The Countdown Has Begun

It’s just around the corner you know . . .

And I don’t mean the first day of school.

I mean Christmas!!!!

Ok, ok, stop pelting me with your assorted slippers, sandals, and salad vegetables! 😉

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ornamentssmSeriously though, Kids, it’s never too early to think about Christmas – especially if you’d like to make gifts, ornaments, or design your own Christmas cards! Those things take time and you don’t need me to tell you it’s more fun to do them at your leisure than last minute.

(I do need to tell myself, however. In fact, I need reminding every year!)


For me, getting a little jump-start on the holidays brings an added incentive. You see, thinking of Christmas during the steamy days of summer makes me feel cooler!

So, here’s Exhibit 1, my first ornament of the 2012 season.

The components are Czech glass seed beads, glass bugle beads, and Swarovski Crystals. Definitely more sparkly in person . . . I think it will just twinkle on the Christmas tree. 😀

Also perfect to tie on a package, a box of chocolates, or even a bottle of spirits! It was fun to make… quick and easy, too!

(You can find the pattern by clicking here!)

Hugs,

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12 Ornaments of Christmas – Pt. 2

The 2nd ornament in this series is a tiny glass ball that’s been jazzed-up with glittering crystals. The petite size of the ball is what makes this so adorable!

It’s elegant – yet easy-peasy to make.

For a pretty gift, I often like to use handmade ornaments to embellish items like a box of luxurious soaps, fancy chocolates, Christmas candy, or even scented candles.

Tiny Glass Bauble Ornament

5-3/4″ from end to end

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First you need some tiny glass ornaments. Since “size” is not usually indicated on the box, I’d say to look for something about as small as a melon ball. 😉 Hopefully there will be a pre-Christmas sale in progress where you shop!

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Of course, supplies can vary according to what you may have on hand . . .

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But I used:

Mini glass ball ornament

a 14″ piece of Beadalon 19-strand, nylon coated beading wire

2 Silver crimp beads

Vintage Peridot Green and Clear AB glass/crystal beads in assorted shapes/sizes/colors

Glass Seed Beads 11/0 in “Silver-Lined Crystal”

4 glass beads 6/0 – Peridot AB

Coordinating linen cord (or ribbon) for bow

Simply string the beads (using the first photo as a guide), crimp both ends, and tie a bow!

Wouldn’t a bunch of these be gorgeous on the tree? 🙂

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