Tuesday, November 19, 2019

New York Christmas Window Displays Part 1

For years I have wanted to see New York City decorated for Christmas, and in 2018 I did.  One of the sights I loved seeing were the window displays in various stores.

2018 New York Dolce and Gabbana Window Display
2018 New York Dolce and Gabbana Window Display No. 1
Many stores hire top of the line designers to create inspired displays with extravagant budgets - and the results are breath-taking. 

2018 NY Dolce and Gabana Window Display
2018 New York Dolce and Gabbana Window Display No. 2
One memorable window was Dolce and Gabbana's window featuring a glowing tree glimmering with golden bows and shimmering ornaments - calling out to the pedestrians passing by on the cold concrete outside.
2018 New York Dolce and Gabbana Window Display
Christmas Tree in Window display
I think the artfully arranged molded banner saying Merry Christmas was actually gold leafed, although I can't be certain.  

2018 New York Dolce and Gabbana Window Display Christmas Tree
Detail of Christmas Tree and Banner
(As a crafter, I would certainly like to know what spray paint they used if that's how they did it.)   

2018 NY Dolce and Gabana Window Display

Incredible Feast in Dolce and Gabbana Window Display
The other Dolce and Gabbana window had a vignette of a fantasy feast that inspired.  I could actually picture arranging some fruit at home the way the designers arranged them in the window display, but perhaps I wouldn't be buying quite as many roses.

2018 New York Dolce and Gabbana Window Display
2018 tall tree photo
The Dolce and Gabbana tree would be too tall to fit in my house though, so I will have to settle for photos and memories instead. 

2018 New York Dolce and Gabbana Window Display Christmas Tree
Christmas Tree Detail
I just love the color palette they chose for their tree. 

(A quick note: Photographing window displays is not easy.  You may have noticed weird "ornaments" that look out of place on the tree, like the pinkish star above the word year above.  Some of those "ornaments" are actually reflections from a scrolling LED animated sign on the other side of the street - reflecting in the window glass.  Reflections are  problematic in window display photos.)

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P.S. Wait, wait, let's compare trees!
Christmas tree
New York tree
wi Christmas Tree
Wisconsin Tree
I think the Wisconsin tree needs curtains and grander walls.

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(This is the 4th post in my series of Christmas Windows and Decorations in New York City from my 2018 NY trip.  See Part 1 here; Part 2 here; Part 3 here; and Part 4 here.)


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If you enjoyed this post you might also like:

NY Christmas Part 4
NY Christmas Part 3
NY Christmas Part 2
NY Christmas Part 1
New York Egg Hunt
Winter Garden
Dogs of New York
Chicago Xmas

Nankoweap Granaries
Grand Canyon Ruins
GC Running Rapids
Spooky Paris Museum
Germany Castle






































  Other Christmas posts post you might like:

christmas china hutch
Xmas Tree Sweater
christmas china hutch
Christmas Hutch 2
Window
Angel Window
Window
Madonna Window


































I am linking up to these parties:
Mersad photo: Through my Lens (Entry 29 of 30.)
Our World Tues: Our World (Entry 62 of 66.)
Image-in-ing: Weekly link up (Entry 61 of 73.)
Nicholasjv: Travel Tuesday 210 (Entry 17 of 19.)
Sharon Wagner: Sharon's Souveniers (Entry 9 of 11.)
My world Thru My Lens: My Corner 20 (Entry 24 of 41.)
Peabea: Pictorial Tuesday (Entry 8 of 10.)
Back roads traveller (Entry 8 of 8.)
Jesh studio: All Seasons (Entry 31 of 31.)
Good random fun: (Entry 25 of 33.)
Weekend reflection (Entry 14 of 24.)
Delightsome Life: Home and Garden 22 Wed 5p (Entry x of 59.) 

French Ethereal: Share Your Style 233 Wed 6p  (Entry 67 of 75.)
LeCultivateur: Wonderful Wed (Entry 201r of 247.)
Kathleen: Bloggers Pit Stop 200 Th 8p (Entry 38 of 100.)
FromGardners: Handmade Hangout 288 Thur 6p (Entry 10 of 82.)
Follow the yellow brick: Thurs favorite things (Entry 159 of 221.)
Create with Joy: Inspire me Monday (Entry 170 of 195.)
Eclectic Red Barn: Thursday Favorite Things Th 7a (Entry 157 of 221.)
    Also KatherinesCorner: Thursday Favorite Things (Entry 157 of 221.)
Petals pies + otherwise: Handmade Weekly 26 Fri (Entry 97 of 109.)
Firemanswife: Fri at the fire station 141 (Entry 13 of 21.)
Calypsointhecountry: Best of weekend Fri 7a (Entry 73 of 116.)
Ohmyheartsiegirl: Friday Feature Party 191 (Entry 107 of 128.)
Cottagemarket: A morning cup of joe 6 (Entry 54 of 74.)

