Now….it’s beginning to look like Christmas at my house!

 

AnExtraordinaryDay.net - Christmas Decorating Inspiration - Nativity Vignette - Decorating with wreaths and nativities

 

 

For those of you who have been following my slow slide into the season of Christmas, you’ll be pleased to finally see something here!  I am over-the-top happy to have the mantel done.  Oh, that’s right, I don’t have a mantel.  I do have a sideboard thanks to my wonderful friend.  And I recently splashed it up with that ever-popular Annie Sloan Chalk Paint which I recently talked about.

 

AnExtraordinaryDay.net - Decorating Inspiration - Nativity and Wreath

 

Do you ever notice that when someone says it’s confession time, heads turn from tables clear at the other end of the restaurant?  You might as well say E. F. Hutton is speaking.  Is there even an E. F. Hutton anymore?  Was that a person or a business?  But, I digress.   I do have a confession to make.  (I know, your antenna just went up!) This wreath took me the better part of the day to accomplish.  I know, it doesn’t make any sense.  Somehow I’ve gone from being Speedy Gonzales to Slow Mo.  This is NOT a good thing.

 

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Did the fancy lettering on the wreath catch your eye?  I’m privileged to have access to a Silhouette Cameo (affiliate link)  For those of you not in the know, it’s a die cutting machine that sings while it cuts out designs which you program from your computer.  I had no idea what I was doing, though everyone (really who is everyone?) says it’s easy peasy.    But, I had a vision for what I wanted and in the end did figure it out pretty quickly (meaning a couple of hours), after doing a little online research.  I wanted my letters to be connected and that was the challenge.  Of course, once I made sense of the terminology and a few of those icons on the program screen, I was good to go.  This machine would be helpful for creating the next space shuttle if NASA ever does that again.  I think it can do anything.

 

AnExtraordinaryDay.net - Joy Wreath - Collage of Inspiration - Decorating with vintage ornaments, glitter, and gold

 

I had not planned on glitterizing my new pretty words.  But, calling me from my stash was some beautiful Martha Stewart Antique Silver Glitter I picked up several years ago.  Shhhh…don’t tell, but I’m in love with the Antique Silver.  Good thing I don’t have a very large container of it or my whole house might become very sparkly and I’m not a very sparkly person.  Anyway, you can see that I’ve already increased my time on this project by a fair amount.   Those fancy cutouts and glitter.  They make the wreath.  And I love a beautiful wreath.  Wish I had a better technique for decorating them.  Maybe there’s a class.

Last year I ripped and laundered strips of osnaburg fabric to make garlands for my tree and window greens. As I’m planning on using the osnaburg garland again this year on the tree I thought a little repetition of it on the wreath would be a good idea.  Repetition always helps pull things together.  And since this wreath and “mantle” are very sparkly and dressy, I thought that a bit of shabby would tone things down just a bit.  Was it a good call?

 

AnExtraordinaryDay.net - Christmas Decor - Angel from the Nativity - A place of joy and inspiration - Mantel ideas

 

The ornaments are vintage ones from my parents.  Maybe some are from their parents.  I chose those that were in the silver and gold family.  There aren’t many and it would have been nice to have added more, but in the end it worked.   The glittery words show best against the greens anyway.  Now we can say, it’s a good thing.  If you were wondering about the choice of words on the wreath…they were chosen to complement the nativity scene with “Noel” thrown in because it is a short word for Christmas.

This nativity is large.  Originally we thought that we would put it under the tree.  But the figurines didn’t stand up well on our carpet and I felt like I couldn’t really see the nativity under the tree.  As lovely as it is, its size does make it a bit challenging to find a spot for it in the room.  We used to place it on the piano, but I’m grateful for sideboard, it works much better there.

