Thursday, December 20, 2012

I'll be home for Christmas...

...so I thought I'd invite you over (warning--long post with lots of pictures, but there is something quilt related at the end).
This is our dome sweet home. Yes, I live in a geodesic dome. From the front you can see the added solarium on the left and extension on the right, so it doesn't appear that round from this point of view. Trust me--it is.

Just inside the front door you are greeted by a bunch of fuzzy snowmen. They look forward to the grandchildren visiting each Sunday evening. It is always more fun when they come.

Aside from the small tree, you can see a trunk of Christmas books and a snow family on the quilt rack. And, of course, my German pyramid nativity on a little table topper quilt made from red and green plaid shirts. I love these photos of two of my grandchildren watching the pyramid spin.

In the corner is the tree and the piano is graced by a couple of my nativities.

My very small Santa collection sits atop the hutch that is to the right of the tree, but not visible in the photo.

The dining room hutch holds a few more nativities. (Sorry this is blurry.) Let's take a closer look. I'm sure you are familiar with the Willow Tree nativity. This was a b'day gift a few years ago from DH. I love it.

Inside the hutch are some other special nativities.
The little clay figures and the wooden all-in-one are from Argentina, where my oldest son was a missionary.

 This beautiful, hand-carved nativity was brought from Austria, when my oldest daughter returned from a semester abroad there.

This little hand-crafted nativity is made from banana leaves and my youngest son brought it to me from his mission in Brazil.

He also brought this nativity, which resides on the piano. The figures fit together like puzzle pieces. Sometimes I display it that way, but not this year.


This music box nativity was a gift from my mother.
DH gifted me another music box nativity. It is a snowglobe with glass figures inside. I couldn't get a good photo of it--without the flash it was too blurry. With the flash it just reflected the light.

Above the dining room is the loft. I have no mantel, so the stockings are hung by the railing with care.




Let's go upstairs. Looking down from the stair landing you get a good view of the tree and piano in the corner. If you glance to the right of the railing you can see the village. I painted this village years ago in my "ceramics" phase.

I used the technique known as "dry brush". You paint the entire piece black and then, using a dry, stiff bristled brush, you layer on color over the black surface. You can see it prevents much light from penetrating anywhere but the windows. It also makes it hard to see the colors.


Even in the light the colors seem very muted.
 I finished them off with a light touch of "snow". I think I still have a couple of unpainted buildings stored somewhere, but I haven't painted ceramics in decades.


In the sewing room I have hung the Christmas "Flurry" flimsy that I had hoped to get quilted this year, but it didn't happen.

 And I had to get a photo of my sewing room tree adorned with all of these quilty ornaments. Those pineapple blocks are about 2" square. The red and white "square in a square" was a very fun surprise from my blog friend, Grace, all the way in Maine. Along with the ornament, there was another sweet gift. Look below the tree. See the pink bow to the right? It keeps this great selvedge covered needle case closed.

 Isn't it cute? I thought it was so appropriate that the selvedge down the center is from Kansas Troubles fabric. I love that stuff and have made a few quilts from it. This little package of surprises came on a very hard day--first thing that morning I had learned that DH's aunt, who has been a good friend to me and a quilt mentor, had just died. I was feeling pretty blue and this brought the first smile of the day. Thanks to you, Grace!

And finally, I am making some headway, though much slower than planned, on the gift quilts for my grandsons. Star Wars #2 got its last stitches this morning. I have been using swirls and stars stencils for the pattern on these two quilts. But now they both need binding, and the railroad quilt is still waiting to be marked and basted. Can I finish it all before Christmas Eve? Where has the time gone?

Well, if you have had the stamina to stay with this, thanks for visiting my "home for the holidays". I'd better get off the computer and get busy! I have a funeral to attend tomorrow, and I am in charge of the family meal afterwards, for 200 people. It will be an emotional day.
Until next time, Janet O.




44 comments:

  1. Awww....I want to come to your house!!

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  2. Thank you for the tour.....
    Beautiful decorations.
    I hope you get those quilts finished in time.
    And I still love that view.....

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  3. So sorry that you lost your quilting mentor DH's aunt. You certainly do her influence proud. I pray that all goes smoothly for the dinner and the services and most of all that you will feel the comfort of your beautiful family around you. Many hugs!

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  4. I'll be thinking of you today... wish I could help you in some way!
    (((((Janet)))))

    Thank you for sharing your beautiful home all decorated for Christmas with us... so lovely!

    I don't know where the time went either? I'll be cheering you on as you finish up your last quilt!

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  5. Love your dome home!! And especially all your Nativities...just wonderful!

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  6. Thanks for the visit and home tour...everything looks beautiful! ENjoyed seeing all the nativities! Hope everything goes well today.

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  7. Beautiful home tour! You have a wonderful collection of nativity sets and each one so special. Thanks for opening your home up and sharing all your lovely images.

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  8. Your home is so beautifully decorated. I love all your nativities.

    I am especially intrigued by the Star Wars quilt as my oldest grandson is a huge, huge fan of Star Wars. ;-)

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  9. Oh Janet, your home is so beautiful!! You've inspired me to get busy! (Maybe tomorrow? Or Saturday?!) Your nativities are all wonderful!! I have one ... it's a scene from a Babushka doll that I found in Russia. I've never been able to find the perfect nativity (that I could afford) and so I wait! I'm curious about your home and the geodesic dome -- but I'll save those for e-mail! :)

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  10. I enjoyed my visit to your home. Lots of twinkles all over. I would not have room to set up a tree in my sewing room. I will enjoy yours with the little quilty ornaments. Good idea.

