Photo: Chris Emeott
Create some vintage holiday decorations.
It's the season for making memories and displaying unique holiday decorations. While browsing social media, I noticed that local resident Laura Bray was creating a charming craft that, depending on how it's presented, can be enjoyed this time of year and beyond.
Bray, one of our Editorial Advisory Board members, discovered this idea on Instagram (@mycreativedays) and added a few small tweaks and recommendations. “I've always loved vintage pieces,” says Bray. “One of my favorites is jade, but I don't want to pay a lot of money for real jade.”
When people talk about jadeite in kitchenware, they're generally referring to the milky green glassware developed during the Great Depression, not the semi-precious stone of the same name. Kitchenware from the 1930s is highly collectible and can be found in many antique and vintage shops, and several manufacturers have now begun producing reproductions.
Now, some crafters have come up with fun ways to recreate “that look,” and after discovering this craft, Bray knew she wanted to give it a try. “I'm not a big crafter, but this seemed easy enough to try,” she says.
Jade ornaments
- Plastic ornaments, preferably textured ones (you can find these anywhere: the dollar section at your local store, hardware stores, or online. Bray says you don't need to spend a fortune, inexpensive ornaments will do the trick.)
- Green craft paint (Find a matte shade that best replicates the jadeite. Bray used Apple Barrel's Spring Green, but you could also try DecoArt's Jadeite.)
- Rub & Buff, Antique Gold
- A foam brush (Bray says this helps to reduce the appearance of brush marks)
- Grilled Skewers
- Cotton swabs
- The ribbon color is up to you, but consider patterns and colors that are associated with the holiday season.
Remove the tops of the ornaments. Attach each ornament to a skewer for easier painting. Use a cotton swab to apply Rub 'n Buff to the tops (this step is optional – if you prefer the original color/finish of the tops, leave them on). Set aside to dry. Using a foam brush, apply paint to the ornaments. Once done, leave them on the skewers standing in a tall jar or glass to dry, making sure there is space between each ornament (apply a second coat if necessary). Once dry, replace the tops and tie a ribbon around the tops.
On display
Use ornaments the way they were originally intended and display them on a vintage-inspired Christmas tree. Consider arranging them together on a plate or in a clear or decorative container. Add other elements such as greenery (faux or real), small ornaments in complementary colors, and miniature Christmas items. You can also arrange them randomly on a bookshelf or cabinet shelves to add color, texture, and holiday cheer.
Laura Bray
