Little beads!

I started making the ornaments "a la grandma Mae" the other day.  I have to admit this project started out daunting so I avoided it over the past few weeks.  I got as far as purchasing the ornament kit, reading through the materials, getting the remaining things I needed to start the project like batting, craft scissors, etc.. then organizing my materials.  Then I just stared at it all feeling overwhelmed! The directions are lengthy and a bit confusing which delayed my start.

I decided to ditch the directions (using only the ornament photos as my guide) and finally put needle to felt last week (albeit with some wine in me).  The stitching started off rough (due to both the wine and my impatience to "get it over with").  Looking at my sloppy stitching discouraged me even more. 

Well, last night, with renewed motivation from family (thank you Meredith!) I finally put a sober hand to the craft again.  I posted some starting and ending photos of last night's progress here.  I decided to make a gingerbread man who will eventually be holding a candy cane.  While my embroidery work is nothing to brag about, I am much happier with last night's progress.  (see below).  He actually looks kind of cute! I am looking forward to getting back to this tonight and doing it right (again, thank you Meredith!) 

The one thing that did trouble me (perhaps it would not have, had I read the directions!) was sewing the tiny beads and sequins on to my gingerbread man.  Maggie, if you are reading this, I welcome your advice instructions on how to get those damn things on there the right way.  I refuse to read the directions again!)

On another note, each year, in continuance of my mother's tradition with me and my siblings, I purchase an ornament for my children for our Christmas tree.  When they are older and out of the house, like my mother did, I will give them their box of ornaments.  Last year, I "made" them ornaments by gluing fancy paper to pre-made ornament shapes (wine was involved with that project too :)  Man did I think that was an accomplishment!   It is obvious to me now that this ornament and one more that I hope to make will go to my children when they are done and will surely outshine last year's attempts at ornament-making.  With that in mind, I am really trying to make beautiful finished products for my kids.  I look forward to telling them the story behind the ornaments later in life. 

Thanks for reading.  More to come- stay with me!!