December 22, 2010

Grey Havens Christmas – Big Trees

We made room for two skinny Christmas trees this year at our new downsized home. This one is in the dining room, right next to the windows. It is decked with a wide assortment of Santa ornaments, mostly Hallmark ones that I have been collecting for over 25 years. Nearby is an ancient Jackson press cabinet which holds an assortment of blue and grey pottery. The bright red candlestick is a pottery piece that we adopted during our recent Seagrove trip. Peeking out from behind the tree is one of my numerous needlework sampler pictures which hang throughout our home.

dining room Christmas tree

The second tree is located in our cozy great room. Hubby declares that this is his favorite tree! Mine too! It is completely covered with handmade ornaments, primarily of the needlework variety. I created over 95% of the ornaments, with the remainder made by friends. (Please pardon my flat lighting, but virtually no daylight reaches this room and I had to use the dreaded flash on my camera.) A little angel bear that we purchased at a local craft show graces the top of the tree.

needlework tree in great room

I used to be a member of a local needlework club. When I first joined, I got inspired to create a bevy of Christmas ornaments after admiring another member’s tree. Some of these ornaments are 20 years old now! Most were created with counted thread patterns. But other needlework techniques are also represented, including silk ribbon, needlepoint, crazy quilting, handanger, and beading.

needlework tree closeup

There are also a few folded star balls that I made with fabric in my stash. If you are not handy with a needle and thread, you can certainly create those! Every year when I decorate this tree, I shake my head in amazement at the hundreds of hours of work that went into creating these treasures! Ah, the memories! I still stitch up a few now and then, but I have slowed down considerably now that arthritis has settled into my hands and my eyesight has gotten dim with time. This tree is also running out of room!

another needlework tree closeup

19 comments:

  1. Your tree and ornaments are just awesome.... thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas to you.

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  2. Delightful! Yes, the hands get a bit testy doing tight needlework anymore and the eyes growing dim...I can relate to all of that, but what a good thing you did all these treasures while you could. And you must have given a lot away, too. I can see why it's your favorite tree. Love the glimpses of your home!

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  3. Very nice trees Donna! Looks like a wonderful ornament collection you have!

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  4. I love the ornaments. What a great outlet for your creativity.

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  5. Your favorite tree, is so sweet!

    Gentle Christmas hugs...

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  6. OMG.....I just passed OUT!!!Hahahaha...
    How Gorgeous Donna!!!
    hughugs

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  7. WOW!!!! considering I cannot sew your handstitched tree is amazing!
    I love all your deco's Just lovely!

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  8. WOW! I am in love with your handmade ornament tree. Fabulous job my friend.
    But I counted and I believe you have more square ornaments then you do round. Can you fix that for me? LOL!
    Love you my friend.
    Kim

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  9. Love them both but the details of the needlework one show some gorgeous handiwork!

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  10. Those are some awesome looking trees especially the second one. All those ornaments are amazing. I've done some of those folded star balls. I found a pattern for them several years ago and made quite a few.

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  11. Both are very beautiful! Thanks for sharing, Donna. :)

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  12. Your home and your decorations are so beautiful Miz Donna! You are such a talented lady!

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  13. Every ornament is a work of art and so very beautiful. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

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  14. Beautiful Donna!! I love your trees!! Merry Christmas to you and your sweet hubby!

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  15. Lovely!!!..I see you have all your beautiful stitcheries displayed..Merry Christmas Donna!

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  16. What a lovely home you have Donna. Gorgeous decorations! Your tree makes me want to drag out my counted cross stitch ornaments and make some more!

    Merry Christmas!

    ~~ Connie

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  17. Donna, the hand-stitched ornaments are absolutely so wonderful. I love those folded star balls. Many years ago I commissioned the creation of one of those for each of our family members ... with our names and everything. Stephanie's has gone with her to her home now as a married lady, but the other five are still hung each year on our tree. Such great memories. Your trees are beautiful where you've placed and how you've decorated them! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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  18. Seriously, and this is downsized? LOL

    Absolutely darn gorgeous!! I was thinking of the time involved and then you wrote about it. Treasures...simply priceless :)

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  19. What beautiful trees and ornaments!!!! I will you and Jim both a wonderful New Year!!!!!
    Love ya~Judy

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Marty, here! Donna loves comments, and I faithfully pass them on to her. Thank you so much for visiting!