Ornamental
My internet isn’t playing very nicely, so hopefully I can finally manage to post this. I’ve been making decorations for my tree and I thought you might like to see them. Or at least that you might like to humour my obsessively photographing the tree because it. is. so. very. pretty. Every year as a kid I made new decorations to add to the box and my mum still uses at least a few of those scrappy decorations full of memories. I love the idea that this is the beginning of a box that can be added to. I made these without the help of any little hands, but they’re all pretty child friendly ideas.
Little ‘water bomb’ balloons papier mached with tissue paper or wrapped in embroidery thread soaked in watery pva. I used just a couple of layers of tissue, but they are pretty delicate.
More layers would be sturdier but less transparent. So pleased that I managed to find water bombs in December, but then Toys Galore never disappoints.
Felted jumpers cut into stockings and birds + glitter glue. Because there must be glitter on the tree.
You’ve seen the fake gingerbread already, but I thought I’d share my recipe (though I’m too lazy to do any conversions). Mix 6oz plain flour, 2oz salt, 1tbsp oil, 1tbsp molasses or black treacle, and 1 egg to form a stiff dough. Add either a little flour or water if necessary to obtain the right consistency. Roll out on a floured surface, cut into shapes and bake at 180c for 10-15 mins until golden brown. I just iced them with a simple glace icing, which worked fine on the cookies that were hung up immediately. Most of them I stored in a glass jar until I got the tree and the icing chipped off those so if you have a better solution I’d love to know.
Glass beads a friend bought me from Venice are much nicer hanging on the tree than sitting in a paper bag waiting for inspiration to strike.
I think this might be my favourite, even if it was impossible to photograph very clearly. It’s just white fimo rolled out to about a 3mm thickness and stamped with black ink.
More old sweater felt sewn into a garland. The bigger red links are cut from the sleeves and joined with smaller green strips.
I’ve also received a few very unexpected ornamental gifts along with holiday cards. One for the tree, one for me (those leaves would be pretty pin I think)
and one for my knitting. Thank you so much for these - you know who you are.
Posted: December 19th, 2007 under knitting.
Comments: 16
Comments
Comment from Eliza
Time: December 19, 2007, 2:50 pm
Your ornaments are inspirational and gorgeous! I’ve been mulling how to decorate our rather bare tree, and I like your ideas. Will the cookies keep till next year? And do you pop the balloons after the string has dried? As for your icing dilemma, I’d think you could make stronger fake icing out of Elmers tinted with paint or some other medium.
Comment from Jane
Time: December 19, 2007, 2:55 pm
So pretty! Your card arrived safely today, and has joined the string across the sitting room. Thank you!
Comment from Jennifer
Time: December 19, 2007, 3:08 pm
What a wonderful tree — making ornaments is such a great tradition!
Comment from Julie
Time: December 19, 2007, 3:46 pm
I love those balloons with the glue-dipped yarn! I remember doing those as a child, and they are still so magical-looking.
Comment from Janet
Time: December 19, 2007, 3:51 pm
This is my first comment here but I wanted to let you know how lovely all the ornaments are — and I dearly love the handmade ornaments throughout.
Comment from Jessica
Time: December 19, 2007, 4:02 pm
Those papier mache ornaments are so cool!
btw your card is going to be a little late. I was trying to make one yesterday at work and it looked ridiculous. :P
Comment from Liana
Time: December 19, 2007, 4:17 pm
Can you show us how the tree looks as a whole? I want to see the big picture!
Comment from Lin
Time: December 19, 2007, 4:25 pm
I love the small balloony ones. They are all such gorgeous decorations! Glitter is one of the best things about christmas, I love the old fashioned glittery cards.
Comment from alyssa
Time: December 19, 2007, 6:42 pm
I agree with Liana I would love to see the whole tree! I love all the ornaments. They’re beautiful.
Comment from Katherine
Time: December 19, 2007, 8:31 pm
Lovely, I was wondering how you made the Fimo one when I was looking at your Flickr photos, I thought it was card. Speaking of which, your card arrived today and it is gorgeous, thank you very much.
Nearly went into Toys Galore today but it was packed.
Comment from Casey
Time: December 20, 2007, 2:18 pm
Your tree is so lovely!! I think my favorite is the stamped Fimo one–brilliant idea!! :) And I totally agree that every tree must have at least a little glitter somewhere… hehe!
Hope you’re having a lovely, creative week!! :)
Comment from Amy
Time: December 22, 2007, 2:59 am
Your card made it to Arizona today, it’s beautiful Thank you…Lovely decorations too!
Comment from Craftydramaqeen
Time: December 22, 2007, 10:25 pm
Thanks for the card. It’s lovely. Love the decorations too. Merry Christmas! xx
Comment from Jessica
Time: December 23, 2007, 12:10 am
Thank you for the card! I love how you used that lacy knit swatch to make them. Beautiful!
Comment from Jenni
Time: December 24, 2007, 12:05 am
i likewise love the fimo ornament, haven’t used any fimo in an age and am totally inspired to go and buy some now…also any excuse to buy some new stamps! merry christmas!
Comment from Kate
Time: December 30, 2007, 8:24 am
They are all beautiful! The fimo one is definitely my fave :)
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