Wednesday, November 28, 2012

two little trees




Finally! My little christmas tree ornaments are ready to be posted to their new homes. Just in time too to make that end of November deadline for the ornament swap. I can breathe a little sigh of relief now.




I can't say it was an easy challenge for me, but it was enjoyable all the same. I had two bloggers to make ornaments for and luckily there were no specifications on colour or medium preference. Last night I sat down and looked through their photos, and I was more than a little blown away by their beautiful hand crafted work. Perhaps it was better that I didn't take more than a peek before making them. So I am quite a bit nervous to be sending my humble little christmas trees off. But one thing I know is that plenty of love went into making them. I do hope they like them.

I do love the fact that this swap has shown me the extent of creativity among the other bloggers. I've discovered many new blogs, and been inspired by new ideas. Thank you Christina for putting in so much time into organizing this swap.




I used Cottage Garden threads, both variegated shades, for the trees. The white one I have christened the Rainbow tree and the second grey one, the Bush Christmas tree (named after the shade of thread I used with it's subtle shades of golden brown and coppery pink). Both are embroidered on hand dyed wool felt and backed with some Liberty cotton Lawn that I had about. I always love to add a touch of Liberty when I can.




There is a certain bit of wonkiness to them and they are far from perfect. But they do put a smile on my face when I see them, which makes me think that the emotional connection is what crafting is really about. It's not about striving for the look of perfection, as there's plenty of characterless made in China items about if you want that. But its the little quirks that set handmade apart.

Don't you think?

35 comments:

  1. Oh Tania, those trees really are delightful! Well done.
    Xx

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  2. They are lovely - your packaging is nice too.

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  3. "It's not about striving for perfection" - thank you, Tania, I shall take these words with me today as I try to finish MY 'wonky' ornament ;) your trees are just beautiful xx

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  4. Oh, I totally agree - "the emotional connection is what crafting is about." I make my gifts because I want the recipient to know how important they are to me.

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  5. I do agree about the homemade-ness. I love your trees . They are going to two very lucky recipients. I have to admit that I was a little nervous hoping my swap partner was going to like my creation. X

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  6. These are lovely, and your wrapping looks so lovely too!

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  7. Oh I love these! They are both beautiful. I would buy one in a heartbeat.

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  8. Me too, they are seriously gorgeous. AND you backed them with liberty! Easily my fave deco ive seen round the blogs this year x

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  9. Oh Tania they are gorgeous! I'm sure they will be so loved!

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  10. they're gorgeous Tania! you needn't worry about their wonkiness (that I suspect only you can see). I am sure the recipients would be tickled pink to receive such clever and delightful little treats for their christmas tree. xxx

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  11. Oh, I'm totally in love with your trees. I may have to make one of my own. (:

    (If I do, I will also have to back it in liberty, genius!)

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  12. Just beautiful Wonkiness makes them even more so.

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  13. Beautiful unique idea with the bunting Tania, I have not seen anything like them before. And I always think that any wonkiness is just a sign of the extra love. mel x

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  14. Your ornaments turned out lovely.
    x

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  15. Tania they are beautiful, I absolutely love them. Handmade quirkyness makes it, it really does.
    I finally finished my advent calendar yesterday which I was inspired to do from your beautiful one from last year. It's odd looking, funny colours, not at all christmassy but I made it and I'm happy I did.

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  16. AW! These are just the sweetest Christmas ornaments ever. I love the ones with the bunting.

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  17. I love these and the packaging is just gorgeous! Love anything with bunting on it. xo

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  18. They turned out really well. Now you'll have to make some more for your Christmas tree.
    Have you come by a book that was published last year called 'The Liberty Book of Home Sewing'? It is divine!

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  19. They turned out beautifully Tania. I think that any bit of wonkiness just adds to the appeal, knowing that they were handcrafted. Your swap partner will be very lucky indeed to receive some of your handy work. xx

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  20. Your little trees are sweet. I suspect only you would be able to see any imperfections
    Kate xx

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  21. They are perfectly perfect Tania, in that they are beautiful, made with love and full of character. That sounds perfect to me!

    You have done a beautiful job. I'm sure your recipients will agree. Thank you so much for taking part. It's been so great to see how everyone has interpreted the swap and their partners styles. xx

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  22. They are so cute I love the multi color embroidery one it looks like lights on the tree. I have a question. What is Wonkiness?

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  23. They are gorgeous!! I'm sure the lucky recipients will just adore them. Well done!

    Katie x

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  24. exquisite, they couldn't be more perfect, imbued with love.

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  25. Well said! I love your ornaments, they are simple and elegant and thoughtful. Good work!

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  26. I think they are lovely and unique Tania...i am seriously in awe as i don't know how you find the time to do these things...and do them so well...you inspire me to keep trying to find some crafting time xx

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  27. these are sooooooooooooooo cool totally love them !! im in the swap too and if i was to recieve one i would be skipping around the room with excitment!

    im now following you {with out that sounding creepy}
    hugs xo

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  28. They are so gorgeous..you are very clever with your embroidery!

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  29. Oh, I think they are wonderful! And I agree with you that handcrafted is better than anything 'made in China'! xo

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  30. Love these. You have inspired me to make some with my children, we won't do any embroidering but stitching and stuffing will be fun. Your blog is lovely just found you via you following my blog thank you! x

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  31. They are beautiful and thoughtful and I would be delighted if one was for me!

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  32. They are gorgeous! I love the backings too...I would have been thrilled if it was for me!

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