Somehow it seems like the more time I have, the less I get done. That has been the story this week, as I have piddled around for most of the week. I didn’t get back to Fleur Lumineuse, and it really should have been almost done by now! But, no. I saw one squirrel after another, leading me to spend hours looking at my collection of Christmas books.
I have 45 Christmas with Southern Living and Christmas with Victoria Magazine books. These really do need to be culled and most sent on to the library’s book sale shop.
Plus Gooseberry Patch Christmas books, along with some quilting books with Christmas themes. More culling needed here too. But, I get inspired by looking at all these, so I keep them.
Then there are a bunch of Sterling/Lark books with holiday projects too. I didn’t pull all of them off the shelf, but here are a few. I think my collection is somewhere around 40 of this series of books. Many have chapters or themes that could be adapted to Christmas or chapters with Christmas projects, like the Silk Ribbon Embroidery book.
Let’s not even talk about the time I spent on Pinterest just yesterday! I’ve been designing new projects with more ideas than I can possibly make. But, there will be an upside for you, two weeks of Christmas in July is coming! Yes, I spent a bit of time creating this button as well, LOL!! We’ll start on Tuesday, July 14 and go two weeks. Setting a deadline for myself is the only way I will complete these projects at the rate I am going.
This project sneak peek I showed you before is almost done. It will be a multi-day Christmas inspired quilt along, so gather your Christmas fabrics and prepare to play. You’ll need a lot of gold and background, and some accent color / prints.
And then there is this project, a really fun idea that came to me while looking at something I did before. You all know how I love to embellish things! It will take more than one post as well.
Then I have an idea for using this panel. Hopefully I can get it done before the end of the event.
Better just block the whole two weeks for sewing time! I hope you will be inspired!
From My Carolina Home 
Sometimes it pays to look at books, Pinterest, etc. for inspiration. The ideas flow and gel. I call it the planning phase for a project.
Looking forward to seeing what you are working on!
Jo Anne
It started with the art books….and now the Christmas books. I think your creativity is being refreshed and you are gaining inspiration from these great resources. I look forward to seeing what’s coming and participating as I am able. Glad you are feeling refreshed.
So nice to feel refreshed! Thank you for inspiring all of us! Love that Santa panel and looking to see what is in store! Enjoy the day!! I appreciate all the time you put into the events you host and your blog!
Hot Dog! Can’t wait! Mary Anne
Looking forward to all the fun. I have the same problem when I start to reduce my magazines!
I too am thankful you are feeling refreshed… I do have so many “books that I perhaps should donate to my library… But just looking at some of them always gives one new ideas… I just love all your creativeness…
I remember the Gooseberry Patch books. I had a few of them too !
You have been very busy behind the scenes; it will be fun to see it all soon!
I love Christmas craft books. So much inspiration.
Carole, Christmas in July sounds like fun. Looking forward to new projects
Niki
This sounds like fun! That panel full of Santas is a neat one. I need a Christmas gift idea for my quilt group’s gift exchange – I’ll be looking for some inspiration in your posts!
By starting now everyone is sure to have things finished for giving at Christmas.
I always know I should start Christmas creating now but I never seem to get the oomph for it till we get closer to the season. I’ll be looking to you for inspiration!
oh wow so many creative books – instead of something Xmasy for Xmas in July I decided to start looking and buying all the fabric for a new quilt that hope to start later in the year. A present for me LOL
started here already….christmas placemats in progress!
what fun! The red trim and fabric remind me of my favorite Christmas tablecloth. A fabulous holly fabric with a red pompom trim. My mom probably made it 50 years ago and used it every year. Now that it’s mine I do the same.
I would love to sit down in front of your book cases (because I’m sure there is more than one!) and immerse myself in your wonderful library of books. What a wonderful collection. I have tried to cull my books but I decided that someone else can deal with them when the time comes.
I’m sure you are going to surprise everyone with your Christmas ideas. What fun!
Mary :))
this looks like fun! I am certain to be inspired by your creativity!
I love looking through books and magazines. What you are creating is sure to be wonderful!
Doesn’t matter what I set the temp to, it is muggy in Chicago. Locked myself in the basement sewing room. I have many of the same Christmas books! I should just go to the multi-theater and “movie surf” with the kids! HA! At least I know where they are! FIFTEEN movies in one theater. The local animal shelter is asking for donations so culling some of the smaller quilts. Soon I’ll be complaining about the snow! Thanks for all the inspiration!
What a lovely array of Christmas books! I usually host Christmas in July but this year has been too busy…. I’ll follow along with you instead!! xx