Monday, December 2, 2013

The best way to get into the Christmas Spirit



Is to sit down with a cup of tea, or a glass of mulled wine,
assemble oranges, cloves and a knitting needle. 




And make a few Pomanders.





They add just the right festive touch.





 Nothing, except maybe a fresh Christmas tree, says welcome more than the scent of oranges studded with cloves.  





A simple plate with a few candles and pomanders make for an instant centerpiece. 





A few simply painted wooden hearts add to the merriment.  
Yes, don't be shy, paint them yourself.  All you need are a few wooden hearts and acrylic paints.





While the paint is still wet why not add a few circles and dots to clear glass Christmas balls. 





Or glue on paper scraps.  





Toss a few golden acorns (remember, you made them last week) into the melange and you're set for Christmas.  


Have a great week my dear Friends,

 Gina 



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15 comments:

  1. RosemaryDecember 2, 2013 at 3:26 PM

    I just love the richness of the colours in all of your photos, and can imagine the wonderful scents that are pervading your home Gina. You have such a creative flair with everything you touch.

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    Replies
    1. GinaDecember 3, 2013 at 8:46 AM

      Oh, you are so kind to give me so much credit dear Rosemary. My eye naturally goes to color although I appreciate the quiet colors in certain settings. I enjoyed your beautiful photographs in your last post. You can't beat nature for color and the Photographer's eye who can appreciate it.

      Delete
  2. Mark D. RuffnerDecember 2, 2013 at 6:25 PM

    Dear Gina, Your focus on pomanders brought back many happy memories because my grandmother (the one seen in my last posting) always encouraged the making of them as Christmas gifts. I always covered the pomanders entirely with cloves — which was a lot of work — but I like so much better how yours have rings of cloves. We should want to reveal at least some of that beautiful orange color!

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    1. GinaDecember 3, 2013 at 8:54 AM

      Dear Mark, Your grandmother knew exactly what she was doing. A true Pomander should be covered with cloves without any spaces left in between. They will last for years that way where mine will turn brown eventually. To make them last even longer cover the studded with cloves oranges with a "curing spice mixture" made up of powdered cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice and orrisroot.
      But you are right, part of their beauty is seeing some of the orange show through. They go so well with Christmas decorations.

      Delete
    2. Mark D. RuffnerDecember 4, 2013 at 8:35 AM

      Thanks for that information. It just goes to show that one shouldn't argue with Gramma!

      Delete
  3. Dahling1December 2, 2013 at 8:08 PM

    Dear Gina,
    Vorfreude ist die schönste Freude, and this time of year it is hard not to be full of anticipation. We can dream of and imagine with great pleasure
    how to deck the halls, or just hop over for a visit to your blog and be inspired.I will have to make some Pomanders this year since I love the
    scent of oranges and tangerines.
    Warm greetings, Sieglinde

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    1. GinaDecember 3, 2013 at 9:00 AM

      Dear Sieglinde, I'm going to miss Christmas at home this year. So, I am adding a little Christmas here and there for us to enjoy before we go. And yes, Vorfreunde ist de schönste Freuden and that also applies to planning a trip.
      You can even use apples and lemons for Pomander making. I like using the little "Cuties" oranges. They tuck in nicely in between greens and your beautiful acorns which you were so kind to send to me.

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  4. FrancesDecember 3, 2013 at 6:34 AM

    Gina, I've got cloves and oranges on my shopping list, too. Your pomanders are beautiful...I can almost catch their scent. All the painted decorations surrounding the pomanders really add to the festive look.

    Colors!

    xo

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    1. GinaDecember 3, 2013 at 9:04 AM

      Good for you Frances, I like the smaller oranges...they fit so well in between other decorations. With a pretty ribbon around the pomander they hang nicely from Christmas Trees and Chandeliers. Maybe you can even find a few wooden hearts. I know that you are a fine artist,.. your hearts will look much prettier than mine.

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  5. Parvum OpusDecember 3, 2013 at 11:46 AM

    Hello hello Gina!
    This is a delightful post--your photos are wonderful and you've reminded me that it is indeed pomander time!!! I hope all is well with you and that you enjoy a beautiful holiday season with your family.
    Warm regards,
    Erika

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    1. GinaDecember 4, 2013 at 6:26 AM

      Hello, hello Erika!
      We have just had our first big snowstorm last night. Everything looks festive and pristine. So perfect for Christmas. All is well here...we are getting ready to celebrate the Holidays in Europe. Wishing you and yours a joyous holiday season. ox, Gina

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  6. valerietilsten59.blogspot.comDecember 4, 2013 at 10:59 AM

    Dearest Gina, you really do have the knack. You make everything sound simple..but I can see you have put a lot of work into these beautiful arrangements. I love the wooden hearts.
    I see you have your tree up already and presents under it.
    This year will be very very simple for me. I want to go for white and a touch of red. But much less than last year.
    Enjoy your christmas holiday in _Europe Gina.. Very different than the states.
    look forward to hearing all about it.
    best wishes val xxx

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    1. GinaDecember 5, 2013 at 6:44 AM

      Dear Val, Maybe I have given you encouragement to paint a few wooden hearts. They make welcome and lovely Christmas presents. Unlike glass Christmas ornaments wooden hearts don't break.
      I will have plenty of pictures when I get back...maybe too many. Have a wonderful Christmas. ox, Gina .

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  7. UnknownDecember 5, 2013 at 2:27 AM

    must be a great christmas! thanks for the great post!
    artisoo

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