And now for the (almost) final reveal of gifts from the 12 Days of Christmas Handmade Gift exchange.
On day 9, I didn’t open a gift as it was my turn to give. But I thought I’d post some pictures of the gifts I made for everyone else. I started out with some vintage chandelier crystals that I found on Etsy. For some of them I used various combinations of glass beads and memory wire to make some beaded rings to dangle the crystals.
For the others I used some large crystals that I got ages ago from Etsy’s Dreamgirl Beads—they have a spectacular AB coating that just sparkles!
I finished all of the ornaments off with some pretty ribbon with a shimmery, sparkly edge, that I got from Abby and Ellie, a fabulous ribbon shop, also on Etsy. I’m really pleased with how they turned out and I’m definitely going to find some more chandelier crystals to make decorations next year.
As a little extra, I also included in each gift a snowflake pendant/ornament made by my Mum, who is a potter. I’m encouraging Mum to get into the bead-making business, for purely selfish reasons of course!!! Here are a couple of snowflakes …
Day 10’s present arrived a little late courtesy of the postal system. Not to worry though, my gifts from Rita at Toltec Jewels were intact and numerous! First of all was a pair of snowman-themed pot holders.
The handmade gift was a beautiful beaded snowflake ornament, in pale shimmery colours. I had to take the photo against the red of the pot holders to get it to show up properly, it almost disappeared on a white background!
And finally a taste of Mexico, with a Lux Perpetua candle, a sombrero ornament and a miniature serape.
Rita, thank you for your generous gifts!
On day 11, I opened a gift from Suzanne Reynolds, a mixed media artist. Suzanne made us all fabric covered notebooks (and the notebooks are replaceable), with hand-printed and batiked fabrics and scraps of sari silk ribbon.
I’ll be keeping this notebook in my handbag Suzanne, thank you!
Finally, I opened day 12’s present—a day late as it was delivered on Monday. Gina Hockett sent me a copper bangle, wire-wrapped with deep earthy red stones—red jasper perhaps—spaced around it.
It’s a beautiful bangle, thank you Gina!
It has been so much fun to take part in Lorelei’s 12 Days of Christmas Handmade Gift Exchange. I’ve received some lovely gifts from some fantastic artists. Thanks again Lorelei for the opportunity to play! And thank you so much for all of the wonderful gifts I have received, you are all talented people indeed!
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