24 Days of Chrustmas - Day 9 - Mini Lace Tree

 

I was digging in my holiday craft supplies and a styrofoam tree form rolled out. Just the one - I have no idea when I got it! But it sang to me, so I pulled out my glue gun, some pine cones and my box of lace.

I decided to go with a cream color theme and separated them from the whites and colored laces. Using sewing pins, I attached my rows of lace onto my tree. I liked the elegant look of the creamy lace, and considered what to used to decorate the tree. I had colored ornaments, strings of pearls and beads. I decided on a string of very tiny peals and adhered it onto my tree as I would a garland. It barely showed against the lace, but when I put it under a light, it sparkled!

Colored ornaments or metallic? ef metallic! I cut a string of cheap Mardis Gras beads that were silver, and one by one glued them onto my tiny tree. I found a cardboard tube that had held some lace. I was just the right size to use for a tree stand. Covering it with some pretty burlap ribbon, I finished my make for today. Oops, forgot that i put a glittered pinecone on top of the tree instead of a star. I used leftover beads from the necklace and glued them onto several levels of the pinecone...

On the Christmas gift list front, I just finished my daughter and my cousin, and am hunting down some special items for my granddaughter and a few good friends. I have 2 weeks left--I better hurry up!!

31 Days of All Hallow's Eve - Day 12 - Halloween Wind Chimes

 

During COVID, I tried several new techniques and media new to me. One of these was making window hangings from branches and sea glass, shells and stones. Today, I dug out my supplies and created Halloween wind chimes decor. This was NOT an easy project for me.

I am the original "fumble-fingers" and today was no exception. I think I spent four hours (!) putting this one together. The beads kept slipping from my grasp, and the balance in it is not quite right. But I finished it, and it's hanging up for all to see, so "live and learn" is my motto. I like it (somewhat) but I don't know if I'll keep it for next year.

Do you know where wind chimes originated? It's believed that they were used as early as 1100 BC in China, although older wind chimes have been discovered. The sound of bells were used to ward off evil spirits aid the flow of chi and increase positive energy. They signify wisdom, charity and compassion. Today, many people give wind chimes to someone who has lost a loved one. It is believed that the sound of the bells means that their loved one is near. 

When my husband died, I didn't know this belief. But I would buy up wind chimes during summer clearance sales. I love the sound of the bells chiming in the breeze. Maybe my subconscious already knew it would comfort me? Either way, I hope my wind chimes scare away any ghosts, goblins or ghouls... 

Challenges I am Entering:

Craft Rocket challenges - Halloween/Autumn 

Get Creative - #126 Purple, Black, Orange, Green

Crafting Happiness - Halloweens