas vignettes.
    Seasons Geetings. xo

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  32. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonDecember 11, 2015 at 11:11 AM

    Oh Carol, it is all just wonderful! I could pin each and every photo. Love your style!! Steve's paintings are wonderful backdrops and your pixies make me smile as well. Love your handmade cloth ornaments and collected stockings! Thanks so much for hosting!! I was hoping to link up yesterday, but I was gone all day and had a Christmas home tour which included my home last night. Your home is just a delight!
    hugs,
    Jann

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  33. chateau chicDecember 11, 2015 at 12:21 PM

    Oh Carol, you have created a wonderfully charming and magical Christmas in your home. Young and old alike will find sheer joy spending time with you all this Christmas season.
    Mary Alice

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  34. lynn cockrellDecember 11, 2015 at 3:01 PM

    It was an absolute delight touring your home with its wonderful Christmas decor!

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  35. My thrift store addictionDecember 11, 2015 at 3:10 PM

    Oh Carol, each charming vignette is more lovely than the one before. A mouse in a tea cup, the old typewriter--I adore the whimsy! I would love for you to share @Vintage Charm--it is every week Thurs a.m.-Mon a.m. Merry, Merry, Cecilia

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  36. White Lace and PromisesDecember 11, 2015 at 3:43 PM

    I can't even begin to choose a favorite! I love them all! Everything vintage is my favorite and that's pretty much all!

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  37. AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNaDecember 11, 2015 at 3:44 PM

    I feel like I was walking through a fairy's cottage with all your sweet decorations and pixie's everywhere. The ladder is my favorite!

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  38. Susan FreemanDecember 11, 2015 at 4:07 PM

    Everything is so very charming!

    Big Texas Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

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  39. Shirley@Housepitality DesignsDecember 11, 2015 at 5:52 PM

    Fun, festive and all so beautiful!....Had to scroll through several times to take in all of the lovely creations!
    Merry Christmas to you and your family!

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  40. karen@somewhatquirkyDecember 12, 2015 at 9:12 AM

    Carol, I think your maiden name was vignette. Your cottage is the very picture of Christmas! When do you leave for Hawaii?

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  41. Laurel StephensDecember 12, 2015 at 9:57 AM

    What a treat to scroll through these gorgeous photos of your beautiful decorations, Carol. Enchanting!

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  42. JeannaDecember 12, 2015 at 1:16 PM

    As if Christmas wasn't magical enough...your beach cottage makes it even more so. I always look forward to glimpses into your home.

    Merry Christmas!

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  43. Debbie - Mountain MamaDecember 12, 2015 at 6:14 PM

    I adore all those little pixies!! Your cottage looks wonderful, so cozy and festive.

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  44. Jemma@athomewithjemmaDecember 13, 2015 at 5:44 AM

    You have such a lovely and creative talent that makes each and everything you touch pure magic!
    Your beach cottage exudes Christmas charm!
    Jemma

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  45. DawnDecember 13, 2015 at 6:48 AM

    Love your favorite ornament bowl, several look vintage :) and all the greenery is the perfect touch. I didn't do much decorating this year so Im enjoying everyone else's.

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  46. Celestina MarieDecember 13, 2015 at 9:31 AM

    Hi Carol, loved the tour of your cozy home for Christmas. Every detail is so festive and inviting. I have a Santa in every room too. Enjoy and Merry Christmas. xo

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  47. Jen KershnerDecember 13, 2015 at 4:28 PM

    It all looks great and GAH that felt mouse and vintage clock!!! I have the wants!

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  48. Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow December 13, 2015 at 10:56 PM

    It looks beautiful. I love how you put that triangle Santa right in the middle of the painting's road. I have one of those same heart ornaments; they are so pretty. xoxo Su

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  49. ElzieDecember 13, 2015 at 11:13 PM

    Hi there! I too love my red quilt with the stars and I only use it in December and until I take my Christmas things away. I love your blog and will visit you again. Take care and have a nice day.
    Love Elzie

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  50. www.essay-writer.clubDecember 14, 2015 at 2:39 AM

    I really like the way you decorated everything. It made me full of Christmas mood. Besides lots of Vintage decorations made it look very stylish.

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  51. Lowcarb team memberDecember 14, 2015 at 3:29 PM

    Looks fantastic ...
    Enjoy the season

    All the best Jan

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  52. Patty AntleDecember 14, 2015 at 6:52 PM

    Thank you for sharing your vignettes. I'm truly inspired!

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  53. Sherry @ Thrift My HouseDecember 15, 2015 at 6:28 AM

    Carol, I can't put into words how pretty and inspiring all of your Christmas decor is! I know if I were to visit I'd walk around with my mouth dropped open lingering over every vignette... I'd be ridiculous for sure :) I love it all! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your family! Hugs, Sherry

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  54. Kerryanne @ Shabby Art BoutiqueDecember 17, 2015 at 1:08 AM

    Your cottage looks amazing all dressed up for Christmas Carol. I love your use of colour and who can resist a sweet Maileg pixie... or two. Love it all!!
    I'm delighted to be featuring your home at the Shabbilicious Friday link party tomorrow. Pinning and sharing too.
    Merry Christmas,
    Kerryanne

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  55. AnaDecember 28, 2015 at 7:50 AM

    It is so bright, cheery and beautiful how you've created your Christmas. Suits your sweet California cottage. Loved it all.

    Hugs,
    ❤️Ana

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