Morning Musica . . . I’ve been busy … making things!
Hello my dear patient friends!♥ I thought I’d show you what I’ve been doing this morning! I’ve been playing! Remember I mentioned I wanted to have lots of banners, swags, festooning and bunting to decorate my house this year?
Well, as you know, I went hunting for them and found lots of fun ideas, but couldn’t find the word banner I wanted for the kitchen . . . I’m sure they must be out there somewhere, but I decided I should just make one. How hard can it be, was my question.
Not hard at all as it turns out; really easy! And not even messy! So I thought I would show you what I did, in case you want to drape a mirror, a window, the footboard of your bed, the fireplace mantle, anywhere really.
I am sure there’s more than one way to do this! But here’s what I did. You need some card stock … a pair of scissors that makes curvy patterns when you cut with them, (pinking shears would work), and a hole punch that makes tiny holes. Also some narrow ribbon, yarn, or festive string. Baker’s string would look cute too. You can get all this in any craft store. Or, knowing you, you probably have most of it in your closet already!
You need to decide what you want it to say, so you can know how many little cards to cut out, one for each letter — I just wanted a simple “Merry Christmas,” but other ideas would be “Home for Christmas,” “Let it Snow,” “BELIEVE,” “Joy to the World,” “Peace and Good Cheer,” “Blessings” — I bet you can think of lots more; “The Grinch Lives Here,” might even work, for certain occasions! Or, “Welcome Home!” Or your child’s name!
I didn’t measure anything, because it doesn’t need to be perfect … I just cut out little squares to the size I thought they should be, and punched holes in the top corners of each. (Cut one square until you get it the size you like, then just eyeball that as you cut the others. Trust me, you can do this!)
If you wanted, you could put a little glue on the edges and dip each edge into glitter. I thought of this, but since I didn’t get glitter, and since it was 5 am at the time, I thought, OK, maybe next time! I threaded narrow grosgrain ribbon through the holes, keeping the ribbon flat so that, in the end, when you hang them, the cards will all lay correctly — and I spaced them a bit apart.
They had tons of letter stickers at Michael’s … I bought these puffy letters, and considered using them, but changed my mind, wished I’d bought simpler ones … I was afraid these would make it too fancy for what I wanted. I thought it would look more homemade if . . .
I just printed letters on the cards with a fat black marking pen.
So that’s what I did, and then, with watercolors, I put a little gray shadow behind each letter to make them “pop” a bit.
And so there it is! Not Picasso. But that’s OK, it does exactly what I hoped … a little something homemade in my kitchen. And you could go wild with this, you could mark the letters in glue and make them totally glitter! I’ve already hung a few little colored pom poms on this banner … if you need a little gift of the heart, this would be perfect, tucked inside a stocking, or in a holiday card.
And then, the sun came up! I love my banner/swag department! It has a bit of magic in it, don’t you think?
I also thought you might like a photo of sundown last night, on the street where I live ….
The Frost Moon was so beautiful!
Back to my decorating now! I finished my new WILLARD yesterday! (Click there, just in case you don’t know why we call my Newsletter “Willard.”) It will start going out next 
Tuesday — it takes a couple of days … will be all sent late Wednesday. If you want to sign up your mom, sister, aunt, grandma, sugar daddy, daughter, or best friend, you can do it anytime over the weekend and still be in time for Christmas Willard to arrive in their boxes sometime Tuesday or Wednesday.♥ Very inexpensive little gift. Cookie Jar is included! Also, I have a little surprise giveaway in honor of the giving season, from me to you with LOVE; check the blog next Tuesday for the surprise!
Peep Peep girlfriends, Have a wonderful day!! xoxo You are adorable! ♥ Thank you for everything!
A holiday giveaway…how fun….. THe wreath Joe make is lovely. I am not much of a gardener and cannot even imagine having a homemade wreath from my very own yard. The notepad would just make the cutest list to Santa from my grandlittles. Have a blessed Christmas.
blessings.
Dear Susan! Once again, a wonderful and joyful post. It’s interesting how your blog posts teach me to appreciate what I have. I really used to hate these seasonal changes; especially those ice cold winters, which we have in Hungary. Hence, I’ve always wished for living in some sunny place, such as California. But somehow you discover and show us the beauty of each and every season and I cannot help but be thankful…
It really must be gorgeous there! Do you have ice and snow festivals? I’ve seen photos of ice castles and they look wonderful!
