Darling Ornaments & Inspiration

Well, lovely birds - big news! My portfolio went through the board, and I got a bigger scholarship for graduate school! Hoorayyyyyy! Thank you guys for all of your wonderful comments and support! All the hard work has paid off! What a feelin' :)

This weekend we started decorating for Christmas.
This is seriously my favourite time of year! My sister Sarah comes home to visit next weekend, so we decided to wait for her to put up the tree, but my other sister Grace (11) and I just couldn't wait to do our favourite part - arranging my mom's vintage carolers on the mantle. I don't know why I love those little guys so much - nostalgia perhaps. I'll post pictures when we're completely decorated!

For now, I have been working hard on some new ornaments, just in time for the holidays!
These ornaments have been cut using vintage cookie cutters, and then are fired and hand-painted individually - they all have so much unique character! My colour palette was lovely gold, white, pink, and blues. I started with a whole batch and just painted as my heart desired; then the fun part: mix and match until I get the right combinations ;)

I also wanted to share a little of my holiday inspiration with you -- enjoy!

These all come in sets of three - 

check them out in my Etsy Shop, 

{ The Little Bird }

These would make great gifts for newly-married couples who need to decorate their tree, a housewarming gift, a special present for mom or grandma, or just some lovely swag to make your holiday a little more glamourous! More varieties in the shop.

Photos 1, 2, 3, & 5 (c) Erin McManness 2011 // Photo collage from around the web:

1. Decorating with Chevron - GlitterGuide // 2. Reindeer Dessert Plates - WestElm // 3. Cranberry Heart - Pinterest // 4. Doilies & Red Check Packaging - ColourMePretty on Decor8 // 5. Recipe for White Christmas Cupakes - NotSoHumblePie