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  11. I'm so sorry to hear about your aunt Janet! Why does it seem as though we lose so many of our loved ones at Christmas time? I thoroughly enjoyed the "tour" through your home decorated for the season. Your home is wonderfully warm and inviting - just like you!

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  12. Your house looks lovely. I especially like all the Nativities.

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  13. So sorry for your loss - will be sending you hugs and prayers today. Thank you for the wonderful tour of your home - everything is just beautiful. I love all of your nativities and decorations. And, knowing you to be the over-achiever (lol) I bet you get those quilts finished in time!

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  14. I'm glad you posted the house Mom :)
    I especially love your quilt tree...and what a sweet little needle case! It is very fitting for you.

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  15. Beautiful tour of your lovely Christmas decorations and the warmth of holiday feelings! My sympathies on the loss of your aunt.

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  16. Loved touring your home...very inviting. Hugs

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  17. What a lovely tour of your home. It is so pretty for the holidays.
    So sorry about the loss of your auntie.

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  18. Wonderful decorations for the holidays!

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  19. Your nativities are delightful Janet. I have enough nativity ornaments to fill a small tree - all styles and made of many different materials - a very fun collection! I even have a hooked rug

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  20. Oh, Janet! Everything looks so beautiful! Thanks for sharing your decorated home with us. Love your nativity collection and your tree is gorgeous. Christmas comes whether we are ready or not so get done what you can and don't worry about the rest. It does tend to sneak up on us, doesn't it?!?!

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  21. Your home is so lovely and peaceful looking. Thanks for walking us through. Will be in River Heights tomorrow for an "Apocolyptic Birthday Party" as my cousin has entitled it. He will be 61.

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  22. Thanks for the tour! I've been fascinated by geodesic domes since I heard Buckminster Fuller speak when I was in grade school...can't say I really understood what he was saying but I was fascinated!

    Sorry to hear of the funeral...tough anytime but at this time of year particularly so. Prayers are with you and yours...

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  23. Janet,
    your pictures of your home are beautiful. And the one of the two kids looking at the display is fabulous!

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  24. Wonderful tour Janet! Love your nativities, especially the puzzle one. Your home is in such a beautiful setting... thanks for sharing it with all of us! Happy holidays!

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  25. Janet, your house is beautiful and very Chrismasy (if that is a word). I loved the light show.

    Have a lovely Christmas and a safe new year.

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  26. I'll be praying for you and the family tomorrow! Your home is lovely!! Such a wonderful collection of nativities!! What a precious family, to remember getting them for you! The quilts look great and I know the boys will love them!! I agree where has the time gone! I'm working on quilty projects, too! I'll post after Christmas as all the girls read my blog!! I'm trying to keep it a secret that I'm even making anything - but with Mikkie next door - well...she might suspect!!

    Blessings to you and yours for a wonderful Christmas filled with Love, Joy and Peace!

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  27. Thank you for the visit and home tour...everything looks beautiful.
    So sorry for your loss, and at this time of the year.
    Have a lovely Christmas.
    Julia ♥

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  28. Lovely decorations in your unique home...

    Have a lovely Christmas!

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  29. Beautiful! Thank you for sharing! Merry, Merry Christmas to you and your family!

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  30. janet, a beautiful home beautifully decorated...love all the nativity sets that keep focus on the real meaning of christmas...such treasured items...and i love your little tree and the other ornaments!

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  31. Thank you very much for the wonderful visit to your beautiful home, Janet. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

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  32. Wow...thank you for the tour of your beautiful home! Your decorations are perfect...it's like a Christmas wonderland! Beautiful!

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  33. what a lovely post! I was so excited when i read lot of pictures.
    Your house is beautiful and your Nativity collection is lovely!
    Thanks for posting some holiday cheer!

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  34. ooouuuuu.....aaaahhhh......comfy......cozy!

    Your home looks FABULOUS!!

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  35. Janet your home is lovely as are your beautiful nativities...I am a lover and collector of nativities...Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year...
    Mary

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  36. What a beautiful post Janet - I love all your photos and how your domehome is looking. I'm sorry to hear about your DH's Aunt. I hope the day went nicely for you all. Merry Christmas!! Have a lovely 2013. (Happy last-minute sewing!!)

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  37. Beautiful post, Janet!

    Lovely pictures of your home...so inviting

    xoxo, Carolyn

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  38. So beautiful!
    Love the kids wonder with the spinning ;-)
    You do so well with the details.
    Have a wonderful rest of the year.

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  39. Thanks for sharing your pretties and your sorrow. I KNOW how you feel losing a loved one at Christmas time!
    You will be on Angel duty at the Funeral, but I hope you take the time to get a few real hugs. I'm sending a virtual one to you! {{{{JANET O}}}}

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  40. Hi Janet Thanks for taking us on the tour through your beautiful home. So sorry to hear about your Aunt. Merry Christmas to you and your family. I look forward to seeing more from you in the New Year. Blessings...LuAnn

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  41. Wow, yours is the coolest house ever! I love those little white lights all over brightening up the winter darkness. Thanks for the tour Janet!

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  42. I have actually been trying to "redecorate" my front room and wanted everything to be natural - white, wood, and wicker was my mantra. When I came to your home for the party I thought, Janet's got it going on what I love! Lots of natural wood, pretty quilts. You have a very beautiful home Janet O!

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  43. Hi Janet, I changed my settings. Maybe now you will be able to reply. ~Gail~

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