Friday, October 12, 2007

Blogger's Challenge Friday #16

This week's challenge was to make an ornament. I loved making these ornaments for convention so much, that I figured I'd have another go with the Ranger Memory Frames. So the only decision left was what to stamp?

When we got married, one of my favorite wedding gifts was a set of twelve ornaments that Eric's aunt & uncle had collected for us. Tucked away with the ornaments was a sheet of paper explaining their significance. Here's what it said:

According to the old German tradition, the tree of a newlywed couple should include these twelve ornaments to ensure blessing and happiness for their life together.

An Angel - God's Guidance in the Home
A Rose - Beauty and Affection
A Rabbit - Hope and Faith
A Teapot - Hospitality
A Pine Cone - Motherhood and Fruitfulness
A Santa - Unselfishness and Goodwill
A House - Shelter and Protection
A Fruit Basket - Generosity
A Bird - Happiness and Joy
A Flower Basket - Good Wishes
A Heart - True Love
A Fish - Christ's Blessing


When my best friend from college got married this June, we gave her a set of ornaments that we had been collecting for a couple of years. I wanted the ornaments to be all different styles. But, a few of the twelve were very difficult to find and we had to settle on whatever we came across. Two of these hard finds were the fruit basket and the flower basket.

So, wouldn't it be great to be able to stamp these ornaments instead? Then they would be perfect -- just what I envisioned. That was the inspiration for my blogger's challenge entry this week.

I hope you enjoyed my entry this week. Don't forget to check out the other blogger's challenge entries! You can find links to all of their sites in my sidebar.

Stamps: Basket Full of Fun
Ink: Palette Noir Black Ink
Paper: Watercolor Paper
Accessories: Red Gingham Ribbon, Ranger Inkssentials Memory Frames, Ranger Inkssentials Memory Glass
Tools: Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Aquapainter

23 comments:

Cheryl said...

This was very interesting to me and I am going to save this list. I had never heard this but what a wonderful wedding gift this would be. Thank you.
Cheryl

Barbara said...

What a nice...and thoughtful....idea for a wedding or shower gift! (I'll have to remember that one!!) Love the ornament...cute and simple....just as it should be!

Lauren (mytime) said...

The ornament is thoughtful, and really cool looking but I especially LOVE the german tradition info how cool is that???

Lynn Mercurio said...

What an interesting tradition...I love the idea! Your oranament is fabulous and such a thoughtful gift. Very nicely done.

Lisa Somerville said...

Thanks for sharing the German Tradition with us Stefanie. That's a great idea to stamp the basket ones yourself.

Cathy Rulli said...

this is great Stef - where did you happen to find the frames? I love the look - tfs

MJ said...

How cool is that. I love old traditions. Thanks for sharing and great job on the ornament

Chris Scrappin and Stampin in Texas said...

Hey Stephanie,
I finally got around to posting your beautiful RAK for the MS walk! Thanks so much! It was great to hear how much you and your team raised! Chris

Chris Scrappin and Stampin in Texas said...

I forgot to say...ugh..I love the ornament and the tradition behind it. I have German grandparents, but unfortunately lost them in my teens. I would love to carrry on this transition!

Claudia Perry said...

What a neat tradition. I think ALL of those ornaments done your way, handstamped would be wonderful to have on the tree. And the list with the meanings in a keepsake box... I love it!
Claudia

Pat Huntoon said...

Very cute!

Melissa said...

Super cute!

Amy Caraluzzi said...

Stef, what a wonderful idea and gift for your special friends! I'm sure they'll treasure them always! Great ornament!

Ida said...

Love the Apples in the Basket & what a wonderful gift idea.

Anonymous said...

Hey I'm German and never heard of this great tradition! Love the ornament--perfect for the wedding gift.

Basement Stamper said...

Very interesting Stefanie! Love the ornament and I'm sure it would make a fantastic gift.

Lori said...

Beautiful ornament! Thanks for sharing the story about the ornament tradition--what a wonderful idea.

Connie Babbert said...

I've never heard of this tradition! I agree...great bridal shower gift and stamping them is perfect! Love it!

Connie

Lisa Bohler said...

What a great ornament and a super gift idea! Such significance! Love that little fruit basket!

Lila H said...

What a wonderful and interesting list with explanation. A great wedding gift - I'm also thinking what a great idea for my girls' hope chests.

Julie Campbell said...

Thanks for the ornament list! That's really a neat idea! Great job this week on your challenge!

Karen said...

what a great wedding gift - I have 2 weddings coming up...this would be perfect!! super cute ornament too - I have some of those ranger frames as well!!

SweetMissDaisy (Anna Wight) said...

I agree, these are SO fun! Yours is too cute!