Saturday, December 17, 2011

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

22 comments:

Barbara Lewis said...

These are both amazing! Just beautiful!

Christine Altmiller said...

Alice, I looked at the pictures first and it evoked nighttime in my head. Then I read your post :-) Beautiful beautiful Beautiful!!! The blend of the lampwork and the vintage rhinestone works so well. And the sheet music you used--my daughter sang that song with her choral group and it was my favorite song of the night.

Jenny said...

Heavens that lamp work you chose is gorgeous! And a lovely contrast with the vintage rhinestones. Beautiful!
Happy Holidays!

T... said...

oh my what a stunning ornament, the colours remind me of a snowy night....and I can just see how the brooch will shine when light hits it.
Have a great Holiday :)

My Life Under the Bus said...

I am amazed by the variety of ornaments we all chose to make These are both lovely and those rhinestones rock!!! XOXO

Anonymous said...

Oh Alice! The ornament you created is STUNNING! The sparkly brooch and the beautiful lampwork beads take me right to standing in a clearing at night under a frosty winter sky! The silver filled wire pulls the whole design together beautifully!! This ornament would definitely be hanging in my window all year long!!!


Thank you! Alice, I'm so glad that you were able to participate in the swap/hop! Have a very Happy Holiday!!!

SoulsFireDesigns said...

It's so beautiful! So creative, I love it! The sparkle, the colors, just lovely :)

rosebud101 said...

Alice, both ornaments are absolutely amazing! What wonderful Christmas memories they will bring you!

TesoriTrovati said...

It was my honor to create for you Miss Alice! You have always shown me such kindness and support. I truly appreciate you! Your story of the landscape where you live is so vivid. I can just picture the sparkling jewel-like sky! Thank you for sharing your gifts with all of us! I will be keeping this ornament in my studio to inspire me all year long and to remember that good friends are the best gift.
Enjoy the day.
Erin

Mary Lamoray said...

So gorgeous!!! Both beautiful pieces...what a cool swap!! :)

Jeanette said...

Alice, what a beautiful ornament you created for Erin with the beautiful crystal brooch and lampwork bead. I know I would love to wear it during the holidays as much as I would like to hang it on my tree!

kimmykats said...

I really like the use of the sparkleing broach how lovely! What a fun piece and you both had the same idea of being used as an ornament or a piece of jewelry. A very special piece.

Therese's Treasures said...

Alice, the ornament you made for Erin is very beautiful and I love the story behind your creation. When looking at the ornament I can visualize everything you said about it. I bet Erin is very pleased with the ornament that you created for her and that she can also wear it on the lapel of a blazer or sweater is a very neat and useful design idea.
Merry Christmas,
Therese

Jen Judd said...

I love the mix of vintage and artisan glass! You're right...the pin is a perfect inspiration for one special starry night. I'm excited to check out more of your blog!
Jen

CraftyHope said...

Alice,
Your ornament is so great!! I love your inspiration for it. I live outside of the city as well and really enjoy the nights when I can see the stars also. You did a wonderful job.
Also, how lucky were you to get paired up with Erin and receive such a pretty piece!!??

Sandi Volpe said...

Alice, a really gorgeous ornmament and I love the inspiration too:-)

Anonymous said...

Your ornament is so pretty as is the one you received. Off to check out all the rest. Happy Holidays!

In the Light of the Moon said...

Oh Wow Alice the Ornie you made is stunning!!I cant help it..that bling just sparkles!! Merry Merry Christmas friend,Cat

Holly said...

Oh, Alice, your ornament is just incredible! I love that you recycled the broach, and that lampwork is just yum. Beautiful ornament!!

SueBeads said...

Beautiful ornament you made!

Shai Williams said...

Wow! That ornament is absolutely incredible.

Silver Jewelry Toronto said...

These ornaments are looking stunning.Your jewelery is so beautiful, I hope I can get this good one day!.I hope to spend more time looking at your blog.