My Rustic Christmas Tour
Yes, I agree, it gets so busy at this time of year! It’s always feeling like I’m behind. Sooooo, I’ve decided ‘quality rather than quantity’ is the theme of the year. Come, let me take you on a short tour (because you’ve got lots of stuff to do) of My Rustic Christmas.
Woodsie Cabin in the City:
I do sometimes wish I lived in a log cabin in the mountains but then I realize (um), nope, that’s too far from the people & shops I love. However I can pretend and make it ‘feel’ that way. Why would you want to be exactly like everyone else?! Trends are nice but don’t let them dictate what you are allowed to like.
Here’s my comfy cozy sweater up-cycle project to whip up a few stockings. No animal was harmed in the making as it IS faux fur. Yes, that’s Pip’s lil’ stocking.
Cut out the shape, turn right sides together and stitch with a small zigzag, trim and stitch again. Add a strip of faux trim and turn under… tada.
Oh, and add a couple pompoms. With any leftover make a pillow back for a fur pillow.
Whatever you Love!:
I am old enough now to know what I absolutely love and what makes me happy. Just be honest with yourself. That led to my favourite chainsaw carved bear coming in from the cold. He was starting to lose his toes so he is much happier indoors now. I had to fill a few holes and scrub off the dark stained wood (peroxide) and now he is and has such a character. Choose big pieces instead of millions of small ones! Mr Bear is not just christmas but his wreath makes it so.
Being a visual person makes it hard to look at the bold Christmas colours for weeks! I can’t do it! So natural elements like pinecones and garlands ease my mind and eyes. And how amazingly real do these look!?
Looking through my collection I found another carved piece that I love.
He is hand-carved by Arlo Furniss. It looks so historic and rustic reminding me of our amazing historic Canada. Paired with my ‘antlers’ it takes me to the mountains…
I also love that it is truly a one of a kind. I am sure you too have some way to incorporate some of your loves into your decor. Maybe that old childhood teddy or rusted tonka truck full of tiny gifts… It should have some interesting story.
Oh my Deer:
I have had an deer obsession ever since I spied a big buck (not the money kind) near my place. My many scourings of the forest did not prove fruitful when ‘shed-hunting’ so I’ve had to resort to imitation antlers. I did have to improve the paint finishes though as silver antlers is just wrong!
Keep it simple; natural burlap, white lights & candles and wood. Warm wood carving (ok, ya, faux again). And they may be allowed to stay out as I will be sad to put them away.
I almost squealed with joy when I found this at the guys Canadian tire store! There are many very real looking options
My shelf over the buffet allows a small arrangement without interfering with food layout. Faux snow could be added but I’m afraid too have it fall onto platters…
He reminds me that I should ‘break out’ the chainsaw again! Ok, maybe next spring…
Fur pillows, fuzzy throws and candle fireplace (for the virgin fireplace) make for some warmth. I swap out the painting on the fireplace as I have different art that fits the frame. Artist’s run out of wall space…
One of my all time faves is this fellow as he has the same nose as my dad had… I look into those eyes and it’s magical. He stands on my side table and is watching me as I write this.
I almost can hear ‘his’ muffled words through that big beard. He is saying I should slow down and stop running around like a crazy (blog) person… I had even thought of making an ice sculpture, thank goodness I came to my senses! But yes, I had 24 people for sit-down dinner yesterday… I’m over-desserted and still have gifts to make… but, busy how I roll.
Make your space comforting and take time for you… Enjoy!
Your decorations are wonderful and magical…. Thanks so much for sharing happy holidays to you
soOo cozy & beautiful Barb – WOW you’ve already had a big sit down dinner! Love how you’ve personalized Christmas and made it your own with the deer. Hope you& yours have a lovely holiday season and a healthy, wealthy New Year.
Oh Brenda! Same to you!!!
Beautiful, hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas.
Thanks! I wish that to you and your’s as well! Do check back as I still have a few ideas up my sleeve…
I loved reading this today! Your style is very soothing and out of the norm, quite refreshng. Thank you for the reminder to be one’s self.
I love your articles. I have used your directions several times to create things. I envy you that you can carve with a chainsaw. Beautiful.
Thank you for your great posts and Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Nancy
I do love my chainsaw but I would always be wondering where the chain would fly if it broke… so that made a bit ‘saw-shy’. There is a blade for the angle grinder that does mimic as well. I guess I should do a post… next spring. There are also powered carving tools that I enjoy. I do often get in trouble for stealing a certain someone’s tools… 😉
It’s all so lovely and calming! I enjoyed reading because we get so tied up with all the commercial aspects, it’s almost like we forget to breathe. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Thanks! We really are not kind to ourselves and put so many pressures on us. Eventually you will find your comfort zone… Merry Christmas and making to you and your’s!
I don’t remember how I found your blog, but so happy I did. I love your projects and your home is decorated beautifully for the holidays. I’m in my 60’s but when I grow up I want to be like you 😉
Oh Thanks! I am still growing up… Only my aches remind me of my age. I can finally do what I want and actually share it worldwide. How amazing is that?! Happy making!
You have some beautiful pieces. I’d love to know how to make a bear carving–though without the chainsaw!
Merry Christmas to you.
Your ornaments and sculptures are fantastic! Having just had a close up view of them recently, I can vouch for the rustic atmosphere they instill! Happy Holidays!
I seem to be using ‘rustic’ quite often nowadays… But it allows a bit of imperfection which is great! Many ‘makers’ are just too obsessed with absolute perfection and it stifles them to not even try… Call it rustic!
Hi Barb, Just had to leave a comment . Not something I usually do but I am soooooo impressed with your website and your art that it was mandatory. I too am a gardener/ crafter/artist .and try all kinds of different media . I make garden orbs , and metal ornaments and all of my ornaments are made from recycled items. I have fallen in love with your cement work and your eco printing is fabulous! I really enjoy my time on your website and since finding it before Christmas have been back and back again to view/read/enjoy your posts . I hope you never stop posting . You are a very talented lady!
Wow, such kind words! We sound alike and I am glad that you make so much! Sadly in our quick-paced world many don’t have enough patience. Thanks for letting me know that my work is appreciated! Come back often…