Holiday Hiatus: Ornament Group 1

I love handmade for the holidays - but it is a time consuming process and I can't share what I'm making until after Christmas!  I apologize, but my posts will most likely be sporadic until January, when I will have more to show than can fit in several posts! 

I did notice that I've never shown my beaded Christmas Ornaments, so I will leave you with a couple posts fill with them to get you in the holiday cheer!  I know Halloween just ended, but snow is in the air and I can't wait!

Handmade Ornament - painted and beaded.

Handmade Ornament - painted and beaded.

Handmade Ornament - painted and bead.

Handmade Ornament - painted and bead.  This one has a fun "hidden" bottom with a star!

Each ornament started as a plain clear or frosted glass ball - I painted them inside and then beaded them on the outside.  Since then, I've learned better painting techniques if you want a smooth finish inside - rinse with alcohol first!  Still, I personally like the imperfect, handmade painted look with sporadic, drippy paint!

Happy Creating,
PZ

Beaded Suncatchers: Beyond the Spiral

Sun-inspired beaded and wire wrapped suncatcher with antique chandelier crystals. 

There is nothing as mesmerizing on a sunny day as watching rainbows glitter on the walls through a suncatcher - or several!  I remember playing with suncatchers as a child - heck, I still play with suncatchers as an adult!

Beaded and wire-wrapped suncatcher with antique chandelier crystals.

While I love the rainbows splayed from traditional crystal suncatchers, I also love stained glass, witchballs, and beaded window ornaments.  I have not learned how to make stained glass or blown glass, so while I purchase the first two, I happily make the beaded suncatchers!

Simple spiral beaded suncatcher with antique chandelier crystals.

Many beaded suncatchers are simple to make - crimp beads onto fishing line or string them on a wire spiral and hang!  I like these, but I also like more detailed window ornaments - ones that remind me of stained glass.....or are fun and quirky!

Suncatcher for those who like rain - even sunny days can bring joy!

And crystals can always be added to these, too, if you desire a bit more sparkle - and the lure and nostalgia of rainbows! 

Nature-inspired suncatcher with crackle glass and quartz chip beads.

This is my biggest and sparkliest all crystal suncatcher - Columbine - made from Swarovski crystals and entered in one of Fire Mountain Gems' beading contests:

My largest and most detailed suncatcher yet!  Swarovski crystal and copper - "Columbine".

Wish Me Luck and Happy Creating!
PZ