Decorating Your Christmas Tree With Handmade Bird Ornaments Made With Painted Papers

Handmade Christmas Bird Ornaments Made By Collage Artist Lynn Gall Using Painted Papers 

Collage artist Lynn Gall is used to decorating papers with inks, paints and textures to use in her attractive Mixed Media collages. But now she has cut the left over papers she has accumulated into birds which she embellishes for Christmas Tree ornaments. 

To make hand decorated papers, you can use crayons, inks, acrylic paints, markers etc in a variety of color palettes and designs.  Simply take drawing paper and cover the papers with your paint and other media. To create different unique designs, you can scrape into a wt painted paper, stamp, fold, layer, use resist (paint over wax) etc. Try laying down plastic wrap on your wet painted paper or drizzling inks on top of the dried painted paper. 

Metallic paints and glitter are fun to use.

My best advice is to play for your art materials and you will discover so many different ways to decorate papers for your bird ornaments.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Making Christmas Ornaments From Old Dictionary Pages

Handmade Sparkling Christmas Ornaments Made From Vintage Dictionary Pages By Abbey Road Designs 

If you  take a close up look at this holiday tree ornament, you will  discover that it is made using the pages  of an old dictionary. Mixed Media artist Leslie Rottner who sells on Etsy.com  paints pages from a vintage dictionary. These pastel colored strips are then applied with adhesive to plastic balls. Ribbons, glitter and embellishments are added. For those of you in Connecticut, Leslie has just opened a small shop in the new SoNo Market Place in South Norwalk, CT.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Christmas Holiday Gifts Made From Old Game Boards And Book Covers

Making Your Own Journal/Scrap Book From Old Game Boards Or Book Covers


Over the Thanksgiving holidays, my sister opened up the trunk to her car to show me a load of flea market finds she wasn't sure what to do with.  In the pile of collectible junk she was giving me first dibs at, were some beat up board games from the 60s and 70s.

Making Handmade Journal Books From Old Game Boards

In the past I have given old game pieces to a friend of mine who makes assemblage art using found objects. But recently she has moved away from  toy and game parts onto tea bags and other mixed media. So I passed on my sister's games only to regret my decision to send her back home, game parts and all.

Abbey Road Designs Opens At Sono Market In Norwalk, CT 

Two days later, I visited a shop called "Abbey Road Designs" which has just opened in the brand new "Sono Market Place" in Norwalk, CT. Lo and behold, the owner, a mixed media artist had up- cycled old game boards and book covers into colorful and useful notebooks or diary/journal books. Now I was sorry I sent my sister home games still in the trunk. I would have to wait until the next stash of old books and game boards came my way.

Instructions For Making Journal/Scrapbooks From Old Game Boards Or Book Covers

Cut up old heavy cardboard game boards or book covers using a Jigsaw in two pieces of the same size. Next punch two holes in the newly made covers and adds binder rings and paper.  These charming books would be a wonderful way to tailor a special book for a young child or to use a theme cover such as an old scrabble board for a scrabble lover. If you arre not the craft type person,  you can buy these wonderful up cycled books at http://www.etsy.com/listing/103324013/scrabble-game-board-recycled-art-journal


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Vintage Christmas Craft Idea: Making Gifts From Old Children's Books

Making A Recipe Book From A Vintage Christmas Golden Book

I saved all my children's Golden books for years and than finally gave them away to a young couple who just had their first son.  Here is a neat idea for those of you who still have a few vintage Golden

books hanging around. Or if you too gifted your Golden books long ago, you can visit a local flea market, thrift shop or Antique mall and hunt for some.At this time of the year, pick out some Christmas themed books because you are going to adore this idea.

Using Vintage Golden Books To Craft With

On the blog Vintage Street Market I learned about making a Golden Book Recipe Book.This is right up my alley because I have been making art out of old books for months. This is a whimsical twist to altering old books.

Altering The Vintage Christmas Book

The crafter in this project separated the cover into two new pieces and inserted some new pages to decorate and personalize . The new book is than bound.  Family recipes are added in an envelope which is  attached to one or more of the pages.

