WELCOME .....come on in and let's chat awhile .
That is just fairy dust falling. Just knock the dust off of your shoes and come on in !

Monday, December 15

Welcome to my "Christmas Open House Tour ", come on in !

I have been expecting you .You have a big day ahead of you because there are 3 house tours going on today. All 3 are posted on my side bar to your right.Just click on the pic and it will take you to the list of participants.You are in for some great eye candy so have fun !



There is another Open House I just learned about. It is at SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY hosted by Rhoda. So swing by and visit all those gals too !

















I have to tell you the story of my big santa. This big old santa is made of chalkware, these used to be at all the fairs years ago.The chalk stuff came in all kinds of figures; such as dogs , kewpie dolls etc... You could win these by pitching rings , darts , penneys, nickels, balls etc...
But now on to my story , I just had to give you a little background first. This santa belonged to my great Aunt Isabelle.They were very poor and their house was just a little shanty but it was immaculately clean and neat. Nothing was out of place.She didn't have money to buy things to decorate her house. So if she saw a picture in a magazine or on a calendar she would cut it out and hang it on her wall. So you see this santa was very special to her. I remember going to her house when I was a little girl and I would sit and look at this santa , I wanted to play with him so-o-o-o bad ! But when I was little and went somewhere ,especially to someone's house, I had to sit right by my mother and I wasn't allowed to get up and run around like a wild Indian .LOL . They always told me I couldn't play with santa because he would break . Little did I know that about 52 years later He would be MINE ! He truly is one of my treasures even though he does have an ugly face * wink *



This is one of my most favorite Santa's, see his little wings .




I painted this old santa , can you tell what he is made out of ? I'll give you a hint ; a tree ! He is a tree slab .



This tree is in my living room . I don't have any big trees this year . My good help is out of town at the university this year.


This is my Folk Art Tree.






I know some of you are saying, "a black tree !" yuck ! But I just had to step out and do it and I love it ! This little black tree is in my master bath .


Well that's all folks ! Now hurry on over to the next ones, you have alot to look at !

75 comments:

Unknown said...

Love the black tree. And that is the thing this year for Christmas. So you are hip.Lol. My mom did a black tree too. Also a black wreath wich she got for Halloween. it is adorable.

Edie Marie's Attic said...

They say every room needs a touch of black and yours is fabulous! I love it in the vase, how chic!!
All your Christmas decorations are beautiful!

Have a wonderful Christmas!!
Holiday hugs, Sherry

SmilingSally said...

Your house is so interesting; I could spend a week just enjoying everything. I peeked and saw so many beautiful Blue things! So many Santas, and your aunt's is super special. I like your black hatbox with the tassel and sparkling ornaments.

Anonymous said...

Theresa! Everything is so beautiful and loved the story of the chalk santa. My grandmother had some little dogs made of of this stuff and when no one was looking I would like it - it tasted salty. Now wonder how many germs I got? lol
Be a sweetie,
shelia ;)

Kathleen Grace said...

I think the black tree looks great! I love all your pretty red decorations and your Santa collection, the chalkware Santa must be so special to you:>) Now I need to check out the rest of the tour!

Lora @ my blessed life said...

Your home looks lovely! What a sweet story about your santa, too!

Merry Christmas!

DayPhoto said...

I have not ever heard of chalkware! I enjoyed learning about this.

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress

Cami @ Creating Myself said...

Love that table! it's sooo festive!

pcb said...

Love the sentimental touches. I'm all about that.

Judy said...

What beautiful decorations. I love the Santa story. What a wonderful treasure. You know I actually like the black tree. Thanks for sharing and the wonderful tour.

Terrie's Lil' Piece of Serenity said...

Everything is so pretty. I love your trees and all of the santas.
Hugs, Terrie

Suzanne said...

Theresa, Thank you for inviting me on your tour. Everything is so beautiful. I love your Santa collection, and you childhood story. Love the black tree Have a happy and blessed holiday. Love and Prayers, Suzanne

Lori said...

thanks for sharing your pretty little Christmas!!! your santas are darling, i love the one who is wearing his wings:)

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous! I love all the red-n-white! Thanks for sharing with us.

