[Lindy]

This weekend I taught a workshop on burning Christmas ornamnets and Christmas cards. Listening to the participants I realized how much carving, pyrography or any other art/craft we do adds to Christmas.

Christmas is my favourite time of the year and 90% of what I give I make. For me that let's me feel like I'm giving them a part of me, perhaps the best part of me, the place where my joy comes from. When I think back to before I became involved in woodcraft I always gave preserves (don't do that now - I don't think they would appreciate wood chips or dust in their jam).

I would really like to hear from everyone to find out how much you make and for who you make these special gifts. Do you find that a certain project brings to mind the person it was meant for? Do you find yourself searching for the right one?

Yeah okay so I get a little mushy this time of year, but I really would like to hear from everyone else.

In two days I can say "Seasons Greetings" so I'm just going to jump ahead and say - wait for it - Seasons Greetings

Lindy

[susieq]

Lindy,
Christmas is very much my favorite time of year too, so much so that I even play Christmas music off and on all year long. An old school friend of mine and I started a tradition of having Christmas in July too (just because it was so damn hot here and it helped us get through it). We didn't get to do that this year as she has moved to Salt Lake City.

My main carving focus is Father Christmas just for that reason. In the back of my mind I have been working on a Nativity to carve too. I have a Fontanini Nativity set that sets up all year......might get a bit dusty sometimes but it never gets put away. For both religious reasons and also for pure enjoyment of religious art as well. For me, Christmas is every day.
So, Merry Christmas to everyone and for those who celebrate something else, may your holiday be wonderful also.

[Bandaid]

Hi Lindy...for the past 10 years or so I have carved something at Christmas time for each of our three daughters. I also carve an ornament with their name and the date that can be hung on their tree. I get a great deal of enjoyment from the tradition and I know that they do too.

Reg

[Colin_Partridge]

Lindy great topic and one near and dear to my heart. At this time of year I find that I do exactly that give some of my carvings to certain people. I find that as far as family goes only the grandchildren like them as gifts and trust me they have far too many ask their moms and dads. I have stated before I would much rather give all of my carvings away never sell another one. That of course would be silly but the ones I give away I get the most satisfaction out of. The local school was doing a fund raiser so I carved twelve carvings for them and they were so appreciative of them. I also donate to the big brothers and big sisters, The Blind institute and many more it doesnt cost me anything except my time and it makes me feel good to do it. Yes Christmas is special and I am sure that all the carvings you do will be treasured for years and years to come. Have a great holiday and may we all remember "Peace on earth and good will towards all men"
Colin

[jillsy]

HAHA! Hey Susie, I thought I was the only one who listened to Christmas music, even during the long hot summers! But, how else could I get inspired to carve Santa when it's 92 degrees out with 100 percent humidity?!

This is a great topic. Well, let's see....being a mom of 2 very little ones, it takes a while for me to complete a piece, some I sell on Ebay, others I give away as gifts. Seldom do I keep one for myself - if I do, it's one that really grabs my heart. However, I do carve a Santa every year for my son and daughter. It started out as 7 inch Santas, but I decided I'd rather give them an ornament each year instead. By the time they move out and get their own tree, it should be fully stocked! And my hubby gets one every once in a while too, can't forget him!

Right now, I'm working on a Shawn Cipa Nativity and plan on keeping it. I started it a year ago (only finished Joseph) and in one year's time I can see how much I progressed. But, that's why I want to keep it. Some of my favorites are the ones that I see all the flaws. They're very humble pieces and that's what I like about them. I just finished Mary today and found her to be very difficult (which is why I procrastinated an entire year). It's very hard for me to carve things from the side view, I don't know why. Anyway, some day I hope to pass this on to my kids too.

So, like most others, some carvings I keep, some I give away, and some I sell. Keeps me balanced!

Jillsy