New Year's Resolutions

I generally don't make resolutions for the New Year because I generally don't keep ANY of them.  This year however, I've decided to make a FEW that I hope to fulfill and here they are....

1. Complete projects that I start - Need I say more!!!
2. Redesign blog - I am technically challenged but I will give it my best.
3. Start a linking party on Larissa Hill Designs - Any and all advice welcome.
4. Take an art course - Something I've always wanted to do.
5. And finally, run a 5K - I can't believe I put this on my list.

What are your resolutions this year?  Wish me luck....

Happy New Year

Pinterest continues to amaze me.  I stumbled upon these wonderful New Year's greetings that I just had to share with you.



Thank you for joining me in this blogging journey that I began in August.  I hope that you will continue to travel through 2012 with me as I explore new painting techniques, redecorate, create for charities, thrift with Shari from Swinging On A Star Creations, and celebrate my 2 year cancer survivor anniversary.  Your response and support has given me strength throughout my recovery this year and for that I thank you. 

Have a safe and Happy New Year!  Heather

PS.  I plan to dance on the table tonight!!!

Our Christmas

I am finally getting around to posting a few photos of our Chrismtas celebrations....

This year 16 guests joined us for Christmas Eve dinner and it was wonderful.  Each and every year, we share Christmas Eve with family friends who have wrapped their arms around our transplanted family.  We are truly blessed to have them in our lives.  This year, I also asked our friends to bring photos of their loved ones to include in our tablescape along with a picture of my father and my husband's parents who have all passed.

The centerpiece began as a green and gold tin container that I have stored in my basement closet for years. 

I decoupaged it with cream, gold and silver holiday wrapping paper and then trimmed with silver Rub'n Buf paint.  I then filled it with a variety of greenery and mercury glass ornaments and set it atop burlap, surrounded with mercury glass votives and our treasured family photos.

Mom & Dad

Dining Room

Dining Room with Vintage Santa Art

My daughter prepared a number of desserts for the evening.  Below are the beautiful and delicious cake pops she baked, including peppermint chocolate covered in crushed peppermints, spice ball covered in white chocolate and toasted coconut and finally, chocolate covered in dark chocolate and red, white and green jimmies.  They were a HUGE hit!!!

Here are a few additional photos from around our home....

And a few pictures from our outdoor decorating.....I love displaying my vintage sleighs and filling urns with greenery, ilex berries and cut branches from the yard.

Hope you had a very Merry Christmas and a holiday blessed with love and friendship.

Let me know what you think....



Places I Party
Sew Much Ado  Ginger Snap Crafts  DIY By Design  My Girlish Whims 
Someday Crafts  Blue Cricket Design  Savvy Southern Style  Primp
 Shabby Creek Cottage  Somewhat Simple  Saved By Love Creations  
Beyond The Picket Fence  Thrifty 101  The ArtsyGirl Connection
A Little Knick Knack  French Country Cottage  Common Ground
Simply Sweet Home  WhipperBerry  Answer Is Chocolate  2805 
Stuff & Nonsense  The Charm Of Home  The DIY Showoff



Happy Holidays

Just a quick note to wish each and everyone of my followers a very Happy Holidays. I've been under the weather lately so haven't been up to posting so I apologize.  Then again, who is reading posts during this time of year, not me!!!

Wishing you much love, laughter and joy during this holiday season....

Fondly, Heather

25 Days Of Christmas - Our Family Traditions

Christmas is about traditions, old and new.  Whether it is the sweet smell of holiday delights originating from the kitchen, the treasured Christmas ornaments,  everlasting Christmas movies or the simple stockings hung by the fire with care, each and every holiday tradition, reminds us of the Christmas spirit in our hearts.

Here are a few of our favorite family traditions that I look forward to every holiday season....

When our girls were younger, we would decorate a Gingerbread House every year with friends.  My sister-in-law would ship the packaged gingerbread set from Canada and of course, I would purchase extra candy to add to the house and to munch on while we decorated.  It was a fun way to kick off the holiday season and in the end, the children were so very proud of their adorable gingerbread creation.
 

Beginning with our oldest daughter, Lara's first Christmas, my husband started buying a special Christmas Book for her.  He continued to do the same with our youngest daughter, Marissa as well.  These treasured books were read by my husband to the girls when they were younger and to this day, these books including The Christmas Tree, Christmas with Angelina and Polar Express hold a special place in their hearts.

I followed my husband's lead and began to purchase antique and vintage Christmas books for him.  He particularly treasures "The Santa Claus Story Book" signed and dated 1909, "Christmas In Legend And Story" published in 1915 and numerous other I have gifted him throughout the years.  

My husband also began a tradition of purchasing the girls including me a Christmas Ornament each year.  My mother did the same.  She cleverly labelled each ornament with the year and signed her name, Grammy.  These ornaments hold a meaningful place in our hearts and on our tree.