For all the details on how to make this project please visit Vintage Street Market http://blog.vintagestreetmarket.com/archives/2948 , a website dedicated to vintage crafting. Be sure to read their blog and also visit their online store.

Where To Buy Vintage Christmas Craft Supplies

This is the time you can use all your vintage Christmas notions,  Christmas wrap, yarn scraps, tinsel, snowflakes etc. If you want to carry the vintage theme through out this altered Christmas recipe book theme, be sure to read my post "Shopping For Vintage Christmas Wrapping Paper, Notions, Christmas Craft Supplies" so you will know where to buy vintage materials for the holidays.

This wonderful idea was spotted on "Vintage Christmas Crafts" a delightful board on Pinterest.com
Thank you to Kathy Westaby for sharing this pin.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Making Vintage Button Ball Christmas Ornaments

Crafting With Vintage Sewing Buttons For The Holidays

Right now in my art studio I have bags of of colorful vintage 1940s and 1950s sewing buttons. I keep looking at the large plastic storage box that is holding this stash. Bongo...I just came across a possible vintage craft idea which I actually think I could do. On the blog Incy Wincy Stitches, I found a tutorial on how to make Button baubles. I'm calling them Christmas Button ball ornaments.

Baubles, balls, whatever you want to name them, this idea is so sweet that I had to share it. I can  imagine this Christmas craft idea working with children, older adults or anyone in between.


Materials Needed

Styrofoam balls
vintage (or new buttons0.
eye hooks/or screws
ribbon (to hang)
double sided tape
scissors

Optional
Pva glue/ or Diamond Gla
ze
glitter
paint brushes

This project is very simple. You cover the ball with the tape keeping it smooth, Cover the eye hook with yarn to hide the metal. Stick the eye hook in the ball to use to hang with. Add your buttons.

To learn the rest visit http://incywincytogs.blogspot.com/2009/12/button-baubles-tutorial.html

A big thank you to Kathy Westaby on Pinterest who has a wonderful board of Vintage Christmas Crafts which she has shared with her followers. This craft idea post was inspired by her board.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Using Old Christmas Cards In Mixed Media Art Projects

What To Do With Old Christmas Cards: Make Art 


As a mixed media artist I am always tearing up old papers and re constructing pictures with these paper elements. I am also a saver and have been for as long as I can remember, saving "stuff" that I might need someday in a craft project. Right now I am using glue sticks with orange caps. I have accumulated quite a collection of  discarded "tops" which are sitting in a bowl. Someday, I might need to boost up something and the "tops" might just be the little boosters I am looking for.

Creative People Are Crafty Hoarders 

 Santa Claus Christmas Art Block 

Creative people are crafty hoarders. We see the possibility in objects that other don't see. Artists and crafters also have an easier time of joining together ordinary objects in a new ways. Sometimes savers like myself hold onto paper items because the image, content or color is exciting or intriguing to us.

At this time of the year, I am drawn to nostalgic holiday images such as the vivid colors in 1940s-1950s Christmas cards.  But mixed media artists can not be trusted to  preserve old Christmas cards the way they are.
We excel at creating new ideas with old stuff.
Suzanna Scott of Sushipot Art Objects collages on  art blocks. Her wonderful Christmas themed art block is shown.

Mixed Media Artists Are Scavengers

Many of us are scavengers and constructionists who will totally interrupt the original look or design and create a very different interpretation of what we originally found.

Cutting Christmas Cards Into Strips Or Small Squares

For example, we might cut cards into strips of paper and weave  the paper together in a  totally new pattern. Or  we are apt to randomly tear up cards and reassemble in an abstract with very little resemblance to the original Christmas image.
Many artists cut papers and cards into small squares to form a matrix.

Paper Christmas Trees Using Stacked Circles

On a lovely blog Art Studio 522, I found a mixed media project using cut out circles. The artist cut about 100 circles from 1"-3" in size and stacked the pierced circles in a holiday tree.