 

AnExtraordinaryDay.net | Emmanuel - God is with us | ceramic baby Jesus in a manger | Christmas decor | Nativity

 

You might be wondering what that golden glow is around the Mary, Joseph, Jesus, and the others.  It’s finely shredded gold ribbon, a purchase I made back when I lived in Michigan at a place called Flowers of the Field. They have since gone out of business, but wow, did they ever have the most inspiring displays and lovely items.  I use the gold ribbon strands every Christmas in several nativities as it catches the light and creates a glowing effect.   It also works well to cover up the single strand of white lights that wind around the feet of the figurines.

 

AnExtraordinaryDay.net | Christmas JOY Wreath | Nativity Vignette | Christmas decor ideas | Decked for Christmas | Joy on the Sideboard

 

There you have it….my nativity mantel.  Um… sideboard.  And a joyful Christmas wreath in all its glittery glory.

 

Do you have a favorite nativity in your Christmas decor?

 

As we go through the season, I’ll share a few more nativities with you.  And because everything I have or do has a story…that too.

 

 

Celebrating the Reason for the season,

Diane

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Comments

  1. Glenda Kremer says

    I love all 50 plus of my nativities but one favorite is a lamp in my kitchen!
    glenda kremer

    • Diane says

      How fun to have a lamp nativity!!! I think your home must be a very joyful place!

  2. Gail says

    Finally,….a blogger who puts Christ in the center of Christmas decor.

    Thanks for word-on-wreath idea. My cricut is cutting ” peace” right now

    • Diane says

      Thank you so much for your words of encouragement, Gail! I needed it. 😀
      Glad you are already using my idea. Peace was actually the trickiest word for me. I need to find some fonts that connect better. 😀
      Wishing you an extraordinarily blessed Christmas!

  3. Really lovely wreath and nativity!! I absolutely love nativity scenes and I have 4 in my family room. One year when my children were small we made a “yarn” nativity. It is still my favorite!

    • Diane says

      That is so special Christa! Thanks for taking the time to stop by.
      Wishing you an Extraordinary Christmas!

  4. What a beautiful and meaningful post! You have created such a sweet expression of the reason we celebrate CHRISTmas! The glowing lights are a poignant reminder that Jesus is the light of the world!
    Thank you for this magnificent post, my friend,
    Blessings,
    Carolynn

    • Diane says

      Carolynn, I am humbled by your words. Truly Christ is the center of it all.
      May your Advent by Extraordinary!

  5. Jean says

    I love the nativity and the wreath especially your use of the shredded gold ribbon and white lights for the glowing effect. Oh my goodness, I have so many nativities that I do not have room (nor am I currently brave enough to risk them all while young boys and kittens abound) to display them currently. Right now I have out the nativity that belonged to my parents on display (along with a tiny Precious Moments one) but your post sure makes me want to go find the rest of them and bring them out.

    • Diane says

      Thank you Jean. What a blessing to be able to choose which nativities you put out. I’ve been amazed at how careful children are with nativities. Somehow they have almost a reverence – in their childlike way. But kittens….whoa…a whole new story. LOL!!
      Blessings!!

  6. I think your sideboard is lovely. I don’t anyone needs to have a mantel persae to display a lovely vignette. You did a wonderful job with yours and my favorite picture is the very last one. So pretty

    • Diane says

      Haha! My favorite is the last one too! Just like dessert…saving the best for last! Thank you for your saying such lovey things, Cheryl.
      May your season of Christmas be Extraordinary!

  7. Mel says

    Wow– And you think you need ‘wreath making’ lessons?! Ummmm…..notsomuch! It’s lovely! I especially like how you’ve made it all meld together by keeping the wreath low and a part OF the Nativity. It’s gorgeous with the glow of the lights and the touches of glitter…..just right!

    I think we have the same wee, Precious Moments Nativity that Jean wrote about. It will occupy a special place this season–I just have to figure out where that is yet! Or, maybe I’ll let the 3 year old pick where it’ll go. That’d be fun….

