The world between the worlds. . .

Kissing ball with Everlasting Mistletoe

It's that time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I usually really enjoy bringing out and making all of the holiday stuff. This year, however, all I can think about is how much I miss having Jasper to supervise. I am so glad that we'll spend the solstice/Christmas with our youngest. I think it would be terrible to be home with WeTwo, rather than WeThree.

I decided that my usual swags were too much effort this year, so I decided to make a "kissing ball". I have lots of greens, my Everlasting Mistletoe (see below), and ribbons. Initially I thought I'd have to go try to find a Floral Sphere, but it turns out that a potato served just fine as the base. Perhaps predictably, this turned out to take a lot more time than swags usually do, but it was sort of fun, and would be a great group project. You'd be shocked at how many branches it took to make this little guy.

The original Everylasting Mistletoe.

 

From the bottom: Bejeweled

This year's "tree"

It's funny how the past comes to the fore sometimes. I remembered the "tree" that Beth and I made when we were in graduate housing. . . branches I'd pilfered from the grad housing grounds, and decorations with salt dough that she and I made. I have somehow continued that tradition, after years of the 16' live tree and all of the ornaments etc. I decided sometime after we moved to Boise that I didn't really like killing a tree, and my backyard trees can always use a bit of pruning.

This year's "tree" is in a vase that belonged to John's grandmother. . .it's a lovely cut-glass piece. The real deal, not pressed glass.

Then, with the leftovers (we can't possibly throw them away) another arrangement in my hand-built green vase. It's all very festive, and I'm glad it's here. I decided to make some ceramic birds for the tree, rather than the feathered dollar-store creations that I usually use. You'll see them here in about a week.

Leftovers shine

 

Happy holidays to all. Enjoy lighting the dark.