August 20, 2009, 8:41 pm
Most people know of Swarovski crystal for the beautiful crsytal ornaments that they produce and nowadays they are very well known for the beads that are used for jewellry. The reflective qualities of the glass makes for stunning pieces of jewellry and ornaments. I have some of the early Swarovski crystal Christmas ornaments, they made a range of crsytal shapes (called Crystal memories that later became Christmas Memories) including pines cones, chapels, stars and bells, these were are designed to hang on the tree. Currently Swarovski produce a large range of Christmas ornaments and every year introduce a new Christmas Star, this tradition started in 1991 and in 2003 they introduced a smaller Christmas star as a companion piece. Crystal ornaments add a lovely effect to any Christmas tree and especially beautiful when used with Christmas lights, then you can have a dazzling Christmas tree.
August 1, 2009, 7:17 pm
I have discovered temari balls. I know they have been around for a very long time. They are a old Japanese folk craft that has been gaining popularity again. There is quite an amount of work in one of these, using embroidery techniques to create a unique item. I found that they make an unusual handmade Christmas ornament. The standard designs for temari balls can be used with seasonal colors to make stunning Christmas baubles that can hung on the tree or used elsewhere as a Christmas decoration. The temari balls look great in a bowl or set near to candles. Using modern designs it is possible to create effects of snowflakes, flowers like poinsettias or stars, in fact anything that sets your creative fingers itching! Good luck.
February 9, 2012, 1:00 pm
If you are like me then during the run up to the Christmas season you start looking out for unusual or different Christmas decorations to add to your stash and make this years Christmas the best yet. I enjoy handmade Christmas ornaments- and usually like to make them myself. This year I have discovered Temari balls- they are an old Japanese art form that has been revived. Basically they are balls ( can be Styrofoam these days but historically were old kimonos!) wrapped with yarn, then thread to given and interesting texture. Then the balls are embroidered with silk or thread to give an interesting design. Designs such as snowflakes or poinsettias look very effective in the colors to suit. Temari balls are available for purchase online, so check them out.