Happy Holidays, Susan! Thank you for sharing your wonderful decorating ideas and I LOVE the banner idea! So simple and yet, so cute and creative! I can’t wait to make my own! I also wanted to thank you for everything that you do and share with us. I’ve been a BIG fan of yours for many, many years and I appreciate and admire your talents! I hope you have fun with the picture taking on Dec. 11. Do you think we will be able to obtain a copy of the Yankee Magazine here in CA next year when your story makes it’s debut? I’d love to have a copy, as I’m sure all of your fans would, too! Wishing you and Joe a wonderful holiday season 🙂 Best, Donna Lynn Kawano from Santa Clarita, CA
I’m sure you will because we are bound to carry it here in my webstore — if all else fails, we’ll have one for you!
MY HUSBAND AND I ARE TRANSPLANTS FROM NEW JERSEY TO CALIFORNIA. WE DO MISS THE SEASONS BUT CAN TRAVEL TO SNOW/COLD IN SHORT 2 HOURS! LOVE YOUR HOME PHOTOS, IDEAS AND WE LOVE ENGLAND ALSO.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!! AND GOOD INFO!!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM CALIFORNIA, NITA AND STAN
Susan & Joe,
I have been a fan of yours for years. Many years ago when you sent Willard, I sent you a letter asking about how you got started, and you replied with a hand written card! I still have that little card and think about how sweet it was for you to take the time to mail me a personalized letter! I have been making hard tack candy for a few weeks now and can’t wait to get started baking! My cat, Freman is having a great time in the Christmas tree…. Thank you for your inspiration! xoxoxo, Lucy Macher
What fun it was to see all your beautiful decorations but for me the picture of the church steeple with the moon rising behind the bare branches says it all. Love it, every bit! And Joe is real handy and inventive. Really did an outstanding job on those swags and the wreath. Someone is going to be VERY lucky indeed to win one and the cute mug and notebook. Merry Christmas!
My sister & I love, love, love you & have been collecting your books since your first one. Sometimes we call one another & have a cup of tea & look through one of your books “together” Thank you for all your lovely things & helping create special times memories for us all! Thank you for sharing your talent & heart for beauty in so many ways! <3
This is why women are so wonderful! Calling each other to read the same book together on the phone, WITH a cup of tea! SO creative! xoxo
Yes it is the little things that make it the most, for sure. I love your artwork, your decorating and your stories. My daughter and I have just finished making pine honey and are drying rosehips from our back yard. Lights are up and we cut down some cedar and spruce boughs to put in pine cone filled baskets. Your own decorating ideas inspires our household and we love to decorate as natural as possible, this week-end the baking begins as we look forward to another sparkly Christmas. In our household we make donuts on the Winter Solstice Evening to celebrate the circle of seasons.
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Susan, Susan, Susan.
You always inspire me! Whether it’s one of your books, your blog, or your artwork, I always get off my hint & make something after channeling you. So glad to have these connections to you. Made one of your deliscious cauliflower dishes this week & think I’ll have a go at some fresh yard greens, as Joe did.
Your house looks beautiful! Love the little window scrapes.
Have a joyous day.
xox Kathleen
Susan…I love when Willard arrives! You pack so much into that letter and this one was no exception, thank you! (can’t wait for the new cookie recipe). Jack is so sweet and does look very intelligent! Black & white kitties are my favorite. I have lived in California all of my life so your memories of growing up in a warm climate are mine too. During the summer though, I spent several weeks in Napa and my aunt and uncle’s where we rode horses, played outside in the cooler (80’s as opposed to 100’s +) days and made french fries everyday for lunch!! Sure wish I could still eat like that. Joe’s wreath and your home have inspired me to get going with my decorations! I sure miss your store in Arroyo Grande, I’m about two hours away and purchased many of your books there, some are signed copies. Thank you! I just looked as I was putting the Autumn book away, it was signed in 2006! Here’s wishing you a white Christmas! Oh, and thank you for the link to the Bishop’s Wife, while I was there I watched the “trailer” so cute!
XO, June G.
