“In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians
called it 'Christmas' and went to church; the Jews called it 'Hanukkah'
and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People
passing each other on the street would say 'Merry Christmas!' or 'Happy
Hanukkah!' or (to the atheists) 'Look out for the wall!”
~Dave Barry
Since you know I love to decorate the tree for Christmas (see my
previous post!), it should come as no surprise that I would participate
in a holiday ornament swap! My lovely friend, Miss Sally Russick of The Studio Sublime
organizes the swap and pairs each participant with another designer.
This year I had the good fortune to be paired with my friend from Down
Under, Miss Melissa Trudinger of BeadRecipes!
She sent me a funny card - Christmas in the Sun - with hilarious little cartoon images like Santa in swimming trunks and floaties, a decorated palm tree and sand 'snow' man! Also these little candy treats: Malteasers (tasted like malted milk balls) and Cherry Ripe, a sort of chewy cherry and chocolate sensation. The kids were eager to try them!
Miss Melissa actually sent me TWO ornaments! The first is a sweet little homemade cinnamon stick tree! I love the red lashing and the star at the top!
The second is a very cool garland design. Strung on evergreen sari silk, it features some pretty lampwork glass beads from Bellissimo Jewels and polymer clay stamped disks that Melissa made!
She very cleverly designed it with large jump rings on each end that allow it to be secured to a branch for draping. Here is how it looks on my tree!
To see what I made Miss Melissa, please go and check out her blog!
Thank you Miss Melissa for the wonderful presents! And thanks to Miss Sally for organizing this fun swap again. Here are the participants for the swap/hop.
Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a Blessed New year to all!
List of Holiday Ornament Swappers
Just love the polymer clay stamp ornaments. You could also use them as pendants. How festive your tree looks!
ReplyDeleteWow - love that ornament garland she made for you! Love the cinnamon stick tree too! So, did the kids like the candy?
ReplyDeleteThose polymer stamped ornaments are simply adorable! Love how she strung them like garland! I agree - the red lashing on the cinnamon stick tree really makes it pop - it looks like she used Star Anise as the top - so clever! And, sweet of her to include candy with her gift! Merry Christmas Erin!
ReplyDeleteOh, wow, a full garland - and a gorgeous one at that! I love your gifts!
ReplyDeleteI just love the smell of cinnamon and that tree is adorable! What a great idea to make a garland for your tree and the clay ornaments look awesome on your tree. Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas! (the quote at the top of this post made me giggle too)
ReplyDeleteHi Erin - long time no see! Love the mini garland you received. Its so cute - and fitting that you got polymer... Have a Happy!
ReplyDeleteWow! Miss Melissa is such a creative gal!! That cinnamon stick tree is fantastic and the garland, Oh MY! the beads are beautiful and look great on the tree! HOW CLEVER!!!
ReplyDeleteErin, thank you so much for participating, have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Oh a garland! I love that. So cool, and very pretty.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and Best Wishes for a Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteBring you Good wishes of happiness.
Sorry for greeting you earlier,, just don't want miss saying this.
By the way, I'm prima. It's my first time visiting your blog. I am blogger
too, and now try my best luck to open an e-store. Nice to know you.
Regards,
Prima
Hi Erin,
ReplyDeleteThe ornaments you received are so pretty and fun not to mention the card and candies. A cinnamon tree with a star anise at the top how clever and cute. The garland with the clay ornaments is awesome and I am sure you will enjoy both for many Christmas seasons to come.
Therese
Love the design of how Michelle hung the ornaments on a "garland" of ribbon. It drapes beautifully on your tree. And the extra goodies in the package must have been a real treat! Have a wonderful holiday season, Erin!
ReplyDeleteThe cinnamon stick tree is awesome. I don't know if I've seen anything like that before. And the star anise is a great touch -- I bet it smells divine.
ReplyDeleteI love the way Michelle strung the other ornament. It's also something I would never have thought of and works so well on a tree.
Oh, that is so neat! Everyone's been so creative with their ornaments (not that I would have expected anything less..). Love the little tree and the garland...Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI really love the little cinnamon tree...what a great idea to get that cinnamon smell in the house....and a garland...who would have thought. Great gift!
ReplyDeleteMiss Erin, it was a pleasure and an honour to be partnered with you for this swap. Thank you again for the beautiful bird (and the beads and the magazines too!) So glad you liked your ornaments and found a place for them on your tree! And I hope your kids enjoyed the chocolates! Merry Christmas to you from Down Under, I'll dream of your snow and you can dream of sunshine!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea with the garland! This is such a pretty ornament, and one I'm sure you'll enjoy for a long time. Off to see yours :) Christie
ReplyDeleteLucky You Erin. Melissa's garland is so creative and beautiful. The cinnamon tree is so simple but works so well. I am a Christmas tree lover too.
ReplyDelete