The Nutcracket Market

 

To kick off the holiday season I always look forward to the Nutcracket Market.

It ran from November 13th through November 18th.

The Houston Ballet Guild's Nutcracker Market has become an annual tradition to kick off the holiday season. November 13th through November 18th.This shopping extravaganza, held at Reliant Center, features holiday decorations, food, clothing, jewelry and even furniture.

More than 315 vendors participate from across the country in this annual event which offers unique gifts for the entire family. You can find anything from home decor, clothing, toys, candles, sporting items, novelties and much more.

The Nutcracker Market has a long history dating back to its inception in 1981

 

The following pictures are just a very small taste of what I saw and experienced at this market. The vendors kind of frown on people taking pictures, and I was very careful not to upset anyone.

 

 

A very cute wrap bracelet.

 

There were many colors and styles.

 

Boots boots and more boots! Cowboy boots are the "in" thing for this season. And I must tell you, there were some beautiful boots at the market. And if your boots aren't beautiful enough, look at the pretty boot socks with lace just peeking over the top!

 

There were also these cute adornments. The lace and flowers are so sexy.

 

 

All types of boot pretties.

 

 

I especially loved this one ... the black and tan flowers, and the gorgeous rhinestone type brooch.

 

 

This one was gorgeous too, though I did not care for the boots which it was displayed on.

 

 A cute hat. Just different size fabric flowers sewn on it.

 All kinds of hair decorations .... bows and clips.

And oh my goodness ... the jewelry. This is like a blimp on the radar screen. Anything you could imagine and all price ranges. You want to spend $10 or $500. They had it all.

 

Look at these chunky earrings .... so cute.

 

And these, I just love them.

 

I hated to see this guy mounted, as I love animals .... but he was certainly adorned with bling bling and more bling.

 

 

Headbands are the rage too.

 

 Cute.

 

 

And just look at these hats! Simply adorable.

 So next year, mark your calendars for the Houston Nutcracket Market in November. I could have taken hundreds of pictures if I were allowed ... so much to see. Did I mention food and drinks. So many vendors with food items galore. What could be better ... food, drinks and shopping.

 

It was an awesome day. I always look forward to it.

I Love Fall

 

Cleaned up my front yard. Too bad it won't stay this way very long, once the leaves start to fall. And boy do they fall ... and fall ... and fall!

 

 

But for now i'm going to enjoy my leaf free front yard.

Look at this adorable face .... meet Beedy! She was found in a bush at my work on a cold and rainy day. She was only 1 week old and without a doubt would not have made it if we had not brought her into the office. I offered to take her home until we could find somewhere for her. Uh huh .... you can see how that turned out! But oh how I love this little girl.

 

This poor birdhouse is in need of some TLC. Unfortunately it is in my neighbors yard, not to mention it is about 30 ft. in the air. The birdies don't seem to care that it needs a paint job though.

 

I love this iron kitty. Adds some whimsy to the yard.

 

I've had this mum plant for a year ... and just like clockwork it is blooming just in time for fall.

 

Have a mentioned I love yellow.

 

This succulent has the prettiest red flowers that bloom is the summer.

 

My aloe vera is so happy. Sure comes in handy after a day at the beach and a bit too much sun. I just pull a couple leaves, cut the barbs off and place in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. When you need it, just peel the skin off and rub on your *hot* skin .....ahhhhhhhh!

 

Happy Fall Everyone!!

 

 

Happy Halloween Everyone!

 

 

Have a safe evening with all the little ghouls and goblins on this Halloween Night! Keep your kiddo's safe ... and keep your doggies and kitties indoors!!

 

 

Trick or Treat!!

SPOOKacular

 

I had this beautiful sari ribbon, just waiting to be used. AND, I need another necklace for Halloween.

 

 

 I think it turned out great and the sari ribbon colors were perfect.

 

 

 Happy Halloween Week Everyone!

Meeeeowww!

Halloween Necklace and Earrings

 

 

 

Stickers, resin, black chain and some green, black and orange beads. Simple.

 

 

I've had these stickers for a while. So I thought i might experiment just a little. I mixed up a batch of resin and carefully covered each sticker that i was interested in using. It was a bit time consuming, but like I said, it was a experiment. After they set for 24 hrs, I came back, roughed up the backs of the stickers and mixed another batch of resin ... this time I added some black pigment to the resin. I carefully covered the backs of my stickers and again let them dry for 24 hrs.

 

 

And wha la .... add some chain and beads and I now have a cute little necklace to wear on Friday!

 

Adorable Teddy!!

 

This is SO adorable!! Little Teddy is so happy eating his pumpkin treat!

 

 

 

 

 

Now I want a pet porcupine!!

 

 



A Little "Boo Boo!"

I wanted to share a "boo boo" that happened while I was making my little Halloween magnets.

 

 

After I pour my resin in my piece, I let it rest for about 45 minutes to an hour. Then I return and check for air bubbles. As you can see in the picture above, especially around the top left edge .... I got a bit too zealous with my heat gun, and what actually happened, I created MORE bubbles!!

 

 

SO .... don't heat up your piece too much. Hold your heat gun approximately 6 inches away and move it back and forth over your piece.

 

 

But see ... I turned a lemon into lemonade so to speak. I hate to throw mistakes away, they are good teaching tools. I had these flat rhinestones, so I glued them in place around the edge, and now I have another magnet. Not perfect, but not bad for a uh oh moment.

 

Love Always .... Carla