You have brought so much joy into my lives and I have shared the inspiration over the years with my daughters. Happiest of Holidays to you….
Same to you Jilli … love your name!
Thanks for bookmark patterns. I put them in a bowl at work for my co-workers. It’s nice to offer something instead of the usual candy.
They must love you, very low fat!
Susan,
I am also planning on making your Merry Christmas garland this weekend, so simple and I also love to embellish! Joe’s wreaths are beautiful, tell Vanna one would look beautiful on my poor old front door!!!
Kathy
I will let her know!
Your creativity always makes me smile and your cat Jack makes me miss my Sydney! Thanks for sharing all the festivities in your home and neighborhood.
Susan, my dear-
You are spectacular! Everything is brilliant.
And your cats are patterned very nicely. I have a tuxedo cat also. One of her white spots is a well-groomed, very French, mustache !
Love.
Tuxedo kitties are so decorative … they go with everything!
Beautiful, just beautiful! Thanks always for the inspiration… sent me running for my Vineyard Seasons and Heart of the Home books to sit with a bowl of Christmas apples. *grin* I love everything you do!
Your house must be spectacular! I can smell the homemade cookies, the fresh Christmas sitting here at my desk. Merry Christmas!
Look at your cute name … what a delicious drink you would make!
Oops….please correct….I meant the fresh Christmas tree.
Love your beautiful decorations…so beautiful to see..thanks for sharing and wish you all a very Happy Christmas season.
I am so inspired! I’m going to do something new this year—-using natural things that I can find just by going outside. I wish I had your Joe around to find some spectacular greens, etc. Merry Christmas!!!
I love getting your blog & have loved your products for years! Thanks for all of the inspiration & all of the cute craft ideas you share with all of us! Merry Christmas to you & yours! ♥
It is I who must thank you for your wonderful blog. It gives me such a warm spot in my heart when I read all the wonderful things you are doing. …but I still love Jack the most!
Love it ! Have a Kitty cat Christmas! Love your Kitty he’s purrfect! I think my kitty’s might be smarter! Lol I think all cats are brilliant! Brilliant at getting you to to do what they want lol. Thanks for all your cute pictures and thoughts what a kindred spirit you are! (As Anne girl would say) have fun decorating!
Merry christmas Susan, to you and your family! You always get me in the spirit for seasons and holidays! Off to make your banner! Thank you.
Merry Christmas Susan & Joe and Kitties!!!
You give me such inspiration AND I finally found one of your 2013 calendars last week so I am all set for the new year. Your decorating truly reminds me of my childhood. I too am from a large family (I am child #3) and have lived in CA (almost) all my life. Thank you for your blog!! Sometimes I think you are the only person I can relate to, even my other siblings don’t get the whole nostalgia thing. I hope I am fortunate enough to win the darling cup, saucer and note pad and winning one of Joe’s beautiful wreaths would put me over the top.
Many Christmas blessings to you both.
You are in the right place … there’s a wonderful quote — It’s not that I belong to the past, it’s that the past belongs to me!
Hello Susan,
I have been a fan of yours FOREVER! Have collected most of all your books and calendars over the years. Perhaps we are related, as I am a huge fan of Beatrix Potter, have been collecting Rose Chintz dishes for years along with beautiful etched stemware. Your table settings always remind me of how much fun it is to mix and match vintage items.
Your blog is wonderful and I always look forward to reading it. It’s a special moment to enjoy a kindred spirit. Love all the photos of your house and especially of Jack and Girl.
Merry, Merry Christmas!
Thank you Michele .. nice to meet you here!
Susan
Just finished reading the Willard. Could have written this one! We grew up in in the same way. We went to Big Bear and Lake Tahoe too. I lived closer to the beach in El Segundo. Now I have lived in Ill for more years than I want to count(1960). Except for the winters in SC. It’s back to the beach. I’m keeping your nostaliga for my grandchildren. I couldn’t have written as well as you did. Happy memories.
You’re a big help with the holiday spirit! This year I need a boost in the decorating dept. Thanks!!
Susan…I so love your decorating ideas for the holidays! I have been a collector of yours for years. Please keep inspiring me!!!
