Ornament of the Day – 8/15/09

A bright and cheery elf by de Carlini.  A gift from my parents.

Ornament of the Day – 8/13/09

The number of ornaments in my collection by Patricia Breen is slowly increasing, one that was added this year is “Vincent’s Tree.”  The tree is done in a van Gogh like manner, and is very clever.  Breen did a number of trees inspired in part by artists.

I like this in one particular because it reminds me of the early days in my career when I worked at an art museum in Washington, DC.  I was able to hold and carry a van Gogh one day – it was thrilling – well, scary – scary and thrilling.

Ornament of the Day – 8/11/09

Although I have a lot of “designer” ornaments, I love ornaments in all shapes and sizes (except plain balls).  I believe this ornament was made by my aunt Shirley many moons ago.  It was originally a tin screw-on cap, that has been decorated with trim and cutouts from holiday cards.  I think it is very well-made, and have been saving up metal lids to try my own sometime soon.

Ornament of the Day – 8/9/09

When I saw this chocolate Santa in Celebrate 365, I knew I had to have one.  Just in case you are not sure – it is glass!  ”Sweet Santa” is made by Inge-Glas.  I purchased mine from the Christmas Haus in New Oxford, PA (see link to the right).

Ornament of the Day – 8/7/09

I love tin ornaments, so imagine my excitement to find Aaron’s Tin Toy Arcade!  They have a variety of reproduction tin toys, as well as ornaments.  I bought several, and then looking through their website realized I already owned one, a streetcar purchased from a retailer.

One of my favorites of the new batch is the Ferris wheel.  It even turns!

Ornament of the Day – 8/1/09

This jolly winking and dancing santa is made by De Carlini.  A gift this year from my parents.

Ornament of the Day – 7/30/09

This early (1979) Hallmark ornament is titled “Christmas Eve Surprise.”  It is wonderfully intricate, with layers built up behind glass.  A favorite, and a classic.  This ornament was a gift from my parents.

Ornament of the Day – 7/29/09

What a nice way to spend a summer day, riding in the countryside in a 1935 Auburn Speedster.  This piece is by Hallmark, from the “Vintage Roadster” series.

Ornament of the Day – 7/22/09

Celebrate 365 is a wonderful journal for the contemporary ornament collector.  I have learned a great deal in my two years as a subscriber, and look forward to each quarterly issue with great anticipation.

One great part of the Celebrate 365 website is the holidayvisions.org site.  Here Celebrate 365 subscribers can post pictures of their holiday decorations.  This year there was a drawing with prizes for those who uploaded pictures of their holiday decor.  Imagine my surprise when I received this beautiful Michael Storrings Central Park ball in the mail – I never win anything, but this time I scored big!  I was very familiar with Storrings’ work, and had been hesitant to take the plunge and spend the $$ for one.  The ornament is beautifully done, very detailed, and truly a work of art.  I am more than ready to add another to the collection.

There is also a wonderful book of Storrings’ illustrations and the ornaments based on them.  You can find it here.

Thanks to Connie and Celebrate 365 – you are the best!

Ornament of the Day – July 21, 2009

Here we have “Treasure Chest Santa” by Joy to the World.  It was part of a set of ornaments offered by JTW on the Jewelry TV cable network.  It features a real pearl in the treasure chest, and the back of Santa’s coat features a map and galleon.