You thought we were all over with that Christmas thing, didn't you? Back in November, when I was supposed to be working on my ornaments for my 12 Days of Christmas Ornaments swap, I was laid up on the couch, in a misery of pain, with my shoulder. There was no working, playing, or even wiggling of fingers. I'm finally feeling much better and am able to get back at it. So....the first order of business was finishing my ornaments, which I had been smack in the middle of making.
Here's what I did...my signature chandelier crystal transfers. I used prints of my own cemetery photos.
I'm very fond of that front one. It was taken at St. Louis Cemetery in Castroville, Texas. It reminds me of the "death's head" gravestones of the 17 & 1800's.
The backs are covered with vintage text from the 1886 book "The Birds' Xmas Carol" by Kate Douglas Wiggin. I gold leafed the edges which was a bit messy but so much fun.
I did handmade hooks for the hangers and added a vintage rhinestone button.
What fun would it be without some kind of dangles? I added another large crystal to the bottom and tied it with my favorite...recycled sari silk.
And, just to add to the icing on the cake...a vintage Japanese sequin ball. Oh, how I love these things! I found them at this year's International Quilt Festival. It was the first time I'd been, even though I've lived in Houston for...forever. I know...disgraceful. It's a huge, annual event which features not only quilts and fabrics but all kinds of embellishments, jewelry and what not. When I saw these little balls, I knew they'd be the perfect thing for my ornaments.
The decorations are long down and the carols have long gone. Finally, with my ornaments finished and sent, Christmas has come to a close.
deryn xxoo
These are fabulous Deryn! I wouldn't mind having Christmas in February and receiving one of these beauties. They deserve to be displayed all year round. So thankful to read you are feeling much better and able to return to doing the creative projects you so love.
Hugs
Diana
Posted by: Diana Frey | Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 12:59 PM
They turned out beautiful! Glad your shoulder is better!
Posted by: Lorraine | Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 08:52 AM
I'm glad you are well and back at it. And I'm sure the recipients are thrilled with these gorgeous ornaments. I just love the aged look, and the added gold leaf was a brilliant idea!
Posted by: Alice | Friday, February 10, 2012 at 12:45 PM
Wow, those are beautiful!
Posted by: Angie | Friday, February 10, 2012 at 09:09 AM
I love those...you know, when I am traveling, if I can, I try to visit old cemeteries and I also take a lot of photos. New Orleans and southern Louisiana were amazing, as well as some old home place cemeteries I saw in Arkansas. I like to go along, walk around and reflect on the lives that were lived and the stories that are faded memories. Chattanooga has some great ones too...lovely ornaments...
Posted by: Stacie | Thursday, February 09, 2012 at 05:42 PM
what is that? Metal? aluminum?
Posted by: crystal | Thursday, February 09, 2012 at 02:39 PM
These are beaufitul, Deryn!! And, when they're hanging all together they are amazing!
Posted by: Cecile | Thursday, February 09, 2012 at 05:41 AM
Who wouldn't want to have a little Christmas in February? It's fun all year round! Super gorgeous ornaments...the recipients will love them!
Posted by: Kathy @ Katalina Jewelry | Wednesday, February 08, 2012 at 09:54 AM
Nice, very nice. Glad you are felling better too.
Posted by: Cece | Wednesday, February 08, 2012 at 09:43 AM
These are so lovely. I especially like the graveyard photos and what a phenomenal job you did with the resin. The recipients are very lucky. I'm glad to hear that your shoulder is better. That must have been very difficult not to be creating while you were laid up.
On another note, I'm woefully behind in the Towers and Turrets class! Oh, dear!
Posted by: Cynthia @ Ornamental Style | Wednesday, February 08, 2012 at 08:21 AM
Je suis fascinée par ton univers et otutes ces créations magnifiques. (I'm fascinated by your world and otutes these magnificent creations.)
Posted by: kat | Wednesday, February 08, 2012 at 05:35 AM
The ornaments are absolutely beautiful, Deryn. So you. So enchanting.
Posted by: Renate | Tuesday, February 07, 2012 at 11:46 PM
The ornaments are just lovely and belated though they might be I am sure they will be much appreciated.
Posted by: Marie | Tuesday, February 07, 2012 at 11:14 PM
S.T.U.N.N.I.N.G……...
Posted by: Danee | Tuesday, February 07, 2012 at 09:15 PM
To the recipients...they will be well worth the wait. They are lovely Deryn!
Posted by: Hope Amen | Tuesday, February 07, 2012 at 05:41 PM
Very Cool! Definitely worth the wait.
Posted by: Nancy | Tuesday, February 07, 2012 at 05:30 PM
Those are so wonderful!! I absolutely love them. Your friends will be head over heels for them.
Posted by: Susan M (quiltingjewel) | Tuesday, February 07, 2012 at 03:38 PM