You inspire me so much just spent the week-end with my cousin quilting and love all the magical things you do. I have two kitten just a little older than Jack, they are Sam & Max double trouble but the love of my life just like Jack is for you. The play with fabric mice with cat nip we just found seven of then all in a corner under the hutch they show you where to look. Oh! were they happy boys. Hope you have a wonderful Holiday.
Love your cat! I had a black & white named Fester who had so much personality! I just loved him to pieces (he was also smart – he figured out how to open the screen door).
I LOVE Joe’s wreath! Such a clever man!
Merry Christmas, Susan and Joe! I love all the bird whimsy in the latest blog post; it’s amazing that Jack has left your tree alone.
My Christmas would be truly merry and bright if I am lucky enough to win the gifties you’ve chosen, but every blog you send makes me feel merry and bright all year. Thanks so much for all your cheer!
Absolutely love your post today. I bet your tree will look mah-vah-lous when it’s decorated.
What a wonderful inspiration you and Joe are! I need to go out and see what I can find in my yard now. Love to hear of the cat antics, although there are only dogs in this household. The puppy is needing lots of “attention” with all the decorating underway, but we are certainly being entertained!
Oh I just love seeing Jack by the fireplace! Our little grandkitty, Ralston, is staying with us for a while and he also is a tuxedo kitty. He too has a basket with a blanket in it next to the fireplace that he loves to sit in when we have it going. Too bad it has been warm the last couple of days
Your lovely posts make my day!!! Keeps life “in the peacefulness of the moment” and ready for a cup of tea to enjoy your photos of nature and home hearth.
Thank You and continue to take time to enjoy the Season of Love!
I love all your beautiful things, and think a cup and wreath would be lovely. However, what I really would like is the little black and white tomcat! I’d even come pick him up. 🙂 Paula Gulley
I love your little white doggie by the fireplace..do you remember where you got it? I have a Westie who looks just like it and would love to buy one…I used to rotate my tree colors but the red was so popular I decorate RED every year…wish it was a little colder here……love your books and your blogs…xo
Seeing a note from you when I log in to my e-mail box always brightens my day – your posts are inspiring, cheerful, and just downright charming! And, although I am nowhere near as creative as you are, I TRY – and I think your ideas look just as good here at our home in the mountains of the Shenandoah Valley as they do at your home near the beach. 🙂
Hope your holidays are full of joy, and that the coming year brings only good things for you!
Ann
Hi Susan,
Just wanted to let you know how heart-warming your blog is to me! I lost my mom a year ago…she loved you (and your cranberry spread which she passed on to all of her neighbors), and birds of all kinds. This season I am seeing cardinals everywhere and know she is with me! Your photos are beautiful and kitty is too.
I have a new little kitten now named Orchid and she also brings much laughter. Your books are stacked on my cedar chest at the foot of my bed and every morning I stack them so neatly and when I come home from work, they’re all over the floor….kitty has a hey day! when I’m gone.
Thanks for all you do. All the teachers I work with love your site, as well. Happy Holidays!
How sweet Kathy, thank you so much. Give Orchid a little hug for me. I’m sorry about your mom, I can tell you have lovely memories of her. Please tell your teacher friends that I say a great big HELLO to all of them!! xoxo
You bring the holidays to a whole new level! And I was in dire need of that! Thank you for all the ideas. My house will look more festive than ever………..
Dear Susan,
Who knew that your creative talents could “rub off” on Joe!
He’s really enjoying this holiday season, isn’t he?!!
Looking forward to seeing the Christmas tree decorated this year.
The kitchen looks lovely with new paint and your garland over the
windows.
Wishing you both a very Merry Christmas and holiday season.
The wreath that Joe made was gorgeous!
It is 57 degrees in Chicago right now.
I have to force myself to remember that Christmas is right around the corner.
Have a great day.
Susan,
You make my day, every day!!! Thanks for all you do for us!!!
xoxoxox
I just love you blogs, I always look forward to them. I also have two black and white cats and yours are absolutely adorable, especially Jack. Please enter me in the giveaway for the notebook and tea cup.
Thank you,
Sharon Fritz
Dear Susan: This is the first year that I have been subscribed to your blog and I must tell you how these lovely posts have enriched my life. I have lived alone for many years and every holiday I dread decorating because not many people see the decorations. Because of your beautiful pictures during the summer and fall and now Christmas, I have been motivated to decorate to the hilt. I love all of your posts and hope you continue for many, many years.
