Case in point, I've decided to decorate the living room Christmas tree with nothing but hand made ornaments, and although it's a wonderful idea and I really am glad I thought of it, why did I wait until last week to start?
I associate gingerbread men cookies with Christmas and figured they would be fun to make so those went on the to-do list. Salt dough seemed like a logical choice for making them so I went on line and did some research and found a recipe I thought might work well. Okay, here's where I tell you that I've never made salt dough before and haven't played with play dough for many many years so I had no idea of what to expect as far as what the final results would be.
I wasn't really crazy with the way the "cookies" made with the dough came out but went ahead and decorated them and they'll get put on the tree as I'm running short of time and need all the ornaments I can make so the tree doesn't look too bare. Once the first 6 gingerbread men were cut out I cut out 6 Santa cookies. Here's a sampling of both styles.
Part of the reason I wasn't really thrilled with the salt dough is I didn't expect it to puff up as it did on some of the pieces or warp as it did on others. I've got another recipe that I'm going to make today and hopefully it will work better than this last one did.
The next ornies I'm going to show you I made with paper mache clay. I had some pmc left in the container that wasn't enough to start one of the larger pieces and I nearly dumped it when I decided to play around and see what I could make with it. The following three ornaments were so much fun that I've made more that I'm waiting for them to dry so I can paint them.
They're not quite finished as I've got to add a cord loop for hanging them. These Santa heads are about 5" long and 1" wide. The next ones are a bit larger.
Even though I'm getting a late start on making my ornaments I hope to get enough finished by the time I start decorating the tree so it's not too skimpy. Besides the cookies and Santa heads I'm hoping to get a few stitched ornaments finished.
I'm really not too concerned though as I've got plenty of help painting. Here are a few of my helpers.
Okay gang, break time is over, back to work. Don't forget to put your paint smocks back on before you start painting.
As always, thanks for stopping by.
12 comments:
Maddy,
I really like your idea of a Christmas tree decorated with handmade ornies, even though you waited until last week, you have accomplished quite a few adorable ornies.
LOVE all of them :)
~Diane
I love home made ornaments. I have three trees in my house and one is decorated with a different original home made ornament from every year! Predominately red, because that is my fav color! :-) Yours turned out delightful!
Miss Maddyrose,
You're using "bear labor"? Be careful, we bears don't like pressure or being put to work. I hope they are all in agreement that you do need help. Giggle.
Enough said - tell Bellamine & Wendy to watch over their "kin".
Hugs
Prudnece
We like your ornies. (o:
Prudence
Son fantasticos tus adornos Navideños, me encantan.
Que ositos mas lindos.
besitos ascension
Wow, you've gottne lots done. I remember making salt dough and you're right it's kinda warpy but fun.
The Santa's are Maddy-licious as always...I love the big nosed one.
And as to the work ethic of bears...well all I can suggest is that you have lots of honey and lots of breaks....a bear work shutdown is even fun if you sing the right songs...tee hee
Oma Linda
Maddy...love what you are doing with homemade ornaments! I have a book that I think you would be as crazy about as I am. "Traditional Christmas Cooking, Crafts & Gifts" has fabulous dough recipes (beautiful color photos), all of which are baked in a microwave oven. My favorite recipe is "Microwaved Aromatic Dough Ornaments" which I made up for my fourth grade class to make ornaments from. I just checked e-Bay and found this book. In fact, I didn't know there is a "Traditonal...2" which I just bought. I know I sound like a book salesman, but you would love this book!
I love your ornies, Maddy! Those Santas are adorable! Can't wait to see the others.
Cute ornaments. And hey, I was sewing new ones for my mum and dad's tree on the 23rd December a few years ago, you have loads of time ;o)
Bellamine and Wendy,
You look as though you are having fun painting those gingerbread men.What a shame they are made out of salt dough,because if it was real gingerbread you could sample a few.
Hugs
Wilbur
Dear Madddy,
You sure are working hard with your lovely helpers, aren't you(*^_^*)
Oh,cookies and Santa heads!!!
Yes, take care with your smock on and keep letting us enjoy with your works.
Lots of, lots of love from Japan, xoxo Orchid*
Maddy, they are all so cute! Be sure to take a pic of your tree when it's decorated. I wanna see! And I have waited (AGAIN!) to the last minute to make gifts. Maybe we like the pressure, eh? haha! xox
PS Love the work force!
So sorry I am so late to your post, Miss Maddy Rose. It has been a difficult week for me in the pain area but things are improving with a new medication. Anyway...I love your handmade ornaments and if anyone would set a goal to decorate and entire tree in them and succeed with pure beauty, it would be you. Hugs to you. Mina
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