Remaining gifts of "12 Days of Christmas" Swap

These are the last four gifts I received in the online "12 Days of Christmas" swap.

On the left is a gorgeous etched glass ornament; on the right is another ornament - a jeweled bauble.

This is a handmade box that opens like a book to reveal six handmade cards nestled inside. 

So unique!

This shows the inside "top" that covers the cards. You can also see one of the cards. These will come in handy this year for birthdays and other occasions.

This is a darling necklace made with a wine cork! This, too, is very unique!

And a sweet little "JOY" banner. Each triangle is only 3.5" tall. So cute!

I was assigned Day 10 and I made a mixed media ornament. I used gel medium to cover the clear plastic ornament with torn book text papers. Then I painted, stamped and collaged on bits of green patterned papers. I stamped "joy" on tissue paper and then glued it in place, doodled around the tree and tied a bow and hanger with baker's twine.

Here are all twelve before I sent them off.

I couldn't find suitable boxes for them so I made pillow boxes with heavy yardstick and sent them in padded envelopes. 

I hope everyone enjoyed them! I love this annual swap as it's such a fun way to start off the Christmas season.

Annual "12 Days of Christmas" Swap

I am in an online art group that does an annual "12 Days of Christmas" swap. 12 participants are in each group and you make twelve little gifts (alike or very similar) and send one out for each participant. You are assigned a number and that is the day that your gift is opened by everyone.

I corraled all my little gifts in a basket waiting for the first day to start opening (Dec. 13). Doesn't it look festive?!

These are my first three days' gifts. On the left is Day 1 - a cute pair of snowman earrings attached to a pretty tag. In the middle, Day 2 - a sweet tiny ornament with a wooden spool as a base.  And on the right, a children's-size denim pocket decorated for Christmas and filled with Jolly Ranchers.

This is such a fun activity and one I look forward to every year. If you've never done this, get some friends together and do your own 12 Days of Christmas project!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday spending time with loved ones. We have had a very busy December and I have lots of catching up to do!

We returned Saturday from a week in Austin with Kelly, Josh, Carl and Mitchell. It was great to be with the littles - this is the first Christmas that Carl has really gotten into it. So much fun experiencing it through a three-year-old's eyes! His Elf-on-the-Shelf, Hermie, kept Santa updated on his good behavior and he received a very stuffed stocking and lots of good presents.

I received the remaining six gifts of my online group's "12 Days of Christmas Gifts." Each and every one was so unique and lovely.

Day 7
Denim cuff bracelet from Nancy

Day 8

corner bookmark, decorated clip, ribbon bookmark from Barb

Day 9

beaded icicle ornament from Judy

Day 10

Sewn cardinal ornament from Teresa

Day 11

Beaded drop earrings from Darlene

Day 12

Acrylic frame calendar from Laurie

I love all my gifts and it was so much fun opening one per day!

Day 4

Are all these beautiful ornaments getting you in the mood for the holidays? I am, despite the summer-like temps we still have in TX!  Rhonda's darling Christmas Santa ornament is up next on the blog (www.thelittlebluehouseblog.blogspot.com).

Please visit the blog for the full tutorial. She uses some new products including Viva's Inka Gold paints and Ranger Rock Candy Distress Crackle paint.  Leave a comment for a chance to win this ornament!  And be sure to come back tomorrow for my ornament!

Congratulations to Debra White for winning yesterday's "blooming" flower ornament.

Day One

Our first ornament is, fittingly, a little blue house ornament designed by Miss Tracy!

A complete photo tutorial on how to make this adorable little house is on The Little Blue House blog today.  Be sure to comment on the post for a chance to win your very own ornament and, if you'd like to make one, kits are available too.  This is a custom house created exclusively for the LBH by Heart of Texas - you won't find it anywhere else!