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Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Welcome

Welcome to my Virtual Open House. Come in and warm yourself. It's a cold 36 deg. outside at the moment and will be about the same when Santa comes to deliver his presents. The house is decorated with lots of lights outside, Christmas tree inside, and many of my most favorite items on display for everyone to enjoy. Santa is one of my favorite images for Christmas. I think he embodies for me much of what Christmas is all about. Not because he brings presents, but because he gives from the heart and because he doesn't expect anything in return. Well, perhaps some cookies and milk and a carrot for his reindeers!

So to make sure Santa has his cookies, my DS and I baked a bunch of cookies today. Think there'll be one left for Santa?





Upon entering my foyer, you'll be greeted by three ceramic Santas I painted way back in the late 80's. There were so many ceramic shops then, but now, it's hard to find any. I barely did any type of crafts then and my hubby spent all his spare time detailing model airplanes. My mother-in-law pointed me in the direction of ceramics and I did these as one of my first few pieces way back in the late 80's.


From my foyer, we enter the living room. My collection continues. Here are some store bought Santas I have. I add one each year to this.









Times changed, and the ceramic stores closed. I still wanted to do art, so I did some paintings on my own. Here are three santas that I painted once I couldn't find any ceramic stores.






ornaments my son and I made












and more Santas. This time as cards I sent out. There are no art stores close to me here, so I turned my creating to scrapbooking, cards and ATCs. Now that my local scrapbooking store is closed, I wonder where my art journey will take me.

I hope you enjoyed a little bit of the time you spent in my home. It's been my pleasure to show off my collection. I'll be giving a hostess gift to one person picked at random from those that leave me a comment here. I don't have a pic of my gift, but it will be one of my coasters. There is an example of it further down in one of the other posts. Of course, it's a Santa! I've got a selection of images you can pick from and I'll make it especially for you. Thanks for stopping by. Next on the tour is Tami's house. Just click on her name and just like magic, you'll be whisked away to her home. Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas and a very joyous New Year.

20 comments:

Far North said...

Renu-Your collections are beautiful! I love seeing the pieces you have made. Fun to learn about your background in ceramics! Many thanks for sharing your home with us!...Jan

Tami Bayer said...

What a warm wonderful welcome. Your Santa collection is amazing. I loved seeing them and hearing about the way you created and collected them.

BarbK said...

Your ceramics are beautiful, Renu. Thank you for sharing your home and wonderful creations. I enjoyed every minute of my visit.

K Hutchinson said...

I am blown away looking at your ceramics! They are gorgeous! Your Santa collect is amazing! My BFF collects Santa's too and I love looking at them! I am really hungry for a cookie now! LOL! Merry Christmas!

Heather Grow said...

Merry Christmas, Renu. Wow, I always knew you were an amazing stamper but I love your painting. You have an amazing talent. Thanks for the tour.

Mrs. Fence said...

Thanks, Renu, for the wonderful tour of your home. I love your Santa collection, and your observations about him and why you like him. I hadn't thought about Santa that way before.

Be sure to let us know where your art adventures take you next. I'm sure it will be some place fabulous!

Merry Christmas!!

Tracey

Anonymous said...

Love your Santa collection! Great tour! Thanks!
HUGS
Joanie

Anonymous said...

Don't worry, you will always have the world online to nurture your crafting hobby. My mom also did the ceramic and I have may beautiful pieces. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas. iupindiana/JoAnn

Frankiesue said...

Opps post comment some where but can't find it

Renu your art work is fab, thanks for showing you around your house, the Santa collection is great.

Mary said...

Thanks for sharing your Santa collection. I think he is my favorite holiday theme too! Merry Christmas!
mahodgman

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful Christmas House!! Everything is so pretty. And the ornaments that you and ds made are wonderful. Your cards this year are wonderful too. I love mine and it is sitting close by so that I can enjoy it every day. Thank you so much.
Jan/Mere Deau

Chrisd said...

I love your Santa collection and especially the ones you created. I have several Santa's but my favorite in the one where he is kneeling at the Baby Jesus in the Manger.
Hugs from michigan

Martha Lee said...

amazing collection, Love all your Santas.

christie said...

Oh Renu you are so talented! I love looking at all of your homemade items!! Merry Christmas!!!

Pat Guertler said...

Beautiful ornaments! Thank you for sharing! Merry Christmas! Pat

Unknown said...

Renu, Thank you for the virtual tour of your home and Santa collection. What a talented lady you are! The ceramic Santas are absolutely gorgeous. I'm sure your family and friends enjoy seeing the newest addition to your collection each year. Bless you and sending you good wishes for a very Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.
Amy (scraphappy908)

Unknown said...

Renu, your Santas are all so wonderful. I agree about ceramic shops, they seemed to have disappeared. I took a class last year in college, and loved it, but definately don't need another hobby. Thanks for sharing your home and memories with me.
~Kreative Dryve

Cindi said...

I love your open house post, renu!! and your art journey is fun to follow. I hope the journey does not take you away from us!! Love the Santa collection.
Merry Christmas to you and yours

Crafty Granny said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Thanh Vo said...

Wowsers! Thank you for the tour Renu.

 

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