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Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Christmas approaches


Halloween is just behind us and already we're thinking of -- not Thanksgiving -- but Christmas.  Long-time readers know that making Christmas ornaments is a big deal with me; every year needs a new design and since the list is nearing 50, it takes a while to crank them out.  Sometimes at the beginning of November I don't even have a plan yet, but this year I'm happy to report that not only do I have a plan, but I have made about half of them and the first batch is already winging (or perhaps floating) its way to Europe.

I can't show you anything till Christmas, but I can tantalize you with the news that the major tool involved in this year's construction is a heat gun.

2007 -- major tool, computerized sewing machine

2004 -- major tool, polymer clay

2005 -- major tool, bead loom



















And as usual, I'm wanting to make an ornament for one of my blog followers.  Leave a comment between now and election day (yes, election day is finally getting here and our long national nightmare will be over, to misquote Gerald Ford) and I'll choose one of you to be thrilled and surprised.


18 comments:

  1. I love the ornament making tradition and also do a new one for close friends every year. My list is tiny though compared to yours (and I still have no idea for this year). Kudos for taking on such a cool meaningful project every year, and I'd love to win one!

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  2. What a nice tradition you have! That sounds like a lot of ornaments, but, I am sure you will have great fun pulling this together.

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  3. What a nice tradition! Your 50 people are ever so lucky.

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  4. Kathy - your posts have been the biggest 'saving grace' in the long 237 days of Clinton/Trump and the misfits that Trump identified in the original Repub. list before the nomination. I listen, learn and always admire your ability to take us beyond the mundane and to a place where we can think clearly about some sane art studies, drawing, critique, design and more... thanks much! So appreciate that you are now well ahead of Christmas with the ornaments.
    Cheers
    bethany

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  5. I'd love to have one of your ornaments. I'm always anxious to see what type of ornament you make. When my kids were young, I made ornaments each year. I can't imagine making 50 of them.

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  6. I think this is typical American: making ornaments. In the Netherlands we don't have that tradition but I like it when I read about it on your blog. It would be nice to hang your ornament in my Dutch Christmas tree.

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  7. no thanks, no ornament. i just wanted to tell you that That Mending Project that you blogged about has travelled all the way to my New Zealand. fore warned, i won't visit

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  8. I'm not sure the nightmare will be over, but would love an artful surprise. Yours is a nice tradition, that I may emulate myself, one day. I enjoy your writing very much.

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  9. I'm beginning to suspect that you are actually an IBM Watson-like automaton- with multiple sets of hands! How else could you be SO productive! Good for you! Amen on the nightmare.

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  10. You are way ahead of me, I do fabric postcards every year and have no idea what this years will be!

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  11. I believe in Synchronicity. I was reading your blog, and thinking 'I wish I could be a friend' when you post that you would like to give an ornament to one of your blog followers. I have read your blog for years, and admire your work. Would love one of your ornaments!!

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  12. Love the way you honor tradition in your very creative, unique way.

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  13. Since I am not among the "50" for an ornament, I am happy to maybe "51".

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  14. I enjoy your thoughtful and informative blog and am a dedicated follower. But, oh, how I miss your comments on food. What happened?

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    Replies
    1. well, that's a good question. Last fall I ran out of food things to talk about and never got back into the habit. Every now and then I run across a great food topic and think I should get back in the swing.

      Knowing that somebody out there likes it gives me an impetus! Stay tuned.

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  15. I'd LOVE to be thrilled and surprised. :) I always enjoy your blog, but don't always post.

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  16. Oh, and I doubt the nightmare will be over. We'll have to have the post-game rehash until it's time to start the pregame analysis again. Le sigh. At least I spend more time in my studio as I just can't keep watching it all. (Husband loves it and is entertained.)

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