Decorating! Decorating! Decorating!

  Ok, so I thought that I was finished decorating the Little Bayou House for the Christmas Holidays but it seems that the job has not been completed.  Perhaps I am now just fully recovered from the recent clue hunt and have energy to think redecorating the house.  Or maybe making the wreath with Elizabeth inspired me to get busy but whatever the case, I am suddenly in the "Christmas Spirit"!  While digging through the mounds of garland, ornaments and knickknacks, I came across a "Noel" sign that Mom bought for the kids years and years ago.  The thing was four wooden letters connected with tiny screw-eyes.  Well, the years and kids had taken a toll on the wall-hanging.  The letters dangled precariously from single mounts and the chain at the top was broken. Several times in the past, I remarked that I should just toss the broken thing but sentiment would always get in the way.  NOEL would be put back in the box along with numerous other broken decorations. I had good intentions of repairing these items......someday.  Well, today was the day for the NOEL sign.

  After trying for an hour to replace the tiny screw-eyes, I decided that a different approach was necessary.  Time for a bit of ingenuity.  The entire thing was ripped apart and remade into an entirely new wall-hanging.  A bit of leftover burlap ribbon, a dowel, two finials and a short piece of jute were all it took to refurbish the tired NOEL.  The glue gun came in handy for this job.  Five minutes after beginning, I was ready to hang the sign.  Mom would be proud.  Her cute little gift for the kids would now see years more of happiness!  

  Excited that I was able to get back to crafting, I tackled the mantelpiece in the dining room.  Christmastime is coming to the Bayou!  Decorations are going up, cookies are being baked and carols are being sung.  It is a wonderful life!