    • Diane says

      Oh Mel, I guess I need to clarify my remark about needing help in the wreath-making department. I do know how to wire up fresh greens to make a wreath…that’s pretty easy. But, beyond that, I really struggle with wiring things in and attaching the lovelies in some way. I refuse to use hot glue because I reuse my wreaths. This one I’ve had almost 20 years. Did I really say that? Seems impossible. I still remember going to the shop to purchase it with my friend. Good memories. Yes! You do need to have your little darling choose where to put the nativity. That will be a truly special memory in the making!

  8. This is beautiful! Great way to keep Christ in CHRISTmas! Thanks for sharing at our Countdown to Christmas link party! Hope you’ll continue to link up with us! 🙂
    http://dixie-n-dottie.blogspot.com/

    • Diane says

      Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to stop over!
      Blessings!!!

  9. Oh this is so beautiful. YOur vignette is exquisite and your pictures are all stunning. Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

    • Diane says

      You are such a wonderful encourager, Marty. Thank you!
      Wishing you an extraordinary season of Christmas.

  10. Alana says

    That is so lovely! I just love it 🙂

  11. lib says

    Whoa! way to take it to the next level!!
    Beautiful!
    Blessings!
    lib

    • Diane says

      How nice of you to say that, Lib!
      May your Christmas be extraordinary!

  12. Joni says

    Hi, I love the nativity and all the words you made the symbolize the season with the Silhouette machine. I have one that I bought on the CA coast years ago. It was either the nativity or dinner at a Russian restaurant. I chose the Nativity, and have loved it through the years. Joni

    • Diane says

      Thank you Joni for your kind words.
      I think you made the right decision. Certainly you’ll enjoy and create many meaningful memories with your nativity.
      Wishing you an extraordinary season of Christmas!

  13. Doreen@househoneys says

    What an absolutely lovely post! Beautifully written and gorgeous pics!

    I’ve been wondering about silhouette. Maybe Santa will leave one under the tree, but I was wondering if if was difficult to figure out and navigate?

    Thank you for linking up at ‘its beginning to look a lot like Christmas’. We are so happy to have you!

    • Diane says

      Thank you Doreen!! 😀 And for taking time to stop by for a visit.
      I’m sure that if I were to sit down and “play” with the Silhouette it would probably be pretty easy. But…I have a tendency to have an idea and attempt to execute it on the fly. Haha!! Hope Santa thinks you’ve been good this year. 😀

  14. Coming from Studio JRU – I love nativities and have several I put up! I love the gold ribbon as “straw” – I might have to adopt that. I have some gold netting I got from a fabric store that I use to hide lights in to make stars in the sky – you see, I have an antique fireplace mantel with two levels – the top level gets angels and a ceramic star and the bottom level holds the ceramic nativity my mom got for us years ago…the netting and lights get suspended UNDER the top shelf…but alas, just now I realize I have no pictures…must remedy that! Blessings on your Christmas!

    • Diane says

      Hi Cindy!
      How fun to have two level mantel…perfect for a nativity!!!!
      Wishing you an extraordinary Advent!

    • Diane says

      Hi Cindy!
      How fun to have a two level mantel…perfect for a nativity!!!!
      Wishing you an extraordinary Advent!

  15. it’s gorgeous and enchanting!

    hope you will have a chance to stop by, and today i am hosting a giveaway. hope you win! http://hellolovelyinc.blogspot.com/2012/12/personalized-lovely-giveaway.html

    peace to you.

    michele

  16. That is absolutely beautiful! I have several nativities and I’m not sure I can pick a favorite. I like them all for different reasons.

    • Diane says

      Thank you Janet!! How nice to have several nativities. Isn’t it interesting how it seems there are never two alike.
      May your Christmas be Extraordinary!

  17. Jennifer {StudioJRU} says

    Diane… this is so beautiful! I love the glitter on the letters. Gorgeous. Just perfect above the precious nativity. We have been collecting and adding to our Fontanini nativity for years! 🙂

    • Diane says

      Thank you sooo much Jennifer! I have always admired the Fontanini nativities…they are beautiful and I love all the possibilities.

