Handmade Ornament Inspirations

As I’ve been working on my entry for Michaels Dream Tree Challenge, I realized many of my most cherished ornaments are ones that have been handmade and given to me as gifts or personalized ornaments that I’ve made myself. Here’s a round-up of some of my favorite ideas.

1. Upcycled CDs

I love to receive beautiful holiday cards and really hate to throw them out. One way to keep, display and enjoy them is to make ornaments using old compact disks and ModPodge. Another way to make recycled CDs into ornaments is to use rubber stamps, scrapbook paper and embellishments.

2. Felt and fabric ornaments

Needlework Editor Denise Felton created this beautiful ornament with fabric scraps, ribbon and a colorful button.

These plush felt beaded heart ornaments were also created by Denise.

My Aunt Donna created this felt ornament way back in the early ’70s!

One of our family traditions is to celebrate Christmas Eve with a taco feast. We affectionately call this tradition “Taco Eve.” Here’s an ornament I made of felt, foam and tiny red jingle bells.

3. Crochet Ornaments

In addition to pretty snowflakes and wreaths my Grandma Ila used to crochet, she and I once collaborated to make these most cherished heirloom ornaments.

4. Paper ornaments

Scrapbook supplies make wonderful ornaments. This beauty was designed by Sewing Editor Anne Weaver. The hollow ornament was cut using a Wishblade, stamped, assembled and embellished with punched paper.

Created by Lisa Bylander, this tiny take out box was hand stamped and assembled.
These exquisitely hand-painted ornaments are made from coin collecting envelopes, vellum and tiny braided cord. Designed and created by Graphic Artist Jann Bell, these ornaments are particularly beautiful when illuminated by the tree lights.

5. Salt Dough

These ornaments have been retired from duty but are a testament to how hardy salt dough is. These examples were made in the 80s!

Another Taco Eve ornament. Get the recipe for salt dough and my tutorial for wearable holiday cheer!

Cookie cutters + salt dough = endless possibilities.

Salt dough can also be used to hand build thin 3D shapes.

What are your favorite handmade ornaments?

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20 Ways To Use Scrabble Tiles In Jewelry Making

In the dimly lit corner of my small jewelry studio, the silver soldering torch hisses to life. The familiar scent of metal and flux fills the air. As a jewelry maker, I’ve always found a certain magic in the process of soldering. It’s the moment when separate pieces of metal, like puzzle pieces, come together to create a beautiful whole. Over the years, I’ve gathered my fair share of tips and tricks that have made this art form more of a delight than a chore. Here, I’ll share some of those secrets to help you master the art of soldering in your jewelry making journey.

1. Set the Stage for Success
Before diving into soldering, ensure that your workspace is well-organized and clutter-free. You need a clear and clean surface to focus on your work. Make sure you have all your tools and materials within easy reach. An organized workspace not only boosts efficiency but also minimizes the chances of accidents.

2. Fire Up the Torch with Confidence
The torch is often the heart of soldering, and it can be intimidating for beginners. When I was starting, I remember feeling nervous about lighting the torch. But here’s a tip: practice lighting and adjusting the flame without your jewelry piece. Get comfortable with the torch, and you’ll gain more control.

3. Understand the Three S’s: Surface, Solder, and Sweat
Surface preparation is key. Clean the metal surfaces you plan to solder meticulously. Use a brush or abrasive paper to remove any oxides or contaminants. Then, apply flux. It’s like a magical potion that prevents oxidation and helps the solder flow.

The solder itself comes in various forms: sheets, wire, and paste. Choose the type that suits your project best. For small, delicate joints, I prefer solder wire, as it’s easier to position accurately.

As for the ‘sweat,’ it’s the term for the moment when the metal reaches the right temperature, and the solder flows like liquid silver. It’s crucial to wait for this moment, rather than forcing the solder to melt. This requires patience and practice.

4. Master the Art of Heat Control
Controlling the heat is a skill that comes with time. It’s essential to understand that different parts of your jewelry piece may require varying levels of heat. Larger pieces need more heat, while smaller or delicate areas need a gentle touch. Don’t rush this process; take your time to heat evenly.

5. Use Third-Hand Tools and Binding Wire
These trusty sidekicks are indispensable for securing your jewelry pieces during soldering. The third-hand tool can hold your workpiece in place, leaving your hands free to manipulate the torch and solder. Binding wire is your invisible assistant, helping to align and support delicate elements during soldering.

6. Post-Soldering Care
Once your soldering is complete, it’s crucial to quench your jewelry piece in a pickling solution. This removes any remaining flux and oxides, leaving you with a clean, shiny piece. After pickling, give your creation a good scrub with a brass brush for that extra shine.

7. Practice Makes Perfect
Like any art, soldering takes time to master. It’s not uncommon to experience frustration in the beginning, but remember that practice is your best friend. Take on small projects, perfect your technique, and gradually work your way up to more complex designs.

Soldering is more than just a technical skill; it’s an art form that bridges the gap between separate elements and transforms them into a unified whole. My journey as a jewelry maker has been a series of sparks, flames, and, yes, occasional mishaps, but each experience has added to my skill and passion.

Solder Like a Pro with these great tips

Bezel Set Ring Tutorial

Torch Talk

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