So here we are at the last Art Elements challenge of 2017 and of course it’s to make seasonal ornaments using any materials we have to hand (the lead picture for this post shows some handmade ornaments I’ve been gifted over the past by Cathy Mendola, Erin Prais Hintz and Diana Ptaszynski). I actually managed to get ahead on this one and ended up making several different ornaments, mostly utilising my ceramic components.
The first idea I had was to use some of my cabochons to make some beaded decorations and I got somewhat hooked. I made these three to give to people as gifts but I could have made many more…so many colour combinations to be had!
Next up I used some of my beads combined with brass leaves and crystal dangles to make these cute little Robins. These were intended for my own tree but they ended up leaving with some visitors who took a shine to them!
I have a stash of green man components in my collection and since he has links to the season of Yule and the winter solstice in the form of the Holly King and the Oak King it seemed only that he should feature in some ornaments too.
The Holly King rules over the dark part of the year from Midsummer to Yule, he is God of the Waning Year. At Yule he surrenders his life to the young light Oak King, God of the Waxing Year and his twin, who rules over the light part of the year from Yule to Midsummer. Both rule for half of the year, both fight for the favour and love of the Goddess and both surrender their life force for the well-being of the land. In truth, they are one.
http://www.goddessandgreenman.co.uk/yule
I used a green pendant for the Holly King and a cream one for the Oak King and embellished them chunky Czech glass, coloured lampwork and brass beads. I particularly like these and think I will make some more for next year when I feel my tree will be due for a theme change.
My last design came about when I was tidying up and just happened to come across some triangular scraps of green felt. I glued two pieces together and added a hanging ribbon then used some seed bead soup to create garlands on both sides. Hematite stars give just the right finishing touch don’t you think…?
So there you have my designs. To be honest I could probably go on for ever coming up with ornament designs but they would just take the fun out of it. So now please use the links below to see what everyone else has created. Thank you for joining us for this challenge and may I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and all the very best for the holiday season
Guest Designers
Art Elements Team
Great creations Lesley. I think the felt trees are my favourite. Happy Christmas to you. Linda x
Hard to pick a favorite, Lesley, but those birds are just so awesome! Merry Christmas!
All of your designs make me smile! That purple one in the first batch…it steals my heart. However, those robins are just to darn cute for words. I’m not surprised someone else wanted them! Thank you so much for this challenge. I enjoyed thinking about it and making my own ornament. It was a lot of fun. Enjoy your holiday season!!
I love them all! Your beaded cabs are beautiful. The Holly King & Oak King are just fabulous but the little birdies might just be my favorite! Very clever idea with the beaded felt trees as well:-) Thanks for hosting this challenge.
Each one of them is beautiful in their own own. This past year I kept seeing the Green man image over and over again – I made a mask too. so its interesting to see it as an ornament. But my favourite of all are the darling christmas trees
I am impressed of all your ornaments… and I would also have sneaked a bird ornament or one of the gorgeous cabochon ornaments with me getting the chance (or any other) 😉
Love! Holly King and Oak King! Merry Yule!
OK – those felt ranged trees are so stinking cute. I LOVE my beaded cab ornament BTW. Its front and center on my tree!
I’m not surprised you were robbed of your robin ornaments. They are adorable. The green men are definitely my favorites, but those trees are pretty awesome too.
Fabulous designs… I love them all! I’m planning a whole trees worth for next year, it’s been really inspiring… thanks for a great challenge!
Oh I love them all, the robins are so cute (and so English! 🙂 ) and the green man ones too. But the simple little trees are my favourites!
You are a very talented lady, love them all 😀 have a wonderful Christmas x
I think I’m love with those little robins! What a pretty assortment of yuletide joy. Perfect!
Such creativity. I love the Holy King. And the robins are so cute. I am not much of a bird person, but these are too cute. The trees def put a smile on my face. Love them all.
So many great designs! That bead embroidery is so impresive. Such nice color combinations! I really like the bird ornaments. So cute and seasonal.
I like all the ideas and makes but the robins grabbed my heart!
So many great designs, Lesley… but those robins. They steal the show for me!