I’ve been busy like most of you and haven’t been able to find any time to sew for your dolls, so I’ve been asking if anyone has any Christmas-y or Hanukkah pictures of your dolls in outfits, your home, something you’ve made, maybe decorations around your town…etc. Share them with me for the next little while and then I’ll be back to sewing…
First up today are pictures from Julia:
This is what she emailed me…
Here are my pictures of ThanksChristmas. People from left to right. Me, Hubs, Son, Bro-in-law, Dad. (I took the middle section out and squashed the two sides of the pic together.)
All of my pictures will enlarge if you click on them…
This time I took a picture of all the food with China, silver, linens. The napkins are linen and more than likely a wedding or wedding shower gift from 65 years ago. There was a matching table cloth but I remember Mom making a curtain out of it. There was at least one set in white. They were never used. I’m using them all! We had a good time. Played Apples to Apples. Did a little Christmas shopping at a cute little store out in the country. Didn’t even know it was there.
And then. Tomorrow. I’m going home! Woo hoo! (Julia has been gone from home for 3 1/2 months helping her dad after her mom died!) I’m SO glad you got to come home Julia! I hope your family missed you a bunch! :o) Thanks for sharing your special day with us!
Next up is a picture from Susette. She’s celebrating St. Lucia Day with Kirsten… (I’m sorry this is a few days late. I think St. Lucia Day was on the 13th.)
This is what Susette had to say about this picture…
I really thought I wouldn’t be able to locate everything, but I did. No point in having these things if I can’t share them. She’s wearing the necklace with a cross that I was given as a 👶. Things were not all in the same place!
I didn’t think the tablecloth would fit the Kirsten baking table but it did. I forgot I have another of her tables. Next time.
Love to all, Susette ❤️❤️❤️👩🏻🦰
Thanks Susette… How lovely Kirsten looks!
Melody Martin is up next with a picture of her darling BBflocking, milk chocolate resin, Winnie Elf doll, who is ready to help Santa finish prep for the biggest night of the year! Winnie is 27cm tall. Melody also told me she has 3, plus one on preorder. Her little llama friend came from Alpaca Creek farms and was a keychain.
This was something funny Joy sent me… I hope you like it too! :o)
This is so silly, but I actually zoomed in on the photo to see if I saw any of “my” fabric on my shelves… :o)
Next up is Anne, all the way from New Zealand… She said she wanted to give us and idea of what it was like where she lived…
Click on her pictures to enlarge them.
She called this her drunk star…and said she really did need to fix it!
She said this ornament was 15 years old… from Jono… maybe she can tell us who that is…
If you think those pictures looked fun… take a look at these cakes Anne made! Aren’t they incredible???????
Here are some close up pictures of Anne’s cakes… Prepare to be AMAZED!
…and here are some closeups of her wall hanging from a few years ago…
Am I the only one thinking Martha Stewart has moved to New Zealand and taken up residence with Anne… or perhaps taken over her body???
Thanks Anne, for those glorious pictures!
Well, that’s it for today’s Christmas edition of “pictures from readers!”
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
Another day of spectacular pictures!
Julia, so glad you are able to go back home. Thanks for sharing pictures–nice to see the whole family, plus your lovely table (and dinner!!).
Susette, I love seeing your Kirsten; I have her, too. Can’t remember if I have her Lucia outfit, though (and yes, Jeanne, it was the 13th). It’s entirely possible! I haven’t had her out for quite a while, and I really should….my dollies have to take turns!
Melody, I have to confess, I am not familiar with the Winnie Elf doll. Cute!! and I love her llama.
Love the Santa picture Joy sent! What fun!
Anne, after our days of chilly temps and rain, it’s so nice to see flowers blooming!! Also enjoyed your other photos. Love your quilted wall hanging. But those cakes!! They are simply exquisite. How could one bear to cut into one?! I think my favorite is the one with the candles.
Well, time for me to quit and head to bed. See you all on the sofa tomorrow!
Wow, Jeanne, todays blog has a bit of everything, people, food, dolls, trees and a quilt and flowers!! I just loved it! I’m hoping this is helping you get your other things done that you need to do. Of course you have to sift through all this, but still I hope it helps and it cetainly is fun wondering what is coming next!
