Ornament Swap/Blog Hop

I am so blessed to live in a rural area where the sky is not obstructed by tall buildings or smog. On a clear cold winter night I can see the stars twinkling above, like diamonds scattered about on a velvet gown. And just above the tree line, the Milky Way spreads her jewels across the sky as far as I can see. The faint glow of city lights is just bright enough to illuminate the sky, while down below, the inky darkness settles in around me like a luxurious cloak. It’s as if the earth and sky meet together for an evening soiree, and I am lucky to have been invited.

As I was thinking about this wondrous winter display, I realised this was the perfect inspiration for the ornament. I started out with a vintage rhinestone brooch from Gracie’s Jewelry Box. The sparkly brooch brings to mind the beautiful stars overhead.



At the bottom of the ornament is a pendant made up of lampwork beads from Grey Feather Studio. The dark colors remind me of those cold winter evenings, and a touch of green conjures up the heavenly scent of the pine trees that line our drive. Connecting the two components it a Swarovski Crystal Roundell and two Crystal Titan bicones.



I had a difficult time with the hanger. I wanted something that could be taken off so Erin could detach the vintage brooch to wear if she chose. At first I used ribbon, but it just didn’t look right with the sparkly rhinestones. I ended up using the new silver filled wire, which is brand new at Artbeads.



'After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen rose and went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.'



And now for the beautiful ornament I received from Erin; a gorgeous nutcracker pendant with sweet jewel berries, and a pretty ribbon. Please visit Erin’s blog where you’ll find her inspiration for making this ornament.




Thank you, Erin, for the sweet ornament. Each time I see it I'll be thinking of you. Thanks also to Sally Russick for organizing this swap/blog hop! I had so much fun with this, and it took me a bit out of my comfort zone, which is a good thing. Please check out the links below to see what the other participants created.

Erin Prais-Hintz and Alice Peterson that's me
Sally Russick and Kim Hora
Susan Kennedy and Kathleen Lange Klik
Patty Gasparino and Cindy Wimmer
Hope Smitherman and Melissa Meman
Jennifer L. Justman and Sandi Volpe
Jenny Davies-Reazor and Christine Altimiller
Rebecca Anderson and Jen Velasquez
Jeanette Blix Ryan and Tamara SoperHolly Westfall and Mallory Hoffman