Christmas Tree shopping was always a family event.  On the first weekend in December, we would all pile into the car and take a short drive down to Simmons Farm and spend too much time picking out the tree.  With our girls both living out of town, my husband and I continue this tradition but now we send along silly photos of us picking out the tree to both our girls.  My husband always comes up with a clever line to make them laugh.

The Christmas Ornament Shop was set out every year for the girls when they were younger.  We would unwrap each ornament and the girls would then open the 'shop' for us to 'pretend' buy the ornaments.  Everyone participated in the actual tree decorating while watching "It's A Wonderful Life" and it was fun way to kick off the tree decorating. 

Wrapping our girls' present in their own paper not only saved us time but the girls could then easily identify which gifts belonged to them under the tree, especially when they were too young to read.  It always amazed my girls that Mom knew what paper Santa chose for each of them.  Now, it allows me to color coordinate the packages under the tree.   

And lastly, one of our most treasured family traditions is sharing Christmas Eve with friends.  We have lived in Pittsburgh for 27+ years and have been blessed with the most precious gift of love and friendship.  Each and every year, we celebrate with one extended family that has opened up their hearts and their homes to us at Christmastime and throughout the year.

Wishing you a season full of laughter and love,

Heather

Music, Santa & Glitter

Last week, I gave you my first version of Music and Santas. This week, I took it to another level and added a bit of glitter.  I think we all agree that Christmas needs a touch of glitter.....

So, once again, I started with Santa and specifically, this classic Victorian Santa from the Christmas book Chatterbox 1920 that I found at Graphics Fairy.

I then needed to find vintage christmas sheet music for my background and selected Santa Claus So Jolly.  Another great Graphics Fairy download...

I then spread Aleenes Clear Tacky Glue on matting and over the Santa Claus and sprinkled Martha Stewart's Crystal Coarse Glitter over the tacky areas.  In retrospect, I should have used spray adhesive because the picture buckled a bit from the glue. 



I had recently purchased a frame at HomeGoods that needed just a little gold to spruce it up. Rub'N Buff to the rescue once again. Victorian Santa Claus sits proudly on my Chinese Red Victorian front hall chest greeting all during the holiday season.

Let me know what you think....

Come see me at these wonderful parties.

Holiday Craft Party @ Censational Girl

Homemade Projects @ TipJunkie

Brag Monday @ The Graphics Fairy

Creative Bloggers @ Homemaker On A Dime

Made By You Monday @ Skip To My Lou

Just Something I Whipped Up @ Girl Creative

Amaze Me Monday @ Dittle Dattle

Newbie Party @ DebbieDoos

It's Creative Me Monday @ The Southern Institute

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

Meet Me Monday http://youaretalkingtoomuch.blogspot.com/

2011 Christmas Home Tour @ The Inspired Room

Mad Skills Party @ Mad In Crafts

Motivated Monday at Be Colorful

Making the World Cuter Monday at Making the World Cuter

More the Merrier Monday at DIY Home Sweet Home Project

Savvy Homemade Monday at Home Savvy A to Z

Tutorials and Tips Tuesday at Home Stories A to Z

Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style

It's A Party on Thursday at A Creative Princess

Show and Share on Thursday at Southern Lovely

Open House Party Thursday at No Minimalist Here

Remodelaholic's Anonymous at Remodelaholic

Addicts (not so) Anonymous on Friday at Addicted 2 Decorating

Inspiration Friday at At the Picket Fence

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Potpourri Friday at 2805

Sunday Showcase Party at Under the Table and Dreaming

I was featured on

DIY by Design It's A Party
Keeping It Simple Motivate Me Monday
RoadKill Rescue

25 Days Of Christmas -Clipper Girl

On the 16th day of 25 Days of Christmas, Clipper Girl gave to me.....

A wonderfully easy, personalized coaster tutorial.  You'll need to head on over to Clipper Girl to unwrap this beautiful personalized present. 



Stay tuned for Larissa Hill Designs' Our Family Traditions on December 18th....

Vintage Santa Art Feature

I'm thrilled to announce that my post, Music, Santas and Recycled Frames was featured on
RoadKill Rescue today!!!!

Head on over to see what Beckie from Roadkill Rescue discovers each day.....you'll be amazed.

One Man's Trash, Another Woman's Treasure



25 Days Of Christmas - Tiaras and Bowties

On the 12th day of 25 Days Of Christmas, Tiaras and Bowties gave to me....

Pretty Shimmering Things

Kimberly of  Tiaras and Bowties brings you the glitz in wonderful little trinket anyone can make. 



Made in America Christmas

I have been blessed in so many ways this year including the gift of life.  I am so thankful for my outstanding oncologist, radiation oncologist, surgical oncologist, plastic surgeon and every nurse and hospital staff I encountered along the way.

I am thankful for my family and friends and now, my blog, it's followers and it's sponsors.

This blog would not have been possible if not for the Etsy Shops that have participated in my weekly Etsy Inspiration and Giveaway and each of these shops is Made In America....