Cardboard Star Ornaments And 
Using Vintage Sheet Music in Christmas Inspired Collages

 Christmas Art Bird Collage 

    Another easy paper project is to start off with a cardboard star form and to collage with old Christmas cards right onto the star form. Or you can paint the star white and doodle with a black Sharpie pen as I did last year for an exhibit. In the bird collage, vintage sheet music is collaged.

Adding Embellishments To Mixed Media Christmas Collages 

 Mixed Media Collage With Beeswax on Board

Using Fabric Or Textiles For Christmas Collages

 Carol Larson Mixed Media Fiber Collage

Additional Update

Linda Hardy contacted me about her beautiful bird collage above , she can now be reached at
   www.doorno2.blogspot.com .


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Shopping For Vintage Christmas Wrapping Paper, Notions, Christmas Craft Supplies

Guide To Shopping For Vintage Christmas Gift Wrap, Nostalgic XMAS Notions, Retro Christmas Craft Supplies Online      

One of my most popular blog posts was called "Where To Buy Nostalgic Vintage Christmas Wrapping Paper" .  Written a few years ago, it continues to receive lots of attention.  I checked in on "Holiday Kitsch Klatsch", a shop on Etsy which inspired that post. She currently has a variety of vintage Christmas holiday notions, ornaments,  embellishment and paper products such as nostalgic Christmas wrapping paper. Today I wanted to share other online sources for those of you who like to make handmade Christmas crafts, gifts, decorations.  



Where To Buy Vintage Christmas Craft Supplies, Holiday Supplies, Christmas Wrapping Paper, Christmas Tags, Christmas Embellishments And More

Christmas Notions http://www.etsy.com/shop/Christmasnotions

Vintage Street Market  http://store.vintagestreetmarket.com/

Holiday Kitsch Klatch http://www.etsy.com/shop/HolidayKitschklatsch?section_id=6559553

Pink Grapefruit Style http://www.etsy.com/shophttp://www.etsy.com/listing/113200084/vintage-christmas-linen-towel-santa-andpinkgrapefruitstyle

Tilla Homestead http://www.etsy.com/shop/TillaHomestead?section_id=8051567

The Goose And The Hound http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheGOOSEandTheHOUND?section_id=12223847

Sweet Vintage http://sweetvintagewrappingpaper.com/vintage-wrap/christmas

Retro Redhead http://www.retro-redheads.com/

Kevins Treasures http://www.etsy.com/shop/kevinstreasuries?ref=seller_info

Pumkin Truck http://www.etsy.com/shop/pumpkintruck?section_id=6275388

Heirloom Linens http://www.etsy.com/shop/HeirloomLinens?section_id=5981550&page=2

Tinsel and Trinkets http://www.etsy.com/shop/TinselandTrinkets?section_id=5945297

Vintage Tinsel http://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageTinsel?section_id=6385120

Paper Prizes http://www.etsy.com/shop/PaperPrizes?section_id=10981544

Readers, please leave a comment  if you have other sources to add, thanks.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Vintage Inspired Christmas Gifts And Decorations You Can Make

Handmade Vintage Christmas Gifts And Decorations

 From Pink Grapefruit Style on Etsy

Ho ho ho, it is that time of the year to talk about vintage inspired Christmas gift and decoration ideas. If you will allow me some creative license,  I shall refer to this topic as using vintage Christmas tchotchkes to create adorable and colorful holiday decor and gifts.

Christmas Tchotchkes

Now combining a yiddish word "tsotchkes" with making homemade Christmas decorations  is an interesting combination of words isn't it... "Christmas tsotchkes".  It's like "bagels and eggnog" or "rugelach and hot apple cider"  a nostalgic MIX of wonderful traditions.  

What's Nu In Christmas Crafts?

From Pink Grapefruit Style on Etsy

So what's nu in Christmas schmaltz?  O.k. I'll try to contain myself but the Christmas joy is making me kvell. All the holiday bling, ring, blitz-en and razzle dazzle is enough to make gefilte fish swim up stream.

Even if you were  born without the gene that allows you to tolerate the taste and smell of gefilte fish, you too can find your inner Christmas balabuster.  