Christmas Blessing to you and yours,
Freya
With all this inspiration, LET CHRISTMAS BEGIN! I always look forward to receiving any mail from Susan Branch! At one time, two of our daughters had black and white kittens. They were YOUNG girls and named them Spotty and Scratchy. Thank for sharing your life, your home, and your creativity!
Your blog posts always brighten my day…thanks! I love the way
you are decorating for Christmas and for the Yankee Magazine
photo shoot. Those cookies look absolutely delicious!
Pat S.
Your home is just wonderful, Susan. The decorations….. Wow Everything is so pretty. I adore the decorating and your kitties.
Thanks so much for sharing with us!
Thank you for all that is Christmas!! You are such an inspiration to us all. Your love for Christmas is only compounded by your love for life and your Vineyard! Thanks a million!
Your home looks so beautiful and magical! And your hubby, such a sweetie! Cardinals have always had a special meaning to me. A favorite uncle always fed the birds and other small creatures in the yard. The most beautiful cardinals would always come to feast. Several years ago we lost him. We always said the wings he would have would be the wings of a cardinal. Several months later I kept hearing a tapping noise. I followed the sound to my kitchen. And there at the window, sat a gorgeous cardinal, just staring inside. He sat there for several minutes and with one final tap, flew off. It was a strange experience and I never saw any more cardinals at my kitchen window!
Joe deserves a couple of more batches of those yummy looking cookies for all that elf business he’s been up to! Such pretty garlands, wreaths and such. Jealous! Of course, here in SoCal, the greenery won’t stay ‘fresh’ for very long. A week or so and it’s crunchy as peanut brittle. Oh well. Keep posting Susan, love seeing all you do and love seeing Girl and Jack as well.
~Carisa
What a joy to read your email and blog today! It’s so inspiring to hear & see what someone else is doing to celebrate the season. I am eager to try some of your cookie recipes and make a “MERRY CHRISTMAS” garland with my granddaughter. Thank you for bringing smiles and inspiration into homes around the world.
Wishing you a wonderful and blessed Christmas,
Joanne
Oh my Gosh Susan! I do so LOVE your postings! I love to live vicariously through you! I too am a Christmas fanatic and spend an entire weekend (sun up to way past sun down) decorating my little place. My son comes over and does the outside of the house with me. I am the grandmother of 5 (ages 18mos. – 4 years old) and when my little Viviane (age 3) came over the other day she was completely in awe! She asked “G-Bone [that is what they call me], does Santa live here?” How cute is that? I wish you and Joe and of course Girl and Jack, the Merriest of Christmases! Hugs!
My Mother gave me my 1st Susan Branch cookbook years ago, I am not sure how she found you, but she liked the fact your sister was named Shelly, although mine is spelled Shelley. There are not many of us around! Please let us know when your article will be in Yankee, one of my favorite mags (we have a house in Vt also). Always enjoy your Willards!
Does anyone call you mee-shell ma belle? In fact, I just call my shelly, Belle. I’ll be sure to let you know about Yankee!
Now I am ready…you truly put me in the mood for getting out the ornaments and getting started..can’t wait to see your house in the yankee magazine article…
I love seeing the pictures of your home at all the different seasons of the year. I live in an old house in Minnesota. I’m going to try the Merry Christmas garland with my stamps. When I go to your blog I turn up the volume on my computer speaker and tell my cats to listen to the birdies. My mother has a tuxedo cat named Cleo. Cleo reminds of your cats. I would like to be entered in your drawing. Thanks and have a Very Merry Christmas.
Hi Susan,
One of my friends introduced me to you and it is so enjoyable to read your emails. I love cats so I always pay close attention to your comments re Jack. Unfortunately, I lost my Terahcat to cancer a few months ago. Hopefully, early next year I can find a new kitty or two and can look forward to that particular warmth on my legs!
Anita
That’s something wonderful to look forward to Anita!
