How I spent my summer vacation
I mentioned that I was doing some Christmas ornaments for the girls. I didn’t mention that it has taken over my dining room light fixture. I also didn’t mention what a pain in the ass it has been figuring out how to make this work. It started last Christmas when I saw hand painted ornaments on Etsy. I loved them. I wanted them. I wasn’t willing to pay $25 each for them. I thought “Pffft! I can do those myself for a lot less!” As anyone who has ever walked into a craft store knows those are the ‘famous last words’ people often speak of.
First I tried with some clear balls that we had – too small! Plus I messed them up royally while testing out different paints on glass. I couldn’t find the right size at a decent price on line. In June, Hobby Lobby put out the Christmas stuff and between grumbling over Christmas in June I was grabbing up the big 4” ornaments.
After many false starts with paint that just didn’t work, I finally like the ornaments I am painting enough that I am making them for some family and some friends. Let me just say that it would have been cheaper and easier to order them from Etsy for $25 each. I started out thinking I could paint them white with a sponge or brush and some white paint. How cute is that? The only way I’ve been successful is spray painting them white so not only is my dining room full of ornaments, so is my garage. In this one, I found out that one of the brands I used ran when I put the clear coat on. I’ve also discovered that 90% of glass paint is transparent – even the stuff that claims to be opaque. But after buying and discarding copious amounts of supplies, I’m finally figuring out what works.
None of the ornaments in the photos that follow has the shiny clear coat on it yet (except Tessa’s) or the ribbon to hang it with. I’m thinking of selling some as the holidays get closer. (If you think that I should get my head examined for thinking of selling them, feel free to say so in the comments. But maybe do it anon – I try to act tough but my little feelings get hurt sometimes.)
Oh – that is so sweet. For the right price I would totally buy one. I was looking at them on Etsy last Christmas but couldn’t rationalize the $25-$40.
Those are quite cute. I’d be like you “I could make those”. Then I’d start the project and never finish.
I think they are adorable- great job!!
I think all your troubles are worth it. They are magnificent!!!!!!!
I love them! Tessa’s is so cute!
I did several sewing projects this summer. I’m trying a dress giveaway on my blog this week for the first time and see if an Etsy shop is in my near future. We’ll see.
LOL – you make me laugh (the part about commenting anonymously). Anyway – no worries – they are AWESOME! I love them.
They look great! Way to go!
I really like them. Many years ago someone made my kids ornaments with trains and names and really fun stuff, but since then I added 4 kids and I could never do them. LOL
You should sell them!
I love the ornaments, they are so cute and I am sure that any of your family and friends that receive one will treasure them. One of my favorite parts of the holidays is putting up the tree and remembering who gave me a particular ornament. I also like to find an ornament when we are on vacation and it is always fun to think back on the places we have been.
I love those. What a great job you did. very cute 🙂
I say fire up the Etsy shop and sell away – those ornaments are darling and and you are definately talented!!!
Right after I received my daughter’s referral, a friend sent me the prettiest ornament she had hand-painted with pink roses and Hannah’s name and date of birth – it’s too pretty to just hang on a tree once a year, so I have it displayed on an ornament display hanger in her room all year long. (up on a shelf, of course!) So see – you could also paint and market them as unique, personalized baby gifts 🙂
(I should not talk – I’m still trying to finish hand-decorated Christmas stockings I started for my Mother 15 years ago…. yikes!)
Those are really cute. You did a great job. We have made Christmas ornaments since I was a little girl. I’ve been trying to think what this year’s ornament is going to look like.
When you start selling them, I will be your first customer!!! I can’t do anything crafty AT. ALL. They look great!!!
Those look awesome! I am not crafty at all.
I love personalized ornaments. Have you ever seen the swirled/marbleized kind?