Saturday, November 20, 2010

Tin Toy Ornament Ideas

I have a fondness for old toys. The more beat up, the better! I like to think of the many lives they have had and the little hands that played with them and loved them....
Though I bought them with assemblage in mind, I decided to make ornaments with them this year, using vintage crystals and some wire....pretty simple to do. And fast. That's a real plus when life goes by at the speed of light as mine does! I know now why some folks (like me this year), put their trees up in November. I want to make Christmas last as long as humanly possible. Having an amazing artificial tree (thanks mom) that we've had for many years makes that possible! I love white lights, glass icicles, vintage chandelier crystals and old toys on the tree. I'd love to have antique and vintage photographs on the tree, but we are having trouble keeping the kittens out of it. I don't worry about the glass ornaments because I actually wire them onto the branches! Ah, well....we really get such joy from our animals!
Vintage Blue Willow Child's Tea Pot Ornament

Simple directions for the ornaments:
Drill small holes in the top and bottom of the plate and add wire and crystal as desired....for the tea pot, just insert a small dowel into the spout and drill a small hole to insert the wire and crystal.
I have more ideas for ornaments, so check back again soon!
Oh, yes, I also tie vintage toy guns, from my husband's collection,onto the tree with antique lace. I guess because a many decades ago, they would put presents on the tree...reminds me of simpler times, you know?
Vintage toy Derringer


Vintage Tin Toy Ornaments

9 comments:

  1. I just love how creative you are, Jennifer! I believe that one of the most special gifts a person can possess, is the ability to "think outside the box", and you show us time & time again how gifted you are at this. Oh, and once again, we have something in common...I LOVE old vintage toys SO MUCH! Must be that part of us that will never grow up!

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  2. love what you've done with those cool vintage toys..and the kitty too. ;)

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  3. What a wonderful idea. Your tree looks fab

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  4. What a beautiful tree!
    Love the kitty peeking through the branches!!
    Lovely ornaments!

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  5. I love the kitty ornament! ;-) I'm doing a "natural theme" tree this year, but will definitely be on the lookout for old toys over the next year for my 2011 tree. I love this idea! Thanks!

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  6. Sweet....I think my boys would really love the lace and guns.

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  7. L-O-V-E...the teapot and the sweet kitty are my favorite! I'm wearing a beautiful pair of earrings today! ;)
    Hugs to you my friend!
    ♥♥♥

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  8. These look so flippin awesome. oh, the teapot! you forgot to include instructions for the kitty one though.

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  9. Christmas greetings.

    What a lovely blog... The tabby stripe kitty ornament is my absolute favorite. It looks so real. Does it come in a smaller size?

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