Julia, it was nice seeing you and your family all sitting around the table! Your china is beautiful with the delicate flowers and I’m sure the food was as delicious as the china was so pretty!
Susette’s Kirsten looks amazing! I love the pretty tree in the background, the table setting, and her little cross necklace! I too had one, but a heart shaped locket, but have lost track of it. I also had a tiny diamond ring, and can’t imagine my mother letting me wear that! It actually had to be cut off my finger as it got too tight. Can’t imagine that either!
Melody’s Winnie Elf doll looks like a” real old” world doll! I love her authentic clothes! I am not sure what 27cm means, but she looks to be Betsy McCall size. So cute!
What a funny picture of Mr. and Mrs. Claus, Joy! I think they are getting Jeanne’s packages ready for delivery!
New Zealand, wow! Looks like summer to me with all the flowers blooming! I see now what you mean about having to take care of all the growing things outside, and then getting ready for Christmas inside! I don’t have that problem here in Missouri, thank heavens! Your “drunk star” ……….I can certainly feel your pain! That pretty gold tree I showed yesterday in my living room, well, the middle section of the lights went out on us and we had to improvise with other lights that don’t quite match. Things happen!
Those cakes!!!! So professional! Where did you ever learn to make cakes like that? They are beautiful, and may I ask, what kind of cake is inside? I can’t even pick a favorite, love them all!
I love the quilted wall hanging too! I have one hanging in the family room that is supposed to be Christmas themed, but is mainly trees, so it stays up all year round! They certainly add someting that a plain picture cannot!
It was certainly fun to see eveything today, Jeanne, thank you all for sharing!
I saw your replay about lights on your deck and snowman “just for you two” Why not?
I’ve put lights in the backyard before that only we can see.
Sorry to hear about your tree lights going out. We had one year that the tree was all up and decorated and a few days later the needles started falling off in droves. We had to take it all down, return it to the garden store for an exchange, and start all over. I certainly didn’t enjoy that as not only did I have ornaments, but also lead tinsel all over it and taking it off carefully and then back on wasn’t much fun. Apparently the trees had traveled longer from canada than usual and dried out too much..
What a wonderful post to wake up today! Nice to put a face to your name and see your family, Julia. Melody ‘s elf looks so real. I’ll have to look up that doll. She looks to be Swiss, too. What fun that picture of the Clauses is, Joy!
Yes, Anne belongs in a Martha Stewart Magazine! Gardening, baking, quilting, one talent perfected and on to the next. The quilt is so beautifully detailed. Cakes of that kind go for $100 here. I only know that because I went with Krish’s mother to pick up Minecraft one in Houston. Speaking of Rakhi, my daughter-in-law who’s an anesthesiologist, she sent a picture of herself getting her Covid immunization this morning in Houston. Hurray!
Thanks for sharing pictures. Can’t wait to see more tomorrow.
Well, hearing that your DIL received her vaccine made my day. 🙂
Guess I missed my invitation to Julia’s ThanksChristmas. The food looks so yummy and the guests definitely enjoying the get together. So glad you used the lovely china and linens. 🙂
Love Susette’s St. Lucia Day vignette. Very festive and well put together. 🙂
Melody’s Winnie Elf is so fun. She looks a lot taller than 10/11 inches. Must be the photo angle. Beautiful tree background too and a great festive outfit. 🙂
Anne’s backyard looks like such a relaxing place to be, but I’m sure it takes a ton of work to keep it looking so lovely. A wonderful memory tree too with that falling star. Ha ha. And what a great hanging holiday circle quilt too. Such lovely detail. I don’t see how anyone can cut into those cakes. They are masterpieces. But, just curious about the flavors? 🙂
Thanks for all the pictures. It is fun to see all the ways we find to keep Christmas. Julia your feast looked yummy. The family looked happy and those dishes…oh my, lovely! Susette you have such a talent for display😉 Love all the ornaments on that tree. I was always afraid of the glass ones but they are brilliant. Melody the Winnie Elf is adorable! Joy….that Santa knows what to buy…too funny! Anne your flowers look so pretty..and your tree is so traditional with such interesting ornaments you have collected thru the years makes it perfect. You are a multitalented lady…those cakes should be in a magazine! The quilting is top notch. I can tell you are always busy!
