The night before advent

Cheri recounts the last days before the big reveal:

Well – it is almost here. I feel like it’s the night before Christmas, but it’s the night before we start the advent calendar. Months of work and planning and laughing and tearing our hair out and now we are almost there.

It has been the week of the scissor lift. Who knew it would be so much fun to ride up and down in a scissor lift – next year we could charge for rides! Virtue even got in on the act – they hung three big trees off the old package lifts hanging into the alley. That looks great too!

So as I peer out the window around the OPMH canvas of a giant candy cane, I can see 20 of the 24 canvas arranged all over the face of the building! They are covered in bright drapes, ready to be revealed on their given day. I am so darn happy; it really feels like Christmas morning. Thought me might not pull this one off Nefertiti!!!!

Got to say without Chris Carter and all the guys – Awsin, Luka, Joe and Yuki – we never would have done it. All the girls just took rides – how bad are we.

The Advent Calendar Event continued

Well the advent saga continues! We realized today after one of the canvases blew off the building that we need to get a lift or crane to finish the job! Chris and Joe are having a time of it, but they are starting again on Monday – go guys. (Just rented a scissor-lift; that should be fun.)

Okay – so the latest paintings just get better and better. Our real artists (no offense to anyone) have brought over their paintings and wow! Haley is a staffer here who is also an artist and who knew she was so good – the nutcracker scene is to die for.

Then one of our brunch attendees and I started talking and she was excited about our project. Next thing I knew, Nicki had offered to do a canvas even though she works in fabric as a medium. She created a piece and then had it digitally reproduced on canvas for the advent calendar. It is really beautiful – an angel, that even though it isn’t made of cloth, looks like it is – you can even see the stitching up close! And the colors – you just have to wait to see.

We got a peak, but it went back for final touches, of the OPMH older kids work. It is really good too! Silhouettes of the three kings on camels – it gives me shivers. How do these people come up with these great ideas and then make them look so good? And these are teenagers!

St. Raymond’s youth director came by with their canvas – a hand painted scene of the crèche with the holy family set into a background of palm trees and the star too. So great – I am really impressed with how good these paintings are. I know I keep saying that, but really, it is not as easy as you would think to do a realistic picture.

We are so blessed to have so many fabulous partners in our quest to raise money for Make-a-Wish. Thanks to all of you, from the bottom of my heart. Oh, and we think the date for the auction will be Epiphany (the day the kings arrived to see baby jesus)– first Friday in January. It isn’t definitive yet – keep peaking at website for updates.

Well, I am beat and have to be up at 5:00 am for our first black Friday sales extravaganza. Hope not too many people get up early to shop – I’m not sure I can handle a line at 6:00 am! Bring me coffee – please!!!

Advent Calendar Event

Cheri recounts her journey as she prepares for the advent event:

"Who would have known that making our building into an advent Calendar would change my whole outlook on Christmas. It shocked me.

I have to admit that occasionally I have had a bit too much of Christmas (I am human) after working in a Christmas Store every day for 365 days a year for 39 years. My personal Christmas is always lovely and I try and get excited every year for the coming of the season – it is a bit harder some years than others. But this year it hasn’t been hard at all.

The whole idea of the advent calendar is to prepare yourself for the coming of Christmas. I have been working on putting together this Advent event by gathering groups to paint canvases for the building for months now. After we had no response to our call out to artists to do the canvases (understandable with the economy in slump) I thought of seeing if preschools would be interested and then church youth groups – and they were!

My first school to join us was the Old Presbyterian Meeting House Preschool. My kids went there a million years ago and as a coop preschool, I thought they would like it. Tania, the director, embraced the project wholeheartedly and personally painted the pictures with each class. I was excited to see the result – but I wasn’t ready to cry over the canvases.

Yep, the artwork the kids produced brought me to tears. Sounds a bit dramatic, but to see how they painted outside the lines in such cheery colors simple images that bring Christmas to mind – candy canes, mittens, bells, gingerbread, Christmas trees and stockings – well it was so sweet, I just teared up. The kids have their names on their artwork and the name of their classes too! It brought back memories of working with my kids – now all teens – on holiday projects. I miss those days!

