Thursday, December 24, 2009

'Angels We Have Heard on High' - plus Sharon's Merry Christmas Snowflake

On this Christmas Eve 2009, I am wishing everyone a wonderful holiday!

Below are some angels I made back in the early 1990’s.

Also below is my latest tatted piece – Sharon Briggs’ newly designed Merry Christmas Snowflake! (I'll count it as Motif #5 - Second Round.)

Straw Angel with Tatted Wings

This stand-alone centerpiece angel (9” high) is part of my traveling Christmas display

Straw angel forms were prevalent in the craft stores in the early ‘90s. I removed the straw wings and gave her tatted wings, which are two fans .

Unfortunately, I still can’t find the designer of the fan. It’s the same pattern I used for my 3-D heart, Feb.14 post. Possibly it’s Mary McCarthy's.

I also added maribou around the bottom of her skirt, which gives an added effect.

I used size 30 ecru thread, and stiffened the wings with Alene’s fabric stiffener



My Christmas card from 1993


This is my Christmas card from 1993, on which I received many compliments.

The ‘model’ is a flat 4” straw angel, with the same fan (only one was needed).

I added the gold ribbon and flower, and some small gold beads around her head. I also used gold glitter on her wings, so that she sparkles on the tree!







The photo was taken with a 35 mm camera, with a macro lens borrowed from my brother-in-law. It was a very sophisticated piece of equipment back then! I mounted the photo onto a gold sheet, giving the effect of a gold border , and then attached it to white card stock.




The back view of the angel (taken recently with my digital camera) shows the fan design.

I used a glue-gun (sparingly) to securely anchor the ‘wings’ to the body (under the ‘pony tail.)












Back when I had more energy and ambition, I not only made my cards (about 60) but addressed them in calligraphy. I no longer am that crazy! However, many of you actually send tatted snowflakes with your cards. Amazing!

Speaking of snowflakes . . .
Here is Sharon Briggs’ beautiful Merry Christmas showflake (2009).
(My Motif #5 - Second Round)



I think this is a sweet design – so elegant – and yet SO easy to tat. Sharon’s diagram is excellent. I finished tatting it within an hour.

I used only one shuttle and therefore didn’t do the split rings; but it worked fine for me. She gives you the option.

I used white Lizbeth thread, size 20. It doesn't even need to be stiffened!
And as you can see, I added a turquoise rhinestone in the middle (both sides). I love bling!





Sharon works overtime to bring us wonderful designs and tatting ideas, not to mention her tireless work on updating the 25-Motif Challenge Thanks so much, Sharon, for all that you do!

“The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there!” (The Night Before Christmas – C. Moore)

8 comments:

  1. Such gorgeous Angels.
    Have a Happy Christmas

    xx

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  2. Merry Christmas, Kathy!
    I just knew your Christmas post would be a bang up job! Everything is perfect and fabulous and amazing! Gosh, what does a girl have to do to get on YOUR Christmas Card List? LOL! You have some beautiful cards there! The angel is gorgeous and I love how you replaced the straw wings with tatted wings. I remember those straw angels and someone gave me one as well and it is long gone! It might still be around had I thought to replace the wing with tatted ones as you did!
    Hope you are enjoying your Holiday Season!
    ~TattingChic ♥

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  3. Your angels are stunning, as is your Sharon's snowflake. I like how you added bling to it, sets it off beautifully.

    Merry Christmas to you!

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  4. Thanks Kathy, for the info about Rebecca. I like your angels too...and that fan pattern you used for the wings looks familiar!

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  5. Hi Kathy, Your angels are so very pretty!! I bought one of these angels from you when I first came to Old Economy. I have it haning in my dining room from my Grandma's antique mirrow. The heart pattern is the heart pattern by Mary McCarthy. It was in that Better Homes and Garden Special Publication, I believe in 1991. I always liked this heart pattern.

    I'll have to check out Sharon's site and print out the snowflake pattern. I do like this design and would like to tat it.

    Happy New Year to you and Ron!! Wishing you good health and happiness in 2010. (Hugs)

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  6. The angels are just lovely! The tatted wings really make them special. You have some really great ideas! The snowflake look good, too. Love the jewel in the center.

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  7. I love your angel wings! I am partial to angels.

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