Saturday 15 December 2012

Holiday Ornament Annual Blog Hop

Welcome to Sally Russick's Annual Holiday Ornament Blog Hop! Christmas decorations (as we call them over here in the UK) are some of my very favourite things about the season - my Mum has the most wonderful collection of beautiful and handmade pieces on her tree, and I plan on continuing the tradition - replacing things bought in a flurry of 'wow! 100 baubles for 99p!' with things that are hand crafted and unique.

I was lucky enough to be paired with Melissa Meman - but guess what, Melissa was not so lucky to be paired with me :-( Sadly, the December post has let us down. After last year's debacle (both my partner and I completely missed the date for this hop!) I made sure that I posted on the date, or even a couple of days before. But, unless Melissa is lucky today, her ornaments will not have reached her. So sorry Melissa! I hope they reach you really soon.

I was lucky though, and received my beautiful ornaments about a week ago. Take a peek at them, hanging on my tree:
Pictured next to my Kylie Parry bird...

Aren't they just beautiful? Melissa torch enamelled the components herself! I have my torch firing set ready to go after Christmas, so these were particularly apt and inspiring for me. She also hand crafted the steel hooks herself - aren't they lovely? I am definitely going to be borrowing this idea from her for some Christmas gifts! And she also snuck in some chocolates - including a dark Lindor - my absolute favourite, how did you know Melissa? Thanks so much for being my partner and I do hope your ornaments reach you soon!


23 comments:

Therese's Treasures said...

Hi Rebecca,
The ornaments you received from Melissa are beautiful.
Merry Christmas,
Therese

Patti Vanderbloemen said...

The mail across the miles - it stinks sometimes! First - I had to laugh at your comment! My first tree in my own apartment (decades ago) was completely furnished with dime store ornaments! (Dime Stores is what they called them back then - they have graduated to Dollar Stores)! Melissa is one of the Enameling Queen's for sure - and your ornaments are absolutely beautiful! Merry Christmas!

Christine Altmiller said...

These are so pretty! These particular filigree enameled balls really lend themselves nicely to the whole Christmas Decorations vibe :-) I love them!

Bits of Learning said...

I love Melissa's enameling and she did not disappoint with the beautiful ornaments she created for you.
Don't worry Rebecca, i'm sure that your ornament will make it's way to Melissa soon.

I'm so glad that you participated again this year. Wishing you a Christmas Season filled with joy!

Alice said...

What lovely ornaments you received. The colors are beautiful and I love her handmade hangers.

I had to laugh at your description of your early tree decorations. The first year my husband and I were together we cut a sad looking Charlie Brown sort of tree from a ditch along side a country road. The ornaments were cheap and not so pretty. I've come a long way, though I do sometimes get distracted by the ones at Target.

I'm hoping your ornament reaches Melissa very soon.

Unknown said...

What beauties! I love her work, and I'll make sure to go back and check out what you made her when she receives it.

Empty nester at last said...

Beautiful. Quite inspiring for a newbie like me. Can't wait til next year! Great job.

TesoriTrovati said...

Drats on the post! I will check back in with Melissa over the next few days to hope that she received it! Her ornament is so pretty. I love torch fire enameling and I simply must find a way to make that part of my studio set up. Or freeze in the garage all winter! ;-) You will make marvelous things with that technique, my friend! Enjoy the day! Erin

kimmykats said...

I too have the enameling bug....just no time yet to get to play so they sit and wait....Now I see these and want to say the heck with orders needing to be finished. What lovely beads she has made for your ornament. I am jealous. Merry Christmas to you!

Islandgirl said...

I snuck my ornament accross the border and mailed it in the US. I hate it when the postal system lets yus down! You'll have so much fun playing with filagree beads and enamels!

SueBeads said...

Love the ornaments Melissa sent to you - they are gorgeous! Sorry about the mail, you just never know, do you? I often wonder how much I am NOT getting!

Lesley said...

Great additions to your hand made collection rececca - I love Melissa'a enamels. It's amazing how post goes astray for challenges - I think I've had far more problems than I ever have with stuff I sell.

Jewels By Ine said...

Lovely ornaments! love the colors..

Anonymous said...

I am a big fan of Melissa's enameled pieces. What a lovely ornament for your tree. And the chocolate? Yum, that's a nice little bonus to your package! Happy Holidays.

Becky Pancake said...

Wonderful ornaments. I have become a fan of enameled beads. I just bought Barbara Lewis' book to try it myself after the holidays. And chocolate too. wow you were lucky.

Unknown said...

Beautiful ornaments!!

Jenny said...

Hi Rebecca! The ornaments are great! And I like the filters on your pix! Have a great Holiday - I look forward to seeing Melissa's post in the future!

Kathleen Lange Klik said...

What beautiful ornaments! I love the enameled beads that she created. Both are artistic beauties that you can enjoy year-round!

Jennifer Cameron said...

Beautiful! The beads she enameled are so pretty. I would definitely leave them up year round to look at them.

Unknown said...

They are gorgeous!

Andrew Thornton said...

I've had some mishaps with the post this year already, so I can sympathize! It's probably the worst year ever for me as far as shipping goes. But I bet Melissa will be just thrilled when she gets your piece!

The pieces she sent were just delightful! I love torch fired enamel pieces! I love them so much that I used one in the ornament that I sent off too! Ha ha ha!

Anyway, lucky you to get such lovely ornaments (AND chocolate)!

CraftyHope said...

You are a lucky girl. I had Melissa as my swap partner for this hop last year and boy does she do a good job of spoiling her partners. Your ornaments from her are really something special and I know you will love them for a long time. :)

Sandi Volpe said...

Love Melissa's torch fired enamel and a great idea to make ornaments, love it. Happy Holidays.

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