Well – that was just the beginning. I worked with my youth group for two nights first sketching and then painting our two canvases. We had Jennifer’s mom – an artist – help us draw the train with animals coming out of the cars and the girls just free-style drew a camel between two palm trees. They picked a bright yellow background that just makes the picture and we all giggled about how the heck a camel’s mouth and nostrils look. Patrice and Laura and Alece (sp) drew stars in the sky over our Christmas train. We all bonded as we added our finishing touches to the canvases including our groups name and bible verses that the girls thought matched our work of art.

The next day, I got to work tired and cranky until I opened up my email of Maurisa’s son’s preschool – St. Anthony’s pictures. Okay, my favorite is the town of Bethlehem at the bottom of the canvas and a giant glowing light coming from the town. You know, if adults had painted it – it would have a star – but the kids have a bigger than life blob of yellow that takes over the canvas – yes really big, because what is in the town of Bethlehem is really big – baby Jesus. Got to love those kids – tears again!

But wait – there was another picture of Santa flying over brightly colored houses that I would love to buy in the auction. It made a huge smile come over my face and I keep thinking of the image again and again as the day goes by.

Good Shepherd’s Youth Leader, Miguel, dropped off the three canvases they painted later in the day. First off I have to tell you Miguel is a gifted artist. He produced a stained-glass type image of the three kings over the Christ child – spectacular! He had a young woman in his group paint an angel image that is just great and then his youth group worked together to do a simple, effective shepherd with sheep. I was really impressed with the shading on this one—after tying to paint my own background – I realized how hard that is. Wow – these kids are talented.

Can’t wait to see the rest of the art arrive."

Join us on December 1st for the kick-off to the event. The first painting will be revealed! We look forward to seeing you.

Fay and Cheri's Favorite Things -- Halloween Edition

Ghosts, witches, skeletons, and pumpkins are all ready to come out for Halloween night! As the spooky holiday approaches here are a few things to help make your house, and your holiday festive:

1. Glitter Bones-- These sparkly skeleton bones make a fun decoration. They would be perfect hanging from the front door in place of a wreath. The glitter turns a spooky skeleton into something dazzling.

2. Giant spiderweb -- This spiderweb is available in a large or small size. These thick black webs are perfect to hang on the ceiling, over your door, or any large space you want decorated. We also have a large long-legged spider that can be put on the web for a creepy feel.

3. Spider Jewlery-- A large jeweled spider bracelet is the perfect addition to any Halloween outfit. It is the final touch on a witch costume, or subtle enough to wear to an office that doesn't like to dress the occasion. You will want to wear it all season long.

4. Branch lights-- These lights are not only perfect for Halloween but for any decorating. They come in white with white branches, white with brown branches, orange, and other assortments. The orange just scream Halloween.

5. Stork with baby-- Ok, so maybe this is not the most spooky item but with the holidays approaching a baby's first christmas ornament is always a welcome addition to a family christmas tree. If you think to send it as an early christmas present it can be hung on the tree and enjoyed all season long. It can be personalized too with the babies name and birth date.

Holiday Wine -- When having a holiday party themed wines are a great way to coordinate all the decorations, games, and decor. Renegade, Vampire, and Renegade to name a few.

Happy Halloween!

Fay and Cheri's Favorite Things

Fay and Cheri have picked ten items to help get you through the end of summer and transition into the fall. As the weather gets cooler and fall approaches here are some great items to help keep you having fun with the season.

1. Old Town Trivet -- With Old Town scenes these trivets are a

fantastic way to remember our wonderful town and can be used everyday in your home.

They make a great going-away gift or a welcome gift for the new neighbors. These wonderful pictures also come on a magnet.

2. Wildflower Vases -- A beautiful and delicate way to display your end of summer flowers. These can also double as small watering cans. They have a french feel to them.

3. Retching Pumpkin Drive-in -- this new Halloween piece from

Department 56. This is the Halloween must have item for 2011, it is creepy, disturbing, and fun all at the same time. It will be a welcomed addition to your halloween village.

