Handmade Christmas Gifts, Ornaments & Cards Lensography

The Invention Of The Christmas Tree Ornament
The first decorated trees were adorned with apples, strings of popcorn, white candy canes and pastries in the shapes of stars, hearts and flowers. Glass baubles were first made in Lauscha, Germany, by Hans Greiner who produced garlands of glass beads similar to the popcorn strands and tin figures that could be hung on trees. The popularity of these decorations grew into the production of glass figures made by highly skilled artisans with clay molds. (more ...)

History Of The Christmas Card
The first commercial Christmas cards were commissioned by Sir Henry Cole in London in 1843 and featured an illustration by John Callcott Horsley. The picture, of a family with a small child drinking wine together ...

Early English cards rarely showed winter or religious themes, instead favoring flowers, fairies and other fanciful designs that reminded the recipient of the approach of spring. Humorous and sentimental images of children and animals were popular, as were increasingly elaborate shapes, decorations and materials. In 1875 Louis Prang became the first printer to offer cards in America, though the popularity of his cards led to cheap imitations that eventually drove him from the market. The advent of the postcard spelled the end for elaborate Victorian-style cards, but by the 1920s, cards with envelopes had returned. (more ...)

Homemade Christmas Cards
Since the 19th century, many families and individuals have chosen to make their own Christmas cards, either in response to monetary necessity, as an artistic endeavor, or in order to avoid the commercialism associated with Christmas cards. With a higher preference of handmade gifts during the 19th century over purchased or commercial items, homemade cards carried high sentimental value as gifts alone. Many families make the creation of Christmas cards a family endeavor and part of the seasonal festivity, along with stirring the Christmas cake and decorating the tree. Over the years such cards have been produced in every type of paint and crayon, in collage and in simple printing techniques such as potato-cuts. A revival of interest in paper crafts, particularly scrapbooking, has raised the status of the homemade card and made available an array of tools for stamping, punching and cutting. (more ...)

The Tradition Of Gift Giving At Christmas
Well initially I figured the gift giving tradition started with the 3 wise men bearing gifts for the baby Jesus. But as with so many Christian ideas it has it roots much farther back, that eventually merged with the growing Christian religion. Romans celebrating the winter solstice gave gifts as part of the celebration. And of course there was St. Nicholas who gave presents to poor children and is the personification of Santa Claus.

My family Gift Giving Traditions
Personally Christmas gift giving (as well the getting,) was always a big deal when I was a child. And while as a kid I always had a list of the latest toys and games that I wanted, It is after all these many years later only the handmade gifts that I received, that I still remember and in may cases still have. The latest fad toy gifts of my childhood have been long since forgotten. But the handmade items still fill me with warm and loving memories.

My entire family created homemade gifts for each other. My mother was a painter and since I was a horse crazy girl (still am BTW) she painted some horses on a pair of jeans and the back of a jean jacket. She completed the look with some studs and it was my favorite outfit until I outgrew it. Yup I still have the jeans though the artwork is faded they are a personal treasure to me now.

My father loved wood working as a hobby so I have several trunks that I love. My grandma and aunts always gave me crocheted pillows or quilts. I tend to like making small ornaments that I gave out to everyone. These are the fond memories I keep when I think of Christmas and present giving. And these are the ideas that moved me into making this page.

I hope you find here the gift project you're looking for.

The History Of The Christmas Holiday
Christmas or Christmas Day is a holiday observed generally on December 25 to commemorate the birth of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity. The date is not known to be the actual birthday of Jesus, and may have initially been chosen to correspond with either the day exactly nine months after some early Christians believed Jesus had been conceived, the date of the winter solstice on the ancient Roman calendar, or one of various ancient winter festivals. Christmas is central to the Christmas and holiday season, and in Christianity marks the beginning of the larger season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days.

Although nominally a Christian holiday, Christmas is also widely celebrated by many non-Christians, and many of its popular celebratory customs have pre-Christian or secular themes and origins. Popular modern customs of the holiday include gift-giving, music, an exchange of greeting cards, church celebrations, a special meal, and the display of various decorations; including Christmas trees, lights, garlands, mistletoe, nativity scenes, and holly. In addition, several similar mythological figures, known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas and Santa Claus among other names, are associated with bringing gifts to children during the Christmas season. (more ...)

How The Christmas Tree Tradition Began
The tradition of decorating an evergreen tree at Christmas started in Livonia and Germany in the 16th century. The Christmas tree is traditionally brought into the home and decorated with Christmas lights (originally candles), ornaments, garlands, tinsel, and candy canes during the days around Christmas. An angel or star is placed at the top of the tree, representing the host of angels or the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity. (more ...)

My Family's Christmas Tree Tradition
Growing up the Christmas Tree was such a huge part of the Christmas celebration. My mother tended to like themes so every year something new and different was created. Mon probably has enough ornaments to complete decorate five or six Christmas Trees.

One of my favorite things to do now is to just sit in a quiet house, perhaps reading or making some sort of Christmas Ornament, and just enjoy having the tree lit. A beautiful tree fills a room with such comfort and peace.

Holiday Foods For Gifting Or Decorating

I am rather fond of baking during the holidays. Before becoming a diabetic I would make up huge cookie trays to give out as gifts to neighbors, co-workers and friend. I still bake for Christmas but to a much lesser degree.

You'll find here my recipe for diabetic friendly pumpkin pie as well wonderfully recipes and ideas for decorating or gifting.

Animals are my passion and art is how I chose to express it.