Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Simple, Handmade Paper Ornaments


Hello Friends..
I hope this finds you well
and enjoying the peace and beauty of these
almost winter days.
There's so much to take in!
I have to remember to 

*breathe and notice.*

I'm not quite sure what to write in this post.
Last evening, I spent an hour or more 
working on a post and published it.
This morning, I opened my dashboard
and the post is just gone.

Hmmm.
Has that ever happened to you before?

Anyway. I guess I'll try again!

Last week did not go as planned. 
I have been busy with many things.
Mostly getting back on top of this 
rambling home of ours after our
most glorious and fun, and memorable Thanksgiving.

We had sleep-overs
with kids and grandkids.
Guitar music and sweet voices
filled the room as we sang some of our 
old favorites and new songs.
To celebrate
the beauty of the season and everyday
life in song is one of my favorite things.
And there's something very special in that
"sit-around-the-living-room"
kind of singing.

 And to hear our grand children lift their requests
to heaven during family prayer
was one of the sweetest things I can think of.
So sincere and pure.

Our Apples to Apples game got 
very wild and crazy.
My oldest daughter said, "It was a blast!" 
She's 33.
A little organized chaos always adds fun and laughter!
And watching the little to pre-teen kids play Twister
was a highlight for sure!

Blessed would describe our time together best.
And I'm so grateful. 
It won't be like that every year because
the travelers can't always break away.
They were very brave to drive
900 miles with a 6 month
and two year old. And then back
home again through icey Texas and Oklahoma.

*******************
Are your hands busy with creating
gifts and offerings for this wondrous season?
I hope you're having a most enjoyable and fulfilling time.
And that you're experiencing the warmth that just
seems to surround us during this time.

 music
visits
delicious hot drinks
sweet treats 
wild birds and
 animals outside your window
working with your hands
the lights
(we have ever so many lights)


Here's a bit of what I've been doing.
They are pretty quick and easy.
One could use them as ornaments,
gift tags or package embellishments.

I made a pattern and cut two pieces
of the chosen card stock or paper.
The plan was then to sew them together
and stuff them with pillow filling.

After finishing the sewing,
I used my crop-o-dile to set 
an eyelet in each one. It makes them stronger
and I like the finished look.
I, then, trimmed around the outside edge with
a pair of zig-zag craft scissors
to give them a tree branch look. 

Then comes the fun of embellishing.
I just used whatever I had that
co-ordinated with the paper that I chose.
I enjoy this kind of detail work very much!

And these days, I'm lighting a candle
to remind me, while I'm working, to 
pray for my friends and family.


Thank you so much for stopping by. 
And thank you for your thoughtful and encouraging 
comments that you leave here.


What kind of things have you been doing?

Peace and joy to you all..


13 comments:

Roosterhead Designs said...

Hello Tamara,
It was a delight to read your post about the family holiday. What a great time you have described! To hear our grandchildren pray - there is nothing like it~
So happy you had that time together.
These decorations are something I would love to try! I especially love the sheet music one; as I love white~ Each one is beautiful! Made with love. I think I will be able to do a few crafts this week-end!
I did want to mention that I saw your post very late last nite, & early this AM, but when I tried to open it, it said "the page you want does not exist" - or something like that. Hmmm. Blogland...
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead. You have so much JOY to carry with you in your heart; from all the family festivities you've just had~ Great memories.
Blessings to you, Karen O

Christine said...

Dear Tamara what a warm and cozy post filled with family love and joy! so glad you and your loved had a wonderful time together!
How sweet are your gift tags! they are so pretty and just gorgeous!
Have a wonderful day and enjoy the joy of this special season!

Karen B. said...

Dear Tamara,
your little trees have turned out so lovely! You seem to have had a lovely time with your children and grandchildren. We play apples to apples too and have a lot of fun. Wishing you and your a Merry Christmas.
Many hugs,
Karen B. ~ Todolwen

Tamara said...

Thank you so much Karen..
White is one of my favorite "colors" too.. I hope you're able to spend some time crafting this weekend. Working with my hands is such a peaceful thing.
Thank you for mentioning my post..that was helpful to know! Blessings to you.

Tamara <3

Tamara said...

Christine..
Your visits and kind comments are so much appreciated. Thank you! Our Thanksgiving was a joyful one indeed! I hope your holiday season is filled with love and peace.


Tamara xox

Tamara said...

Karen, how fun that you play apples to apple also.. it's great for a large gathering. Your visit means so much..Thank you. I hope your week is filled with the joy and blessings of the season.

Hugs to you,
tamara <3

Lucy said...

Your tags are so pretty! I would love to make some. Thank you for the inspiration and for stopping by this morning for a visit on my blog! ;o) Blessings!

Anonymous said...

Tamara,
Such a beautiful post and this collection of paper ornaments, well they are simply delightful!
Many thanks for taking the time to visit my Blog, Adorn.
Wishes
Lynne

Cheryl said...

Lovely trees you've made. I love the look of sewn paper, it always pulls my eye to it for some reason.

Stephanie said...

Dearest Tamara, this post was such a blessing to my heart. Family time is always so precious.

The ornaments are especially lovely and the tree made with sheet music caught my eye...it's beautiful, my friend. Love and hugs to you!

Lin from A {tiny} Cottage In The Woods said...

A lovely post, Tamara, filled with everything that brings a heart joy.
Have a lovely weekend!
xo,
Lin

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

So beautiful. It is wonderful that your family could visit. It is hard to pack up little ones and travel far, because it seems they need a lot to travel. Love your ornaments... They are very beautiful, I especially love the music one. Love your idea of a candle to remind you. I use to do that, but got out of the habit. A lovely ritual to have xoxo Su

iHanna said...

Love your busy holiday time description, it sounds lovely! And your trees are so cute, a bit like mine that I did in felt, but not as over filled with trinkets, hehe.

Happy Holidays to you and yours!