1998

1999

Every year, I make a Christmas ornament.  Or, I suppose I should say, I make a bunch of them.  A different handmade ornament, every year.  Since 1998, the ornaments have been made of fabric, fused to a black felt background, and embellished with buttons, beads or embroidery.  They’re easy to make and they come in very handy.

Initially, I made them for my neices and nephews.  I fuse a piece of muslin on the back where I write their name and date with a Pigma pen.  I then attach the ornament to their Christmas gift, like a gift tag.  My thought was that they could collect them, year by year, and maybe one day I would make a quilt for them to hang on. 

2000

2001

2002

2003

Eventually, I realized these little ornaments had other uses.  They could be a little gift for teachers, newspaper boys, or house cleaners.  I could attach them to hostess gifts and gift cards.  Children of my friends started their own collections.  They were a simple way to add a personal touch to Christmas wishes.

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

This series of ornaments come from a pattern called Here Comes Santa by Art to Heart.  Each ornament was designed to attach to a wallhanging from buttons on the quilt.  I’m not sure whether I’ll ever make the accompanying quilt, but I sure have enjoyed making a new ornament every year.  This pattern is still available if you would like to start your own collection of annual handmade Christmas ornaments.

What ornament will I make this year?  I haven’t decided yet – and besides, I can’t spoil the surprise!