~THE STOCKINGS WERE HUNG...Just a Peek at Our Treasures~

When I was a little girl I had the most wonderful Christmas Stocking. Everyone in my family had Stockings that were similar, all made of white felt and fashioned using sequins, glitter, baubles and beads. Just recently I asked my Momma if I could have mine... After a long pause she said "I'll have to find it for you!"

Honestly I don't think she's ready to give those family treasures away to her children yet. And so, they remain in her safe keeping.

Because I love creams and whites I couldn't resist making our Christmas Stockings using those basic, neutral colors. With the addition of several vintage fabrics in soft shades of pale taupe the Stockings just seemed to come to life for me. More and more I'm loving muted tones that go with everything... Those colors are soothing to me, warm and inviting. They invite peace into my day and I've grown to love them so very much.

The Stocking above was made using the remnants of an old handmade sack I bought earlier this summer at an estate sale. The bag had once been part of an Edwardian Skirt and I just loved it. The fabric was very old, but it had substantial damage along the top edge making it perfect for a makeover. I had plans all along to make it into a romantic Stocking for my Mantle. It's been accented with vintage Venise Lace, Old Rayon Ribbon, Old Buttons and Faille Ribbon...

The next Stocking (above) was made using the corner of an old tablecloth. The center of the cloth had a huge hole in it but the four corners still looked perfect. I couldn't resist using it the hand-embroidered heart for yet another cream and white Stocking. This one also has vintage shell buttons, vintage ruffle with old lace, faille ribbon and a gorgeous vintage creamy white millinery rose. Hanging for the tippy toe is a vintage brass locket...


Here's a close-up of the lovely handwork. Simply beautiful. Hand embroidery like this is becoming a lost art. My Momma does the BEST embroidery work I've ever seen... Every single one of her stitches are PERFECT.


This next Stocking was made using strips of different fabrics and a mix of vintage and older laces. My favorite part of this one is the lace panel used on the front. Once a pillow, the pretty figural piece was damaged at the top. I didn't mind at all cutting their heads off and using what I could... :) This one has also been complemented with a vintage millinery rose.

My very favorite part of the Stocking is the vintage SHELL STAR BUTTON on the front! This one also has a vintage brass jingle bell at the toe. Did you know that the new bells you buy on the market sound tinney compaired to those of days gone by? They do. Old bells REALLY JINGLE!

Here's a close-up of the Shell Star...


And one of the vintage millinery roses salvaged from an old hat!

After living in our home for about twelve years my Mr. AGPMan built this Mantle (Fireplace Surround). I'd wanted a vintage one, but the one I found that even remotely fit into the space was sooooo expensive that my guy just smiled while shaking his head "NO"! He promised me he'd build me one instead. Custom made is always best. The surround fits like a glove and I love it. He finished it right before the photo shoot by Romantic Homes Magazine several years ago.

Now..just so you don't mistakenly THINK the men in my life go for lace, ruffles, baubles and bells, take a look at these...

The larger cross stitched stocking I made for my guy and trust me when I say it's all about HIM! It is filled with tools and saws and anything and everything found in a workshop. The smaller one I made for my son. It showcases all things that BOYS love... He didn't even want a ruffle on his...:). I'm hoping to finish one up for our son-in-love before too long...

And there you have it...a tiny glimpse into more of the pretties found inside my La Chaumière de Briarwood...

Blessings to you as you contiue to enjoy the Season of Christmas Love...Rebecca