Tuesday, 21 December 2010

I painted an ornament.....

...for Mikayla's 1st Christmas!

i already had some bisque ceramic ornaments in my art supplies so i went for the typical bauble shape.

as i'm not a whimsical artist, i opted to use a design i had from Ladybug Creations in her Little Earth Angel CD series. it is so cute!

lime green was my choice for the background because it's one of Mikayla's nursery colours. i had to draw the design freehand because it was too fiddly to use transfer paper on the spherical surface. then, using some gesso, i blocked in the design areas.

then face and facial features are next...

followed by the foundation for the hair and more elements of the design...

more detailing and it now is complete!

that is, apart from some varnish and the attachment of satin ribbon in magenta and lime green

i started a tradition of painting a Christmas ornament each year for Aaron from birth to 10 years old and thought it would be nice to do the same for Mikayla. a special keepsake from grandma.

.....only FOUR sleeps until CHRISTMAS!!!!!

~ love, light and peace to all ~

30 comments:

  1. What a beautiful tradition....and the first ornament is adorable. The lime green is so fresh looking. I'm sure that in years to come this will be a family treasure.

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  2. Oh I love the ornament, you did. What a nice keepsake it will be. Your painting of it is beautiful.

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  3. That is totally awesome Serena. It is beautiful and I am sure as the years go by Mikhayla will treasure these Christmas ornaments. How great and what a beautiful and wonderful Grandmother you are. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

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  4. beautiful ornament Serena, I'm sure Mikayla will treasure these.
    I love Ladybug designs too, they are so cute.
    Have a wonderful Christmas
    Lee:)

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  5. Oh how sweet this is! She will love them as she grows up and treasure them as an adult. Beautiful tradition Grandma!

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  6. What a delightful gift from Grandma. I'm sure it will be treasured for many, many years to come by your whole family.

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  7. Well, that is just darling, DARLING!!! what a lovely keepsake ~ you are so talented and creative! lucky little girl.
    ~Dawn

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  8. I that is sooo cute! And what a special gift to give them every year to look back on when they're older. I bet Aaron loves his made by mom. :)

    Hand-painted by grandma--what more could you ask for. ;)

    Merry Christmas!!!

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  9. That is SO beautiful! I can't believe the detail. So sweet.

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  10. A lovely tradition for your darling granddaughter...have a Merry Cristmas and a Happy New Year..

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  11. Mikaylas ornament is beautiful!!! You are so amazing to be able to do this!!! I like the way you said only 4 more sleeps till Christmas...I feel tired already, just thinking about it!!! :)

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  12. Your handpainted ornament is so beautiful, Serena, and will certainly be treasured for many years to come. Happy holidays to you and yours, Tammy

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  13. Oh this is so so perfect, and what an excellent tradition (you know me and my ornaments) She will treasure each one year after year--just love this!!

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  14. Sweet! Her hair is so textured and her eyes so expressive. Cool idea to write the date too.

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  15. It looks so beautiful! What a lucky baby to have a grandmother like you! Great tradition to paint one every year!Wish you a great week!

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  16. Cute. Lovely idea Serena.

    Merry Christmas.

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  17. That is absolutely adorable Serena!!
    Wishing a blessed Christmas with lots of family around to share the love!!
    Darla

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  18. what a beautiful, sweet and personal expression of love this is...as an artist and a grandmother!

    thanks for sharing! you always make me smile!

    ciao bella!

    give the little one a gentle squeeze from Canada!

    Creative CArmelinA

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  19. I feel your excitement...having your first grandbaby. How wonderful for you, Michelle and the whole family to have a new little one at Christmas time. The ornament is just amazing as is all your work. I sure your granddaughter will treasure all the lovelies that you give to her. Have a wonderful, joyous holiday...Shelly

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  20. Wonderful tradition and fantastic ornament. The detail is amazing!

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  21. What a beautiful and awesome keepsake, Serena! She will grow up to cherish these ornaments.

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  22. Hi Serena,
    Oh Grandma, what a lovely gift for Mikayla's 1st Christmas.
    I'm sure it will be treasured for many years to come.
    Ah, good choice of design as well.
    I also have been painting ornaments for my guys for years now. By the time the eventually move out, they should have a tree full.
    Merry Christmas,
    Hugs,
    Anna

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  23. It's beautiful Serena...

    I like seeing the progression pics... it's always interesting for me to know how it actually came to be.

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  24. So beautiful! You are so talented. What a sweet gift for the new little one, I am sure she will treasure it through her life.
    Blessings~
    Gwenny

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  25. oh wow, I love it....beautiful.

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  26. That is super duper adorable! And what a great tradition! I'm so glad that you're going to be participating in Art Journal Every Day!

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