Susan, Your website and newsletter are the best! I always include your wall calender on my Christmas wish list. 🙂 Thanks for your the joy and happiness you share with others! Wishing you and Joe a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year…Suzanne
Susan, I have been a fan of yours for so long! I found your Christmas book back in the 90’s in CA when I had a busy candy manufacturing business and had little time to enjoy the Christmas Season. But when I found your book, at one of my accounts, I just sat there and read it and realized NOW I had had my Christmas fix! I loved it so much that I shared it with my best friend and then continued to get all your books and use them.. But the Christmas one is my favorite for the reason above : )
BTW, we have the female version of ‘Jack’! And this is her first Christmas tree experience – what a hoot! Thanks for all the joy you bring to each of us in your own way – ‘what blesses one, blesses all’! Merry Christmas to you & Joe and Girl & Jack!
OMG I love the garland and wreath you guys made. So cute and festive! The house is going to look great for the magazine. Looking forward to it! I just love the notepad and mug too.
Oh My! I love your decorations. I too am always drawn to what I remember as a child! Have received my new Susan Branch calendar and can’t wait to put it on my desk! Your illustrations are so happy and charming. Merry Christmas to you and your family , May 2013 be a year filled with blessings.
Susan, I love receiving your little watercolor drawings in your sweet blog. Tell Joe he is every wife’s dream husband. Merry Christmas to you all from Arkansas.
Thank you for all the wonderful words and photos…it’s almost as if I had really had a visit with you and seen all the wonderful Christmas decor you’ve decked the halls with. It’s nice to feel included in your holiday preparations!
Christmas won’t be christmas without any presents! -Little women Susan, you have inspired this Southern girl for many many years, looking at your pictures today, Jack and HIS fireplace, your fresh evergreens, hand-made swags for your window, your bird tree (want to do that), the promise of Paperwhites in Winter.. little touches everywhere making your home festive and welcoming to the Season. Appreicate my home state of Tennessee, but, have always felt drawn to the New England area, with visions of picturesque blankets of snow as our snow here is not as frequent as they were growing up. Christmas and snow go together! Thank you as you continue to bring Christmas Cheer and your special creativity for all to enjoy year after year. ..To watch his woods fill up with snow.” -Frost Brenda Vaughan
Dear Susan, I have been a huge fan of yours for many years. I love your painting and every year I ask for your wall calander for Christmas and my husband never disappoints me ! I love getting your e-mails and this one is so special. You make Christmas a beautiful time for family. I have tea every night before bed and I love the red and green polka dotted mug and saucer. Also Joe’s wreath is gorgious , I can’t wait to try and make one . Wishing you and Joe a very merry Christmas ! Laurajane
Same to you and your thoughtful husband Laurajane!
Being an only child an carrying all the memories of the past is something I like to share with all my wonderful friends. Grandmothers recipes and her special teacups are cherished. I also like sharing ideas from your books! I had a Christmas Cookie Exchange and tea for my friends this past Sunday and went through all your Christmas books for inspiration and recipes. I bought your latest calendar and keep it by the door and use it as a guest book and have my friends sign it by putting their name on the month and day of their birthday. They were all interested in where I got such a cute calendar which gives me an opportunity to talk a little about my friend, Susan! Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. I feel a part of it and look forward to hearing the latest with Susan, Jack, and Joe on Martha’s Vinyard. Oh and I loved your teacup,notes and the wreath Joe made. Wish they were mine!
Thank you for being you. The pictures put me in the Christmas spirit. I love your antique Scottie by the fireplace. We have lots of antique Scottie stuff and three of the real dogs.
There is something about a bird tree that is so special. We also have a large one. Enjoy your decorating!
Dear Susan,
So enjoyed reading about all the decorating at your house for Christmas.It has really inspired me. I have also started collecting your books and they are a big enjoyment for me. I like the tea mug and am thinking of putting it on my Christmas wish list.From our home in Ky to you and Joe on Marthas Vineyard,Happy Christmas and A Merry New Year!
I truly want to move in with you. We all need some tea and some cats curled up on quilts and a lovely husband willing to make wreaths!
Hi, Susan-Have been a fan for years. Love your books and Willard. Anyway…Now that I see you are a big fan of Beatrix Potter figurines-I have inherited over 60 of them. I love them but don’t really have space for them or the right environment. They are from all the periods that they were made. I have one from the original series. If you are perhaps interested in acquiring any more, please let me know. Thanks
What a happy e mail to get from you today……If I cannot win the wreath, could I have Jack??? (just for Christmas Vacation?????)( Spring Break?????) I think I know the answer to that.
