December 03, 2015

Just a Random Thursday


Today was one of those rare days that I reserved to spend in the studio. The entire thing! These are my favorite kinds of days. My goal was to finish decorating the presents, because although they were wrapped, I had just written the name of each recipient on the bottom until I had the time to package them up the way I wanted. I got a jump start on it late yesterday afternoon and had such a hard time making myself leave this room that my sweet, beautiful souled Man picked up dinner from my favorite Italian restaurant and we had a picnic in the studio while Emmy was at school practicing for her holiday concert. I adore that my family loves this studio as much as I do!


I thought that if I split the effort of wrapping 35ish gifts into multiple parts, it would be enjoyable rather than a chore. Well, it turns out towards the end it was a chore anyway because I think it's just not possible to wrap that many gifts without feeling a bit desperate to move on. So move on I did.


After I finished the wrapping, the next thing on my studio to do list was to work on an ornament project for a swap I'm doing with some friends. The problem is that I woke up with a different project in my head. Here's something I've learned during this past year of creativity, when I have an idea that won't leave my head I have to work on it straight away. I can't concentrate on anything else and I won't act right until it's done.


So I finished my wrapping, took care of some important business like ordering more mica and bottlebrush trees, because...priorities, and then got to work. The best kind of work. My floors may be a mess, my windows need to be washed, I have a basket full of ironing, but I have a jar with a winter deer scene in it. And that is just how my life works. You can probably imagine what it's like to live with me.


Luckily I have just enough time this afternoon to clean the floors and get a shower before my people get home and realize that I have been lost in the studio all day. Well first I guess I need a tea break. Because I'm determined to live my life more Britishly. I'm practically the real thing. I have a collection of Cath Kinston bags, Siri talks to me in an English accent, I watch as much BBC television as I can (sometimes even without the closed captioning), I have tea and biscuits in the afternoon and my youngest calls me Mum. We all need goals. Cheers!


16 comments:

  1. Love your makes. Spending all day in the studio is just my kind of day. Housework will always be there and in the end it all gets done.. So sweet you had your lunch bought to you in your studio, they must dearly love you. Keep cosy and warm.
    Rosezeeta.

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  2. How I love days like the one you described! I've had this week off, so I tried to carve out quiet time each day to sit with my knitting in hand and enjoy our Christmas decorations that are almost complete. I'd love to pop in for a spot of tea with you!

    Your gifts look lovely in your dough bowl!

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  3. Sounds like a wonderful day!

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  4. Oh, I am so glad that I visited you today! I have been thinking about an ornament for my hubby this year and your scene in a jar just gave me a wonderful idea! Thank you! Continue having a wonderful season! :) Kit

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  5. Lovely post, Jen...I love the wee little gifts in the dough bowl!! Your have been very creatively busy and that's so great. Inspiring for me! Thank you!

    Jane xx

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  6. Dearest Jen, LOVE LoVe LOVE your little festive bits & pieces especially your jar with the winter deer scene!!! I so get you ....not being able to concentrate on anything else until the project swirling in your head is done ....that may mean your windows & floors have to wait ....WHO cares?! I had a little giggle at your "living more Britishly". Have a beautiful weekend with your loved ones!
    Anna xx

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  7. I think the best way to deal with gifts is little and often. I wrap first and group them together so I can keep track of who they belong to and then go back and tag, that way I don't feel rushed and can make little tags to finish things off nicely. I do like your candy canes.
    The deer in the jar is adorable, I love the little wreath and a white bottle brush tree is something I need to see if I can track down her in the UK.
    Te and biscuits in the afternoon, perfect!
    Lisa x

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  8. Just a Random Question - While recently in London we had the BEST tea biscuits at our hotel, when I got home to Illinois I Googled but found the brand only delivers to the UK. I'm still looking for a suitable replacement here stateside. Can you tell me which you have in the photo (it looks similar to what we had in London!). Thanks in advance.
    ~ Missing London

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    1. Suzie, the brown cookies are Speculoos cookies and the white are pfeffernusse both from Trader Joes. They have really good tea cookies. Cost Plus World Market has a good selection of English "biscuits" as well! I bought a couple of tins of cookies while in London and completely savored every one.

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  9. I LOVE this post! Especially the afternoon tea part! I just adore your little deer scene--and love seeing your ideas come to fruition--something I'm trying to be better at this year! Yay for a cozy day in the studio--as soon as I get all my little chickadees well, I think we're going to have one too!

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  10. Beautiful wrapping :-) and such a lovely post.

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  11. What a lovely way to spend the day!!!! Was it raining? That would make it even more British for you!!

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  12. "Determined to live your live more Britishly"....that could be me! Some might say that I'm obsessed but I call it a healthy appreciation for all things British. ;)

    I love how you decorated the presents...I'd love to see more photos to give me some inspirations. Since I still have to purchase the majority of my presents, I'll have a lot of time to get ideas....!

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    1. Oh Kim, there is nothing particularly ground breaking about any on what I did. I used a lot of bakers twine, printed Christmas tags I found online, some ornaments as gift toppers here and there. There are lots of good ideas on pinterest!

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  13. Jen, love it! Live more Britishly!!!!! I do , I do!!!!!! Lori

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  14. Hi Jen,
    I loved this post! As a Canadian I embrace all things British because of a love for the Queen that started in school when we used to sing God Save The Queen...growing up on the East Coast of Canada we have a deep love for tea and Coronation Street! Kath Kidston bags are dreamy!
    All of your decorating is simply beautiful! The presents are so, so pretty!!
    Wishing you a wonderful new week ahead!
    Hugs, Kimberley

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