"The belief in elves originated in the mythical tree spirits of northern Europe and Scandinavia. The Celts worshipped evergreens and the elfin spirits who lived in them. Also known as pixies, brownies, fairies, dryads, and huldefolk, these fairy-like beings could either be benevolent or mischievous to people, depending upon whether or not the people had been on good behavior: Santa Claus himself is the 'first elf' according to Clement Clarke Moore's 1822 poem, 'A Visit from St. Nicholas'." (From "The Christmas Almanac", Ed. by Natasha Tabori-Fried and Lena Tabori)Good evening, everyone!
Wow! It's been such a busy weekend! I can't believe I haven't posted anything since Thursday--bad blogger!!! Oh, well...here I am now! This IS a busy time of year for all of us, I know. About to leave again, but in the morning, I'm looking forward to catching up with all my favorite blogs...!
Just a couple of things tonight--I've had elves on the brain today--got me remembering a huge part of my Christmases as a child...
...My parents started, when I was young, to inform us around the beginning of December, that we'd better mind our p's and q's, because Santa would be coming soon, and he assigned a special elf to watch over every family...he could be anywhere in the house, at any time! YIKES! If you misbehaved, he'd rush off in a flash to tell Santa what you'd done, and be back in no time to keep a sharp eye out once again!
Needless to say, this worked really well for the six of us kids...if any of us stepped out of line, either my parents, or another sibling, would remind us that Herman Elfie was watching. Yep...His name was Herman Elfie...don't quite know where that came from! I'm sure my Dad made it up--he was always making up magical stories for us...I'll tell you more about them someday!
So, in thinking of Herman Elfie today, I whipped together this little card...this adorable vintage image was kindly shared by Twyla and Lindsey...thanks, ladies! Here it is:
I'm enjoying using my Christmas tree to hold my cards for photos--love the lights in the background, and the branches make great "arms" to hold it just where I want it!
Not sure why this pictures is so much brighter...sorry! Just a little close-up of these cuties!
Wow! It's been such a busy weekend! I can't believe I haven't posted anything since Thursday--bad blogger!!! Oh, well...here I am now! This IS a busy time of year for all of us, I know. About to leave again, but in the morning, I'm looking forward to catching up with all my favorite blogs...!
Just a couple of things tonight--I've had elves on the brain today--got me remembering a huge part of my Christmases as a child...
...My parents started, when I was young, to inform us around the beginning of December, that we'd better mind our p's and q's, because Santa would be coming soon, and he assigned a special elf to watch over every family...he could be anywhere in the house, at any time! YIKES! If you misbehaved, he'd rush off in a flash to tell Santa what you'd done, and be back in no time to keep a sharp eye out once again!
Needless to say, this worked really well for the six of us kids...if any of us stepped out of line, either my parents, or another sibling, would remind us that Herman Elfie was watching. Yep...His name was Herman Elfie...don't quite know where that came from! I'm sure my Dad made it up--he was always making up magical stories for us...I'll tell you more about them someday!
So, in thinking of Herman Elfie today, I whipped together this little card...this adorable vintage image was kindly shared by Twyla and Lindsey...thanks, ladies! Here it is:
I'm enjoying using my Christmas tree to hold my cards for photos--love the lights in the background, and the branches make great "arms" to hold it just where I want it!
Not sure why this pictures is so much brighter...sorry! Just a little close-up of these cuties!
I printed the image twice, and popped up the elves--love doing that! Some pompom trim, gingham ribbon, and metallic rickrack trim...topped off with a little of my Martha Stewart White Gold glitter, and we're all done!
That's it for tonight! I'm off with the family for a quick visit to Grandma and a Christmas Choral program, but I'll be back tomorrow morning with some really fun stuff! See you then, and sweet dreams!
That's it for tonight! I'm off with the family for a quick visit to Grandma and a Christmas Choral program, but I'll be back tomorrow morning with some really fun stuff! See you then, and sweet dreams!
