We're not so much a household that celebrates Christmas in the 'traditional' sense, but being in North America, we both did grow up with the idea of the 'winter holidays'. It's a time for family and friends, generosity, eating yum-yums, and for me, a little bit of decorating (definitely more myself than the better half). And we do celebrate Yule (or Winter Solstice).
I really can't be bothered to spend a tonne of money and time decorating the whole house, but I do pay special attention to our altar (handmade and natural is always best in this department anyways). Over time I have accumulated different ornies made by others and myself, vintage finds and hand-me-downs, and I have made a few this year.
We do have a tree, but it is not typical (at least not for the North!). We deck our banana tree, which doesn't seem to mind too much. Lol.
Here are a few ornies I made this year:
I found the design for the sheep at The Krazy Kraft Lady's Blog. Mine is obviously a tad bit different lacking the little heart and tag, and is made of an old stained towel, wool socks, a vintage button, a safety pin and rusty bell, and some hemp twine.
The birdies were made from left over fabric and ribbon, and some buttons and safety pins that were laying around.
I also made some dried apple ornaments, and there is a pretty good how-to over at Hometraditions.
A few other shots
Cute little owl from Hibou Boutique
A wreath put together a couple of years ago. A local woman made the wreath out of grape vines, and I added the bells, ribbon and bottle cap.
A pretty little ornie made by my Grandma some years back with dried flowers from her garden.
A hand-me-down from Grandma. I am assuming it's pretty old school.
Little vintage birdies waiting for a pillar candle.
Winter scene painted on slate by Canadian artist Mark S Tolangen
Sláinte!
Laurel
These are great, Laurel! I especially love your own sheep and birds! I was so excited to find a handmade goat for me and alpaca for an alpaca-owning friend at Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem, PA on Sunday. The goat reminded me of Tasha Tudor's handmade ornaments. Nothing beats handmade animals!
ReplyDeleteHell there!
ReplyDeleteI love the bird ornies you made! Such a cute idea!
I just sent you an email about a homesteading, emergency preparedness, and survival forum that I am a member of, www.PreparedSociety.com.
I was thinking maybe you could sign up and share your frugal ornament ideas with my friends over at the forum!
Jack
www.preparedsociety.com
OFB: Thanks :) The goat and alpaca (that's a first!) ornies sound luverly! It would be great if you post some pics over at Poor Richard's ;)
ReplyDeleteJacL Thank you for the compliment and for the invite :) I have gone over to PreparedSociety and joined. What a great forum, certainly up my alley!
Slàinte!
Laurel