4. Santons -- Santons de Provence from

France.Hand-painted,terra cotta nativity figurines produced in the Provence region of southeastern France. These figures are a great way to have anunique nativity for your family. They are also small enough to display with limited space.

5. Mugs -- The fall weather is right around the corner. Before we know it the time will come for hot tea, pumpkin lattes, and cider. These mugs will bring you happiness and a the perfect size to curl up with a book.

6. Towel Wraps -- These terry-cloth towels with velcro can be used to wrap around your body and they stay up. These are perfect to take to college or to send to your new college student to help them staywarm in the fall.

7. Riveria bags -- These new bags from Cat Studio are perfect to transition from summer into fall. The best time to go to the beach is after the height of season when everyone goes back to school. The beach is not crowded, it is cooler, and is a great way to get away

for the weekend.

8. Bloody Electric Candle -- With Halloween approaching it is time to start thinking about how to decorate your haunted house. These bloody candles are sure to cause a fright but not a mess because they are electric.

9. &10. -- Landbugs and Chimney sweeps for good luck -- In a previous installment we talked about the luck that comes from mushrooms, here are two more ornaments that are traditionally lucky. Many of us know that when ladybugs crawl on your hand it is said that you will be lucky, but not as many people know that chimney sweeps can also be lucky. When starting a nutcracker collection a chimney sweep is one of the first pieces that should be collected to bring luck to the rest of the pieces. Decorate your Christmas tree with lucky items this year.

Fay and Cheri's Favorites for July

With summer in full swing the barbecues, pool parties, and picnics are on everyones mind. Here are some items to help you enjoy those celebrations:

1. Metal Crab - This blue crab is a great fun way to decorate your house for the summer. It is great for the deck as well as a crabby addition to your beach or lake house.

2. Red White and Blue lantern- Celebrate the fourth of July in style. These festive paper lanterns can be hung from anywhere indoor or outdoor. They bring a pop of color to the decor. Paper lanterns are very popular this year.

3. "Pucker-up " Fish Ornaments- These adorable ornaments are hysterical. There are several different styles, a bride and groom couple, a

take-out food fish, and even a recycling "green" fish. The stylist in the fish pictures with the large purple hair and hairdryer hanging. These make great gifts, and are sure to give a laugh.

4. Driftwod Garland - Garlands are not only for the winter holidays. They can be used to decorate for any holiday or occasion. The driftwood pieces are representative of the beach, don't we all wish we could spend the summer at the beach!?

5. Nautical themed platters- These glass platters come in three different nautical styles. The anchor (pictured) a lighthouse, and a life preserver. Serve fresh fruit by the pool, or pile it high with hamburgers and hotdogs for your cook-put with the neighbors. It will make you think of the cool water this summer.

Enjoy your summer holidays in style!

Fay and Cheri's Favorite Things-- June Edition

With the season for Father's Day, Graduations, and Wedding in full swing here is a list of gift that will always be remembered. As we enter the summer there are many fun new items to get you ready for the heat:



1. Christopher Radko Patriotic Pooch -- This is the Obama's dog with a red, white, and blue handerchief and a bone. This is a great Washington DC souvenir or a great gift for the fourth of July.












2. Bling Scissors and Pen -- As the end of the school year approaches it is time to start thinking about gifts to thank your childs teacher for all their hard work throughout the year. As a teacher myself, I think these flashy scissors and pens are just the way to go. The kids can't get away with stealing these!




3. Fisherman Nutcracker -- With Father's Day right around the corner this is a great gift for dad's who love to fish. This fisherman has it all; a pole, tackles, and even some fish. For the man who has everything but enough time to fish!!





4. Las Vegas Glass and Towel-- This decorative towels and fun glasses from Cat Studio is a fun summer gift. Great gift for dad or a grad. Also, with wedding season in full swing this makes a fun festive groomsman gift. Viva Las Vegas!!



5. Go Team headbands and hair ties -- These come in school colors from the company Natural life. They are great to commemorate a graduation or as a school remembrance.

Stay cool and enjoy the summer!!

