I became rather attached to one of our pumpkins this year, and with the addition of a santa hat, decided to keep him until Christmas.
Category Archives: Christmas
Christmas Mug Shots
He’s making a list, checking it twice, gonna find out who’s naughty and nice? Turns out Santa’s been naughty too, and he and his crew get into their fair share of trouble. Just like their Halloween counterparts, these mischievous Christmas characters are up to no good, as last year’s mug shots reveal.
Filed under Christmas, recycling, toilet paper rolls
Felted Santas
I’m not sure where the last 7 weeks went, but my unintentional break has finally come to an end – just in time to squeeze in some felted Santa ornaments, before the trees come down!
Pom Pom People
Last year, my daughter came home from school with a bunch of little pom pom people she had made. They lived in our Christmas tree and looked adorable. This year’s bunch look a little ragged, like they stayed up too late, and that’s what I love about them. They’re incredibly easy to make, and a fun way for young children to contribute to your holiday decor. Perfect pom poms be gone!
Flapping Bird Ornament
The urge to decorate is at an all time high, and less is more is not everyone’s mantra. Neither is good taste. So let’s all take a deep breath, calmly walk past those cars with red nose antler combos, and find solace in the fact that it will soon be over. It’s a safe bet that a few flapping birds will not elicit any intense, negative feelings. Besides, they’ll be safely inside your home.
Fabergé Ornaments
Remove all thoughts of that cheesy perfume from the seventies and think eggs, exquisite, luxurious Russian made eggs. Peter Carl Fabergé was a famous Russian artist-jeweller, and the creative genius behind the House of Fabergé, makers of fine jewelry, accessories and silverware. His immense talents came to the attention of Tzar Alexander III, who appointed him goldsmith and jeweller to the Russian Imperial Court. A commission for an Imperial Easter egg soon followed, and because of its impressive design, technical innovation and craftsmanship, lead to the commission of others. These luxurious eggs were considered masterpieces made with precious metals, gem stones and enamel. Some even opened up to reveal surprises in the centre like miniature carriages or ships. Today, they are considered some of the most important art treasures ever made, and serve as the perfect inspiration for making ornaments.
Splattered Greeting Cards
Most of us need a steady supply of greeting cards throughout the year for various occasions, but never as much as now. These Jackson Pollock style splatter cards are easy and fun to make, so let the assembly line begin.
Santa Jack Gift Tags
Legendary Santa and his many incarnations have been with us a long time. From Sinterklaas to Father Christmas, he has evolved into a plump and jolly soul, overflowing with kindness and generosity. But it’s always refreshing to reinvent things, and when the spider-like Jack Skellington donned the red hat, I knew he was the one. Though initially a little misguided, with help from his friends he becomes the essence of kindness. His dashing good looks and humour make him perfect for gift tags, and children will have a lot of fun making him.
Filed under Christmas, polymer clay
Japanese Paper Ornaments
This is the time of year when thoughts of plastic icicle ornaments dance in my head and send shivers down my spine. For I was a child of the seventies, when tinsel garlands strangled trees, spray snow ruled, and perky santa stencils adorned far too many windows. As a consequence, during this time when the ubiquitous homemade ornament is upon us, I feel there’s no reason why children can’t be taught to make beautiful ones. After all, you’ll be staring at them for weeks on end, and dusting them off year after year. While there will always be room for that first glittery pine cone carried lovingly home from kindergarten, these ornaments, made with delicious Japanese papers, will really stand out.
Filed under Christmas, ornaments, paper mâché
Holiday Cards
With so many gorgeous greeting cards to choose from today, it may take something really special like Japanese paper to motivate you to make your own. Everything about these papers is inspiring, like their texture, patterns, colours and visible fibres. And if children can use a glue stick, they’re old enough to make these wonderful collages.
ArtClubBlog 