The amazing Erlene over at My Pinterventures paired up 80 bloggers for a fun Ornament Exchange.
We each needed to make or buy an ornament for under $10 and send it to our partner. Today I am going to show you how I made this cute Bird Family Grapevine Wreath Ornament, plus give you a mini preview of a few of the other ornaments the participants have made.
My partner was Alexis at Lexi Michelle Blog. Like me her Christmas tree ornaments are “eclectic”. Neither one of us have a theme or color preference and most of our ornaments are gifts from family and friends (I call mine my Memory Tree).
This gave us both free reign, but also gave us nothing to go on, ha ha! A quick search of her blog gave me a few hints, family is important to her including her husband, son and another little one that will be arriving in the spring. Which gave me the idea for this cute little bird family complete with egg.
Supplies:
small grapevine wreath
decorations (in this case, birds)
moss
ribbon
glue gun
wooden biscuit or small piece of other wood (optional)
drill (optional)
paint (optional)
embroidery floss (optional)
Directions:
I did not actually buy a wreath for this, because I have plenty of grapevines that needed trimming this time of year.
I took a long vine, trimmed the leaves and made it into a small wreath like I described in this post. I always leave the tendrils because I think they add character.
I went with cardinals for the red and green color theme, but I struggled to find a small red bird for their little boy, so I improvised with a pale yellow bird and a red marker.
Then I made a tiny egg out of Argo Play Clay and added some brown spots.
The rest of it went quite quickly. Glued on the moss.
Glued on the birds and egg.
Glue a loop of ribbon for the hook. I debated a bow or gluing the ribbon around the wreath, but finally opted to let it drape down the back.
Finally, I made a little year tag with a wooden biscuit. If you watch HGTV or DIY Network you know what these are. They are used for making biscuit joints in furniture. They are also fun to craft with. Ask at your home improvement store and they will show you where they are. Or use any little piece of wood.
Drill a hole in one end and paint it.
Then paint on the year (or use a marker) and tie it on with the embroidery floss.
I sure hope Alexis and her family like it!
Here are the ornaments being shared today, please go check out each one.
Simply Kelly Designs – Christmas Ornament for Nurses
Mid Michigan Mom – DIY Family Block Ornament
Decor To Adore – There’s No Place Like Home Ornament
Tulips & Orchids – Pie Ornament
Rhinestones & Sweatpants – DIY Pottery Barn Inspired Ornament
Happily Ever After, Etc. – A Cashmere Christmas
You can see the full list of ornaments on the 2015 Ornament Exchange page, more will be added every day until Nov. 14. I hope these inspire you for your own holiday decorations. I know I am ready to make some more.
I love the tiny birds! How sweet. I’m also impressed that you actually made the wreath, and a little jealous of your grapevines 😉
The one thing in my garden I can count on to grow is the grape vines, some years I even get fruit 😉
This is such a great ornament idea! I know some bird lovers that would love this ornament.
You can put anything on it, but I thought the birds fit in the nest nicely (plus I wanted to include the baby to be so he/she doesn’t ask “where am I?” years from now)
This is an absolutely adorable ornament! I am planning a rustic plaid tree this year and it will fit right in. Thank you for sharing.
A rustic plaid tree sounds fun. Thanks for stopping by.
That turned out so beautifully! I’m sure she’s going to love it. 🙂
So cute, I love birds too. We feed them throughout the year.
Joy @ Books and Life
I planted my yard to attract birds too. Thanks for the comment.
SO sweet, and easily adapted for any time of the year – lovely!
Thanks, and I agree it is fun for any season.
Such a pretty handcrafted ornament. You put so much thought in making this and it’s definitely a keepsake. BTW – the exchange goes till the 14th 🙂
Thanks for all you did to get this party together! I will change the date – not sure where I got the 22nd.
What a pretty ornament. Very sweet for the bird lover.
I am so excited to be a part of this exchange too and see all the ornaments everyone is exchanging!
I am having fun with the exchange too, so many ideas!
Your birds are adorable – Thanks for linking up to Pin Worthy Wednesday, I have pinned your post to the Pin Worthy Wednesday Pinterest Board.
Thanks AmberJane! Glad you liked them.
Your ornaments are awesome. I love handmade ornaments for the tree. Thanks for linking up with us at the Wednesday Showcase 🙂
Thanks! I love making and receiving them myself.
Audrey. I love this ornament. So special. This family will love this ornament forever.
Thanks, I think she likes it too.
Also participating in the exchange. Pinned to my group Christmas board! Love the tartan ribbon!
Thanks, I was pretty excited when I found it in my ribbon stash.
Hi, Audrey ~ Super cute ornament! I especially love the birds. :0) Thanks for participating in the Ornament Exchange this year, and thanks for sharing your ornament with us at the Merry Monday Link Party! Hope to see you again on Sunday night!
Thanks, Tiffany.
Just stopping by to check out your ornament. I just love the outdoorsy of it the grapevine and the little birds how cute and original. – Mama’s Journey
Thanks for stopping by.