My Handmade Wedding Dress

Christmas 1981, originally uploaded by stelladanza's confections.

Christmas 1981

I was a newlywed that December. In this photo taken by my sister-in-law, I am wearing my wedding gown which I upcycled from a vintage fine lawn eyelet bedspread I had bought from a sweet woman at a garage sale in Houston.

The pearls were a gift from my parents, the brooch an heirloom from my Dad's Mom. The narcissus in my hair was plucked from the neighbor's yard (shhhh!).

Family Gathering, Christmas 1955

Family Gathering, Christmas 1955, originally uploaded by stelladanza's confections.

A family gathering during the Christmas holiday season (1955, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania) is captured here. My mother was the photographer. My Dad, two uncles, two aunts, two cousins, and three of my brothers are pictured. I'm in the lower left of the photo.  For an additional photo from this season, see this earlier blog post.

This snapshot requires some restoration, but I wanted to scan and post it in all its imperfect glory first.

My HearthSong Dollhouse, Christmas 1990

My HearthSong Dollhouse, Christmas 1990, originally uploaded by confections.

Last night I scanned an old photo of my wooden dollhouse purchased from HearthSong in the late 1980's. Here it is decked out for Christmas 1990. Atop the house is a vintage 1960's Santa in sleigh that my Mother gave me from her collection many years ago.

I began spinning yarn in the late 1980's-early 1990's, and my interest is reflected in the miniature spinning wheel seen on the first floor on the right.

I have lots of miniatures that are not on display here. One of my spring goals is to redecorate the dollhouse (and the real house!). My Mother cross-stitched a miniature rug for the nursery in the dollhouse, and it is one of the many treasures from her that is giving me solace as I mourn her loss.

Self-Portrait, Christmas Walk, 2009

Self-Portrait, Christmas Walk, 2009, originally uploaded by confections.

Just before preparing dinner on Christmas Day, I went for a walk at one of my favorite paths in San Diego, which I call the "magical walk" on Point Loma. It's always uplifting and invigorating.

Narcissus and Pink Christmas Tree

Narcissus and Pink Christmas Tree, originally uploaded by confections.

A few of my favorite things today: paper whites (narcissus) blooming; a gift from my sister.

My new faux pink tree; at 36" tall, it's just the right size for the table top I have in mind. It will be decorated in time for the Winter Solstice....

Vallona Starr Creamer

Vallona Starr Creamer, originally uploaded by confections.

Up to my old Warholizing tricks again.... I'm very fond of this vintage Vallona Starr creamer and sugar set. Its original color is lime green with gold accents; it will make a great contribution to the Christmas day tea table.

Christmas Morning Circa 1955

Christmas Morning Circa 1955, originally uploaded by confections.

My two older brothers and I on Christmas morning circa 1955.... I'm holding my new Ginny bride doll. That same year, I believe, my brother on the left got a great Lionel train set, and my brother on the right got a Howdy-Doody marionette.

Following a German tradition from my Dad's family, we would put our shoes out on Saint Nicholas Eve (December 5th), and receive treats of chocolate and little trinkets. As we grew older, this tradition faded, but I remember that it was magical in my early childhood.

Happy Saint Nicholas Day!

A Delightful Doll Set by Marie Rose of KittyKatDance

Any little girl would be delighted to have this dollie under the Christmas tree.... All the clothing is handmade by my friend Marie Rose of Kitty Kat Dance.

Happy Russian Christmas!

Vintage Czechoslovakian Handcrafted Doll, originally uploaded by confections.

Today, January 7th, is Russian Christmas. I don't officially celebrate it, but my tree is still up and I definitely kick up my heels on Twelfth Night (January 5th) and Epiphany. I love honoring all twelve days of Christmas.

This vintage Czechoslovakian doll is the unofficial Goddess of my sister's kitchen. This year my sister handmade pierogi for our New Year's festivities, and the doll cast an approving eye over the meal. So here's to celebrating into the New Year!

Musical interlude:

One of my favorite carols is "In the Bleak Mid-Winter".

Another is "To Drive the Cold Winter Away", which you can hear at Cantaria.

Loreena McKennitt has a spellbinding CD by the same name which includes many traditional Christmas carols.

"May you have sweetness and many good things in life and in the new year!" (from the Russian Christmas Eve Blessing)