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?
