For two years in a row, I have had November deadlines for Christmas presents. Well, it is my own fault for making Advent calendars that have to start before Christmas to be of any use.This one is for Norie who, living in a small Japanese house, needed one of smaller size than I have made in the past.
Everything had to be adjusted in size as well, the border, the pockets, and the hangings.
The decorations are cut from Japanese Broad-leaved Magnolia. It is not the most beautiful wood but being painted, it didn't matter. It is easy to carve and less likely than many other woods to crack or split. Still, it was a bit difficult getting any detail on something so small. I used half of a small sized paperclip for the hanging loop, gluing those into the wood.
I may apply one more coat of varnish before going to bed and Norie can take it home and have it ready when she comes for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. I'm sure granddaughter Leia will have fun with this as well. One goal has been met.
Julie it's absolutely wonderful - the tiny figures simply amazing. Congratulations on a finish so early in the season. :) blessings, marlene
ReplyDeletethis is really sweet! i can't believe you painted all of the ornaments~
ReplyDeletemy japanese friend has been bugging me for an advent calendar for years (never mind that i made quilts for both her kids) but i haven't gotten around to it yet. maybe next year...
thanks for sharing.
All that tiny detail is wonderful, what a labour of love.
ReplyDeleteHow incredible. Are you in a woodworking blog as well? How did you do it? Is there nothing you can't do? As you see, I am in total admiration of your abilities.
ReplyDeleteWell done, Julie! The detail is quite amazing. How long have you been working on the carvings? You sure got them painted and attached quick.
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful, I amazed at your carving and painting skills as well as your sewing. You are a talent.
ReplyDeleteGreat job!
ReplyDeletecongrats on completing our goal! what a cute advent calendar!
ReplyDeleteThat is a gift that will surely be treasured for a lifetime...beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI love your decorations for the tree! Simply wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWhat a treasure! Beautiful finish!
ReplyDeleteWow! What dedication and detail. It is amazing work.
ReplyDeleteMom,
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to have one! I think the quilted ones are much nicer than the felt ones you used to make when I was growing up. I hope you draw my name soon for gift-giving! I'd gladly take a calendar for a birthday gift by the way, even though it would sit for 10 months until we can use it. And remember -- you already did the decorations for me, so I only need the hanging!
For now, I'll admire the one hanging in Kimie's house!
Love, Julie
You bet we're enjoying it tremendously! It's the first thing you see when you walk in our genkan. Every morning, the first thing we do is go down and put a new ornament up on the tree! At 2 yrs 8 mos. Leia is showing me how much she has grown up by not taking out every ornament (well, she does, but she actually puts them each back as soon as she takes them out)! Thank you, Mom! A very special Christmas gift, indeed! :)
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