Pams party: Dare to Share (Entry 46 of 76.)
Little Kimono: Link Party (Entry 7 of 7.)
Life with Lorelai: Home Matters 260 (Entry 148 of 150.)
Shabby art boutique: Create-bake-grow-gather 394 (Entry 99x of 104.)
Pieced Pastimes.gr: Saturday Sparks Sat 8a (Entry 67 of 105.)

Finding Silver pennies: Silver Pennies 337 Sun 6a (Entry 27 of 84.)
Life and Linda: Love Your Creativity Sun 3p (Entry 60 of 131.)
Homecraftsbyali: Ultimate-pinterest Fri 277 8a (Entry )
Apriljharris: Hearth-and-soul Mon (Entry 16)
Farmhouse40: Inspire Me Mon 256 (Entry 29) 
Raggedy-bits: Waste-not-wednesday 186  (Entry 22x)
Homecraftsbyali: Ultimate-pinterest Fri 278 8a (Entry 16)   
Pinjunkie: Pin-junkie Thur 8pm 347 (Entry 17)
Mummy Constant: Silentsunday (Entry 5)
Myslicesoflife: Encouraging-hearts-and-home (Entry 62r)

CN Traveler, Blog on Window DisplaysOctink Vendor, RetailDesign, Other, Adventure,
craft

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Friday, November 15, 2019

Sweater for a Christmas Tree!

Decorating the house for Christmas can get extravagant, but simple can be lovely as well.  In my dining room for the last 3 years, I have set up a minimalistic live pine tree. I have always loved the look of Norfolk pines, and so I buy a Norfolk pine tree early in the season and decorate it with a few vintage ornaments and no lights. (Later in the season I assemble, light and decorate two other trees).

Repurposed Sweater for Christmas Tree
Repurposed Sweater Base for Christmas Tree
I wanted a softer and warmer base for my Norfolk pine tree than the plastic planter the tree came in (despite the super cool jazzy aluminum wrap the store uses...) So I repurposed an ivory cable knit sweater I had that I couldn't wear and couldn't bear give away.

Repurposed Sweater for Christmas Tree Base
Repurposed Sweater for Christmas Tree Base
I originally thought I would remove the button strip and try to sew a seam, but (genius? or laziness?) it was so much easier to stretch the sweater around the galvanized bucket and tuck the excess material under the nice clean edge that the button strip formed.

Button detail of repurposed sweater
Button Detail on the sweater base
Originally, I planned and thought I would place the base so that the button strip would be hidden in the back, and then the beautiful texture of the cable knitting would stand out, like in the photo below. 
 
Repurposed Sweater for Christmas Tree Base
Repurposed Sweater for Christmas Tree Base
This view (above) seem more sophisticated - but I found that I loved the homey look of the button detailing announcing the origins of the knitting - a repurposed sweater.  I even love the upside down pocket that shows in the picture below.

Altered Sweater for Christmas Tree Base
Pocket and button detail in repurposed Sweater
Incidentally, my friend coached me into placing ornaments in the base to hide the dirt, which makes watering the tree a bit harder but really improves the look. 

Repurposed Sweater for Christmas Tree
Repurposed Sweater Christmas Tree
In Wisconsin, the snowy weather and reflective snow floods the house with light, and the greenery kind of glows all day, cozy with it's little sweater.
Norfolk Pine greens with vintage ornaments
Norfolk Pine greens with vintage glass balls
I just love the tactile feel of the Norfolk pine, the feathery greens and the silhouettes of the branches. After Christmas I take down the ornaments and leave the tree up as a house plant. The green tree really brightens the room.

I think a tree like this could make a nice gift for a parent or relative who no longer wants the stress of "decorating"for Christmas.

 

(A quick story: I had my daughter help me pick out the Norfolk pine tree the 1st year, and she named it "Saundra". The tree did not last the summer well for several reasons, so the next year we had "Saundra 2", because the magic tree growers get fluffy trees that have great color, not desiccated and browning branches hanging down but hanging on, like a pointsetta that still insists on blooming through August. The next year we had "Saundra 3". I try to convince the kids that (perhaps) I nursed the tree to glorious health, but they know better. Then I remind them that at least I am keeping them and the dog in better health and shape then Saundra.)

