Gloria!

Gloria, gloria in excelsis deo. . .
my Choral Director selects the most wonderful choral pieces!
I adore raising my voice in praise during worship
and the selection of Christmas music is exceptional again this year!

My heart quickened when I spied this gilded petite frame 
@ Robin's Vintage Suitcase
while vacationing this Autumn in Springfield, Missouri.

I think I envisioned its sole purpose as Christmas decor.


Christmas On Crooked Creektt continues into the Entry Hall.

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I began with a white runner featuring gold and silver Snowflakes.
At the back of the console table, 
I placed my distressed gray bi~fold shutters.

Two long sprigs of berries and leaves, within my subtle color palette,
were extended by simply tucking the ends beneath the opposite sprig.

Then, 
I cut apart a 3~piece floral and began tucking it randomly among the leaves.

One seeded pod. . .

then two seeded pods. . .

and finishing with the third seeded pod.

Next,

bringing in more of the gold and silver,

I added gilded and glittered magnolia leaf sprigs.

The first, placed behind the seeded pod. . .

to extend the length, 

I added the second magnolia sprig 
to the front of the swag.

Wanting to keep the natural elements within my vignette,

I added faux birch battery candles to the left side of the distressed shutter.

Because there are no outlets in the Entry Hall On Crooked Creektt,

I use battery or burning candles and votives.

This year, I was thrilled to find a string of petite, battery 

silver mercury glass ornaments. . .perfect for the console table!

Yes!!! These lights really are that bright!!!

I adore the ambient lighting that now fills On Crooked Creektt's Entry Hall!

Before. . .

After!!!

My original design for this vignette was changed 

when suddenly an Angel appeared before me. . .my first Santos!

I am so smitten with her gentle expression!

I can almost hear her speaking, "Be not afraid".

Her subtle hue brings tranquility 

while her petite stature makes her easy to tuck into vignettes.

My Little Santos as she welcomes me 

from On Crooked Creektt's Living Room and Lower Level.

By adding the gilded petite frame containing a random musical score

and the creamy ivory urn filled with palest hued faux florals,

a subtle cohesiveness continues within the Entry Hall vignette.

A 2  1/2" wide creamy ivory and gold ribbon made into a poofy bow

cleverly disguises the stems where the two sprigs meet.

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Assurance. . .

                       my Word for 2013. 

Last October, due to deeply inflamed vocal chords, I lost my voice.

Not only could I not speak a word for weeks, I couldn't vocalize for months.

No Christmas Cantata for me.

During worship, I would rhythmically speak the words 

as all around me joined in song. Unable to utter a single musical note,

I continued to Worship. . .knowing that Christ had led me to chose

carefully, my Word for 2013. . .Assurance.

My voice has returned. . .

ever so softly, and a bit lower range in the beginning.

So~o~o. . .

as each day brings greater progress,

I have returned to raising my voice in praise during worship.

It is my hope to sing at this years Christmas Cantata.

Gloria, gloria in excelsis deo. . .

Until next time. . .

* * * FYI * * *
The Choral selection for this post is in reference to:
Raise Your Glad Voices! by Edwin M. Willmington. . .
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On Crooked Creektt will be joining

Susan @ Between Naps On The Porch for Metamorphosis Monday!

And. . .

Marty @ A Stroll Thru Life for Inspire Me Tuesday!

And. . .

Debra @ Common Ground for Be Inspired Friday!

Be sure to visit these amazing inspirational hostesses!

You're sure to  come away with creative inspiring ideas 

for your own home decor!