Our family celebrations will not be held in our home this Christmas, so we decided to keep our house decorating to a minimum. A few touches here and there, with table clothes and poinsettia, greenery, wreath and a manger scene. However, there is a new-to-us decoration we inherited this year that I have set above the fireplace mantel that will stand in for our Christmas tree.
Last summer I inherited several boxes of my aunt’s belongings. Amongst the many photos, jewelry, dishes and Norwegian knick-knacks in the boxes, I discovered a striking jeweled Christmas tree art piece.
I remembered it. Years ago, one of my other aunt’s had made several different jewelry boxes and art pieces using glittery, costume jewelry…the kind that twinkle and sparkle, glisten and shine. All very glitzy!
When I found this Christmas tree (and a jewelry box) I asked my cousins if they wanted these pieces their mother had made; they said no. So, I decided to keep them for myself.
I admit, I do like a bit of sparkle! I love the twinkle of Christmas tree lights, rays of sunshine glistening on a lake, art glass that shines, the flicker of hot coals in a camp fire…this dazzling tree. I like the way the jewels shimmer when the light catches them (even though I can’t capture it in a photo). I like the fact that my aunt made it many years ago.
It’s an interesting – and beautiful – piece of folk-art, created by someone I loved.
I will enjoy this piece on my fireplace mantel during this Christmas season, alluring me into the Christmas spirit, and bringing back memories of my extended family of Christmas’ past.
I love this glitzy folk art and the story that accompanies it. What a treasure to remind you always of your dear aunt.
Oh, Valerie, this brings tears to my eyes; this is the first year in 86 years that I will not be celebrating together with my Hanson and Sandberg families !
I’m sorry Kay, that is hard.
We will be celebrating with the kids, just not at our house. 😉
Thanks Audrey. I know you love art work too, and have your own collection.
Yes, I have a pine cone Christmas tree my Aunt Rachel (also my godmother) crafted. I treasure it and it’s now hanging in my dining room.
That is special…
If our aunt’s only knew that we would treasure these hand-crafted items some day.
What a treasured piece of art Valerie! Wouldn’t it be fun to hear where each piece of the jewelry originated – unless they all belonged
to your Aunt. It would be so interesting where she wore some of the more interesting pieces. Knowing who made this will make it even more treasured!
It would be great fun to know the stories behind the jewelry pieces.
I know some of it was my aunts, but I also know she went to garage sales to pick some up according to her son.
very cool!
Thanks.