Yes, no. 🙂
I have loved you for years. I remember the first time I saw your work. I was reading my dear mother’s Country Living Magazine and saw something you had painted. And then I found Heart of the Home…and fell in love. I was in my early 20’s. Now I have ALL of your books, I have and love your calenders…and love reading your blog and Willard. I’ve given the “Girlfriend” book to friends! Have a wonderful Christmas and thank you for all the joy you bring!
Love your blog. The photos, and drawings are beautiful. Thank you for sharing your ideas.
happy holidays to your family and especially Jack
Praise be unto our Lord and Savior for it is His birthday we celebrate!!!
Merry Christmas! Bobbie
A dear friend introduced me to your work way back in our college days and ever since I’ve been hooked! When I looked at this most recent post and saw the little Christmas trees you have in your kitchen windows, I am reminded of the vintage “village” that my mom inherited from my grandma. Every year, I would help her put cotton batting under the tree, sprinkled with glitter and then we would set to work arranging the lit cardboard houses around the base of the tree. We’d add the villagers (there were a lot of them!) and the bottle brush trees. We also had a little nativity set up at the edge, whose sheep became an edible treat for our golden retriever, Maggie! Joyeux Noel!
Joe did a fabulous job with the greenery! And I am not sucking up because I know it wouldn’t help. LOL He certainly has a knack! Jack is adorable. And I absolutely love your giveaway. Odds are slim but I truly did love the post so I thought I’d comment anyway. I’ve put away the Autumn book and pulled out the Christmas book. I’m not much for cooking and recipes but I do love looking at the illustrations and the other little stories and quotes. I’m so looking forward to your new book! BTW – I was wondering why kind of watercolor paper you use? cold or hot press, how much texture it has, that sort of thing. I’ve done a drawing of the Nubble Light but I’m afraid of messing it up. One of these days I’ll scan it in and make a copy so then I don’t have to worry about ruining it. Or I’ll just plunge in anyway.
For the diary, I’m not sure what I’m using! I found a diary and cut out all the pages, so it would be “real” — but normally, I use Bristol board for book pages, and Arches cold pressed for other things.
Thank you! I was wondering if it needed to be smooth for your books since they’d have to make copies from it and wouldn’t it pick up the texture of typical watercolor paper. I haven’t really done much for watercoloring – though I love the look. I tried flowers once from a picture on a magazine and it turned out pretty bad. LOL I’ve mainly done watercoloring in stamped images. Though I did do some little scrapbook embellishments several years ago and they weren’t too bad! Maybe I just need to keep it very small and simple. LOL
Dear Susan,
I first discovered you way back in 1986 when I bought “Heart of the Home” and I am so tickled to have recently found your web site. I love all of the things you do and I love receiving your posts! Thank you so much. You lift my spirits.
Merry Christmas! Julie
This was refreshing after a long day at work! What a preettyy kitty, and the cardinal looks like I could reach out and touch him! I was disappointed, though, that you didn’t post a pic of the finished tree in the doorway. I will be it is beautiful.
Loved your cosy kitty Christmassy blog today. Haven’t decorated yet, but your ideas will get me in the mood. I especially like all the little bird ornaments. I bought the brown bird cup from your web site recently and am so pleased with it – thank you!
So happy you like it!
What a wonderful Birthday gift for me to open your post. It is raining here
in Northern California and has put me in the mood to finish my Christmas
decorating. You and Joe are such creative people and both being so involved
in this venture is inspirational. Sometimes the season is so busy one forgets
to stop and enjoy the journey and the purpose. Thank you for sharing.
My sister introduced me to you and I am now a serious addict. : ) It is amazing how such little things have brought me so much joy! I can’t wait to make my own Merry Christmas banner and bird tree!! Thank you for all the bursts of happy…Merry Christmas!! Jenny
I just finished reading your blog with my cup o candy cane lane tea! Wonderful to see how your decor is coming along! I just love Jack, I wish I could meet him 🙂 I am also so impressed with your Hubby! Good job!! Merry Christmas!!!
Thank you so much for sharing yourself! You bring the spirit of the HolyDays to each reader. Of course, I’d love to win a gift from you . . . .
