CHRISTMAS IS COMING... and its RED!

This season is going to be a little different

My schedule is already full

but I so want to add a little Christmas class

because we are looking at things differently this year

and there are so many who have been impacted by the economy

in so many ways

I want to add a little Christmas class - or two

and teach you how to make some lovely little Christmas decorations

inexpensively, in fact - cheaply

(but they won't look cheap)

and some handmade gifts you will be proud to give 

and talk about how to use what you have

to create a fresh new look or enhance the old

so think about that for a minute

while I show you photos from our girls day out

a day full of inspiration and ideas at Rogers Gardens

Red was the color of the day - mixed with neutrals of black and gray

Look closely at the wreaths, they are comprised of a smaller berry wreath

inside a larger green wreath -

great way to make a larger statement with that berry wreath hanging around your house.

Plaid was the fabric choice - it covered the walls and was the choice for the ribbon

this larger wreath incorporated three large berry covered balls, with apples and shiny red ornaments

the wall of whimsical silhouettes

were especially fun

with red and black wall coverings - they popped against the background

I loved that they broke up some of the silhouettes into two frames

and not necessarily matching ones

 these would be so simple to recreate

I love how the image often escapes the frame

There was a lot more red in the florals - Amaryllis and roses (all faux, but lovely)

and in the courtyard the real flowers were stunning en mass

Cyclamen for shady spots - a favorite of mine

When my husband saw this photo he fell in love with the faux trophy heads

with the wreath around them

what is it with men and animal heads anyway?

but I will admit they were stunning

and the white porcelain heads were beautiful

and sold out

another idea to use in your home

drape garland in an area you may not normally use it, like a cupboard or armoire

spread the joy around a little

near the nutcrackers, a display of amaryllis

in urns

and another pretty double wreath idea

in beautiful vibrant red 

I'm still kicking myself for not bringing Mr. Santa home with me

I loved him....

and this tree was amazing

entirely in red and crystal

loved this little bench and the cheerful pillows

black and silver  - proof not everything was red

I loved the urns with the tinsel trees in them

and this area was all gold and glitter

the angel was covered with gorgeous big mica flakes

lovely

but my favorite of the day, by far,

 were the lanterns

   

full of fresh greens and red florals

red roses, red berries, red balls

beautiful

I'm definitely doing this at my house this year

  

so, back to the classes

there will be a small class charge for my time

and I will collect and assemble all the materials -

(cheaper for you that way

as you don't have to buy a whole bag of jingle bells to make one santa hat)

so if you are interested in a fun little class

with maybe 3-4 inexpensive crafts to choose from

with all materials provided

with fun company

plus refreshments and lots of easy ideas for the holidays

please let me know (by comment or email)

and for you who are in blogland and too far away to attend physically,

we can provide a supply kit and tutorial (instructions)...

If there is enough interest, I will post the information and you can sign up if you like

very soon!

Best wishes!

If I have failed to give credit to any photograph posted in my blog, its because it came to me without that information - so please let me know if its yours so that I can give credit where its due!  Thank you!