Ornies aren't just for Christmas

I made these little treasures for my Mom this last year for her birthday & yes. . . . you also caught a glimpse of some at Christmas but how can you resist making these little beauties as 

a memento from a special vacation and then giving it to people you care about.

making ornies like these are not very difficult at all & you don't have to limit yourself to sand & shells. My rule of thumb is: if it fits, it works. 

And won't they look so good hanging in a bright sunny window ~ who knows hangining them in a kitchen window might make doing dishes slightly more bearable.

You can find plastic or glass ornaments{which is what I used} in the craft section at almost every store.

then you fill them with things that have some meaning.  In this case for me it was the sand & sea shells because my family spent an amazing week at a beach house in Florida.  It was such a relaxing vacation, not one of those runs around & play so hard you need a vacation from your vacation, vacations.

We also spent everyday shell hunting. . . . it was our "thing" & we all had a blast doing it.

 oh look at me daydreaming about vacation. . . back to the ornaments. . . 

once you fill your ornies, GLUE the cap on.  For ornaments with sand in them this is very important.  Even though I tried not to use too much sand {so you can always see the shells} it was still kind of heavy. . .so glue that top on, trust me you will feel better about it if you do.

some people would stop there or just add a small ribbon but that is just not in my nature.  Once you get to know me you will understand what I mean *ha

I had the most perfect glittery netting with matching grass &berries from an old Christmas decoration.  This went so perfect with a glammed up beach treasure.  It gave it some sparkle without making it too overdone. . .still light & airy.  

Now, aside from maybe attaching some filament line, that's it, that's all it takes.

for little money & practically no time at all, you have a very nice way to capture a memory & give a beautiful thoughtful gift any time of year. . . not just Christmas.

As you can see here, shell hunting was a non stop activity for all of us and it was serious business.

 

I think little guy was just waiting for them to roll up on the shore

We are so serious about our sea shell hunting that we are all going back again this year. . . . look out beach here we come ! !

Happy Creating