Merry! Merry!

I would like to introduce you to our Christmas tree - his name is... Kim Jong-il...? Yeah, I know... it's a *long story. Anyway, I just thought I would share some photos him and some of his friends that have been living in our home for the last month. Merry Christmas, everyone!

The MOST Beautiful Tree in the World.

An ornament from Iceland, our new star from TinWorks on Etsy, our tree skirt

and some other goodies!

Now, I have to tell you, our stockings are definitely on my Top 10 Most Favorite Things Ever list! My (totally awesome) mom needlepointed them for us the year we were married and I LOVE having them out! I'm almost sad that I don't get to spend more time with them..

And last, but certainly not least, are out "other" trees. Jonathan's mom gave us the silver one our very first Christmas together (when we lived in a scroogie building that wouldn't allow REAL trees), and Jonathan gave me the one on the right a couple years ago (another **long story) and I absolutely LOVE it!

*Kim Jong-il Story - So, we were coming back home after selecting The Most Beautiful Tree in the World and I was all (because I am a huge dork who names everything...) "What should we name him?" and Jonathan says "I don't know. How about Christmas Tree" and I was all "Come on, Jonathan. Let's be a little more original than Christmas Tree..." I was thinking Spencer or Jeffrey or something like that... And he says "Fine. How about Kim Jong-il?" and I say "Absolutely not. We are NOT naming our Christmas Tree Kim Jong-il!" The rest of the way home Jonathan chanted Kim Jong-il like a 5 year old and (or course) it stuck. I guess it IS kind of original and I figured the Supreme Leader could use a little holiday cheer... So - there ya have it: The Story of Kim Jong-il, The Most Beautiful Christmas Tree in the World.

**Ceramic Christmas Tree Story - So, we were at a holiday party hosted by one of Jonathan's professors and he had these little ceramic Christmas trees everywhere. I was going nuts over them (because I don't think they make them anymore) and he (Jonathan's professor) told me that his mom made them... neat. So, without mu knowledge - Jonathan asks his professor to ask his mom to make me one and she does! I don't end of getting it until March of the next year - but, who cares? I have it now and I love it! Merry Christmas!

Weekend Project: Floral Arrangement

I was out doing some shopping this weekend when I came across this little gem - I thought he was adorable/festive. I'm sure most people might use him to enjoy a nice ale. Me? I'm going to go with flower arrangement.

I thought the purple and green played nicely off each other.

I had a few flowers left over so I made him a little buddy!

I also finished decorating my house for Christmas (not a minute too soon, huh!) Stay tuned for pictures!

Harold

I would like to introduce you all to Harold the Vintage Inspired Alphabet Print. (I was feeling a little silly when I posted this print on Etsy yesterday afternoon, so I decided to name him and give him a backstory - check it out here) He's only $20 and would look great in any nursery or child's room!

Happy Friday, everyone!

Stationery and calling cards galore!

Over the last couple of weeks I have designed a LOT of stationery and calling cards for holiday gifts and I thought I would share those with you!

stationery

is 4.25 x 5.5" and comes with white envelopes

$1.25 each

calling cards

are 3.5 x 2" and are .30/each

$15 minimum

It's not too late to order some stationery for that special someone! Contact me (Susan) if you are interested - info@jpressdesigns.com!

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

Congratulations to Kali Sanches Hay, Becky Smith James and Kim Gurley for each winning a (totally rad) 2011 Desk Calendar! Special thanks to everyone who participated in the giveaway - it was fun! Winners, please contact me with your mailing information and which design you would prefer and I'll get these in the mail to you!

Shout-Out Central!

Aphrodite of Eye Candies (a fantastic art, craft and photography blog) posted a special blog entry on the 40 best 2011 calendars on Etsy and guess who was included?!? That's right! My Eclectic design made the cut and I'm so flattered to be included with such a talented group of designers and artists! Thanks, Aphrodite!

Don't forget! Today is the LAST DAY to participate in the (totally rad) 2011 Desk Calendar Giveaway! Thanks to all to have entered to win already - the winners will be announced tomorrow (Wednesday)! Click here for more details!

The (second) Most Beautiful Tree in the World!

This weekend I went to my mom's house in Owensboro, Kentucky for some (much needed) R & R + Christmas decorating + shopping - it was absolutely fantastic! On Saturday afternoon we went to Newbergh, Indiana (a quiet, little town with some GREAT shopping) where I bought some gifts on my list, some new ornaments for MY tree and a few other things. That evening we watched Love Actually (great movie!) while we decorated HER tree.

The (second) Most Beautiful Tree in the World.

The Mantle

Our stockings that Mom made for us when we were born.

On Sunday morning I woke up to a real treat: SNOW!

Now, all I have to do is finish decorating MY tree and get pictures up!

Remember - it's not too late to participate in the (totally rad) 2011 Desktop Calendar Giveaway! The winners will be (randomly) selected on Wednesday! Click here for more details!

Happy Friday!

illustration by J Press Designs

...and a special thanks to Sophorn of No Rococo and Kerry of I Love Memphis for the awesome shout-outs yesterday! It's not too late to participate in my (totally rad) 2011 Desk Calendar Giveaway! Please see below for more details. Have a fantastic weekend, everybody!

Calendar Giveaway!

In honor of my fantastic holiday spirit this year - I have decided to hold a 2011 Desk Calendar Giveaway!!! All you have to do is become a follower of my blog or a fan on my Facebook page (click here) and you will be entered to win one of the below designs! Three lucky people will be chosen next Wednesday - and - no worries to my 7 faithful followers or 31 existing Facebook fans - you will be entered as well (if you do both, you will be entered two times! Hooray!)

Eclectic Design

Floral Design

Black and White

Don't forget! It's not too late to order these as gifts! Click here to go to my shop on Esty!

Zoo Lights + Ice Skating

On Friday night, Jonny and I met up with our best friends and their children to do a little Ice Skating and Zoo Lights! This is the first year they have had ice skating at the zoo and it was definitely entertaining - we Southerners don't know how to ice skate!!! It was a whole lot of fun and I hope they do it next year!

Beckett is a little young for the rink, but Elliot had a blast!

Elliot and Dad skating

Shout-Out Central!

Wren, the mastermind behind The Apron Thief, was kind enough to give my Black and White calendar a shout-out today! Her blog is fantastic (check it out here) and I am so proud to be a part of it!

I'm not great with words, so I'll let Wren (great name, huh?) explain her blog herself!

Hi, my name is Wren (like the bird)! The Each Day blog is about being thankful, about learning to find BALANCE, about being present, and about INSPIRATION and CREATIVITY. It is a place for creative and passionate people to learn, share, and grow. Here you'll find articles on balance and being your best self, DIY projects, handmade finds, beautiful photography, small business tips and resources, and inspiration in many forms!

Thanks again, Wren!

Also, don't forget to check out my other calendars on my Etsy shop (click here)! It's not to late to order for the Holidays!!!