It's November. This year has blown by me and I can't quite believe it's here. November brings memories of holiday preparation and the excitement of Christmas pageants to come. I guess that's why things like random bits of trim and fabric catch my eye.
It usually happens like this: I'm rummaging through a box and I see a piece of fabric, braid, ribbon or trim that would make a great costume. You see, I was trained this way. I can't really help it. I spent my childhood rummaging through the bargain rooms of fabric stores looking for fabrics, trims or ribbons that would make a good costume. And this time of year it usually had something to do with a Christmas concert at church. Whether a chiffon head scarf for Mary or a striped fabric for Joseph, we were always looking for things that would create the illusion of Biblical times. Fake leather became a Roman officer's uniform. Silver fabrics were turned into helmets. We were always watching for "period appropriate" fabrics for outer robes for the disciples and a piece of rope was often called into service as a belt.
And so as I was rummaging through a box at an estate sale, this beautiful trim caught my eye. I could just see it on Herod's crown - because from the audience the gold, red and green would sparkle like jewels. And Mama thinks my compulsive organizing is a sickness....
Musings from the creator of Swoon Studios, Deb Haynes Swider, on jewelry making, vintage finds, home and garden odds and ends and finding inspiration. *All photos property of Deb Haynes Swider unless otherwise credited.
Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts
Monday, November 7, 2011
DIY Monday: We Three Kings
Labels:
christmas,
Christmas pageants,
church theater,
costuming,
crowns
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Happy Christmas Everyone
I wish your Christmas Day be full of blessings, love and laughter. I pray there's food on your table, a roof over your head, family around you and joy in your heart. And if you have all these things, I hope you'll count your blessings and give thanks. I know I will be - and among my blessings are so many of you.
Happy Christmas my friends. Happy Christmas.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Inspiration Thursday! See Amid the Winter's Snow...
See amid the winter’s snow,
Born for us on earth below,
See, the gentle Lamb appears,
Promised from eternal years.
Hail that ever blessèd morn, Hail redemption’s happy dawn, Sing through all Jerusalem: Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Lo, within a manger lies
He Who built the starry skies;
He Who, thronèd in height sublime,
Sits amid the cherubim.
Hail that ever blessèd morn, Hail redemption’s happy dawn, Sing through all Jerusalem: Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Say, you holy shepherds, say,
Tell your joyful news today.
Why have you now left your sheep
On the lonely mountain steep?
Hail that ever blessèd morn, Hail redemption’s happy dawn, Sing through all Jerusalem: Christ is born in Bethlehem.
“As we watched at dead of night,
Lo, we saw a wondrous light;
Angels singing ‘Peace on earth’
Told us of the Savior’s birth.”
Hail that ever blessèd morn, Hail redemption’s happy dawn, Sing through all Jerusalem: Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Sacred Infant, all divine,
What a tender love was Thine,
Thus to come from highest bliss
Down to such a world as this.
Hail that ever blessèd morn, Hail redemption’s happy dawn, Sing through all Jerusalem: Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Teach, O teach us, holy Child,
By Thy face so meek and mild,
Teach us to resemble Thee,
In Thy sweet humility.
Hail that ever blessèd morn, Hail redemption’s happy dawn, Sing through all Jerusalem: Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Labels:
christmas,
deb haynes swider,
inspiration,
swoon studios
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Vintage Wednesday: Vintage Christmas Ornaments
My husband did request we put the bubble lights on this year. I remember when I was a child these were one of the most fascinating part of
Hope you're finding your own traditions in celebrating this holiday season and hope it's filled with joy, love and laughter.
Labels:
bubble lights,
christmas,
deb haynes swider,
holiday ornaments,
silent night,
swoon studios,
vintage
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Inspiration Thursday! Handmade Christmas

This Christmas we don't have as much money as we'd like to give what we'd like to the ones we love - and I don't think we're the only ones in this boat. It's gotten me thinking about how Christmas seems to have gotten really big and really commercial in my adulthood. Maybe it's because I'm a grown up now and actually see the sales flyers and incentives to get the newest electronic gadget?
I remember how thrilled I was the Christmas I got a My Friend Mandy doll complete with wardrobe. Mama had spent nights making a wardrobe for Mandy - something I knew because my room was over the sewing room and for many nights before Christmas I fell asleep to the whir... whir... whir... of the sewing machine. I knew Mama had worked so hard to make that Christmas special, and it's one of the best Christmas presents I remember.
So as I've been rushing around trying to finish up Christmas shopping, it's struck me that this year gifts don't have to be elaborate. The whole point is to celebrate a birthday, show some love and let people know they're special to us. And for many in my family, that means it's a handmade Christmas. I'm giving them something that's very precious to me - time. I'm spending time making things for them instead of just pressing a button and having something shipped.
I don't know if amid the flurry of wrapping paper and electronics my gifts are going to be the stand out gifts of the season, but I do know I'm giving a part of me this year. I'm not just checking off a name on a list. I'm working toward something a little more special this year. And I'm returning to the Christmas of my childhood where the best gifts are the ones made especially for me.
Labels:
birthday,
childhood memories,
christmas,
christmas gifts,
deb haynes swider,
giving,
handmade,
swoon studios
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Inspiration Thursday! Christmas is coming...



I keep my eyes open for new designs every year and have found a lovely variety thus far!
Labels:
christmas,
deb haynes swider,
environmentally friendly wrapping,
gift wrapping,
punch studio,
storage boxes,
swoon studios
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)