Thursday Etsy Finds

With the festive season gearing up I thought I'd have a little Christmas focus with my Thursday Etsy Finds today... and in true Kelly fashion I thought I'd go a little rustic. I adore all things earthy and natural and I couldn't go past these gorgeous Christmas decorations made from hessian and jute (also known as burlap). The wreath of twigs reminded me of my own that I put on our front door every year. I love an understated wreath and I can't wait until December 1st when ours will go up. December 1 is the tradition in our household for putting up the Christmas tree. Do you have any Christmas traditions when it comes to decorating?

Images 1, 2, 3

Merry Christmas

Wishing you and your family a safe and happy Christmas. 

Oh Christmas Tree

Our tree is sitting pretty in the corner this year. Each and every Christmas I can't help but photograph my Christmas tree. Always so proud of it. It's a family tradition to put the tree up on (or as close to) December 1st as possible. I usually pick a theme each year with decorations, but I went with silver and red a few years ago and finding it hard to branch away. I did buy some gorgeous plywood decorations last year which I love and introduced a little rustic touch with a brick pallet as my "tree protector" from my 10 month old (below). I didn't need it this year as Little Miss A has managed to leave the tree alone, but it works a treat if you have toddlers... or not. I actually quite like the look regardless.

To create the rustic fence, I got an old brick pallet (you can buy them from salvage yards), got the saw out and cut it in half. I then sanded it with fine sand paper so that it was smooth to touch for little (and big) hands. You could also use old timber. Have fun!

Christmas tree inspiration

Each Christmas there are always a handful of people I meet who want to get into that festive spirit, but don't feel the need to put up the tree because they are either going away for the Summer or going elsewhere for Christmas lunch and therefore don't feel the urge. I have found a solution. Here are some clever Christmas tree ideas that are big on impact and small on time and the hip pocket. 

Images from French By Design

Christmas inspiration

There's nothing quite like the Christmas Spirit. Although I am sure slightly stressed, most people seem to be in such a joyful mood which is infectious. Good wishes are shared and we remember those who are no longer with us. In the lead up to Christmas 2012 I thought I would share some of my Christmas inspiration.

1. Bark Wreath

2. Christmas Tags

3. Advent Calendar Supplies

Items from 1. Original Ornament, 2. green grass press, 3. Oh Hello Magpie

Noel Noel

We are now only just starting to get organised for Christmas in our household. My daughter and I put up our tree today and hung the wreath on the front door. I just love the smell of fresh pine. That's Christmas to me. Only 21 sleeps to go.

Weekend Celebrations

We drove to the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula on the weekend to my parent's house for the inaugural Voigt Christmas in July party. Our entire family has never all been together in one place, so it was a pretty special weekend. There are so many of us now. We had my mother and her siblings, their children, our partners/husbands/wives etc and our children. Chaos, but fun.  When I think about Christmas what sticks in my mind the most besides being with family and loved ones is my Auntie Pam's honey biscuits. That's Christmas to me... even if it is in July. Happy Days.