Here’s something confronting . . . my 15 year old daughter says to me “do you think our family is a little weird?”
Well. . . with my mind racing through a who’ s who of the extended family I was quietly nodding, but decided against admitting to any ‘weirdness’ until I knew exactly what measure of weirdness we were talking about.
I nearly let the conversation go . . . but curiosity got the better of me. I really did want to know on what level we were considered weird.
Now remember, this is a conversation with a 15 year old. If you’ve got a 15 year old or know a 15 year old then you know only too well that 15 is such an ‘interesting’ age.
Of course being a lot older than 15, I apparently know nothing. . . I have no clue and even if it was explained to me I probably wouldn’t get it. Hmm. . . just between you and me, I don’t think I really want to get it.
So I dip a toe in the water of this potentially scary conversation with “do you think we are weird?”. . . answering a question with a question seemed the safest option. Her reply was a typical 15 year olds non-committal shrug.
[sigh] this was going to be harder than I thought.
So I change tactics and say “I think all families look a bit weird to outsiders”
“Maybe, but other families don’t have Christmas for 6 months of the year” says my now perplexed looking teenager.
Ahhh. . . so that’s it. Obviously another ‘interesting’ 15 year old has said something.
So I give this some serious contemplation. . .
I’ve been designing a Christmas collection for 20+ years now. . . long before my children were born. They grew up playing in my studio, seeing me creating and know nothing else. To them, being surrounded with Christmas goodies is normal.
Thinking back. . . hmm, there may have been just a smidge of weirdness when my children were younger. They did start counting down the days to Christmas and writing letters to Santa in June, but hey, if that’s the depth of their weirdness I’m a happy mamma.
I don’t think there’s been any permanent damage.
To put everything into perspective we discussed what other parents did for a job. Got to tell you . . . not an interesting one amongst them, but that’s just my opinion.
After awhile both of us were of the conclusion that designing and making Christmas things for 6 months of the year wasn’t so bad . . . okay, perhaps just a little weird to others . . . but for our family it was PERFECTLY normal.
Thankfully, our ‘weirdness’ crisis is nothing more than a fun loving apron wearing artist with a passion to create. . . no axe murderers or lunatics here!
That almost wraps up my vintage Christmas designs for 2012. Got another one up my sleeve for another day.
I’m writing patterns right now and waiting for craft supplies to arrive, so I can upload all this Christmas goodness to my website. Then everyone else can join in the Christmas weirdness of making things in readiness for later in the year – lol.
Just a final note, I’m now taking orders for this personalised vintage Christmas canvas on my FB page or you can email if you’d like more information. I can also post overseas.
I’m partying this week with al the gorgeous girls at these link parties
Hope your day is ‘Merry & Bright’ ~ Kerryanne
Lol, the other kid is probably just jealous as they have Christmas one day a year not every day for 6 months :)!
Hi Kerryanne,
Ohh, I love the colours and designs of these gorgeous Shabby Christmas pieces.
Hm, I may have found my theme for this years Christmas. Lol
Thank you for the inspiration!
Creative hugs,
Anna
Your Christmas collection is gorgeous, Kerryanne! I want one of everything! : ) Yes, 15 is an interesting age and you’re right, weird to a 15 year old can be totally different to what an adult may think is weird.
omg if i could have christmas for 6 months of the year I would!!! Contemplating moving into your studio…. I dont mind dressing the theme, lol 🙂
So my 15 year old son is like other 15 year olds and there’s other Mum’s out there being treated as if they’ve just turned into n alien. Surely we weren’t like that when we were 15? (i reckon my parents would be having a big chuckle to hear me say that!)
P.S. outstanding collection for 2012, love the colours and if celebrating xmas is the weirdest you are then that’s a good thing!
too funny,,,every 15 year thinks their family is weird..you are creatively weird lol..
Don’t know about weird but seeing these super Christmas goodies I would certainly say you were amazing.
I just love the soft shades you have chosen – that aqua is beautiful with the ‘winter white’.
Please keep being your sort of ‘weird’ as I absolutely adore what you come up with.
Toni xx
Your art work is absolutely beautiful and your story was hilarious!! I too am working on my Christmas collection so I guess we can be weird together!!
alltid så fina saker.
kram¨HAnna
Love your Christmas designs, please keep up the “weirdness” 🙂
your santas, shoes, and canvases are just so darling! love the colors! 6 mos of xmas–awesome:)
Having been closely associated with numerous interesting fifteen year olds, I totally get this! LOL! So wonderful that we all get to be wierd in our own way. You’ve been having some lovely Christmas fun! Love those darling boots! So great to know you came by!
Who could be damaged after being surrounded by Christmas 6 months out of the year? That’s awesome! Love all your Christmas items…just beautiful!!! Hopped over from DIY Dreamer and I’m happy to be your newest follower. Would love to have you stop by and follow me back! Blessings ~ Judy @ http://www.vintagestreetdesigns.com
nothing wrong with weird, love your christmas collection, and enjoyed your story,lol !!
Paula
You’re not weird at all!!! We usually start early here too.. and I LOVE IT!!! BTW, your collection is FABULOUS!!!
Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!
Oh Kerryanne…I love the white Santas but must admit, I am head-over-heels lovin’ the old time boots. Your collection is lovely! I’d take “weird” over boring any day … weird is a word non-creative people use to describe artistic souls…they just don’t get us. But that’s okay!