Enjoying your all your wonderful decorating. What a treat to receive a handmade wreath by you and Joe!
Thank you so much for sharing all that excites you. Your love for all things whimsical is pure delight. Your home is beautiful. My husband was a lot like yours….enjoyed creating and helping with everything that made me happy. This will be my second year without him and Christmas just isn’t the same. So thank you again for sharing your home and enthusiasm for a whimsical Christmas.
Dear Susan, I just love that Jack. He reminds me so very much of my “Happy” who passed away last year. He was my one true love. The things he could do amazed everyone, even those who were not particularly lovers of cats. Most of all, I miss the way he loved me for over 15 years. Sorry, (tear).
Your blogs just lift me up so much as I too love whimsy, color, real Christmas trees, old comfy things from when I was a child when life was so innocent, pure, and sweet. You are truly blessed in so many ways with your talents and ideas.
Most of all with your family and all you many friends, especially Joe, Jack and Girl. Thank you. Romy
Losing an animal friend is not easy, they are there through thick and thin, there should be a death exemption for them.
Hi Susan – we are originally from RI and MA and now live in Orange, CA. I love reading about your homes in MV and in CA! My husband and I are terribly homesick for fall and winter in New England…. Thank you for your photos, delicious recipes and lovely thoughts – I look forward to reading them!
Marlene Fisher
Hi! Thank you for all the years you’ve inspired me and for a very nice card you sent me in 2001.
Hi Susan,
When I read your posts and see your pictures it gives me comfort and joy!
Wishing you a winter filled with inspiration!
The wreaths are absolutely beautiful! Your creativity seems to be contagious!
As a child I remember one Christmas at Big Bear, Ca., with my parents, brothers, Aunt and Uncle and all my cousins. We rented a huge old cabin, cut down our own tree, and ALL the decorations had to be made by hand. We had glitter EVERYWHERE, even in our beds, which were up in the loft where we all spread out every blanket our families owned!! The dads made a roaring fire, and the moms made stew. All the kids decorated sugar cookies, and ate WAY TOO MUCH frosting 🙂 I’ve never forgotten that special Christmas. Only one parent still remains with us (my mother), but memories keep the others close to my heart. Thank you for the special way you encourage us to HOLD ON to those dear, warm, enchanting moments. GOD BLESS YOU …
And you had glitter in your bed … wonderful!
I love the red cardinal. Did u know they have them in Hawaii? I was so surprised!! For some reason I thought they were only in states where it snowed (don’t know why I thought this but did….).
I was in Ohio visiting and one appeared on the porch every morning — SO delightful. That and the fireflies, too. Being a native CA girl, I hadn’t seen them before and I felt like they were like little fairies delighting us each evening.
I think I’ll go now and make a swag for my kitchen. Thank u for the great idea. xo
Hawaii! How amazing, they would look perfect there!
Merry Christmas! Thanks for sharing your beautiful decorating ideas! I love it all but especially the roping and wreath. Joe did good!!
Dear Susan,
I have been a fan of yours for many years now, have all your cookbooks and have given them out for Christmas presents to my special friends.
I was so excited when I signed up for your blog so I can keep in touch with your latest adventures, decorating, cooking, holidays, antiques etc. when your blog comes in my email its the first one I open. I have always loved Marthas Vineyard and love to hear all about it even tho I have never even visited there I always tell my friends I was born to live there I just know it. lol
My children and grandchildren all live out of town so even if I go to their house for the holidays I love that my children still celebrate the traditions from their childhood and are now adding some of their own. thank you for sharing all your lovely Chirstmas traditions. Merry Christmas, Anita
Any day with a communication from Susan Branch is a great day. I admire your creative energy and know Yankee magazine is going to be in awe! Thanks for everything!
xoxo
Thanks always for sharing your life and inspiring us. Merry Christmas from Central Illinois to Martha’s Vineyard. D.
I always enjoy your blog, Susan. Your life is beautiful. Love the banner! The crafter in me wants to do it, but I’m making my Christmas cards and envelopes this year. It always takes longer than I think! Best wishes for the photo shoot!
Thank you Susan for sharing Your Mr. Joe and your
darling “Girl” and Funny Face “Jack” with us!
Your talents are many, God did so bless you……
Have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year….
Jody in Michigan………..(*J*)