(Story 2, is anyone still reading? I have always loved the cozy look of the cable knit sweaters that seem ubiquitous in old ski lodge movies and ads. So one day I found one, hoping it would transform me into, well, a ski lodge model. In fact, my pasty white skin washed out the sweater, (or was it the other way around?), and the hand knitting had tighter sleeves and it didn't hang right on me, bulging here and there, stretching funny, etc. I think it had the kind of dimensions that wouldn't have worked on almost anyone, but I could not toss out the dream.
I'm guessing I got it at a resale shop, and it stated it was hand knit in Ireland! I tried to wash it carefully and lay it to dry on towels more in the shape it should have been, but ultimately, it epic-ally failed to make me look any thing but washed out and lumpy. I could not toss it, this was my ski lodge fantasy! I'll be honest, I was very hard to make the first cut on the sweater, but I don't think the sweater would have sold well at a resellers. By the way, the sleeves could be turned into small covers for house plant planters, which I have not yet done, in 3 years, although I did keep the sleeves.)


Click on the images to see them enlarged.

If you enjoyed this post you might also like:

NY Windows Part 1
NY Windows Part 2
NY Christmas Part 3
Christmas Hutch 2
Christmas Hutch 1
Mixed Media 1
Mixed Media 2
Angel Window


















I am linking up to these parties:
I was featured at Sundays Best, HowtoHome, and Pieced pastimes!

Fabnfunkychallenges: Challenge-460-anything-but-card (Entry 21 of 38.) 

Craftingwithanattitude: Challenge-58 (??Entry 9 of 146.)

Kathleen: Bloggers Pit Stop 199 Th 8p (Entry 77 of 100.)
FromGardners2Bergers: Handmade Hangout 287 Thur 6p (Entry 86 of 91.)
Calypsointhecountry: Best of weekend Fri 7a (Entry 86 of 142.)
Ohmyheartsiegirl: Friday Feature Party 190 (Entry 99 of 153.)
Cottagemarket: A morning cup of joe 5 (Entry 54 of 70.)
Funky Junk: DIY Salvaged Proj Fri 9p (Entry 2 of 26.)
Pieced Pastimes.gr: Saturday Sparks 349 Fri (Entry 77 of 158.)
Pams Party: Dare to share 392 (Entry 22 of 106.)
Little Kimono: Link Party (Entry 7 of 7.)
Classical Home: Homemaking party Wed (Entry 23 of 23.)
Life with Lorelai: Home Matters 259 (Entry 163 of 183r.)
Shabby art: Create-bake-grow-gather 393 (Entry x? of 117x?)
Petals pies + otherwise: Handmade Weekly 26 Fri (Entry x of 117.)
Firemanswife: Fri at the fire station 140 (Entry 42 of 57.)
A Mama Tale" Sundays Best Linkup (Entry 60 of 96.)

Creative Mom: Craft Schooling Sunday (Entry x? of 22.)
Our mini family: Our mini party 253 (Entry 80x of 81.)
Finding Silver pennies: Silver Pennies 336 Sun 6a (Entry 10 of 67.)
Life and Linda:Love you Creativity 19 Sun 3p (Entry 23 of 125.)
Good Random Fun: Good Random Fun 46 Mon 4a (Entry 43 of 49.)
BNOTP: Metamorphis Monday 6a (Entry 36?? of 53x)
Dedicated house: Make it Pretty Mon 318 10a (Entry 1 of 113.)
Uncommon Slice: Inspire Me Mon 2-4p (Entry 61 of 119.)
* Stroll Life: Inspire Me 525 Mon 3p (Entry 24 of 80.)
How to Home: Project Inspired 350 Mon 7pm (Entry 31 of 97.)
Maria Elena: Tue at Our Home 334 Mon 12p? (Entry 66 of 86.)
Thistlekeylane: Tuesday Turn About 26 (Entry 38 of 89.)
    Also My Wee Abode: Tuesday Turn About 26 (Entry 38 of 89.)
Interior frugalista: Talk of the Town 201 Tu 6p (Entry 8 of 76.)
     Also My Repurposed Life: Talk of the Town (Entry 8 of 76.)
Gingersnap crafts:Wow me Tue 430 7p (Entry 14x of 150x)
Girlish Whims: Whims 434 Tues 8:50p (Entry 12 of 126.)
My Random: Anything Goes 214 (Entry 37 of 40.)
Delightsome Life: Home and Garden Thurs Wed 5p (Entry x of 59.)
Create with Joy: Inspire me 409 Mon (Entry 170)
French Ethereal: Share Your Style 233 Wed 6p (Entry 24 of 75.)
Eclectic Red Barn: Thursday Favorite Things Th 7a (Entry 157 of 221.)
    Also KatherinesCorner: Thursday Favorite Things (Entry 157 of 221.)
LeCultivateur: Wonderful Wed(Entry 201r of 247.)
Lindas lunacy: Making-a-home Tue 139 (Entry 27 of 34.)
The Painted Hinge: Farmhouse Friday 129 (Entry 27 of 36.)
Lindsayssweetworld: Hello Monday (Entry 47 of 48.)
Across the Blvd: Beautifully Made Tue 91 (Entry 50 of 62.) 
Mythriftstoreaddiction: Vintage Charm Party-209 (Entry 51 of 58.)