This is a special time of the year when even left brained gals (and guys) can channel my Aunt Dotty, who left a legacy of handmade pincushions, sponge cake and home sewn slipcovers to her adoring family and friends.

How To Be A Christmas Balabuster

I am going to pretend that I am a Christmas balabuster, a homemaker extraordinaire who will guide  you through the enchanted  world of nostalgic and vintage Christmas kitsch and crafts.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1584799234/

Making Handmade Christmas Gifts And Decoration:Ideas For A Schmaltzy Christmas
     
1. Vintage Tablecloth christmas pillows
http://sweetcottagedreams.blogspot.com/2009_11_01_archive.html



















2. Vintage Cookbook birdhouse
http://www.nandahome.com/blogs/2011/12/12-last-minute-christmas-gifts/

3. Christmas Pinecone Trees
http://thewoolacorn.blogspot.com/2010/10/tutorial-for-my-pinecone-christmas.html



4. Vintage Sheet Music Christmas Ball Ornament
 http://www.iheartnaptime.net/sheet-music-craft/




6. Vintage Christmas Hanky As Decor
http://www.etsy.com/listing/106035263/holiday-handkerchief-poinsettias




7 . Costume Jewelry Holiday Wrapping Paper
http://www.bronzebudgetbride.com//magazine/read/photo-inspiration-of-the-day-bridesmaids-gifts-beautifully-packaged-_2482.html

8. Vintage Sheet Music Christmas Tree
http://www.simplythesweetlife.com/2010/12/creating-vintage-sheet-music-christmas.html


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Re-purpose An Antique Globe As A Centerpiece Bowl

Creative Idea From "Unconsumption" Using A Vintage Globe As A Centerpiece Bowl

I discovered this excellent non profit organization called "Unconsumption" . They describe themselves as "your daily source of inspiration for creative reuse and mindful consumption.

From "Unconsumption"

Give new life to something old by rethinking it. This globe, once a neglected attic dweller, is now a unique centerpiece …

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Using Vintage Costume Jewelry To Make A Framed Menorah

Crafty Chanukah Ideas

Oh my , I finally found a great way to use up all the boxes of junk vintage jewelry that I have been saving from tag sales, broken jewelry, grandma's piles etc.....make holiday themed art! I

The Menorah is just one of the handcrafted items at Moon Diamonds a shop on Etsy.com. The gal who makes these whimsical wall hangings is retired and has a found a way to re-cycle vintage materials in holiday works of art. She carries Christmas themed art as well as Menorahs.


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Making Handmade Vintage Christmas Gifts And Decorations

Have Fun Making Retro Christmas Gifts And Holiday Decor from Old Sewing Notions And Craft Supplies

If you love the retro vintage look in your home, now is the time to whip up some nostalgic Christmas decorations and holiday decor.

Hanging Around On Etsy You Find Lots Of Homemade Christmas Decoration And Gift Ideas

And by now you know that I hand around Etsy.com a lot and am always hunting for great retro stuff as well as old Christmas craft ideas and supplies. Its really is nice to be able to use up old things and add your own personal touch to your holiday gifts and decor. As you will soon discover in this post there are so many great ways to utilize vintage craft and older sewing notions in holiday projects.

Embellish Your Gifts With Vintage Sewing Notions And Millinery Supplies

Even if you are not the creative type, or you have little time for starting from scratch, you can still add some vintage sewing notions or craft supplies to your cards, wrapping paper and retro or vintage inspired gift to make them more interesting.

There is nothing like having a thrifty kitschy Christmas and recruiting your family members to help you up-cycle (create new uses for old things).

Introducing Pink Grapefruit Style For Christmas Trim, Notions, Vintage

One of the best sites online to find vintage Christmas sewing notions and craft supplies is Pink Grapefruit Style on Etsy.com.

Here you will find all types of odds and ends that you can use for vintage holiday sewing projects, handmade Christmas gifts, retro wrapping ideas and more.

What is so much fun on Pink Grapefruit Style is that this gal packages her notions in adorable collections which might include vintage ribbons, sewing bells, jewelry pieces, trim, decals, millinery supplies, corsage pieces and more.

