Our mantle this year is nothing fancy, but I love every square inch of it. It’s fun, simple, and a tad bit classy. The only thing I purchased for it was the greenery, and it was 60% off at Joann’s.

Hey you! I see you eyeing my burlap Santa. Guess what…I made that bad boy. I love him to the 9th degree, and so does Grayson. He lights up every time he sees him.

I love this white urn. I guess it’s an urn. That’s what I call it. Sounds kinda morbid though. I’ll just call it a pot. Anyway, I found this pot at Goodwill for $3. Love.

.:: Day 14 ::.

Not quite sure what’s going on here. It kind of reminds me of an episode of Saved By the Bell where a local Hawaiian tribe thought that Screech was the prophesied next king of their tribe. Whatever it is, it’s strange. Grayson sure thought it was hilarious though.

.:: Day 13 ::.

Looks like someone took a break from mischief last night.

Squishy got to play with Christmas lights. Mainly so I could take some photos.

His sweet eyelashes are so long that they are casting a shadow on his eyelids in this next image. M-E-L-T!

I feel a large canvas of one of these being printed in the near future. I know they are a bit grainy, but that’s half of the charm. You’ve gotta remember it was pitch black in that hallway. So hello, High ISO.

I’m in love with this one. Just. Feet.

And then he attacked me. Which is how most playtimes end.

I think I might get a few more of him tomorrow in his red & white striped Christmas PJs for next year’s Christmas card.

Has anyone else taken these photos? Were you inspired by Pinterest too?

I shoot in manual on my DSLR (Canon 60D). Here are some tips to achieve simular results with your DSLR. The settings I listed below are what most of my images were shot at…

ISO: 1000

exposure: 1/160s

aperture: f/4.0

focal length: 18.0 mm & 21.0 mm 

lens: 18-200mm

NO FLASH!!!!

Each photo varies slightly to adjust for the way he was holding the lights. My suggestion is to start at these settings, in manual mode, and then adjust as needed.

.:: Day 12 ::.

Looks like someone is getting some studying done while he waits for Grayson to wake up.

.:: Day 11 ::.

Sailing the open seas ottoman. Flip, you’re an odd little elf.

.:: Day 10 ::.

This is not my idea of how an angel acts. Making snow angels out of flour on my countertop. Sheesh! He better clean that up, because I’m sure not going to.