'Tis the season...

 

Oh Christmas tree, how lovely are thy branches...

A client asked me a few weeks ago what decorations to use for her tree. "Anything that makes you happy and that mean something to you", I replied, knowing the result might look nothing close to a "designer tree", but instead would be very unique and personal.

I like that approach.

I think a Christmas tree is great for letting your personality shine through and for telling your story, whether it's about travels, hobbies, traditions or culture.

Following my own background, this Christmas I'm all over simple straw decorations, that are such a big part of the Swedish Christmas tradition.


"The real thing", bought in Sweden a few years ago.

I've made a few pieces using local materials to complement the store-bought ornaments that were already in my tree.

For a beginner straw crafter, I'm pretty happy with the result, which makes for cute little hostess gifts these holidays. Check them out below.

Wishing you Happy and Safe Holidays!
See you in 2015!



Hand-made straw star à la Nina.

Here's another shape I tried, with added

plumes in the corners.

 



 

Materials. I got the straw from the roadside along HW 17,

just west of North Bay. The waxed thread is from Lee Valley Tools

and the wool yarn from Stix and Stones in North Bay.

 

Speaking of Christmas trees, isn't this metal one just the coolest?

Made by Kathleen Atkinson-Hindle. Available at Art on Main.