Oh, my grandmother Esther would have done so well on Etsy. This women had drawers filled with old wrapping paper, ribbons and odds and ends from every party, shower, special event she attended. Beyond Etsy, you can find plenty of old sewing notions at flea markets, junk shops, consignment stores, thrift shops etc.

Lots Of Creativity At Pink Grapefruit Style on Etsy

You can just feel the creativity juices flowing as Pink Grapefruit Style always has a fresh supply for you to tinker with.

Vintage Christmas Craft Supply List

1. Old buttons
2. Old red, white, green yarn (or take apart an old torn sweater).
3. Vintage jingle bells,
4. Red, green, white ribbons
5. red or green thumb tacks
6. Red berries (from an old hat)
8. Red, green, silver, gold sequins
9. Red and green beads
10. Old Christmas cards
11. Vintage Christmas tissue paper
12. Vintage Christmas cards
13. Millinery supplies
14. Old floral supplies
15. Red and green rick rack
16. Old advertising from holiday packages.
17. Old feathers and flowers (can take off from vintage hat).
18. Old stickers, labels, cut-outs. (new old stock).
19. Fabric remnants.
20. Vintage tablecloth cutters.
21. Vintage lace, material, textiles.

What Can You Make With Vintage Christmas Sewing Notions , Craft Supplies, Old Paper

1. Add old sewing notions to your wrapped presents and gift bags.

2. Attach a vintage Christmas card to a gift.

3. Create your own gift tags using old images, vintage notions.
4, Make your own vintage inspired Christmas ornament.

5. Recycle old cards into a greeting card bowl

6. Add vintage millinery trim to a knitted or croqueted hat.

7. Use sewing notions, buttons and trim in making a Christmas wreath.
8. Decorate a Christmas stocking with vintage ribbons, trim etc.
9. Create a Christmas garland or pendant or banner.

10. Add embellishments to a hand decorated picture frame.

11. Make a Christmas bulletin board and add vintage trim.

12. Decorate holiday note cards or ornaments with jingle bells.

13. Make hanging collage art on a vintage plate.

14. Add red and green and holiday novelty vintage buttons to scarves, hats.

15. Create A red and green vintage button bracelet.

16. Make a pincushion and embellish with vintage sewing notions.

17. Paint a basket red and add vintage millinery trim such as berries the handles. and sides. Line the inside of the basket with an old Christmas hanky or vintage tea towel.

18. Make handmade Christmas window decorations.

19. Jazz up an old apron with vintage sewing notions, buttons, etc.

20. Cover an older glass jar cover with fabric and vintage notions.

21. Make a Shabby Chic holiday ornament.

22. Create your own Christmas stocking out of a vintage tablecloth.

23. Enjoy making a glittered snowflake ornament.

24. Try a homemade holiday favor cup.

25. Make vintage ornaments with old Christmas images.
All photo shown are the courtesy of http://www.etsy.com/shop/pinkgrapefruitstyle

More Handmade Holiday Ideas

http://www.squidoo.com/best-handmade-christmas-decorations-2010

http://rubyglen.com/articles/handmadechristmas.htm

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Vintage Inspired Handmade Christmas Gifts

From The Studio Of Elizabeth Holcombe

You will just melt when yo see these vintage inspired holiday crafts from the studio of Elizabeth Holcombe. Everything this gal makes just excites the creativity zone in my brain.

Making Vintage Holiday Decorations And Christmas Gifts

Handmade Christmas Pincushions

Elizabeth uses vintage trim, charms, buttons, ribbons, orphaned salt and pepper shakers, novelty items, floral supplies and more to create her signature pieces which are handmade pincushions.

Creating Vintage Christmas And Holiday Crafts

She is combines newer materials, but the look is always reminiscent of earlier times, when homemade Christmas ornaments and decorations was a family tradition.

Having Your Own Style:

In one of my early conversations with Elizabeth we talked about folks who try to imitate other artists. I assured her, that no one could be her.
For example, no matter how hard I tried, I could not think up and execute the beautiful work that Elizabeth is known for. She has a very own style and it is simply precious. At this time of the year Elizabeth is her charming pincushions with vintage Christmas related ornaments.

