Thursday, December 18, 2008

Christmas Angels

I invited friends here for our second Christmas Ornament making, pre-Christmas get together. The following is the result of two sessions: An evening session for gainfully employed friends (or those that couldn't come to the second gathering), and a day-time session for the others that could make it.

We had nice "sessions," even though the weather found a way to interfere! The purpose is not so much to make the ornament (although it's a fond reminder), as much as to have a fun time with friends.

Yes, Virginia, I have angels for friends! ;-)
(click on any photo to enlarge)













Friends are Angels
(Author Unknown)

Our friends are like angels
Who brighten our days
In all kinds of wonderful
Magical ways

Their thoughtfulness comes
As a gift from above
And we feel we're surrounded
By warm, caring love

Like upside-down rainbows
Their smiles bring the sun
And they fill ho-hum moments
With laughter and fun

Friends are like angels
Without any wings
Blessing our lives
With the most precious things.


More angels!

Angels We Have Heard on High

Angels we have heard on high,
Singing sweetly through the night,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their brave delight.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why these songs of happy cheer?
What great brightness did you see?
What glad tiding did you hear? Refrain

Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee
Christ, the Lord, the new-born King. Refrain

See him in a manger laid
Whom the angels praise above;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
While we raise our hearts in love. Refrain



The rest of Wednesday's post shall be
somewhat Wordless.
(click photos to enlarge somewhat)
Have fun!




























Nine inches for bodies; five inches for each wing.
(We seemed to prefer the wide, wired ribbon.)































Using the floral stem, we were able to make a "hole" for
the pipe cleaner... and the pipe cleaner should come out
the backside of the skirt.



























































18 comments:

Jan said...

You've shown the steps so clearly that no one should have any trouble making these! Even I might be able to do it!! They are all so pretty, and I like the way you included the poems in your post. Merry Christmas! Jan

Gail said...

Hey there Shady! What a wonderful party idea! I bet the sessions were lively with laughter and stories! Oh to be a butterfly on an indoor plant to hear and see the festivities!(No way would I want to be a fly!) Loved this post and the angels! You do know that are one, too!

gail

Gail said...

oops...that ought to read. "You do know that you are one (an angel), too!" gail

Anonymous said...

These are delightful - such fun - I bet you had fun making them with your friend too!
K

Lisa at Greenbow said...

You and your friends are so lucky to have one another. What a fun project.

Shady Gardener said...

Jan, "We ladies" of the family used to make an ornament every year when we were together for Christmas. This was one we made years ago! It's a fun tradition. :-)

Gail, Being a mouse in the corner wouldn't be so hot, either! ha. And you're an angel, too! Thanks. :-)

Karen, We did have fun. Thanks for stopping!

Lisa, As I told Jan, this used to be a tradition in my family... now I just include my friends as family, too! :-)

Merry Christmas all!

F Cameron said...

WOW! Just beautiful! Thanks so much for the guidance on the angels.

Cameron

Shady Gardener said...

Hi Cameron, You're welcome. :-)
Have a Merry Christmas!

joey said...

I'm an angel lover, loving this post. My mother always said, "Each day an angel will come into your life. Please take time to know that you are not alone and learn." This is my life mantra. Thank you for sharing. May the gifts of this beautiful season surround you. Merry Christmas.

Kylee Baumle said...

Oh aren't these wonderful?! I really have to try this! Thanks for showing us the way!

Shady Gardener said...

Hi Joey, Thank you for your comments. It is good to be on the lookout for those blessings! :-)

Kylee, If you do this, let me know!

Pat said...

Looks like you had a good time.
The angels are sooo pretty.
Would love to make them myself.
Please post this again next year, but maybe a month before Christmas. Would really appreciate it.
Thanks and best wishes,Patsi

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful tradition to start. I'd love to host an ornament making party, I'll have to think about it for next year. Looks like so much fun (and it isn't fattening!!) The angels all turned out so beautifully and you'll always have the memory of making them. Great idea Shady Gardener!!

Shady Gardener said...

Patsi, I'll try to remember to post this earlier... or at least post the planning of it and include this link! ;-)

Kathleen, Even after I put out homemade goodies and chocolates, etc., we didn't have time to eat (much)! ha! You're right. It is the memories we make, with those visual reminders, that become special.
*The Word Verification: "blest." (I'm truly feeling that way!)

Rosemary said...

What a fun craft to do . Thanks for the directions this is something I will do with my grandchildren

Iowa Victory Gardener said...

Hi Shady,
That's a great idea to have such "sessions," though I'm far from being as crafty as you and your friends are, but such lovely results! What a great way to make memorable objects to adorn our trees and remind us of the good times spent with friends.

Fernymoss is the crafty one in this house and he'd probably love doing such an event, though me, I'd be better off in a corner writing about it, lol. Oh, the differences that bring us together in life ... they make it all interesting don't you think?

Anonymous said...

Crafty Gardener! What a nice post - I felt as though I was right there, crafting along. What sweet little angels and a happy gathering. /Deb

Shady Gardener said...

Rosemary, I would love to hear how making ornaments with your grandchildren went!

IVG, Thanks for commenting here. I'd assume this was not "your cup of tea," but it is good how we all fit together... making this life so very interesting! :-)

Deb, Hi! I'm glad you could "join us!" ;-) My 5- and 3- year old granddaughters and I made angels this week! (Michigan)