Christmas. Do you make it? Do you wear it?

I know for myself, I don't think about winter and Christmas themed beads or jewelry until the season is right upon us. Admit it, it is a bit hard to think creatively about winter when it's still only summer! And so I'm always a bit late to the party and sadly have little to bring. This year it's my little sleepy red-nosed reindeer again—I have the first batch in progress now.

But now ideas for snowmen, snowflakes, forest scenes of pines and bare grey trees, and mittens are filling my mind too. Should I give them a try?

I also think that I delay because I, myself am not really a "Christmas-y" person. I've never been one to show it off in my wardrobe and making Christmas jewelry is something I simply can not do. And so as I think about making those beads and the fact that I've never really been able to use them myself, I wonder just how many people will want what I make… or will I even like what I make?

Now, this isn't to say I don't like Christmas beads and jewelry—in fact it's the very opposite! There are so many lovely beads that fill my heart with nostalgia. And gorgeous handmade jewelry to make anyone swoon. I love this time of year the most and so it makes me a bit sad I can't get it all to work for me. I admire those of you who can do it with such skill and beauty!

I've decided to give myself a bigger push in the winter direction (maybe Christmas designs will come later) and see where it leads me. My start was my new Arctic Hares—they're white and winter-y and don't scream Christmas too loudly. We shall see how it goes…

 Arctic foxes will be next and maybe snowy owls… Hmmm…

And now for some Christmas eye candy to inspire us all!

LindaLandigJewelry

blueberribeads

suburbangirlbeads

kylieparry

WondrousStrange

humblebeads

maryhardingjewelry

suebeads

THEAElements

KristiBowmanDesign

Yes, I'm in awe of you ladies who make these beauties! You inspire me!

So, what about you, dear readers? Do you make Christmas themed beads, components, or jewelry? Do you wear them yourself? Or are you like me and can't seem to get the Christmas theme to work for you? Do share!

Winter Inspirations

Do you ever find that one day when you sit down in front of your ever-growing stash of beads that your mind draws a total blank? You suddenly feel like maybe you're not as good at making jewelry as you felt you were just other day when you finished that stunning masterpiece that all your friends adored?

What's wrong with you!?

Nothing. Don't worry, it's normal. All of us have those days.

Sometimes you just need to take a break, try a different approach, or learn something totally new. It can only get better, and not just your technique will improve, but also your style. Jewelry making is an ever-evolving thing.

So, for today I'm sharing two color palettes captured in beautiful rural Virgina and have paired them up with some fabulous art beads all handmade by the talented members of AJE. I hope that these will spark your imagination!

Each photo below is linked to Etsy, so if you see something you just have to have (I know you will!), simply click on it and buy. And don't forget to grab our coupon code AJEHOLIDAY for some outstanding savings!

Okay, so you reached the end of my post (almost) and your not quite ready to make your own jewelry, or maybe you just want that perfect piece of jewelry for your sister, your mom, your best friend… yourself… we have those too! And yes they're on sale. Use code AJEHOLIDAY and click on the photos to shop.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Rebekah

treewingsstudio.com

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This post is part of the Art Jewelry Elements 2012 Holiday Open House.

Art Jewelry Elements team members are offering special deals in their online shops to AJE readers starting today and going through Cyber Monday (November 26). You can see the complete list of participating members and details about the discounts here.

Please help support the artist community by buying handmade for your gift-giving this year.

The Holly and the Ivy

Shiny lustrous dark green leaves, accentuated by bright candy like berries... holly is a holiday icon, a staple of decorating in its real form and many silk ( and plastic...) facsimiles. As a kid growing up in Maryland we had a HUGE holly tree in our yard - lovely to have so much green through the winter. And a veritable apartment building for the birds...

Image credit: www.flowersociety.org

And at this time of year - the British carol "The Holly and the Ivy " comes to mind. But why holly and ivy at Christmas time?
"The holly and the ivy,

When they are both full grown,

Of all trees that are in the wood,

The holly bears the crown:

O, the rising of the sun,

And the running of the deer

The playing of the merry organ,

Sweet singing in the choir.

The traditional lyrics link go on to link the red of the berries to Christ's blood, and the prickly leaves to the Crown of Thorns. The ivy is barely mentioned at all, and that was what had me wondering about the roots of the song, perhaps in older Celtic folklore?

Folklorist Cecil Sharp recorded older versions depicting a contest of sorts between Holly ( masculine) and Ivy (feminine):

Holly stands in the hall, fair to behold:

Ivy stands without the door, she is full sore a cold.

Nay, ivy, nay, it shall not be I wis;

Let holly have the mastery, as the manner is.

Holly and his merry men, they dance and they sing,

Ivy and her maidens, they weep and they wring.

Nay, ivy, nay, it shall not be I wis;

Let holly have the mastery, as the manner is.

There are records of Midwinter dances held in rural villages, complete with singing exchanges between the genders. Resolution - under the mistletoe, naturally! These three plants are very prominent evergreens in the English winter landscape, and as such work their way in to folklore over the years. 

I found a really charming mention of a British Midwinter/Yule tradition: The holly boy and the ivy girl. Representing the masculine and feminine, they sang and processed through town, carrying evergreens to symbolize eternal light and life during the darkest point in the year. 

In Celtic lore, the Holly King ruled over the "dark" half of the year, as days grow shorter. His reign ends at the Winter Solstice, when days gradually become longer...(His counterpart is the Oak King. ) Holly has been brought inside as a garland since ancient times - its evergreen heartiness a symbol of encouragement and fortitude in the bleak winter. Ivy was very popular for decorations, and "decking the halls" during the Victorian era...

                  

And yes - that IS mistletoe they are hanging... stay tuned for folklore on that most merry of plants!

Thank you for stopping by our Holiday Open House. And please feel free to browse our shops. As the season starts today with Black Friday we have many sales and tempting treasures... You can find all the details at our Holiday Open House page.

Jenny

Www.jdaviesreazor.com