Living A Decorative Living Life Style

We begin by knocking on Karen's door, that is, after we spend a minute to admire her painted wreath and realize the painted words "The Heart Of Christmas Is Love" truly reflect Karen's feelings for her family and home.

"Warm Winter Wishes", as stated on the beautiful canvas floor cloth is felt at Karen's doorway without being said. A unique wrought iron hanger holds and displays a beautiful painted wooden Della Robia wreath, while the tri-colored candle finds the perfect home on this one-drawer candle stand that is decoratively painted with a red berry and vine design.

When you turn, glance up the steps you see a welcoming winter watercolor, presented in one of my favorite ways-on an easel. Karen has arranged a traditional German smoker and several cornhusk dolls, made by a local artist, in the small cabinet-three of the dolls reminded her of her daughters when they were young.

Entering her formal living room the first and most important thing you see is her Christmas tree with many, many, painted ornaments.

Karen had several major painted pieces placed around her home. They became center of interest areas - there were smaller painted pieces set about but, each grouping of the larger pieces made a strong statement. I thought it was very interesting and they made a definite, memorable impression.

The first place I saw such a grouping was under the Christmas tree. Karen had placed several large, not necessarily related, pieces. When seen together were quite impressive and immediately drew my attention.

This small table decorated with beautifully painted poinsettias, sits next to a comfortable chair, but not alone. Sitting on the floor at the foot of the table is a large oval box decorated with a bright ribbon and various shades of pink poinsettias. I loved the impact the paintings make when connected this way. Alone they would be beautiful, but together they are noticeably more beautiful. What do you think?

Close up of box.

Just as these two larger pieces make a strong statement many smaller pieces of like color, style, size, theme, can make just as strong a statement. They don't all have to be painted pieces as long as they carry a theme, color, or style, etc., or better yet as long as YOU like them!

As I walked through Karen's home with her it became so clear how much each item brought up a loving thought, or memory of someone, or time with special people. When we came to the kitchen windowsill the painted Santa was a handsome, interesting painting, along with the two small egg shaped Santas, but it was the turned cherry Christmas trees that told the real Christmas Story. When I asked her about them I found out her son-in-law Tom turned them. As the story was told it was so obvious Christmas is all about Love in Karen's home.

The second stop on the Holiday Tour takes me to the home of fellow decorative artist Holly Gifford.

Walking up to her front door the primitive Santa Dummy Board immediately catches your attention. I loved the way the dark red color is carried throughout. Starting with the berries on the wreath, which is casually hanging on the rocking chair, the color connects the chair, the dummy board, and the house number with its red berries, to the front door.

Anticipation builds as you enter Holly's home. The warm and contrasting colors of the entrance way and into the dining room are warm and inviting. The first painting you see and enjoy is this Betty Caithness scene, but.........

out of the corner of your eye you can't help but notice the Santa portrait.

Continuing through the hallway and into the dining room are several vignettes, places where the pieces may be different but together they all say, "look at us"! Together on an occasional table are all these wonderful Santas -each with a different surface, some with texture, one chunky, one a tea-light, one painted on tin, and one riding a rooster? Why not??!! AND just waiting around the corner you can see another snowman!

This nutcracker sits on the dining room table alone, but you can't help but notice and want to take a look at the painted winter scene resting on the windowsill behind it. Just what we love -continual visual interest and excitement!

As you enter Holly's kitchen area you become aware of several pieces set on an upper level plate rail. There are several different pieces painted with Santa along with this Pat Parker lighthouse scene on the sled. I asked Holly about the welcome sign but she was not exactly how old it was or who painted it or where it was purchased. Seems to me it must have been a source of inspiration for her to pursue decorative painting.

I turned around in the kitchen there was this marvelous collection of five primitive Santa dummy boards painted by Holly - The style and colors fit so well with the colors, décor and mood of her kitchen and home.

Ornaments, ornaments, ornaments! Holly has lots, and lots of painted ornaments.

There is a beautiful large live tree in her living room decorated with heirloom ornaments, including many painted by Holly.

But, it is the small tree that I found so charming. This little tabletop primitive tree held ornaments with a nautical - coastal theme. It was filled out with small discs painted with simple stroke designs -the results have a captivating appeal.