AN OLDE FASHIONED CHRISTMAS

Don't you just dream of having an olde fashioned Christmas, in these hectic days of time restraints, modern technology, and commercialism? I often think of Christmas long ago, where the simplest of gifts were so appreciated. An orange, a piece of candy, a simple homemade ragdoll. My mom used to tell me that when she was little, growing up in Alabama, Christmas was a very low-keyed celebration. No Christmas tree, no sparkling wrapped gifts. She and her cousins was so happy to receive an orange and some candy. Of course..could you imagine yourself as a child gettng so little or giving our children only one or two items?

It amazes me how much Christmas still warms my heart. No matter how old I get...it is still a magical season to me. The coziness of our home, being able to see family and friends. And now being able to see the excitement in my grandchildrens' eyes. Some people dread the Holiday Season and can't wait for it to be over...for me....I love every minute of it, dread the day after Christmas and then wait with anticipation for the months ahead knowing that Christmas will be back again!

OPEN HOUSE ON THE TDIPT

It's hard to believe, but the Christmas Season will soon be upon us! I love November and December. It's always so much fun getting ready for the big day and this year will be no exception. The TDIPT Mercantile is having their annual "It's Beginning To Look Alot Like Christmas" Open House starting this Sunday, November 1st. You can be sure that there will be lots of goodies offered from some of the most talented folk artists on the web!

A VISIT TO LORI'S

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of going to the Upper Pennisula, here in Michigan. My husband has several cousins that live in the western UP, Iron Mountain, Escanaba, and one even in Wisconsin. My main event, however, was going to visit my dear friend, Lori Rippey, who just happens to live a stone's throw away from one of the cousins. I was so fortunate to be able to visit with her in her beautiful, primitively decorated home on Friday afternoon. What a pleasure! I told her that the Country Sampler Magazine, needed to come to her home and do an article on her!

She made me a beautiful little wall quilt...her home is filled with her handmade quilts, her hooked rugs, and of course her dolls, that she designs herself. She also made me a gorgeous pincushion, as seen in the picture above. I then picked up a couple of her handmade dolls. Lori has such a way with aging her fabric. But...darn...she wouldn't tell me her secret...LOL! I don't blame her one bit! Check out her picturetrail...the link is on my sidebar. Lori is always making, creating new items to sell. You will not be disappointed! Plus you can see some really nice pictures of her home.

New Friends

I just love these little cloth dolls! Lori always puts her finishing touches in them to make them look so old...the little boy doll, I believe is my favorite! His sweet little face and clothes are so simple! Lori designed this doll after an early cloth doll that she has had for quite some time. The little girl doll, is so old and worn looking...she is very firmly stuffed with rags. I love how they look sitting on my early corner cupboard.

These are my fabulous "little quilts" made by my friend Lori Rippey. She does such a fantastic job and everything is by hand! I love her work!