Mini portraits

I found these metal portraits at an estate sale.  They are from Italy, and came glued to a velvet backing inside an ornate gilt frame.  They are reproductions of Italian masters work. 

I wanted something gold and pretty to surround it with.  I had this gold tulle I removed from the ballerina doll, and thought it would be perfect to accentuate the portrait. 

I glued it to the back and love the look of it.  You could get a similar look by downloading some portraits from the internet and putting them in those cute ornate little mini frames. 

Sabbatical and Holiday ornament giveaway

I am having surgery tomorrow and will be out of commission for a while. This is my 3rd rotator cuff surgery, and I have been waiting on this one for 4 years. I will be in a sling for several months, and unable to do much crafting. 

I have been preparing some fun holiday ideas for you in advance. Starting the day after Thanksgiving, I will be posting one Christmas ornament or decor item a day until Christmas. Check back often to see some incredible ornaments made by my friends and myself over the past several holidays. I know by my Pinterest following that you all like the handmade christmas stuff, and I promise you will not be disappointed.  They are all so lovely,   made with an eye for detail.  They are unique and many are created from recycled and reused items we normally throw away,  they will quickly become favorites on Pinterest.  If you follow me and help spread the word on social media, I will enter your name into a drawing on Christmas for a prize of 12 ornaments featured on my blog. 

Simply post a comment here with a link back to your blog,  Facebook, Twitter or Instagram post to be entered.  Super simple, awesome prize. 

Looking forward to a fun, slingin' holiday season,