Fay and Cheri's Favorites for May

Fay and Cheri have made their list of favorite items for May. Enjoy!

1. Teapot lamp- Decoative lamps are very popular this season, and an fun way to redecorate your living room without breaking the bank. This is the perfect book lamp, it can sit next to an oversized chair and you can enjoy it while you drink your tea. (See the tea reference!)

2. Metal sun - This brightly colored metal sun is a versatile indoor and outdoor decoration. It can be hung on the outside of you shed, put as a stake in your garden, or even decorate your front door. With the bright colors this item can be used in the spring and carry over into the summer. You will want to keep it up all yearlong.

3. ladybug clips- With spring in full swing we are starting to see the emergence of ladybugs. These clips are a great way to add a bright touch to the bulletin board at your desk, or even to help hold you orchid to the stake. The possibilities are endless, and each will make you smile.

4. Burlap Pillows- Pillows printed with French designs printed on burlap is a trendy and inexpensive way to transform your living space. They are great as accent pillows for anyone who loves France (I know I do..)

5. Tokyo Milk hand cream- This is a fun new beauty line that has fantastic products. They have created hand creams, soaps, and perfumes. Not only are the scents wonderful but the containers are such fun to look at. These are great for a gift; for someone else or yourself. Its more than just hand cream it is a light fragrance for spring.

6. Scottish Santa- It is never to early to think about Christmas. This item from Byer's Choice is new for 2011. This festive Santa has already been a very popular item this year. He would be great to add to your collection or to give as a gift.

We hope this helps you enjoy spring and get ready for summer. Treat yourself, you deserve it!!

Fay and Cheri's Favorites for April

You may notice that these are not just Fay's favorites but also Cheri's, both trend setters are working together to help give you the scoop on the hot items to have. Plus... if they both choose it does not have to be just five faves (let's face it there are so many to choose from). For April they have narrowed it down to six, and here they are:

1. Easter Bunny Statues - Bunnies are found in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. This batch of bunnies are great for an Easter table and can even stay out through the spring. Most are carrying baskets to help them collect their colored eggs. You will find them hiding around the store, pssst... don't tell them where the eggs are hidden.

2. Fabric Butterflies - Butterflies are something that inspire such freedom

in those around them. Fay and Cheri have always had a personal connection to the free creatures, they are reminded of the freedom of their mother. These cloth butterflies have a clip on the back they can be attached almost anywhere, even your hair. They come in many bright colors and patterns.

3. Hydrangea Dog - This guy is as cute as he can be. He is covered with tissue paper hydrangeas. His bright, vibrant green will make you smile. He is a great gift to sit next to an Easter basket. The pink ribbon around his neck makes him even more festive. He is too cute to pass up! (I think Cheri was drawn to him because he resembles her dog Jazzy)

4. Velvet Bird - Last fall we talked all about texture. Well it is still a huge trend. Velvet does not only have to be a winter fabric it has been rejuvenated with bright colors and is ready for spring. These little velvet birds are a fun way to brighten your home decor. They are perfect to sit on your windowsill.

5. Lalo treasure keychains - This new line is fun and bright, the designed Orna Lalo started by making things that made her happy. She wanted he designs to incorporate fun and light. This company started as a small European company and has now grown internationally. She seems to have really incorporated fun and light in this floral key chain. These are fun gifts to put in an Easter basket.

and now the bonus number 6.

Convertible - the ultimate multi-functional accessory. These accessories are handmade in Washington DC and can be used to make 5 necklaces, bracelet headband, pony-tail holder, belt and more. The possibilities are endless.

These are some great gifts to stuff in anyone's Easter basket. Happy Easter!

Spring Transformation

In preparation for spring, the Christmas Attic team has worked hard to give the shop a bright transformation. I went to the shop this weekend to see all the new product lines for the spring. The ladies went to the Atlanta market two weeks ago to pick out new fun products for every day as well as Christmas. They came back with many great ideas.

The biggest change is the placement of the counter on the first floor, which has been moved to the middle of the room. As a result, the first floor looks larger and has more room to walk around -- which is great now but will be especially helpful when the shop is full during Christmas season.