Aww I love the pixie elves too and I'd like to think mine are mischievous! This little guy I'm seeing in the last picture is so cute lookin' like he's singing a Christmas carol! Thanks for sharing. Judi
ReplyDeleteI love this post. So darling and you are so creative. If your interested in putting any of your things for sale I have started a Temptation Mondays where I list creative bloggers. Send me an email if you want to be on there.
ReplyDeleteMaggie
Oh Julie my friend you are so talented!! (As noticed by the lady who commented before me ... way to go girl!)
ReplyDeleteLove all the vintage decorations ... I have several things myself ... never thought to share then with you all ... thanks for that idea!
Your card is adorable ... you are so good with those trimmings!! I keep trying but it never looks right ... just not my style I guess!!
See you in the CS forum tomorrow ... I'm hosting ... promise it's an easy one!!!
Ahh! I love all of your elves & especially your card! Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I love your stuff! :)
ReplyDeleteI loved the story of Herman Elfie! Dads are always good at making up silly stories like that, aren't they?! You've got a great collection, and that card that you made is quite gorgeous too. Very creative!
ReplyDeleteHappy VCM!
Carol
P.S. I especially love that little pixie at the end of your post!
i LOVE the idea of watchful elves throughout the house. gee, i wonder if that would work for my boys???
ReplyDeletexo
Your elves are so cute. Tthey almost look alive!
ReplyDeleteThose elves are precious! I love the idea of putting cards in your tree.
ReplyDeleteI must try that!
love each and every one. Hugs
ReplyDeleteI love these little pixies! My mom had one....and the idea of putting the card int he tree is such a good idea! Thanks for the wonderful photos of the pixies!!!!
ReplyDeleteJulie, I Love your elves and the newest card! As always you amaze me with your many talents! I hope you enjoyed the choral concert! My tooth is really giving me problems this morning and so I am not my usual chipper self. Hope I can get it sorted soon. I send love and hugs! Am popping your package into the post today! xxoo
ReplyDeleteI have an elf from when I was little too! They are so cute!
ReplyDelete*hgus*deb
Thank you for sharing your darling elves, Julie! I bet your house looks like a Christmas wonderland! My dad has our family collection of these at his house. He used to "catch brownies" in the kitchen in a brown paper bag. He would scoop them, and we could hear them jumping around in the bag. Still not entirely sure how he did it, but we were true believers!
ReplyDeleteElves and Christmas go together in my mind; love your displays and that card is so nice. Thank you for your visit and joining my Followers;I am honoured because I am very impressed with yours.When i come here it feels good. I still have lost to learn.
ReplyDeleterita
Love the little elves which remind me of my childhood Christmases. How clever to use your tree as a prop for cards. And of course, your card is wonderful. Have a good week.
ReplyDeleteHi Julie,
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute story! I had forgotten all about those little elf dolls. When I was little, I had that exact one in your teacup photo, the one in the middle with the bell on his hat.
Speaking of Elves, I wanted to let you know that I'm bragging about your Holly elf card on my site today!
Hi ladies! Thanks for all your sweet comments! I just have to say, that I wish all of these elves were mine! The only photos that are my own are the ones in the white Christmas tree--the others are lovely photos I found online...
ReplyDeleteLove the history story of the elves. Everything we believe in and everything that we do, is usually tied to the past. I enjoy learning about those connections. Thanks for sharing that, and your family elf story, too. The pixie card you created is adorable, and love the 3D look to it as well.
ReplyDeleteMaureen
I enjoyed another cute and inspiring post from your blog.
ReplyDeleteOooh I love all your little elves... what would Santa do without all of his helpers! Bisous... Julie Marie
ReplyDeleteI love all your elves! They are so cute! You made a wonderful card with that image. Love how you popped out the elves. Have a wonderful day! Twyla
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, you have me walking down memory lane with all those adorable elves. Been a while since I've seen those! LOVE your card, Julie! All of your details are fantastic and the elves are adorable! Have a wonderful day! hugs!
ReplyDeleteWhat adorable little elves Julie!! They are so cute where you have them displayed. The card is adorable too!!
ReplyDeleteHugs~
Aww I love all those elves. x x x
ReplyDeleteFamily traditions are what ties us together, i love you your story!
ReplyDelete