{Ornament Swap: Initial Ornament}

A while back, I participated in an ornament swap hosted by Tutus & Tea Parties and Robyn's View. I was paired with the lovely Melysa of Moments with the Montanos.  We emailed back and forth with questions about our Christmas decor.  She said she decorates with jewel tones, so I came up with this little ornament for her.  (I recently shared this tutorial at One Tough Mother as part of Kirsten's Handmade Ornament Week.)

If you want to make one, to start with, you need a small frame (I got mine from Michaels), scrapbook paper, and a chipboard letter.

Begin by cutting a piece of scrapbook paper to fit into your frame by tracing the paper insert and cutting it out.  Trace the letter on scrapbook paper as well and cut that out.

Simply stick your background paper in your frame.  Use Mod Podge (or even double-sided tape) to adhere your paper to your letter.

While that's drying, "fancy-up" your frame with Rub 'n Buff.

If you're like me and think more is always more, then you can further embellish your frame with sequins.  (Let's face it: I use Christmas as an excuse to craft with as many sparkly supplies as possible!)

Then decide on a few other embellishments to finish off the front of your ornament.  I chose a small tree and a pennant banner I created with embroidery floss and scrapbook paper.  I attached the embellishments with hot glue.

To complete the back of the ornament, rock the stand on the back of the frame back and forth gently until it detaches from the frame's back.  Then use hot glue to attach a loop to the back of the frame.  To cover up your mess, you can use felt the same color as the back of the frame.

 Then you can proudly admire your newest creation!

Yes, I decided to replace the original patterned background I had cut with a green glitter background.  I think the initial pops better with the solid background.

And I just love the pennant banner and the tiny little tree!  These would be fun to attach to gifts.  The ornament could act as a gift tag, and the recipient would have an extra little gift! Melysa got the ornament and loved it.  And guess what she sent me?!

This picture does not even do the ornament justice!  {HERE} is Melysa's post about the swap, and {HERE} is the how-to for this FABULOUS ornament she made!  You have to check it out!  Merry Christmas!