Tree Drawing. . .

"Mr. Ed" has finally quit counting 
all the Christmas Trees stored each year On Crooked Creektt!

This Autumn, I had unexpected but very necessary surgery.
Climbing upon the ladder is still a "tender" topic.
Therefore, I only decorated two Christmas Trees!

Our faux "slim" Christmas Tree, 
which is usually decorated and sits in the Dining Room,
is greeting our guests On Crooked Creektt's Entry Hall.

I began by winding wooden ball garland around 
the trees tiny branches for a touch of natural color.

Next,

I added petite plate ornaments, clear glass, silver 

and white miniature ornaments tied on with creamy ivory bows.

"Mr. Ed" affixed 2" X 4" boards 
stacked in the base of the galvanized bucket.
Then he drilled holes into the boards the size of the tree base.
He added more support by draping a towel around the inside of the bucket.

Of course,
much liken to those who take respite in our Gardens On Crooked Creektt,
I thought this pair of hares needed to be at the base of the tree!

A creamy ivory and gold satin ribbon 
tied into a bow acts as a simplistic topper.

Our second Christmas Tree On Crooked Creektt
is the result of a Tree Drawing.

Many years ago, on the other side of the Prairie,
I was the lucky winner of a $100 Gift Certificate at the local Flower Shop!

With a male dominant household,
our decor was strongly Southwestern design.
So~o~o. . .I used my gift certificate to purchase our Lodge Tree.

This year, 
instead of using a garland,
I added a 3 inch wide wired burlap ribbon.

I am quite pleased with the layer of softness it gives our Lodge Tree.

I purchased the gilded bronze thin garland 
for 60% off at an after Christmas $ale!
I adore how it radiates a glimmering reflection 
from the 300 clear mini tree lights.


When I purchased these faux soft hued green coral sprigs,
I had envisioned using them elsewhere within my Christmas decor.
However, I adore the texture and shimmer they bring to the tree!

Adding silvery springs of holly leaves
brings another layer of softness to the branches.

Ornaments collected over the years include,
silver and gold snowflakes. . .

satiny gold embossed ornaments . . .

frosted figgy teardrops. . .

more satiny gold ornaments and snowflakes. . .

and bronze and gilded pine cones tied on with gold satin ribbons. 

Now transformed. . .
one must look closely to envision the Lodge Tree
that is neatly tucked into the corner 
of our Living Room On Crooked Creektt!

Learning from one's mistakes,
I bought the Christmas Tree Skirt as they arrived
instead of waiting for an after Christmas $ale!

It appears that "Mr. Ed" subtly hinted 
he was missing all the other Christmas Trees
from On Crooked Creektt's collection!

I found this delightful "art work" in our Kitchen. . .
a Tree drawing for Christmas On Crooked Creektt!


Until next time. . .

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.

* * * * * * * * * * * * Tutorial * * * * * * * * * * * *

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.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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. . .
* * * * * * * * *

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!

Merry "Little Christmas" Tablescape. . .

One of the greatest inspirations this Christmas On Crooked Creektt 
comes from nature's bounty and Mother Nature herself.

Mimicking the boxwood bush in our Garden,
faux boxwood wreaths tied with poofy creamy ivory ribbons
adorn the backs of our Dining Room chairs.

In keeping with my subtle color palette for Christmas On Crooked Creektt,
I've created a simplistic Merry "Little Christmas" Tablescape.

One of my favorite features of my everyday white porcelain dinnerware 
is the reminiscent snowflake pattern I visualize in the dessert/salad plate.

I adore how our everyday Oneida stainless flatware beading 
matches the beaded trim around the dinner plate.

Our clear bubble glass stemware appears to be ice crystals 
frozen on Christmas Eve!

But. . .
the best feature of all. . .they are all dishwasher safe!!!

I've paired my everyday porcelain white china with my
Gold Crown Alliance, Ohio, Semi~Vitreous Lifetime China 
for a pleasing ambiance and to continue the subtle color palette.

The tablecloth is freshly starch white linen
combined with a ecru linen place mat and soft aqua cloth napkin.

A wooden napkin ring keeps the balance of natural elements.

Placing a silver compote bowl atop a silver tray 
keeps the centerpiece contained and mobile for necessary serving space.

I filled  the compote with soft caramel and gold ornaments.
I simply removed their metal ornament hanger.
Replacing them with satin and sheer ribbon adds a touch of elegance!

A round centerpiece on a round table,
no matter how elegant, can appear dwarfed.

To give a more pleasing visual appearance,
I extended the centerpiece by adding a sprig of faux evergreen on either side. 

To add another dimension to the tablescape,
I used silver ornament place card holders.

Placing them atop the pip berry candle rings
softens the edges and gives addition height.

The Dining Room On Crooked Creektt is nearing completion 
as we prepare to have ourselves a Merry "Little Christmas" this year.

View Star Rains Its Fire. . .
for more photos of On Crooked Creektt's
Dining Room Hutch seen in the background.

View Hang High The Holly. . .
for a Tutorial of
On Crooked Creektt's Chandelier.

Until next time. . .

On Crooked Creektt will be joining

Susan @ Between Naps On The Porch for Tablescape Thursday!

And. . .

Kathleen @ Cuisine Kathleen for Let's Dish!

Be sure to visit for inspirational 
ideas for use in your own home decor!