Raggedy-bits: Waste-not-wednesday 186  (Entry 22x of 110x)
Homecraftsbyali: Ultimate-pinterest Fri 278 8a (Entry 16 of 33.)   
Pinjunkie: Pin-junkie Thur 8pm 347 (Entry 16 of 154.)
Apriljharris: Hearth-and-soul Mon (Entry 17 of 169.)
Farmhouse40: Inspire Me Mon 256 (Entry 28 of 111.) 

Myslicesoflife: Encouraging-hearts-and-home (Entry 61r of 105.)

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Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Amazing Sight in New York City - Dogs!

New York City has many great sights, but here is one I hadn't read about in guide books.  I've heard of people being paid to walk dogs, but what I pictured when I hear the term "dog walker" certainly wasn't this!
Dog walkers in New York City
Dog walkers in New York City
New York's inspiring dog walking entrepreneurs must be nearly dog whisperers as well - they somehow manage to walk all these large ( and small) dogs simultaneously.  This is something I've not seen before.  And it's definitely not something I would care to attempt!  

Dogs of New York City dog walkers
Dogs of New York City
Here is a different group of dogs patiently waiting for their walker, quietly behaving.  (Maybe the dog walker is fetching or dropping off another dog?) I carefully walked past this pack of 12 dogs, not wanting to cause any of the dogs to start to bark.  (yes, there are 12, but I didn't try to get them to pose)  WOW, these New York dogs were calm and well behaved! 

Dogs of New York City dog walkers
Dogs of New York City dog walkers
I'm not the only person amazed at this sight.  Other people stopped to take photos also.  And here is something else that impressed me - I didn't see dog droppings anywhere while I was in New York, which is just nice.  (OK, I know that they must happen, but I did a lot of walking and dog droppings were not a problem I encountered)

What do you think - Is this sight unusual to you? (or do I just need to travel more?)  Let me know if this is something you've seen in other cities, and where.  


Click on the images to see them enlarged.

If you enjoyed this post you might also like:

NY Xmas Part 1
NY Xmas Part 2
NY Xmas Part 3
New York Egg Hunt
Prague Wreath
Spooky Paris Museum
Elves Chasm
Las Vegas
Las Vegas at Night



















I am linking up to these parties:
Cottagemarket: Morning cup of joe 4 (Entry 4 of 67) I was FEATURED here!

Good Random Fun: Good Random Fun Mon 4a (Entry 22 of 30.)
Mersad photography: Through my Lens (Entry 25 of 28.)
Our World Tues: Our World (Entry 60 of 64.)
Image-in-ing: Weekly link up (Entry 57 of 68.)
Nicholasjv: Travel Tuesday 208 (Entry 11 of 13.)

Whims and Fancies: Wandering Camera (Entry 13x of 17x)
* Stroll Life: Inspire Me Mon 523 3p (Entry 84 of 99.)
Lets Add Sprinkles: Keep in Touch Tue 4p (Entry 20 of 43.)
Gingersnap crafts:Wow me Tue 428 7p (Entry 29x of 154x.)
Girlish Whims: Whims Tues 8:50p (Entry 6 of 94.)

Zucchinisisters: Celebrate your story 205 (Entry 12 of 27.)
Maria Elenasdecor: Tue at home 332 (Entry 65 of 80.)

Thistlekeylane: Tuesday Turn About 24 (Entry 89 of 101.) 
Kathleen: Bloggers Pit Stop 198 Th 8p (Entry 39 of 106.) 
FromGardners2Bergers: Handmade Hangout 286 Thur 6p (Entry 28 of 59.)  
Calypsointhecountry: Best of weekend Fri 7a (Entry 18 of 113.)
Pieced Pastimes.gr: Saturday Sparks 348 Sat 8a (Entry 49 of 135.)
Finding Silver pennies: Silver Pennies Sun 6a (Entry 32 of 95.)
Life and Linda: Dishing it Digging it 223 Sun 3p (Entry 11 of 107.)
BNOTP: Metamorphis Monday 6a (Entry 47?? of 47x)
Uncommon Slice: Inspire Me Mon 2-4p (Entry 97 of 108.)


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