I’ve taken to stringing beads.
There was a time, a few years back, where I became excited at the possibility of making jewelry. I purchased beads and tools and wire – everything one might need to fashion an earring or a necklace. And, in fact, I did make some earrings, some of which I still wear. And I made a necklace, which remains unfinished to this day.
It wasn’t for me.
But I have these supplies, you see, and I find myself dipping into them occasionally for the dollhouse. For example, the doorknob on the front door is made from a jewelry finding.
Since I want the newly made dollhouse Christmas tree to last, I am hesitant to glue anything to it. Ideally, I’d like it to be like a real-sized Christmas tree; ornaments go on, ornaments come off, and the tree is unchanged. That would give me some decorating leeway from year to year.
Today I planned on making tiny individual ornaments. However, I quickly realized that I did not have either the skill or the patience for that little exercise. Oh, no.
“What about a beaded garland?” said I. Which led to a long bead stringing session, longer than I had planned. I took breaks to do the dishes, vacuum, dust, take a shower, and do the laundry.
Lots and lots of beads.
I ended up with this, which I will most likely tweak and tweak again. I also plan to add another garland in multi-colored beads.
Caroline might like a bit more on the tree. We’ll have to negotiate.
Caroline has been wrapping presents. I haven’t even bought any yet. Caroline, you’re embarrassing me.
But it’s not quite enough. Caroline agrees. Off to string more beads.
Better! Those are pretty little glass beads that I had in my jewelry stash.
The wreath is on the front door:
And a quick shot of the new bedroom rug – this time with accurate colors. I didn’t want it to be pink. That’s why I went with this rug. There’s a little bit of pink in it, but it’s predominately ecru and light brown.
We’re off to NYC today. It will be a quick trip. We have our girl to think of and we have to make sure she’s not alone too long. We’re taking the train this time because it arrives in Grand Central Station, which is absolutely glorious at Christmas (or any time of the year) and then we’ll head over to Don’s new agents’ office, near Times Square. I’ll hang around waiting for him, then we’ll head up to Rockefeller Center. After gazing at the tree and indulging in hot chocolate, we’ll hightail it back to the station and head on home. I wish we could spend a bit more time there but when both of us are going, we just don’t have that luxury. Little Scootie (another of my nicknames for her) is more important than anything.
Happy Birthday to my cousin Eileen! Eileen, I hope you’re reading this today. Sending lots of love your way.
Happy Sunday.
Have a wonderful time and I just love the little tree and just everything you have done with the dollhouse!
Hugs
Thanks, Nancy!
Brilliant use of your jewelry beads, they look fabulous on the tree. Have a great time in NYC wish I could be there, and see all the Christmas sights.
Thank you, Dawn!
Enjoy your day. Sounds like fun! I love the Christmas tree.
Thank you, Kathy!
I was wondering how you would dress that little Christmas tree, and you did a perfect job. It looks so lovey there. Also love the other little festive touches. Hope you have a fantastic quick trip. I know the feeling of hurrying home to your girl. One year we were in and out of London in three hours to get home to Oxfordshire in time to feed Theo.
I’ve spent more time decorating the dollhouse than my real-sized house!
Caroline’s tree looks lovely with the addition of the garland. And yes, I do believe her new bedroom rug is a replica of the one I have in my living room. So flattered, Caroline!
Well, you have an awfully pretty rug in your living room, Sandra!
Perfect!
Thank you, Carolyn Marie!
How pretty!
Enjoy your trip into the city – New York City must seem magical at Christmas.
It is. But it’s awfully crowded!
Love Caroline’s tree! And, I would think she’ll decorate it a little at a time…as time and the budget allow…’course, you know her best…so I could be wrong. I do envy your trip in to see that tree…I’ll get there one of these days! ;)
Loved it, but now I’d like to see it at night!
Oh, Grand Central Station, I think I could happily live there. And it’s never grander than at Christmas. Enjoy your trip!
I’d like an apartment there!
The tree looks lovely, and the wreath on the door looks grand! Have a great trip. I surely understand the quickness due to sweet Scout. We do the same for ours every time we leave the house.
No matter how short the trip is, I know you will both enjoy every minute of it!
p.s. you know we are all hoping for some pictures!!
I took lots of pictures!
Claudia, That looks so wonderful with the tree, a star on top and the garlands. Such fun you are having. Hope your trip to the city is fun. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
We had a lovely time, but we’re glad we’re home!
Lovely! :-)
Thank you, Regula!
Claudia, I have decided you are a dollhouse GENIUS!
Thank you, Vicki!
The garlands are perfect. I’m sure you’ve seen those necklaces that are made to resemble a string of very tiny Christmas tree lights. Would they be the right scale? Some of the necklaces have little batteries and light up (allegedly).
I am looking forward to your Christmas bokeh photography, Claudia. I went back into the archives to find your pictures from last December. They are enchanting.
I don’t think they’d be to scale, Nancy.
I did a couple of bokeh shots yesterday, I have to do more this week. I’ll start posting them soon.
Claudia, the little bead garlands are perfect for Caroline’s tree. She is just very busy this time of year and all her packages wrapped already. I’ve got to get mine done in the next couple of days. I hope you had a wonderful day in NYC!!!
hugs,
Linda
We did. I have to buy all of Don’s presents. That’s because he can’t decide what he wants.
Caroline decorated her tree perfectly. Have fun in the city today…Balisha
Thanks, Balisha!
Trees!!! Your little tree and the huge tree at Rockefeller Center!
Huge in contrast!
Yours is sweet.
Hope your trip was everything you’d hoped for!
It was a very nice day!
Hi,
I thought I had already posted a comment but it seems to have gotten lost.
Thank you for the birthday wish. It made my day!! Hope you had a good time in the city.
Love you all,
Eileen
Love you!
Claudia, I just love your dollhouse! The tree and its garland look just perfect. Thanks for sharing. I hope NYC was lots of fun. – Heather