Homemade By Elizabeth Holcombe

The Kitschy Collector found Elizabeth Holcombe a few years back and featured some of her vintage inspired crafts in "Hot Cottage collectibles For Vintage Style Homes". I was delighted to see how she was a very thrifty crafter, saving and using what many of us discard.

Becoming A Thrift Crafter Is A Good Idea

I now look at broken collectibles very differently. Now I wonder if something could be used as part of a vintage craft idea or assembled into a mixed media art piece. And if you are not a saver but would like to try making vintage Christmas or Holiday crafts, you can always go hunting on Etsy.com, a place where you will find lots of craft supplies, both new and vintage.

Handmade Christmas Corsages

Now it's time to show you some of Elizabeth's current collections for sale which include pin cushions, Christmas corsages and holiday decorations.

Elizabeth is now featured in the Winter 2010 issue of Cloth Paper Scissors Studios!

Visit Elizabeth at:

http://www.elizabethholcombe.typepad.com/

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

1950's Pot Holder Weaving Loom By Transogram Toys And Games: A Collectible To Remember

BOY DO I REMEMBER THE FABULOUS TOYS MADE BY THE TRANSOGRAM TOY AND GAME COMPANY OF NEW YORK

I had to share with you this 1950's pot holder craft kit, I found listed at Pollydoodlesco on Etsy.com . This weaving loom and Jersey loops are in a boxed set made by Transogram Toys and Games, New York, NY.

Woolworth Jersey Loops

Take a look at those wonderful bags of Jersey loops in a Woolworth packaging. The adjustable metal loom is made of metal. The set shown is incomplete. It is missing the instruction booklet, hook and some of the wing bolts.

but boy does this set bring back memories. I particularly remember the name Transogram. According to the Lehman Brothers Collection of Business Archive (Harvard University) , Transogram started out in 1915, founded by Charles S. Raizen.

Companies Owned by Transogram
"Transogram made toys, games, playroom furniture, coloring, craft sets, and sports sets under the brand name Transogram. Over the years it added several wholly owned subsidiaries including Anchor Toy Corporation, Playwood Plastics Company, Toy Research Institute, Inc., Toy Scouts of America, Transco Adult Games, and Transogram Midwest, Inc.
Toys By Transogram
Transogram was the creator of many well-known toys. In the 1930s it expanded into the manufacture of games, including “Big Business,” which was introduced in 1935, and “Game of India” and “Tiddledy Winks,” introduced in 1938. It also developed the “Green Ghost” board game, and in the 1950s it sold the very successful “Prince Valiant” board game and a variety of “paint-by-number” sets."

http://www.library.hbs.edu/hc/lehman/chrono.html?company=transogram_company_inc

Photos courtesy of
http://www.etsy.com/shop/pollydoodlesco


Read More About Loop Pot Holders:
http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2009/12/collecting-and-making-retro-kitchen-pot.html


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Tutti Frutti Lampshade Made Out Of A Vintage Tablecloth

Retro Lamps Shades Made From Vintage Tablecloths
It seems that I keep finding more and more uses for vintage tablecloth cutters. One of my favorite sellers on Etsy.com is Sassy Shades. This gal creates lamp shades out of vintage barkcloth, doilies, runners, tea towels, remnants and old tablecloths.

Fruits And Flowers For Your Kitchen

Look at this wonderful lamp shade, Sassy is calling "Tutti Frutti". Here is how she describes her shade: " It was handmade from a vintage tablecloth. The back ground is white, with an array of fruit and flowers in vibrant colors of green, yellow, blue, pink, and a rosy red. It would be very darling with your cottage or shabby chic decor as well as fun accessory for the kitchen!"

Description
Square Frame (4 panel) measuring:
Top 3"
Bottom 5-1/2"
Height 6"

The inside frame has been hand wrapped in grosgrain ribbon with the outside trimmed in the same fabric. This lampshade has a clip for a regular size light bulb.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.