Is it too late to still be talking about Christmas?
I feel like I missed a chunk of the holiday since I got so sick with a 24 hour bug that I was in bed for almost a week. Luckily, the rest of the family didn't get hit so hard. But I was a pure wimp about it.
So, I feel a bit behind with my holiday recaps. Plus, I'm writing this ahead of my trip to Hawaii so my blog will update while I'm away, making this not quite as old of news to me as it is to you….
On the weekend before Christmas, we had an ornament making party. It was a big, pitch in dinner, with lots of tasty treats, about 40 or so people, and I filled a table in the studio with tons of supplies so whoever wanted to make something for their tree could snip and paste and glitter away. Most of the husbands preferred beers in the office to glitter in the studio. The kids and moms were all able to make at least a couple ornies each.
I think Finn set the record, he was a regular Santa's Helper Elf. That kid was cranking them out.
And, I'd say the glitter was certainly used in full force! I will be sweeping up glitter for months. Or not, I kind of like having it sparkling up the floors.
Actually, it was one of many ornament parties I went to. First, the workshop early in the season, then a few friends over the next week to make some of the leftover projects. And my pal, Tami, invited me to a holiday ornament party at her house with some of our Birdsong friends.
Those were all such fun, that I threw this big one with the dinner party too. But poor Sugarwings, who was so excited about helping me plan it, got sick and couldn't come. I had a mini party for her where she could craft her own sparkly creations to make it up to her.
I'd bought a bagful of those papermache shapes on strings at Michael's when they were 40% and I had a 25% off everything coupon. These made for some fun concoctions, and I think I should go back and get more if they are still on clearance there . I have a feeling that they are gone by now. They are good to work with for the adults as well as the kids.
I wish I'd had my camera out more. I was elbow deep in sparkly stuff and too busy to take many pictures til things slowed down and all the kids had been helped with the glue gun and basic steps.
Over the years, I've had other seasonal parties with crafts in the studio. I love making things so much, these are my favorite kind of parties. I'm blessed with the space to do this and also have more supplies than I'll ever use. Might as well share, huh?
Speaking of supplies, my friend, Jen, had given me a stack of photo paper she wasn't going to use. Some how, some old photos (copies) of her relatives were left in the envelopes, but I wasn't sure if they were from her or some I had, or what, because it was a year or so later that I opened them and I had lots of pictures and photo paper.
She saw the photos I had out for everyone to cut and play with and recognized her grandma in them. She and her daughter had a great time making family themed ornaments to give away for Christmas. And it was cute to hear her daughter come over and say, "Mom, can I have another relative, please?"
Gosh, I hated to see the holidays come to an end. In my house, all the decor was packed up and stored away on Jan.1st. But there is still a silver and gold explosion of Christmas out in the studio. I have a feeling that when I return from Hawaii, I will be wishing I'd got that all boxed up too. Heck, I didn't even have a chance to clean up the room from the party yet.
That will be one of the first things on my list to do when I get settled. Because the girls and I have new toys to play with, I got these art sets at Michael's for them (those go on sale every year for a couple dollars) and Sugarwings bought one for me too! She had earned money from selling dyed bottle brush trees on Etsy and took that to her school holiday shop where things are donated by the community for kids to buy.
We were so tickled to see that we'd got the same gifts for each other. I can't wait till we get to sit down in the studio, spread out all the colors and give them a whirl.
I had hoped to have some friends over to craft for the holiday, but got sick and ended up in the hospital overnight the weekend after Thanksgiving. That took the wind out of my sails for the holiday season and I was lucky to just finish putting up my tree and a few decorations. The season went too fast!
What fun things you do for your family and what great memories, Karla!
Oh, I always feel a tug at my heart when the Christmas festivities are over, so I welcome a chance to visit your blog and hear more about your Christmas fun! It sounds like you provided so much fun for others, and I know that must have made them feel very special. Thank you so much for letting us see some of the pretties!
Safe travels home from Hawaii!
Christmas parties are extra special, arent they, Linda?
Karla, I love this idea. And I don’t think it’s ever too late to talk about Christmas, specially when the photos are as pretty as yours. I have a group of very creative friends near me but usually we’re all so busy we don’t get together. I’m gonna plan a party like this for next Christmas. The glitter is definitely going in the area with no carpet!
Happy travels,
~Marilee
Marilee, glitter and carpet dont mix well, good planning! Heck, why wait for Christmas, have your pals over for a valentine party!
What a great idea! Looks like you all had a wonderful time!
What beautiful creations….and I know you must have the best stash of materials for making year-round Christmas decor!
Its fun seeing your ornament party because I was just thinking I should do something like that for Valentine’s Day — maybe lunch with some crafting after (or before!). But 40 — that’s quite a feat! I love the images you showed — all pretty. You have some mighty talented and creative friends at hand! (And it’s never too late to post Christmas. But I’m a little envious your stuff is down. We had our last Christmas party last night and today I begin!)
Oh my gosh, what a wonderful time! Look at the beautiful ornaments everyone made! That truly is a great way to share all of your crafting treasures with everyone and put them to fantastic use. It looks like everyone absolutely enjoyed themselves! I think it is so much fun to see what everybody comes up with. I love the story about your friend’s family pictures being found inside an envelope and being put to good use, like it was meant to be! All that extra glitter laying around might give your Valentines Day festivities a little extra sparkle! You and your girls have fun with those art kits! Hope you are having fun in Hawaii!
My friend had completely forgot that she printed those pictures years ago. What a nice surprise for her to have them for the ornaments!
Everything is so beautiful and you are very generous. I look forward to meeting you at An Affair at Downton in May.