Joyeux Temps des FĂȘtes a Tous


Well, the gingerbread house has been sprinkled with powdered snow, the Christmas tree has been set up outside on the front porch this year (we have a male dog, need I say more?), the fall wreath has been restyled into a wintery one, the urn arrangement is front and centre and our beautiful metal wall ornament has been mounted. This was a gift from Brian's parents, owners and operators of Alloy Foundry and Village Metalsmiths in Merrickville, Ontario.
Thank you Karl and Linda. We love it!

A little more shopping, but we are almost ready!





Thank you to all who have been visiting the Dusty Victorian during the year. It's been a real pleasure exchanging thoughts, feelings and images through our blogs. I'm looking forward to 2011 with all of you.

In the Christmas Spirit of Martha


I have not bought Christmas wrapping paper for over 15 years, preferring to recycle what comes my way. But make no mistake, I'm really picky about what I choose to keep for wrappings.
When we first moved into the Dusty Victorian, we found in the attic leftover rolls of embossed wall paper. This paper had been used for the library room, painted brown and glazed over. In its original state, as you can see, it's creamy white, thick, doesn't have any coating of glue at the back and feels cottony. It's perfect for making little gift boxes. Throughout the year, I keep interesting boxes to be used as templates. Because the wall paper pattern is so beautifully textured, it doesn't require any addition wrapping, just a pretty ribbon and... voila.
Not too shabby, I think, but very chic.