A Sneak Peek - Christmas in the Mansion 2015

Happy Thanksgiving! 

As we busy ourselves with all of the preparations that go into the Thanksgiving holiday and the joyous celebration with family and friends, it is also a time for me to participate in designing and decorating of the Rahr Art Museum for their Christmas in the Mansion 2015 display.   This year's display will begin on November 25, 2015 and run through January 3, 2016 and as always it is free admission.

This year I am honored to have had the opportunity to decorate the Doll Room in cooperation with a very talented woman, Kay, who I recently met in September at a Christmas supply sale.  (I do believe God plans these chance meetings since I soon learned while we stood together in a long checkout line at the sale that she had hoped to participate in the Christmas in the Mansion display but was turned down due to the number of participants.)  As she conveyed her disappointment while our endless line moved inch by inch to the checkout, I explained to her that I was one of the participants and asked her what it was that she wanted to do at the museum.  To my surprise, she told me she designs and builds doll house rooms that are displayed in extreme detail in clear "boxes" or rooms.  Right then and there, I knew it would be a wonderful opportunity for us to work together.  I explained that I had planned on designing a Country Christmas tree for the museum and that her doll house rooms would be a perfect accent to the tree and the theme.   I took her phone number and told her I would check with the museum and if there was a chance that we could combine our talents, I would be in contact with her in November when it came time to begin the work for the display.

Presently, with the approval of the museum, Kay and I have worked diligently the last two weeks to combine our time, talents and her beautifully detailed doll house rooms into a decorated room which reflects our theme entitled  "Granny's Country Christmas."  The longer description for this room which will also be on display is as follows:

Granny's Country Christmas

Cherished childhood memories of many a Christmas past affectionately come to life as homespun holiday ornaments are nostalgically retrieved  from Granny’s farmhouse attic.

Rustic burlap and shiny, red apples lovingly adorn the tree reflecting the simple charm of rural living of yesteryear.

What were once heartwarming toys to bright and cheerful children now is all that remains from a lifetime of treasured family moments. 

Come and shed a happy tear or two as we fondly reminisce time celebrating Granny’s Country Christmas.

I hope you enjoy the following pictures as a sneak peek before the opening of the Christmas in the Mansion display.  Join me next week too when I will have more pictures of the other rooms and the beautiful artistry that goes into the Christmas tree designs.  

 

Please notice her sign which indicates it is Raggedy Ann's 100th birthday.  To the left of the shop is a written page on the history of Raggedy Ann and Andy.   Such incredible details in this little shop.  Absolutely adorable!

 

More of Kay's tiny rooms.  In each glass case are even smaller pieces.  Perhaps when I return to the museum, I could capture more close up photos of these tiny works of art.  In the breadbox is a tiny country kitchen with the old wood burning stove and a wringer washing machine.  

Granny's tea, eye glasses and cookbook.  Always a moment to plan which cookies will be in the cookie exchange.

Burlap, shiny red apples, red and white gingham bows and dried hydrangeas captures the vintage country life.

I hope you enjoyed the preview.  Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving holiday.