Merry Christmas!

a Pocket Angel said...

Theresa, Oh my gosh what BEAUTIFUL decorations! I LOVE all the wonderful reds and Santas..
Thanks so much for showing us around your lovely home.
Happy Holidays ~Mary~ :-}

Anonymous said...

Oh I just love your Santa collection!

Anonymous said...

THank you for stopping by and taking the tour of my home!!

Your's is wonderful and I love your Santas! My what a collection and a wonderful way of displaying everything!

Oh, by commenting on my space your name has been put in for a drawing for 1 of 2 giveaways I am having!!

blessings
mary

Anonymous said...

THank you for stopping by and taking the tour of my home!!

Your's is wonderful and I love your Santas! My what a collection and a wonderful way of displaying everything!

Oh, by commenting on my space your name has been put in for a drawing for 1 of 2 giveaways I am having!!

blessings
mary

Anonymous said...

THank you for stopping by and taking the tour of my home!!

Your's is wonderful and I love your Santas! My what a collection and a wonderful way of displaying everything!

Oh, by commenting on my space your name has been put in for a drawing for 1 of 2 giveaways I am having!!

blessings
mary

Anonymous said...

Hello Theresa, we arrived home last night and I went straight to work taking pics. of my house. However, I was so tired I didn't post until this AM.

Your pics are all gorgeous. I love the whimsy in your decorating. I adore your chalk Santa. he is very collectible too. I love your story about him. We too had to sit and behave or else! when visiting.

Thanks for your tour it was lovely and fun. Just like you my friend.

Christmas love...Jeanne

Anonymous said...

Your invitation just drew me in..."I have been expecting you." What beautiful and compelling words that seems to have been lost over time. Your photos are beautiful and I just adore your black Christmas tree. Glad tidings to you!

Nanette said...

Theresa, I love the chalk santa and tree slab santa especially. This was so fun, thank you!
Valerie

Anonymous said...

Theresa, I feel like I have stepped into wonderland. Everything looks so pretty.

How wonderful that you have your aunt's chalkware Santa. She must smile knowing that it is so loved by you.

And, I love your poinsettia dishes. Gorgeous!

Dawn said...

Your decorations are just gorgeous!!! I think some of the pictures you shared ought to be framed!!! What a beautiful collection of "Christmas" you have.
take care,
Dawn

Unknown said...

Hell Theresa-- so nice to meet you! I'm a red girl myself, so it's really fun to see all your red decorations!
Have a great week,
Kelly

Gone said...

Hi Theresa...everything in your home looks so pretty and festive.

Thanks for stopping by...and commenting.

Have you signed up for our Give-Away? It ends tomorrow night at 9EST. The button's in my right side-bar.

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Oh Sweet Theresa, your home is beautiful! Love it to pieces!

Merry Christmas Dear!

Hugs,
Maryjane

Heather said...

Love all your Santas!!

Decor To Adore said...

Oh I am just gasping at your chalkware Santa! I just adore all your decorations. They are lovely.

I will have a giveaway on my Friday post.

Bethany said...

Loved seeing all of your pretty decor...the nativity is beautiful! We have a little black tree this year too so I think yours is pretty cool :)

~Becca~Bluebird Rose said...

I enjoyed all your pretty decorations, and especially enjoyed the story behind your chalkware Santa!!
:)
Merry Christmas!!
~Becca~

Unknown said...

so pretty! thanks for having us over :-) merry Christmas!

nikkicrumpet said...

Love the black tree! And I love the story about your Santa...I can see why it's so precious to you. And that little winged Santa has the cutest darn face! I enjoyed the tour of your lovely home!

Fete et Fleur said...

What a beautiful story about the chalkware Santa. He is special. I love your plates!

Merry Christmas!
Nancy

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

Your things are so beautiful. I can tell they belong to one sweet lady. I adore the santa you painted on the slab f wood. Have a Merry Christmas...m..

Jorgelina said...

Theresa,
Everything is so beautiful. I love your Santa collection.
I love your plates!

Hugs

Anonymous said...

Love all your different santas and the white tree is just gorgeous!

Thanks, I enjoyed the tour!

Manuela

Kim's Treasures said...

