THRIFT SHOPS AND SANTA

Yesterday we had a super busy day - lots of errands to run - lots of things to pick up. I have been gathering donated yarn to take to the volunteer center so more hats, mittens, scarves and afghans can be made for those who need such things to stay warm in the winter. We picked up three big garbage bags full of yarn - what a delight it was to see the generosity of knitters and crocheters.

Then we had to make stops at the thrift stores - there are three in town and I found some fun things. One of the things I got was a quilt kit - for a Friendship Sampler. This is a primitive design and quite charming. The kit is complete - and has 100% cotton fabric for the background, the blocks and the appliqued flowers and vines.


And a quilt pattern - A Town Without Kitty - for making a birdhouse wallhanging. A cute primitive style pattern also. There are directions for making a WH, placemats or pillows.

And some rolls of ribbon - featuring sports

All of the above items are going in my Etsy shop - but not what I found next!!!!

I discovered some Santas - and bought several for my Santa collection - well actually they are almost the start of my Santa collection. I have a wooden Santa that I made several years ago in my tole painting phase - four vintage light up plastic santas in different sizes - and several ceramic santas that are holding up their hand in the peace sign. We had one of those from when our kids were little and one year Don decided that no one really liked them so he sold them at a yard sale. Wrong decision!!!! The next christmas the kids all asked, first thing, where is the Peace Santa? (they were all adults by this time) - and they were shocked that he had been sold. So began the search for another vintage Peace Santa. A couple years ago we found two - S&P - and bought them, - then we found three or four more (not S&P) and bought all of them at a thrift shop. Now we have Peace Santas (about 2" tall) everywhere - I like to put them in among the dishes in the china cabinet. So this christmas we will have a lot more Santas to add - and I think I'll continue right on collecting - it is such fun. And last night, when Ben came over, he had a great time playing with the Santas - especially the "pirate" santa - can you figure out which one he was calling a "pirate" santa?

A cute roly poly matroyshka Santa

And look what was inside Santa

The little angel is too cute



And here is everyone - on the buffet. I took down the fall decorations - so glad to be done with that - and the Santas took over. I can't wait to add more - I might try making some this year - and I'll definitely keep looking at the thrift stores - it is fun to discover another Santa.

Merry Christmas - very soon.