So, thank you to each and everyone of you for being a part of my blog and for offering a gift certificate or an item from your shop.  The response has been terrific and I am honored that you have been a very special part of Larissa Hill Designs.

As we head out to purchase items for this holiday season, please consider Made In America and shop these wonderful Etsy stores....

Rosebud Lips

Abundant Haven

Graphique

RococcoCo

Miss Ruby Sue

PaperBleu

Totes by Charlotte

Jolie Marche

Winterberry Cottage

PrimitivenProper

South Bay Studio

Happy Holidays,

Heather @ Larissa Hill Designs

25 Days Of Christmas - Smitten by Abigail

On the 10th day of 25 Days of Christmas, Smitten by Abigail gave to me.....

A spectacular Christmas Tablescape of Thrifty Treasure Finds.



Abigail's keen eye and imagination created this gorgeous golden tablescape on a budget.  Head on over to Smitten By Abigail for more details on her thrifty finds.

It's Friday

Have a GREAT weekend....



Music, Santas and Recycled Frames

I tend to hold onto framed artwork for whatever reason and while preparing for Christmas, I thought I'd create new artwork from my old for my dining room.  As I shuffled through my collection of old art, I stumbled upon these somewhat dated pieces of art with wonderfully ornate carved frames.

Notice the leopard needlepoint area rug beneath the pictures!!!

I was inspired by so many of the lovely holiday images on Graphics Fairy  and decided to incorporate backgrounds of Christmas music as well as my two vintage Santas. I copied two different sheets of music onto a textured cardstock and then transferred my Santas onto the sheet music. 



I removed the current artwork and touched up the frame's intricate detail with Antique Gold Rub 'n Buff.  If you have never used Rub 'n Buff, you have to try it!!!  Rub 'n Buff comes in 16 lustrous wax-metallic finishes that are perfect for antiquing, stenciling and other craft projects and it lasts forever.  You can literally apply it with your finger and just rub it on. 

My Santas now sit proudly in my dining room surrounded by my antique bottle brush Christmas trees.

Let me know what you think... 



Come see me at these wonderful parties.

Holiday Craft Party @ Censational Girl

Homemade Projects @ TipJunkie

Brag Monday @ The Graphics Fairy

Creative Bloggers @ Homemaker On A Dime

Made By You Monday @ Skip To My Lou

Just Something I Whipped Up @ Girl Creative

Amaze Me Monday @ Dittle Dattle

Newbie Party @ DebbieDoos

It's Creative Me Monday @ The Southern Institute

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

Meet Me Monday http://youaretalkingtoomuch.blogspot.com/
2011 Christmas Home Tour @ The Inspired Room
Mad Skills Party @ Mad In Crafts

Motivated Monday at Be Colorful

Making the World Cuter Monday at Making the World Cuter

More the Merrier Monday at DIY Home Sweet Home Project

Savvy Homemade Monday at Home Savvy A to Z

Tutorials and Tips Tuesday at Home Stories A to Z

Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style

It's A Party on Thursday at A Creative Princess

Show and Share on Thursday at Southern Lovely

Open House Party Thursday at No Minimalist Here
Remodelaholic's Anonymous at Remodelaholic

Addicts (not so) Anonymous on Friday at Addicted 2 Decorating

Inspiration Friday at At the Picket Fence

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Potpourri Friday at 2805

Saturday Nite Special at Funky Junk Interiors

Sunday Showcase Party at Under the Table and Dreaming







25 Days Of Christmas - Pounds4Pennies

On the 9th day of 25 Days Of Christmas, Pounds4Pennies gave to me....her family's holiday tradition of handmade garland....



25 Days Of Christmas - RadCrafter

On the 8th day of 25 Days Of Christmas, RadCrafter gave to me.....

A stunning DIY Ribbon Stocking Tutorial .  Follow her easy step by step instructions and you too can create these beautiful stockings.



Pinning Too - Leopard Print

My first post based on Pinterest featured my Wild Things Home board and of course, it was all about Animal Prints in the home, specifically Zebra Print decor. From the floor to the ceiling and everything in between, animal prints are a must in your home.

Here are a few of my Leopard favorites....

Relax by the fire with this cozy leopard pillow.

Trey Laird via Elle Decor

I just love how Heidi Claire incorporates the leopard rug and pillow with the orange and white pillows, orange lamp, throw and garden stool....genius.

Heidi Claire

Instagram brings us this gorgeous leopard pillow + purple velvet chair = perfection

Sandie and Stella shows us how to mix classic leopard design in a contemporary setting.

Delightful accent leopard stool ready to bring into your room when needed.

Paloma81

The Yellow Cape Cod  bravely combines two of my favorites in this wing chair vignette.



And finally, there is nothing like a statement wall of leopard. 

Decorista.com

You can see more Wild Things  in Leopard on Larissa Hill Pinterest boards.

SO, where do you have animal prints in your home????