I like figuring out ways to fancy up stuff. (Too bad most stuff looks better plain–think about the beauty of an ax handle, or a shaker box, or a Mission Style dresser. But those of us without the gift for simplifying have to rely upon other methods for trying to beautify our surroundings.)
Below I give examples of two crafts I adapted, or developed, which allow me to give ephemeral gifts. As I get older and older and have more and more stuff (or junk) my appreciation for fleeting gifts, in which truly the thought counts most, grows.
file updated 18apr06, stollen link added 05may06, childcraft 9apr08
These embroidered stockings are—surprise—in the Embroidery section of the site, but as they are a holiday craft as well, I've posted them here, too. Enjoy. Initial post 11feb05, last updated 08jan09.
Many years ago I decorated this box with costume jewelry components, going for a rich, encrusted look . Originally posted 03dec08.
With this cocoa tin, I've started on collages, what we now call mixed media, . Originally posted 13nov08.
the f2 generation's forays into the (visual) arts. Directory created 9apr08; first 2 posts of works from 2005 & 2006.
Decorative macrame board, by Kathleen Robinson (with more silk flowers added by sylvus tarn). Originally posted 1apr08.
Examples of giftwrap, unfortunately with no howto. But it's pretty obvious. Newest stuff—gifts from 2005, finally posted 2006, and ``2006'' gifts actually wrapped in 2007.
My take on edible pysanky . On 13apr09, I created three new posts—1 for 2008 pysanky, 1st batch of 2009 pysanky, and a second 2009 pysanka with a new quick-tutorial guide in addition to the older how-to-post.
A recipe (with pix) of a family tradition. Originally posted 10dec05
Unless otherwise noted, text, image and objects depicted therein copyright 1996--present sylvus tarn.