Thank you for the tour of your beautiful home and for sharing your aunt's Santa memory.

Thank you also for your sweet comment about my dad!

Have a wonderful day!
Kim

MARIA said...

EXCELLENT!!!

I must be back to look and read again.

God bless you!

Anonymous said...

Your home is beautiful, Theresa!

I remember chalkware, when they were new/young!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sharing your treasures. I love Christmas. It's a wee bit different this year at our home. For those of us whom are in the hospital....A HUGE THANKS!!!!
Nanette

Anonymous said...

Love your Santas, and that is a great story about how the chalk Santa became yours. What a treasure.

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Well I am going to try this again...girl I was right in the middle of leaving you a comment asn the power went off..here hoping I can make it this time..I just love your home it all so beautiful the big Santa is so great..and I bet it heavy and the memories you must have with that...I see you are from the same generation as me where we were seen but not heard !! I can remember going to my Great grandma house and she alway had a candy dish with candy and I was told not to even ask for a piece...of course as I would leave she would let me have one ...but only one and I would spend 10 minutes looking to see which one I wanted..Thanks for the memories...hugs and smiles Gloria

Kay-The Rustic Cottage said...

Love your Santas!! Your home is so lovely.

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

HiTheresa,
My...your decorations are so lovely. How fun to have more than 1 Christmas tree. It's all so pretty and thanks for the tour. Love the vintage santa.
Merry Christmas!!
Warmly,
Deb

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

HiTheresa,
My...your decorations are so lovely. How fun to have more than 1 Christmas tree. It's all so pretty and thanks for the tour. Love the vintage santa.
Merry Christmas!!
Warmly,
Deb

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Your home is incredible. I love the story of your Santa, what a treasure. I like that you stepped outside the box and did a black tree. It's different and I like different. Thanks so much for swinging by the Snowflake tablescape. I always enjoy when you stop by.. I love your blog dress. :-) hugs ~lynne~

One Shabby Old House said...

Wow there are so many fun places to go in blogland. I don't know where to go next. Such eye candy everywhere. Your home looks so pretty for the holidays. I like your black tree! Love the Santa you painted too. Thanks for all the kind comments you leave me as well. Hmmmm maybe I will go buy a lotto ticket. lol
Have a Merry Christmas too.
Hugs
Becky

Meadowsweet Days said...

Hi Theresa, Thank your for the tour of your home. I love the black tree, and your Santas! Thank you for opening up your home to us.

Carol

Anonymous said...

Theresa, I just enjoyed your lovely Christmas tour again. I haven't visited much today, my sisters were here and we baked cookies all day. Whew, I am so tired but we had a good visit and made lots of cookies. My neighbor joined in too.

We are very sad as we had to put our Babette down yesterday.

Hugs...Jeanne

Anonymous said...

Evening, Tweesa! Thank you so much!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

I love your black Christmas tree. I would love one for our main bath...black and gold in there. Thanks for sharing it.

Anonymous said...

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas:)
wonderful home tour!

KayEllen

Anonymous said...

Theresa, thank you so much for your kind words about Babette. We miss her so much. We won't get another dog for awhile.

Love, Jeanne

Nancy Rosalina said...

Hi Theresa, Everything looks so great! I love all the Santas! Oh, and that little black tree is beautiful! Nancy

Yesteryear Embroideries said...

Every thing is just so lovely! Just want to wish you a merry Christmas and many blessings for the new year! blessings, Kathleen

Rue said...

Hi Theresa :)

Your home looks beautiful! I love the stories behind everything, especially the big Santa :)

You are really talented and that wood slab Santa is incredible. I love the black tree too :)

Merry Christmas hugs,
rue

Secondhandrose said...

That big santa is fabulous and such a great memory. Thanks for sharing. Come for a visit.
karen

Anonymous said...

Hello Theresa! I really love all your decorations and your photos of them. I think the black tree is cool...