Thanks everyone for your nice comments!
I had find a converter to change cm to inches. 27 is approximately 10 and a half inches. Another doll I’m unfamiliar with. Does Miss Elf have pointed ears? I think those elf and fairy dolls are so cute.
Kirsten is amazing with all her accessories! Is the little punch bowl AG? And glass?
Calling the star topper drunken is hilarious! Gorgeous cakes and quilts.♥️
Today is Mom’s birthday. She would have been 89. From today until my dad’s bd the end of Jan. they were the same age. My dad will be 90 in January.
The punch bowl is glass. It’s not America Girl. Search “miniature glass punch bowl.” I have a clear one and a light blue one. Couldn’t resist the red one.
Another day of wonderful photos. These are certainly giving everyone the Christmas Spirit.
Julia, your ThanksChristmas dinner is delicious looking. It’s also so nice to put a face with a name. The china is so pretty. I agree, use the linen and china, no point having them sit in a drawer or cabinet. I use my grandmother’s Baravian china as well, although I am very careful because it’s service for 12 and the pattern is no longer made.
Susette, Kirsten looks so sweet in her St. Lucia’s outfit and I love the additional little tree have sitting there with the children statue. It looks like a fairy tree.
Melody’s elf doll is really cute. Her llama makes a great friend.
LOL, I love the Santa and Mrs. Claus picture, Joy. It appears that Mrs. is telling Santa she does need a few more bolts of fabric for her stash.
Full blown summer for you, Anne. What is that vine under the awning? I thought wisteria, but the leaves aren’t right. The lady whose blog I follow in Australia has angel’s trumpets. Gorgeous, but poisonous. Your tree is lovely. I saw a plum pudding ornament and your grandson’s egg carton creation is precious.
Wow, what incredible talent on the cakes. They are all beautiful, but my favorite is the caroler girl. You even have folds in her dress and bonnet. My second is the one with the candles. Gorgeous wall hanging as well with another plum pudding. All your items should be in magazines.
Laura,
Check Replacements (and Ebay) for your china pattern. Ebay’s prices are usually better, but if I want to know what a pattern looks like, I check Replacements, or if I see a pattern I like, I use Replacements to see what else the company makes.
Thank you, Marilyn, I am familiar with Replacements. I used them for my grandmother’s other set of china the year the one turkey platter hit the floor, that is after I finished crying.
I have the patterns on their “find this for me”, but the other pattern has never come up.
My grandfather sister sent it as a weeding gift to them in 1940.
Replacements Limited also tells when the pattern was discontinued if it was. I looked for years for Wedgwood Queensware that I got in England when I was 17. Turns out it was discontinued in 1957, the year we searched the Wedgwood discount place and bought it. I’m a tableware fanatic as you may see later.
Glad you are back home Julia. That is a nice picture of your family, who I’m sure had a wonderful time being together. And, you set a nice table. I love tableware and it’s always interesting to see others people’s choices in dinnerware. I’d have several sets if I could – and for all seasons!
Susette, your setting with Kristen is beautiful. She looks so angelic in her outfit. Was that red punch bowl set something from AMG or did you find that elsewhere ? Your doll pictures are always so well posed.
I have to admit, Melody, I’ve never seen your type of doll before. I’ll have to look her up. She has a very pretty face. Her outfit and llama are perfect for her being an elf.
I can see why all the women who sew like the picture of Mr. and Mrs. Claus!
Anne, how summery your home looks. I forgot how different your seasons are. Those are beautiful flowers around your deck and steps. The star at the top of your tree is hilarious! Really quite endearing! You have some interesting ornaments too. It’s amazing to see everyone’s ornaments and decorations. Some being old heirlooms and handmade one and special collections.
My favorite type of ornaments are the older family ornaments handed down and ones my children made. Treasures for sure.
And the cakes!! Amazing! I too wonder what flavors the cakes are. Did you apply material to some of them on the top? Beautiful wall quilt too. Very Christmasy!
