The First Day Of Christmas Ornaments 2010

It's that time of year, once again, my dear friends!  Today is the first day of my 12 Days of Christmas Ornaments swap.  Every year, 11 (sometimes 12) of my artist friends join me in my Christmas mania.   We all make ornaments for each other and open them together beginning on Dec. 1st.  Y'all may or may not know that that's not the real 1st day of Christmas but we like to start early so we can enjoy our ornaments longer.  It's really become a joyful time for all of us swappers and I've loved sharing it, each year, with you.  Check out our past ornament swaps by clicking here.  Shall we begin?  This year, day one belongs to my sweet friend, Crystal Neubauer.  What I love about Crystal's artwork is that she has this amazing grunge aesthetic and yet her work is elegant and meticulously done...oh, and always so creative.  Well, creative isn't the word for it...visionary is more appropriate. 

 

You see what I mean about Crystal?  Her ornament is a sublime work in encaustics, done on a smooth sheet of acrylic.  The wax gives the collage and images a dreamy look and, as you can see, the Christmas lights back-light it beautifully.  Did I  mention that Crystal will be teaching encaustics at Encausticamp, next July?  (I'll be there, as well, in an assisting capacity.) Bravo, Crystal!

In past years, I've  included lots of info on the meaning of the 12 Days of Christmas and, last year, on the 12 apostles.  This year, I thought I'd do something a little different and tell you a little bit about Advent.  Advent is the time before Christmas and begins on the Sunday nearest St. Andrew's feast which is celebrated on November 30.  It lasts through four Sundays.  This year, Advent began a few days ago on Sunday, November 28.

The meaning of the word "advent" is "coming" or "arrival."  The focus for the faithful during advent is the anticipation and preparation for the birth of Christ...the first coming of our Messiah...as well as the anticipation of His return, or second coming, as a conquering King.  It is a season of celebration...the celebration of God's gift to us;  His revelation to us through Christ.  Through this revelation, God gives us all the opportunity to be reconciled to Him;  each one of us has the freedom to make that choice, or not.  Christ is God's greatest communication of love to us...a love to be celebrated.

 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.  He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.  Isa 9:6-7

"Rock Crystal and Filigree" (sold)

Don't forget to join me in my holiday open house and Etsy sale...here...or just scroll down.  These earrings are a few of the new things I'm adding to my shop.  I'm also having a couple of fun, open house giveaways.  Another giveaway alert:  Vintaj is hosting a 12 Days giveaway of Vintaj goodies and Ice Resin.  Go here for all the details or go to the Objects and Elements blog where you can read the details and watch my video on the new Ice Chips resin applicator.  Don't you just love a good Christmas giveaway?

Comments

[Crystal Neubauer]

Deryn you amaze me! Not only getting such beautiful shots of each ornament but then writing so much each day - you are a true artist whether creating a beautiful necklace, writing so eloquently or taking beautiful pictures! And now I am running to my presies to open yours!!!

[Chris Kerr]

Ooo Crystal's ornament is extraordinary! Speaking of extraordinary, your earrings are darling~
Thank you for focusing on Advent. Making this season blessed!

[cynthia wolff]

The singing at the Mall was fantastic. I was in choir in high school and we did this song every year. It was a great song to sing...this was just wonderful. I am having a GIVEAWAY at my place so swing on by...Cynthia

[mary d]

With tears in my eyes on the wonderful video--thank you for a beautiful beginning of the Christmas season. May we never be ashamed of Christ

[Lori Bergmann]

Thanks so much for sharing the wonderful story of Advent—it's so easy to forget "the reason for the season" in the holiday rush to decorate, buy gifts, etc. As always, your jewelry is stunning and I'm going over to check out that givaway! I really love that Flash Mob of the Hallelujah Chorus too. I used to sing that in Concert Choir during my college days—brings back so many good memories! *Ü*

[Erin Prais-Hintz]

I do so enjoy your December posts, Deryn! I learn so much or remember so much that I have forgotten. Thank you for sharing the true meaning of the season with us!
Enjoy the day!
Erin

[Sharon]

*Hallelujah* praise(ye)the Lord!!!
God Bless,
~Sharon~

[Renate]

I have so been waiting for this!
This first ornament is lovely and so different. I think it would look wonderful hanging in a window, too.
Advent is part of the way we celebrate Christmas in Germany.

[joanna pierotti]

Thank you once again Deryn for hosting our Adorn Christmas ornament swap. It is always such a joy to see what each have created from their hearts. Can't wait to open yours tomorrow.

Your work is always so beautiful. I always love what you share each Christmas with your stories.

love and blessings,
joanna

[Riki Schumacher]

Deryn, I just have to say how beautiful your blog is. I love it. All of your posts are so lovely. Great job. And yes, Christmas giveaways rock. Take care my friend, have a wonderful holiday. Your work continues to enrich me. Hugs, Riki

[sharon]

Almost forgot to say how much I adore the idea of your 12 days of Christmas ornaments, and how beautiful they are and the idea of the exchange! Looove that bird!

[sharon]

Of course I love a good giveaway, but I really love coming here and reading your beautiful posts!