"The Baker" by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

"The Baker" ©2018 Leada Wood

It's the most wonderful time of the year, when cooks around the country take to their kitchens to bake cookies galore! Whether you prefer gingerbread men, sugar cookies or snickerdoodles, chances are you will enjoy some fresh baked Christmas cookies this holiday season. Like many Christmas traditions, the origin of this delicious custom began ages ago.

The earliest Christmas cookie traditions were brought to the United States by the Dutch in the 17th century. Laden with spices such as cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, almonds and dried fruit. The custom continues today with many shapes and flavors to tempt your tastebuds.

Whatever  your holiday traditions I hope you enjoy a little sweetness and spice in your life!

“The Candyman” by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

"The Candyman" ©2018 Leada Wood

What would Christmas be without a few sweet treats? The smell of cinnamon, vanilla and peppermint wafting in the air and fresh baked cookies waiting to be decorated. Whatever your pleasure I hope you share some of your sweet treats with friends and loved ones.

I have a granddaughter who  LOVE, LOVE, LOVES candy and I thought of her fondly as I was painting The Candyman.  I just know all that candy is what has made her so sweet! We all need more sweetness in our lives of one kind or another so be charitable to everyone.  No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

“The Barista” by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

"The Barista" ©2018 Leada Wood

Christmas is a time for reflecting and nostalgia. I have been thinking a lot about my family’s traditions during the holidays and it’s the small things I remember. Hot cocoa with marshmallows on a cold winter’s day, popcorn and Christmas movies with the kids, decorating the house with great cheer and making ornaments, singing carols and baking.

 For me Christmas memories are all about family and the fun times we have had. We are still making those memories with the newer members of our family and we hope they will be as special to them as they are to us. 

The inspiration for my art comes from ordinary, everyday life and the sweet folks who surround me. I feel very blessed to have the people I love to share  my life with and I thank God for them. I am also grateful for the gift of creativity and I hope you enjoy my little productions and they bring a little light into your world. Shine on!

“The Tiny Tailor” by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

"Tiny Tailor" ©2018 Leada Wood

It is the most wonderful time of the year, so why does it seem to go so fast? Amid all the “holidaze” preparations I have been getting ready for a solo exhibition of Christmas paintings. Last year I started an “Just Elfin Around” series that I decided to carry on this year, focusing on the crafty side instead of the musical. It has been fun painting them and a good thing I finished before the Holidaze started! 

As I am painting wee folks I am reminded of the talents of my eight amazing granddaughters. They are all creative and have special talents of their own. This tiny tailor brought reflections of them quilting. We are talking 8-15 year olds, which is awesome in our fast paced technological world. It also stirred memories of a slower time when all young ladies learned sewing skills and other crafts. I hope we realize what we are giving up for this modern life. We need to nurture ourselves and our children and help them to discover and explore their talents as well as our own.  Craft and creativity still abounds in our high tech lives, we just need to slow down and honor our gifts.

"Just Elfin' Around", by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

"Jingles" ©2017Leada Wood

This is Jingles my last little elf in the series "Just Elfin' Around" at least for 2017.  I had fun creating this series and hope they brought a little happy to your heart.

Wishing you a beautiful new year filled with love,  laughter, new dreams, new experiences and abundant joy.