Sunday, December 13, 2015

Christmas Bits and Bobs

The first two decorative pieces are hand painted by a friend of mine and are gifts from her. Can you see in the photo how there are subtle color changes and touches in the Santa? The artist flew to Russia and eastern Europe to take classes in the art of decorative folk painting and taught it here in the United States. See Pinocchio? My friend was an older home bound lady and I met her when I volunteered to visit her in her home and bring her library books. Among many touches of beauty, her home had a piano and a grandfather clock artistically painted in folk art styles. Pinocchio is a nutcracker as is the photo above, of a knight or one of the three Musketeers. He is standing on his book "Knights of the Realm."
I write the year on the bottom of each nutcracker so I know when I got it. My oldest one may be from 1997.

21 comments:

Debby@Just Breathe said...

They are lovely. Thank you for sharing them.

Lady Jane said...

These are amazing. Such a wonderful keepsake to have of a wonderful friend.

Laura S Reading said...

I am in love with Pinocchios nose!

Stella Jones said...

They are all very pretty Terra. What a nice thing to collect! My mum had a crocodile nutcracker but I have no idea what happened to it.

Michelle said...

These are lovely. And, Pinocchio is my favorite!

Sparky said...

Very pretty. Thanks for sharing. ~:)

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

We bring out our treasures from friends and loved ones at Christmas. Those are lovely and how nice that she gave them to you.

bj said...

I love all these...so pretty.
It's Santas that I collect. :)

Mari said...

What a charming collection!

Susan said...

Love your nutcrackers, Terra. They are beautifully done. That's a great thing to collect! So darling. Susan

Linda said...

It's a wonderful collection!! I have three but they are just from a store. I like special ones best!

Jane the Booklady said...

I always love the history behind Christmas treasures, they are part of the magic! xx

Margaret D said...

They certainly are lovely and precious..

donna baker said...

Love those. I just passed all of mine down to my son and daughter-in-law. They are happy.

Marguerite (Tina) Smith Hart said...

There is just something so Christmasy about Nutcrackers! I love your collection Terra!
Have a wonderful day!
Tina xo

Your Invisible Crown said...

Those must be precious keepsakes, I like your Nutcraker, I've always loved the music from the Nutcracker.

Denise said...

very nice

Gattina said...

They are very pretty ! I think I have to take out some Christmas decoration too !

Red Rose Alley said...

A Pinocchio Nutcracker, how sweet is that? I've always loved Pinocchio. :)

~Sheri

LeeAnn at Mrs Black's said...

What a wonderful collection! Great idea to collect nutcrackers. There is something so magical about them. x

Cynthia said...

I love that Pinocchio nutcracker! I'd leave him out year round to remind myself to always be truthful. :-)
Happy New Year to you and your family.