So I have this “decorating thing” going and I realize that I am running out of time. I’m working against myself because once January comes I will have to put my full attention into designing another fabric line, creating new patterns, and getting back to business. The rooms will have to wait until I can fit them in. December is the month that I always take a break from designing and do some things I never seem to have time for. And December is almost over! Can you believe it? Where did this year go?

Yesterday these boxes arrived in the mail. I’m sure UPS thought they were a Christmas package, but guess what? They are for me! I got so excited when I saw them and I have big plans for them. Each box will hold the current project I am working on until it’s finished and then the next project goes into the box! They can be out in the studio, look pretty and keep me organized. I can’t wait to put the first design into one of these boxes! It will hold my drawings, pattern notes, trim samples, fabric samples and everything I need for a new quilt design. There’s something about dots that make you feel good! In case you want to get organized too, I got them at http://www.seejanework.com (:

How many weeks are left in this year? Not many and I say it every year…I’m going to drive my husband nuts. My friends are used to it and I know my husband is too, but this could be the last straw. Last night I was laying in bed trying to think of what it was I didn’t like about two of our bedrooms. After looking at Cindy’s house on Jennifer’s blog http://www.theoldpaintedcottage.blogspot.com/ , and the post on Kari’s blog from December 17th. http://kariandkijsa.blogspot.com/ I knew I wanted to do something.

First thing this morning, after his coffee, I made my husband help me move the bed in the front bedroom. We put it under the window and ta da! Instant gratification! Now I feel like working on the room again. It’s amazing how the furniture arrangement affects the room and me! I’ll share progress of this room as I go along. I need to make a slip cover for an old chair, find some things for the walls (ebay here I come) and work on the bedding.

Then it was into the “blue” room trying to figure out why I don’t like this room. I know it’s hard to live with a perfectionist that doesn’t really like perfection and there was my answer! It’s too perfect and it’s not me. We’ve added hardwood floors since this picture was taken, so at least I have some brown in the room. I’m taking down the canopy drapes, adding some brown to the decorating. I’m even going to have him spray paint the wicker chair brown. I know he’s thinking “I don’t care what you do as long as it doesn’t cost money”. When has it not cost money? Little does he know. It’s important for me to have my home my personal space so it’s back to work on this room. Heaven help him.

Remember that free pattern a few posts back? Look at this little quit Amy made for her daughter’s American Girl doll http://aerostitcher.blogspot.com./ It’s little tiny kitties! Isn’t it cute?

Hi everyone! Today you’re in for a treat… we’re going to visit my good friend and assistant Anne Bryson in Bend, Oregon! She has a way of decorating for Christmas that says welcome home, stay awhile, and make yourself comfortable. When you’re sitting by the fire, watching the snow fall and enjoying her decorations you may never want to leave. Add some hot cider or hot chocolate, a kitty on your lap and you know it’s home for Christmas.

Welcome to the Bryson home! The entry way greets you with candles, cinnamon sticks, and rose hips in a narrow antique tray. The tray stays here all year and Anne changes the filler to match the seasons. I’ve offered her money, fabric and quilts for this tray. She’s not selling! The dining room is graced with a beautiful star quilt she made. If I remember right, it’s from a Red Wagon quilt book. Nothing says Christmas more than a star quilt. The quilt is complimented by a smaller quilt on the table, containers filled with red berries and candles. Even the china hutch has a garland of greens.

Successful decorating is using what you have in a different way. A beautiful pine cone candle is showcased on a simple cake stand, and surrounded by red berries.

Anne loves working with wool, and she’s made some darling table toppers throughout the years. These snowmen will make you smile with your morning coffee …this little tree is the center of the kitchen table. Did you notice those little buttons on the tree? I’ve got to go get my button jar!

A beautiful yellow bowl with a purchased table topper sparks up the great room coffee table. That touch of yellow is wonderful at Christmas. 

I love this display she did on the table behind her couch. It’s one of the first things you see when you enter the great room and again she’s used the things she has creatively. The scoop holds a candle, the white bowl holds white balls with a little handwritten sign that says “snowballs”. I actually gave away some old scoops when we moved. If you found them at the thrift store could you bring them back?

Remember that old cheese grater? Don’t throw it out! Tie it with a bow and add a cinnamon stick. Instant charm! Darn, where did I put mine?The bedrooms are ready to welcome guests. Red flannel sheets, a snowman pillow and little wreaths on the picket fence headboards make this room warm and cozy. (Her husband Dave, made the picket fence headboards! ) Special little decorations sit on top of the quilt rack. Anne made the quilt from a pattern in American Patchwork and Quilting.

Another room waits for guests to arrive. The side cabinet is topped with a plaid homespun towel and containers filled with greens.

The bed is dressed with a Christmas quilt and pillows. The quilts at the foot of the bed are tied with a bow to remind guests of what’s to come.A simple quilt block becomes a decoration when it’s framed. …and the kitties (Jack and Arnie) are waiting for Santa to arrive. I’ve heard they’ve been very, very good and have even helped decorate!

Another fun collage! Thank you to the Brysons for sharing your beautiful home!