Stewart's Christmas

December 25, 2010

My name is Stewart and I have a special Aunt & Uncle who love me very much. Here I am opening the great christmas gift they gave me.

"humm....what's in here?"

"I think I need to get a better look."

"Cool! What flavor are they?"

"Yup, my favorite flavor - salmon & tuna."

"YUMMY!!!!!"

Thank you Uncle Bruce & Aunt Barbara!!!

Holiday Arrangements

December 24, 2010

I think I secretly want to be a florist.  

I collect vases in hopes of having abundant arrangements of fresh flowers on my table everyday. I study arrangements in magazines and on websites with the thoughts of reproducing them in my own home.  

Alas, I've come to the realization that 1.) I just really lack the flower arranging talent and 2.) I live in an area where beautiful flowers are just not available or are prohibitively expensive.

In the spirit of the holidays, I've dug deep into my creative soul and attempted some arrangements based on some inspiration:

Arrangement in Family Circle magazine:

My attempt:

The greenery was purchased from Strader's for $2.99 a bunch.  I think they were cast off trimmings which explains why the branches go in all different directions.  Both vases, the white milk glass and the silver vase, were purchased at a thrift store.  I even made the glitter ball ornaments - won't even go into the process that took!

I also LOVE, LOVE, LOVE reading Eddie Ross' blog.  Here is the picture that inspired me:



Here is what I was able to achieve:


I couldn't find a small enough wreath (needed a 12-inch) to fit the cake stand.  The best part of this arrangement was the wreath only cost me $3.99 and the candle was $1.79 on sale at Michaels's.  I had the hurricane for a previous craft project (and was also bought at a thrift store.)

In the end I had fun trying to be creative but I won't be quitting my day job to become a stylist or florist anytime soon!