Cheri the decorator extraordinaire has set up little boutique vignettes around the store. She has incorporated some fun new product. Against the back wall you'll find a spa section that includes Camille Beckman creams and lotions. We also have soft pajamas in this section, as well as one of Fay's favorites from March: the happiness message boards. All of these items will help you treat yourself to a little luxury.

One of my favorite trends that started last year and is carrying over into this year is mushrooms. They can be found in books, ornaments, and home decor items. We've set up the new mushroom display on an old tree-stump.

Along with the mushrooms, woodland gnomes are popular this year. The two were displayed together in many showrooms at the market in Atlanta. Brightly colored gnome candles are a fun way to keep up with the gnome trend this spring. The spring colors make them whimsical, festive, and just too cute. You can find these guys in the candle section on the first floor. They would be fun to decorate the center of an Easter table or an outdoor table for the warm weather get-togethers you will be having soon.

With Easter Sunday just a few weeks away, the display of Easter decor is now out. On the first floor counter we've put a large basket with bunnies, eggs, and lambs made out of textured tissue paper. It is hard to resist feeling the textured surface of the bunnies.

You'll find some changes on the second floor as well. The case behind the counter is now home to the Department 56 houses and accessories. The Wendt and Kuhn German figurines have been moved to a red display case in the front of the counter.

Come visit the shop and take a look around. We think you'll enjoy all the changes we've made. I was stunned to see the new counter. I just stood there and stared for a few minutes -- and wondered why we hadn't done it long ago; it looks so much better and make so much more sense now. I think you will have the same reaction when you see it!

Fay's Favorite Things for March

As spring is officially here the wait is over for warm weather and bright colors. Fay's favorites this month are worth the wait. Decorate your home, office, of desk to help keep you in a sunny mood. Here are some great items for spring:

1. Magnet Boards- These metal magnetic boards with floral motifs are great for your desk at home or at work. They are a great way to organize your lists, and important papers. You can personalize them w

ith fun magnets.

2. Spring Wreaths- I have mentioned the power of wreaths before but I am going to say it again. They are a GREAT way to go from one season to another without a lot of fuss. There are Easter themed wreaths with eggs on them, floral wreaths, and even one with colorful butterflies.

3. Frogs- As we prepare for April Showers the wet weather will bring out our hopping green friends. To welcome them this spring they are all over our home decor. Mugs with painted green frogs are great for a rainy day tea party. The sitting frogs are a fun way to decorate for spring.

4. Happiness - We all live busy sometimes stressful lives, a reminder of a positive outlook is always a great thing. Sometimes we need a little pep talk to get us through the day. This Happiness sign board is a great way to do that, hang it in your office, bedroom, or even your kitchen to brighten your day and remind you to smile!

5. Flower Girls - The parade of spring has begun, these handmade german flower girls are adorable. They are a festive way to decorate a table for a spring sunday brunch. Collect a few of them and make your own spring parade.

As we finally come out of the doldrums of February and into spring the best way to enjoy the season is to embrace the colors and flowers.

Valentine's Day Gift Giving Guide

Valentine's Day is not a time that we traditionally think of gifts. Chocolate and roses are the basics, but Valentine's Day gifts can still be fun. With Valentine's Day quickly approaching here are a few gift ideas for all the Valentines in your life:

For the lovable friend in your life: A card with a personal message is always a great gift. Greeting Cards are a nice way to let the special people in your life know how much you care, and are the perfect gift for friends who live in other cities.

For the sweet tooth in your life: Cupcake Recipe Card Box. This collection of sweet treat recipes will satisfy the sweetest of teeth. These recipes are fun to try for special occasions. There are even cupcakes dipped in chocolate. To complete the gift, you can bake together.

For the romantic in your life: Mars and Venus may be very different, but they come together in this fun wine. Romance can now be found in a bottle. These fun Valentine's Day-themed wines are great for the wine-lover in your life.

Valentine's Day doesn't just have to be the traditional red roses and chocolates. Make it fun and whimsical with these inspired gifts for all the Valentines in your life.