I’m not much into Black Friday – never have been. Back in the day when I owned my store I was too busy working, and since retiring, just have never wanted to fight the crowds to save a few bucks.
So, for me, the day after Thanksgiving has been the first day of decorating for Christmas.
But, this year there was a craft show up in Grass Valley I wanted to check out, partly to see if there were any mixed media painters showing, partly to see if a carver I bought from at a different show last year was there, and partly to do a little Christmas shopping with independent artists/craftsmen.
Well, there were no, count them, ZERO, mixed media artists in attendance. I was quite surprised, as mixed media seems to be a cross-over art form to me, one that works in an arts/crafts show, as well as in a straight art show. I also did no Christmas shopping. BUT, I did find my carver and bought a little sumpin’, sumpin’ for myself!
Meet Mr. Claus…
I love him, and I think he’s going to like living in his new home.
As long as I am showing you the Santa, I thought you might like to meet his creator, too. Cerri Noto carves and paints her own pieces under the business name “Crow’s Feat.”
When I told her I wanted to mention her in my blog, she asked that I show a picture of one of her bathing beauties – one of her best sellers. I thought it was pretty rude that she was using me as her model without giving credit…
Her Christmas collection is one of my favorites!
I’m already wishing I had gotten a “Mrs.” to go along with my “Mr.”
Cerri doesn’t have a website, but can be reached by e-mail at crowsfeat@juno.com.
Once I got home, all the Christmas goodies came down from the shelves in the garage, the lights went up on the house (I HATE the LED lights, but they are my concession to the environment) and got the tree up, ready for decorating.
We switched over to an artificial tree years ago, and I love it. I still miss the smell of fresh pine, but I can use whatever ornaments I want, no matter how heavy, and it is ALWAYS beautiful.
Here she is nekked, and I’ll show you the finished tree tomorrow (barring life getting in the way!)
Have fun preparing for the holidays at your house!
You definitely should get Mrs Clause – they are super cute! Cerri Noto is a talented lady- I love the ‘hands on hips’ stance of her figures. Thanks for sharing! Xx
She really is! I have an angel, a witch, a scrapbook lady, and now Santa. I am hoping to add a bathing beauty, Mrs. Claus and Uncle Sam. I wish y’all could see her whole line!
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Hi My friend!!! You are so on the ball with Christmas! I am quite amazed! Love your new Santa! You crack me up, that model looks nothing liks you silly!!!
I really want to see what is on the wall next to Santa too. It looks cool!
Can’t wait to see your finished tree perfectly decked out. I have to admit, I didn’t once think about decorating since Thanksgiving… I guess I should start! Lol!
Have an amazing day my friend!
Kris
You’re so funny! The piece you are talking about is an architectural feature from an old house that belonged to my oldest daughter. It was her headboard, and now it is the headboard in our guest room.
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Mr. Santa Claus already looks like he is missing Mrs. Claus. Amazing that she does all that carving and doesn’t have a website! Maybe that’s how she has time for all the carving. Although, I am amazed that you do so many creative things and blog!
I think some older people adapt to technology better than others. Intellectually she knows she needs to, but I think she’s afraid of not being able to learn it. Anyway, she has a daughter that may push her into it!
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I love your Santa and I agree, you need Mrs. Claus to go along with him. I use to spend the day after Thanksgiving decorating our house for Christmas. I did this for well over 30+ years. But now we spend our Christmas in FL and really miss getting my decorations put up at home.
You need a pink flamingo tree in FL!
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I do have a pink flamingo ornament!
Hahaha! Well, I’m here to tell you, they have hecka cute tropical ornaments. You could do a whole tree with palm trees, tropical fish, nets, flamingos, umbrellas, flip flops! I used to do one in my store every year (one of the theme trees.)
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Oh yes a Mrs. Claus is needed. He’ll be so lonely on that garage shelf with out her :0) Love her work!
I’ll be digging out my decorations this week …having a big party on the 16th.
Thanks, Carol. I may have to call and have her ship me one. Or maybe I could be a big girl and wait until next year!
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I think I may just experience Christmas through you this year, Janet! I love that you are so excited about it! Of course you have grandbabies, so maybe that’e what is missing for me…not that I want them yet, heaven forbid! My babies are only 18 and 19! Have fun decorating, and I will try to get inspired and join in as well! Thanks for sharing…
Nah, Sally, I’m just a Christmas girl! The very thought of not having a tree brings me to tears! But I understand the concept of living vicariously, so live away!
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