Indulge Your Shelf

This month I've been blogging for here at Indulge Your Shelf for ten years.  If you've been with me for any time at all, then you know that I adore treasure hunting at thrift shops.  It just never gets old.  Over the last decade I'd been hearing about the wonders of the Goodwill "bins" from other junk lovers in other states, and then we finally got one nearby a few years ago.  Oh my goodness -- it takes thrifting to a whole new level. Finding this tablecloth there just made my day.  It's exactly the kind of thing that makes my heart leap -- especially at this time of the year! The graphics... look at that sleigh!  With visions of sugarplums dancing in my head, I sorted through those dusty bins and came up with a few fun little touches: the holly berry "ball" on the far right is going to be washed up and put to use immediately in the last of my Christmas crafting! And, here's what I mean by treasure: how is it even possible that som...

I hope you had a fabulous Thanksgiving!  We did. Ben came home for a few days and we loved seeing him.  He rested, helped around the house, and bonded with the kittens! I also spent the holiday weekend happily working on a swap for Christmas. I had to do six White Christmas themed ATCs.  Instead of using a vintage image like I normally do, I went with a tiny Christmas tree that I created from tulle tied to a toothpick.  It sounds a little odd, but I think it looks really sweet.   Here's the prototype, which I made into a tag rather than an ATC: It's kind of hard to see it in a photo, because the tulle is so light and wispy; when I get the rest of the swap in the mail, I'll try to take better photos for you! I also treated myself to a trip to the thrift store, since everyone's putting out their Christmas items!  I love this new/unopened box intricate plastic figurines of the Three Wise Men! I think the camels they are riding are incredib...

We have much to be thankful for this year: my husband's new job -- he was only out of work for one month; my son settling in nicely at college and coming home safely to visit; and a lovely meal in our warm, safe home surrounded by friends. Above, slightly blurry because it was dark: the kids reunited for the holiday.  Mine is in the middle.  Gosh it was great to see him, even if just for 4 days! Notice Snoopy in the foreground?  He has earned quite the reputation as a photo bomber!  Now that Thanksgiving has passed, Christmas is coming very quickly!  We got our tree up yesterday, and the nativity tonight, but most of the decor is still boxed up and waiting.  How about at your house? Oh, and I put up my ornament wreath made by GeorgiaPeachez ! Here's our tree: I never remember until I'm in the thick of it just how much I love decorating the tree.  There are so many memories represented in the ornaments and it makes me happy to redisco...

The trees are colorful and Fall is in the air. Cora and Ben on their way to Homecoming a few weeks ago; aren't they adorable? I put my Fall door hanging outside... and all the rest inside, too! Here's that mid-century two-tiered plate -- I filled it with two kinds of Fall potpourri, and a candle that is on its last legs.  I found this mustard yellow tray/basket at Tuesday Morning the other day.  I filled it with autumn colors, to include white (the little owl and some pumpkins!) In one corner of the living room.  How much do you love this vintage Puss n' Boots?  I bought him a couple of years ago in Kansas City. In another corner...  creepy Halloween dolls!  The smaller one is a matchbox I received in a Halloween swap made by/from JoAnne . and the taller one is one I made myself a while back.  I took photos in the early morning light; I like the shadows that showed up. I'm amassing quite a ...