Christmas on Clyde

Sometimes all it takes is something small to pull everything together.  My grandmother's glass Christmas beads tell a story all their own.

Christmas in a richly layered home while the cold wind blew on a festive Chicago night.  Colorful bubblers lit the Christmas tree as the gold tinsel sparkled.  The color throughout her home was pure magic for me.  The sounds of clinking teacups as the adults discussed events and happenings.  As we ran from room to room in our winter pajamas trying desperately to sneak more homemade apple pie and chocolate eclair cake without a care in the world.

My grandma was gifted.  Gifted in so many areas....baking, rose gardening, painting and sewing to name a few.  Her passion for design has truly influenced my life.

my grandma and grandpa when they were first married

Our Christmas home is a tribute to the past.
Gram's glass beads were all the inspiration I needed.

We have a small house so we don't own many Christmas decorations.  It's a fun challenge for me to use what we have or find things from the garden to create new vignettes.  I use my art or crafts that the beans have made to add color.  And with our real tree in the living room, I just cut branches from the underside to use throughout our home for extra greenery.  

Fresh greens for the door and sprigs for the winter planters.  

Our mantel is all fresh greens.  Boxwood and arborvitae sprigs from the garden, my repurposed trees and my grandma's glass beads. 

Berry branches add a bit of color to our tiny library nook and a mini wreath made from some Christmas tree branches.

tissue paper ornaments made by the beans

My cardinal art, repurposed tequila box, and a thrifted one dollar gold vase.

I have a thing for bottle brush trees!

I finally refinished the chair that I rescued from the curb! It is now a happy coral color.

pictures of Christmases gone past

Vintage throwbacks on the bookshelf.

Paper circles to decorate sprigs cut from the Christmas tree and my prized cow bells from my mom.

I repurposed this picture frame to make into a chalkboard.  My vintage Shiny Brites and Gram's candlestick holders.

I think the natural desire of us all is to recreate that magic we felt when we were young.  The beauty that I have seen across all of your blogs inspires me to believe that there is an awesome movement taking place.  One of positivity, giving and creativity.

Wishing you the merriest this holiday season friends!

Linking up with...
Fishtail Cottage

Our Firth House

Common Ground

Liz Marie Blog
The Shabby Nest