Christmas is so much fun. It brings the creative talents out. Well, time for coffee on the sofa with you girls after this tour!! 🎄
Loved the photos Jeanne. It was great seeing your pictures Julia as someone else pointed out it was good to put a face to the name. Glad you made it safely home but I bet your Dad will miss you after so long. When my children all left home I moved in with my dad (more than 20 yrs ago) I was still working in those days and Dad was still pretty active and he looked after me. After I stopped working it was my turn to look after him, it was pretty lonely after he died in 2014.
I had never heard of St Lucia’s Day but I love your display, Susette. And your doll has a lovely face, Melody, just so cute.
Thank you for the kind words about my photos. I have more flowers on the front steps of the deck but the sun was shining right into the camera so didn’t think the photo would be so good. The vine isn’t wisteria it is grapes, too early in the season to have changed colour but once they have I will send you another photo. It is absolutely loaded with fruit. I just have to give it all away well most of it anyway, I can’t eat them all! I have another grapevine with small green grapes on the side fence. That is loaded too!
My cakes are all fruit cakes. Soft cakes wouldn’t keep long enough they would have to be made only a day or so before Christmas and I don’t have time for that. I used to make a lot more for Delta, one year I made 70 all iced, decorated and boxed, they were only 4 inches square and not one was the same. I have a fantastic cake tin that has dividers so I can make 4 x 6 inch, 9 x 4 inch and even 16 x 3 inch but I have never gone down that small. Too much for me now, financially and work load. The little carol singer is a cutter from a series called Patchwork Cutters, I have loads of them, all different designs.
Jeanne, the ornament I was referring to was the little blue one with red glitter around it made by Sam’s eldest, Jonathan, when he was at Kindy from a cut up egg tray. As he has just turned 18 it must be about 15 yrs old but I can’t bring myself to not put it on the tree.
I have a story!!!!! Ashley’s birthday is on 29th Dec. Most of our family and friends are away on holiday by then so there was usually only me at her party especially when she was very little. When she was two we decided to celebrate her birthday with the church at the Church picnic around the middle of January. I made her a Dora cake and she absolutely loved it. When it came to cutting the cake, when she realised what we were going to do she got really upset. “Not Dora. No, not Dora”.
The next year I made her a doll cake thinking that at three she would have more idea what was going to happen. No same reaction! Now she is 10 she has no problem eating the cake lol.
Paula, everything on the cakes is edible, no material
Laura, It is important to use the china as you never know what is around the corner. I had a complete tea set of my Mums but alas, it was decimated in the first earthquake we had (2010) . I lost a few other things too as my china cabinet fell. It fell against the chimney breast so didn’t fall flat but the doors opened and stuff fell out. Now it is bolted to the wall! And I keep the doors tied up! (Believe it or not, only the house was decimated in the second earthquake in 2011)
Julia, I love your mother’s glasses — they set off her pretty dishes and make the table look like an old-fashioned holiday setting. Perfect.
I enjoyed the all-I-want-for-Christmas is a trip to the fabric store with unlimited funds. The Clauses look so happy.
Anne, It sounds like bolting the china cabinet to the wall was one of your very besy. I have cookbooks that show beautiful British style Christmas cakes. None are as pretty as yours.
Jeanne,
I think the picture sharing should become an instant tradition for Christmas on the blog. It has several benefits and no known drawbacks.
Winnie is a resin ball jointed doll, sculpted by Rose Lacefield/BBflockling. She makes 3 sizes of slim dolls, some with elf ears, some with human ears. The smallest size is 17cm/6.7inches. I have one of those girls and one on preorder. Winnie is the 27cm/12 inch size. I’ve had her wearing Blythe clothes and I need to make her some things. The largest size is 14inches, I need to order one of those girls.
Miss Rose also does a line called Shoohoos. They are 6.7inch chubby little elves. I have one and one on preorder. Miss Rose’s dolls are absolutely enchanting, I love them. 🙂
Dear Jeanne, what feasts there were today.
I loved seeing Julia and family. What a wonderful table.
I loved seeing Susette’s doll dressed for the St. Lucia celebration.
Melody’s Winnie Elf is so sweet.
I want to visit Anne because she has no snow and makes delicious desserts!
The cakes look too pretty to cut!:)