Kldlyn

My city is Bangor, Maine. I love and know the area as I grew up there. In my humble opinion, Maine in general offers the motherload of ideas and accessories. Although craft stores are everywhere, its not the craft stores that add to my opinion, its nature...I can literally walk out my front door and see the road, turn around and I am surrounded by nature.

Collecting leaves in the fall, the foliage doesn't get any better. The lilacs are out for a few weeks and draw in visitors and residents alike. Wild flowers, forests, streams and spectacular views fire up anyones imagination.

If you drive an hour or two you can find yourself in the middle of Acadia Park and Bar Harbor, endless trinkets and walking on the beach always brings forth something...be it driftwood, shells, sand...

The schools are constantly taking the students out for projects and tourists are always pulled over when something catches their eye. Preferences can define you as a home crafter or a professional crafter.

As for the late summer, State Fairs and festivals are gold mines for crafters. Every possible idea is represented, simply amazing. Collecting business cards of your favorites if for no other reason for ideas is fruitful...Alwasys new, creative and amazing...

As always, my home is the holiday meeting grounds. I have two adult children and a granddaughter. It doesn't seem to matter the age, kids and teens are always overtired and cranky. While creating a table center piece that is recognizable each and every year along with water fountains seems to calm everyone and I try to keep things peaceful. After more than 20 years, the water fountains on the table make such a different.

My centerpiece is the same every year, just with different colors in the background. I have a large angle that that is very glossy so it draws you in. At dinner, I add the tealight and liquid scent. On each side a have two ceremic cherubs. One has a pick bow which looks awesome if filled with a red potpourri and the blue cherub, I use tranqulity which is a blue potpouri. Finally the background immediately draws your attention right in. My daughter actually made this in first grade for me. A glass jar that is filled with layers of alternating potupourri and white Christmas tree lights and once its full, the red ribbon accents it very well.

I find consistancy each and every year adds to the day. All of my centerpieces and decorations begin with both of my children's school Christmas projects. My son is now 20 and my daughter 23 and my granddaughter is 4 and she already looks for these items. Just seeing their their works of art always makes them smile...

With right scents, the table centerpiece is an excellent distraction from the guests, the sounds of water gently flowing and the angels add a break from the stress of the day. On a final note...Removing any and all alcohol from my home has proved sucessful as Uncle or Aunt someone, it doesn't matter who it is, but preventing any relative from indulging too much is the best thng you could ever do for a very Merry Christmas...I keep coffee going and the fridge is always stock with ample non alcoholic beveridges.

Christmas is for kids...not capturing the most embarrassing moments of the year...