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

GM Teresa...girl thanks for coming by...and if you can move that DR set you can have it..I do the the antiques but thet sure are heavy...the only thing I can move in my house are my feathers pillows now at my age..I use to move stuff from room to room and can't do that any more...got me some of those mover pads and still have a hard time lifting to put them under the furniture...When Len and I painted LR in April it about killed us...and I so need to paint that DR and take off all that wall paper that I thought was so cool in 96 and can't stand now...but just the thought wears me out..and trying to find anyone up here in the mountains that will work is impossible...they might show up one day but not the next..Hope you have a great day dear friend...hugs and smiles Gloria

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Good morning my friend, we just got our lights back on after the ice last night. I'm so glad you enjoyed my "bling". I've had so much fun with it this year..lol Hope all is well with you today..
hugs ~lynne~

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Hi Sweetie, I absolutely "love" your Christmas tea set. Stopped me in my tracks.lol. Yes, girl we traveled for 14 years doing the craft circuit. I started at a Walmart show, sold out in one day and stayed up all night making more bunnies and bears for the next day. As they say I was hooked. we started a few years after that adding a few wood things. It was such a struggle to pull dh off a job to help set up the back drop and such.That's when I decided to open the shop.That was 11 years ago,again as they say the rest is history..lol. I have a ball with the shop and working part time at another gift and furniture store. You're right we couldn't keep compete with China. I hope you're having a very Merry Evening. hugs ~lynne~

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Oh so beautiful!

XO,

Sheila

Julia @ Hooked on Houses said...

I love your chalkware Santa and the story that came with him! How fun. I really enjoyed this post. Thanks for inviting us into your beautiful home. Merry Christmas!! -Julia :-)

Keetha Broyles said...

I love your home tour!!! Thanks for sharing.

Your header is wonderful - - - Christmas tea.

Also, I really like your tree slab Santa. What is his beard made of? It looks 3-D and not like paint.

Merry Christmas

Anonymous said...

Hi Theresa
Thank you for the lovely tour of your home. Its lovely and the Santas are fabulous! What a sweet story you told of that special Santa. He must mean so much to you and I bet little ones these days aren't allowed to touch him either. Very special.
You did such a great job painting Santa on that tree slab..love it! Everything is sooo festive.
have a lovely day
Judi

Tamara Jansen said...

What an amazing collection of Santa's!

Merry Christmas from me to you :)

bj said...

Oh, I loved every single thing in your beautiful cottage. Your Santa collection is to die for and I love the one YOU painted. Of course, the BIG one is priceless.
I so remember all the chalkware from the carnivals and fairs. My daddy used to take me to a place called Fair Park in Dallas, Tx. when I would visit him ea. summer. I always won 2 or 3 things made out of the chalk...where did they go???? I have no idea but sure wish I had one of them today. Now,I am sad....think I will just find one, buy it and play-like it was from my childhood!! ;>)
Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas, my friend....
love, bj

One Shabby Old House said...

Hi Theresa,
You little picture of you face is one that I have come to know and love. It is always good to have you visit! Your house looks so fabulous. And that story of you Aunt and her Santa is wonderful. You whole collection of Santa's is great as well as your table. You are ready for his arrival for sure.
So have a Merry Christmas and I look forward to seeing you pop up on my blog often in the new year.
Blessings
Becky

Anonymous said...

Good morning Theresa. I didn't get to you yesterday and I try to say hello each day. I slept late today as there is no Babette to wake my up at 5:00 am. I wish there was though. We are missing her so much. Tomorrow I am posting a little tribute to her because my dh won't have it any other way. I couldn't do it before now as it was too emotional for me.

It is going to be 12 degrees here tonight. Brrr. I don't expect there will be snow.

Christmas love to you my friend...Jeanne

Cherdecor said...

I am so glad that you ended up with Santa! Your home and decorations are lovely! Have a very Merry Christmas!
Blessings,
Cheryl

Unknown said...

You have so many wonderful Christmas decor items to share! I love your Santas and the folk art tree!

The Muse said...

Heavens! I want to come and visit...how simply marvelous...You have created such little spots of wonderment everywhere!

Tardevil said...

I love your aunt's old Santa the best, but all of your decorations are beautiful...especially, the Santas! ;O) Hope you had a Merry Christmas!

Tardevil said...

I love your aunt's old Santa the best, but all of your decorations are beautiful...especially, the Santas! ;O) Hope you had a Merry Christmas!