I'm sure that most of you would agree that handmade gifts are just the bees knees when it comes to Christmas (or any special occasion, really). That's why we take the time to create a homemade card for all of our family and friends each year, and why I stay up way too late most of December making things for others.
This year, I must say, I was thrilled that some friends set aside some of their precious time to make me some beautiful presents in the form of Christmas ornaments! These will remain treasures to enjoy for years to come.
Made for me by my coffee buddy Shelley, who toiled for 2 days to get this done in time for our family dinner party together! Thanks Shelley!! (my name may or may not have been taken in vain at one or more times during those 2 days).
Sent all the way from Norway and made by the incomparable Nina-Lise Moen of Mrs. Moen. Pink Pine #13
The sweetest, littlest tree x-stitched by my friend Lise-Lotte. How cute is this, about 1.5" across? Lise-Lotte also gifted me with some classic vintage stitchery that I will share soon.
This jaunty cardinal came to me at the December VMQG meeting ornament swap! I'm embarrassed to say that I neglected to write down the maker's name - I need to track her down at the January meeting. Edited to add: It was made by Deb!! Thanks for letting me know, Deb. I so miss the cardinals of the Ontario winters of my youth - he had a front and centre spot on my tree.
And finally, a new Jim Shore ornament from my sweet mom. It's called Quilting Bee. Isn't she cute?
I didn't purchase a single new ornament this year. I remember the early years of our marriage when I'd scour the craft fairs for ideas and make a bunch of ornaments out of pine cones, cinnamon sticks and ribbon. Then I went through a Santa phase and was buying any wooden, country-looking Santa ornaments that I saw. Now we've got a big bin stuffed with ornaments and only selected about 1/2 of them to use on our rather slender tree this year. We'll just have to get a chubbier tree next year!