  18. My husband told me I had 18 nativities in our living room. I told him I only wanted one more–a white one! Yours is beautiful!

    • Diane says

      You have a LOT of nativities, Pamela!!! I love my white one, especially with the lights.
      May your season of Christmas be filled with joy!

  19. Anna says

    I have 7 nativities so far. I only started my collection 2 years ago. I saw a Lennox one at a discount store the other day and wished I had an extra $80 lying around for myself. Many of my sets my children have gotten for me at the antique/ thrift type stores. My Christmas tree is decorated in birds. Each year I like to purchase a new feathered friend to hang. It makes me very happy. Thank you for sharing, visiting from studio JRU

    • Diane says

      Seven nativities is a perfect collection! I’m always amazed at how many styles can be discovered. How fun that yours have been discovered to be ‘re-loved’ again.
      Your ‘bird’ tree sounds delightful. 😀
      May your Christmas be extraordinary. Anna!

  20. I LOVE your Nativity, it is so pretty! Yes, I have several sets, the one I use most is while unglazed porcelain and just three pieces, Mary, Joseph and Jesus. Thank you for sharing on Weekly Top Shot #60!

    • Diane says

      Thank you Madge!! 😀
      One year I actually left all the pieces in the box except the holy family. That was extra meaningful to me at that time.
      Hope you’re enjoying this season of Christmas. 😀

  21. I have a beautiful nativity set ( very , very similar to yours) Yours look beautiful I added little tea lights to mine this year too. xo

    • Diane says

      Oh Katie…I just might need to have some fun with tea lights next year. Now if I can only remember! Haha! 😀

  22. Beautiful! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home and have a Merry Christmas!
    Sherry

    • Diane says

      No Sherry….Thank YOU!!!!
      Wishing you the most extraordinary Christmas!

  23. Mantel. . . sideboard. . . wherever it is, it look wonderful! You did a great job on the wreath and in creating the setting for that beautiful Nativity set. Love it!

    • Diane says

      You are so kind, Richella! 😀 Thank you for your encouraging words.
      May your season of Advent be truly extraordinary!

  24. Wwhat a wonderful Christmasy living space you’ve created! Thank you for linking it up at our linky party at http://www.finecraftguild.com

    • Diane says

      Awww…that’s so sweet of you to say that!
      Merry Christmas!

  25. Lovely! Lovely! Lovely!! I have a silhouette too but I’ve yet to use it…. This inspires me to get going!!! Your nativity is simply wonderful! Hugs, Jennifer

    • Diane says

      Thanks Jennifer! I’m sure you’ll do well with the Silhouette. You do amazing things with paper and it does so much! I have lots to learn!

Trackbacks

  1. […] If you’d like a better peek of my sideboard vignette with the wreath and nativity you’ll want to click here. […]

  2. […] you’d enjoy more Christmas Decor Inspiration…please check out these recent posts: Christmas Joy on the Sideboard A Very Merry Christmas House Tour Creatively Trimming the House with Trees for Christmas […]

  3. […] Christmas Decor Inspiration to file away for next year… please check out these recent posts: Christmas Joy on the Sideboard A Very Merry Christmas House Tour Creatively Trimming the House with Trees for Christmas […]

  4. […] my Joy Wreath hanging over the sideboard?  I thought it would be fun to quickly and easily transform it into a […]

  5. […] a few years ago and spent its life in the box until now.  Shredded golden ribbon I used around the nativity on my sideboard was next placed on the tray.  To that I added a gold and a silver nut ball.  I usually like to […]

  6. […] An Extraordinary Day Are you inspired to spread Christmas JOY all over you house? Or maybe you already have? I know that just the simple use of the word JOY in my Christmas decor helps me to keep the reason for the season foremost in my mind. What about you?  How do you keep the reason for the season? […]

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