Winter provides some wonderful...

 ...patterns, 

and we've had our first snowfall to encourage the feel of Christmas.

A friend gifted me with a lovely poinsettia to add to the seasonal ambiance,

John has spent hours adding lights and ornaments to the living room

and dining area

and the frenzy of mini-ornament making has one of the studio tables well occupied.

The oven has been going at a near constant pace,

and the first roaster-full of nuts and bolts is out of the oven (does anybody use Worcestershire sauce at any other time of the year?).

Something tells me that the season is well and truly on the way.  I hope you're in the throes of the  excitement as well, and  your preparations are filled with wonderful smells, delightful makings, love, joy and hope that characterize the season.

No gloves...

...but it is Boxing Day, so

The laughter highlight of my Christmas morning was seeing this in my kitchen, 

Superman, and presumably, Superdog

joined shortly thereafter by Superwoman.

There's nothing I like better than adults who know how to play, and apparently Barry (son) and Michelle are right into it!  And since I'm all about the play, I was delighted to unwrap presents from family and friends who know my addiction thereto...do you think I've done a happy dance to see new toys on my playtable?  Of course!

May your Christmas have been as much fun as ours, and 2015 even better.  

A gift...

...can be given in so many more ways than as a physical thing.  It can come in the form of heart-felt wishes, good deeds, and energy.

Because so many of my friends are online and physically far away, I thought I'd create this gift for you (much better than a video of me entertaining you with my tap-dancing!).

And since it's tutorial Tuesday (as much as I bow to those 'rules'), I'll give you a link to the Finnabair Creative Team video by Elena Morgun that inspired this bottle, because so many of you will want to make one for yourselves.  The roses are all hand-crafted from my painted papers (or you can check out my YouTube channel for a video tutorial). 

Here are some extra photos of the bottle in question just in case you'd like a closer look.  

'A Gift of Love' Altered Bottle  © Win Dinn

So in this last post before Christmas, I'm sending you thanks for joining me on this journey, and wishes for success in 2015 as you continue yours.  May you spend the holiday with family and friends, enjoying much play and laughter.

A different view

This past week has been a difficult one in the United States and around the world.  It is not my intent to address any of the issues that surround this, but merely to leave you with a hope for the days to come.

I wish you a surfeit of camaraderie, more laughter than you can easily handle, at least one dinner shared with others in an atmosphere geared to excess, and a sense that all is truly right with the world.

And if you're looking for something to aim for in 2013, perhaps you'll consider this.

Too much love
Mixed media on paper
8" x 11"     2012
© Win Dinn