Christmas Cookies

Shortbread Cookies with a Twist.

Macadamia Nut with a Hint of  White Chocolate.

My Homemade Christmas Cookies for the Tea Party.

DIY Packaging inspired from Intimate Weddings.

I added a little hang tag so they can hang it on their Christmas tree, 

perhaps for Santa and Rudolph.

Have you made some already?

Modern Crafty Wreath

Handmade Wreath

Two White Birds :: For our Two Boys

Bird Detail :: Handpicked by our Little Man at a local craft store

Leftover Yarn Detail :: Randomly Wrapped by our Boys

Tweet! Tweet!

Hello there.  Today I want to share with you the wreath we made with our boys.  It's a super simple project you can do with your kids, in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

:: Materials ::

12 inch round styrofoam 

fabric scraps, cut lengthwise

stray yarns

raffia (or ribbons, if you prefer)

birds, or choice of accents

:: How To ::

wrap fabric scraps around styrofoam (pin or glue to secure)

randomly cross over some yarn

tie raffia or ribbon and make a bow

hook or tie your choice of accents

:: All Done! ::

Now step back and enjoy your one of a kind, handmade wreath.

Merry Christmas

Our little man with the Christmas Parol.

Wishing you all a Blessed and Merry Christmas.

Have a Happy Holidays!

Thank you for supporting and appreciating my art,

and for following 'The Morning Artist' Blog.

Parol, More than an Ornament

'Parol'

Watercolor on Paper © 2009.

It's that time of the year again when I can't help but miss the cheerful lights and sounds of Christmas back home. There, streets are adorned with lights as early as September and taken down the day after Valentine's day. A long festive celebration indeed.

I miss seeing the Parol. I remember making those when we were growing up. 'Parols' are ornamental star-like Christmas lanterns from the Philippines. It is traditionally made of bamboo and paper and comes in various shapes, sizes and designs.

It symbolizes the Nativity star that guided the Magi to the manger, which for me is the very essence of Christmas - the birth of Jesus. It also represents the victory of light over darkness and the Filipinos' hope and goodwill during the Christmas season.

Painting this somehow makes me feel a little closer to home.

UrArtist is Featured in Cloud9's Holiday Gift Guide.