I have been working on Christmas ornaments with the Cricut. I have been wanting to do more with the idea of 'looking through a window' in my scenes. I have two to share!
This one I am submitting for the Circle Magazine ornament contest.
I was really inspired by Therese Leyden's 3D Paris Apartment and decided to incorporate a Cricut 3D die cut chair and to create a couple of 3D items from 2D cuts. This ornament hangs and is free-standing when on a table top.
I knew I wanted a window. I had initially thought of a dome window, but started thinking about a flat window after seeing an ornament in a store. I started with a CD jewel case, removing the black CD holder insert.
I wanted to use some wood veneer paper that I had purchased when I was experimenting with flowers for the necklace challenge. The wood is a bit of a challenge, requiring a multi-cut of 2, max pressure, speed 3, and blade set at 6 (no need for a deep blade housing). It has a tendency to chip off of the paper backing on small or intricate cuts so I knew I would not be able to use the chair's lacy back and opted for an upholstered look. The chair is from Summer in Paris, cut at 3". I used Glimmer Mist on the white paper side to color it. I assembled the chair, using my scoring tool in order to fold it into shape without breaking up the veneer. I glued flocked paper (that I had misted in pink) to the chair for upholstery.
I also cut the window panes out of the wood. These are are from French Manor (page 36), the layer cut only. I cut two at 4".
I found a Santa flying in front of the moon by finding a Google Image and printing it. I used double-sided tape to attach it to the inside of the jewel case, using the window pane die cuts to determine placement. On the outside of the case, I glued the panes, using E6000 glue (perfect for non-porous materials like plastic).
I cut the paper for the wall, cutting out the window. This was glued on using the same plastic adhesive. I found some coordinating papers for floorboard, top border, and drapes. I attached paper strips for the window sill and upper woodwork.
For the drapes, I accordion-folded the papers to simulate the pleats, cut the bottoms with pinking scissors, and anchored the tops and bottoms to squares cut to the finished size to keep the pleats tightly in place.
I cut a strip of metallic paper for the curtain rod. The star garland is from Joys of the Season, page 70, cut at 3/4".
The table is made from a bird cage base from Serenade. I cut it twice at 1-1/2", folding one in half and gluing it on top of the other.
I cut a semi circle top and glued it on. I used a bit of lace trim from my stash for the tablecloth. I cut the back and glued it on, then cut a scallop for the front.
The metal tree centerpiece is cut from Joys of the Season. I cut the tree from page 63 at 1-1/2" twice, folding one and applying it to the center of the other. This is assembled just like I assembled the table! I added pearls and a jewel at the top. It is attached with layered pop dots off the window.
I hand-cut the wrapped gift on the chair and glued it on. The gift bag is from Tags, Bags, Boxes, and More, page 115, cut at 1-1/2". I just added a little tissue paper and a ribbon. I attached it at an angle to the drapes using a pop dot. I created a third package by embossing dots on a striped paper using my Cuttlebug and the Swiss Dots folder, lightly rubbing over it with a stamp pad to accentuate the dots, then folding a box and tying with gold cord.
I like to have at least one or two special ornaments each year. I like them best when they have the year, or some other detail to represent the year. This is something I started doing for my daughter, going to the trouble to write out stories about the ornaments family members have given her. It is part of our tree-trimming and decorating to talk about who an ornament was from or what it represented.
I decided to add the year to this ornament. The numbers are from Plantin Schoolbook, cut at 3/4" with a shadow.
I finished the ornament by cutting a ribbon hanger and gluing it inside the jewel case. I covered the back of the case with paper and the sides with ribbon.
I still wanted to try one using a clear dome in which to create a scene.
Just for fun, I came up with this...
I found plastic ornaments that are sold as two half circles so that you can fill them and snap them together. I am just using one of the halves here. I used wire cutters to remove the plastic loop (intended as a hanger).
I started with black glitter paper. I created a nativity scene using Cricut Winter Frolic, each cut at 1-1/2". I glittered both layers of the star. Mary's little dress was run through the Cuttlebug to get those little dots. Each piece was applied using glue dots and foam dots, stacked to allow the figures to pop up at different heights.
I used an EK Success edge punch, trimmed close to the decoration, then applied it to the back of the circle, adjusting as needed. I added gold beads to the decorative edge.
I used E6000 glue to adhere the dome to the glitter paper.
I decided that I wanted something to frame and complete the ornament. I love the beautiful snowflakes on the Cricut Cartridge When It's Cold Outside. The nativity cut is one of my favorites. I cut it at 8-1/2" in gold paper and also cut the backing out of black and adhered them together.
The dome perfectly fit over the Holy Family, allowing my little Winter Frolic nativity to replace it. I added a gold cord for hanging and a sheer black polka dotted ribbon bow at the top.
Thank you for looking at my projects! I would not even be thinking of Christmas yet if not for the ornament contest! Yikes!
