Anyone who knows me knows I love crafting, especially at Christmas.  The picture at right is one of my village houses that I painted myself and crafted with fake snow among other things.  I buy these village houses from craft stores and on the internet in their original plaster/ceramic form and very much enjoy making them my own.  Most of the ornaments on my tree are ones I have painted myself as well. 

This fun tradition was something both my grandmother and great-grandmother instilled in me.  Growing up, every year, we would receive several beautiful new onaments that they would specially create for us.  I took those memories and decided years ago to make those same memories with my children.  My tree is fitted with an ornament that each of them has painted every year.  It is really special. 

Below are the links to a few of the places I order from:

Ceramic Art Space Online:  http://www.ceramicartspace.com/ceramics153_212/store.html

Michaels Online:  http://www.michaels.com/

When working with plaster/ceramics such as the unfinished ornament on the left, it is important to use the right paints and varnish.  You can find these specific paints at any of your local craft stores.  I use the spray varnish to shine them up.  All of them come with pre-made holes in the top for easy hanging on your trees.  I use Christmas ribbon to make the little hangers and they always come out great!

As you can see, the final product you get from these unfinished crafts can be joyus and festive and they add a lot of decor to your homes during the holidays.  More importantly, when you take the time to create them yourself by using your own imagination and by allowing your children to also help you create, you are making invaluable memories for your children, like the ones that my grandmother and great-grandmother made with me.  I never forgot the time they spent with me and I always looked forward to that special time of the year when I could sit with them and watch their hands work. 

Merry Christmas TMF Readers and Happy Crafting!
Di