Personalized Ornaments For EVERY Occasion

The time has come to check your list twice to see if you are missing any special gifts!!  If you have a few names still lingering, let us help you out with a great personalized ornament from Ornaments For Keeps!! We offer a wide variety of personalized creations that fit any individual, enthusiast or family member.  

Here are a couple of thoughts as how to make your gifts cherished for years to come.

• Select an ornament that you can identify with for each member of the family.
• Identify a specific passion for your intended recipient - whether that be sports or dance or snowmen, there are many options to choose from
• Mark a significant occasion such as a wedding, anniversary or birth (the great thing is we can create multiple like ornaments if you want to give them to multiple people.
• Offer a memento of a special occasion a loved one recently experienced whether it be a honeymoon or a weekend getaway you are privy to, we have options!

These are just a few ideas for you to share to consider when sharing with your loved ones. Traditions can be created so easily but can be cherished for a lifetime!

Don't wait too much longer - December 15th is the last day to order if you want to receive it before Christmas!!

Happy crafting and I hope these ideas help! Since my first craft show in 1981, customers here at home and from around the United States continue to add to their collections and to buy these personalized gifts for family and friends.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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Phone: (573) 893-3272
info@ornamentsforkeeps.com

Personalize Your Family's Elf on the Shelf

The Christmas season is in full swing and we have a question for you...Is your Elf on the Shelf? 

This is a tradition for many families world wide! Stemming from the popular 2005 book, The Elf on the Shelf watches and listens all day to what the kiddos are doing and saying.... Then at night he travels back to the North Pole to report to Santa.  Each morning, the Elf will return to the home in a different location throughout the home waiting to be discovered by the kids. 

Like most traditions, you want to personalize them. What better way to personalize this fun Christmas tradition than with a morning delivery of personalized elf ornaments on your tree?   The Elf on the Shelf could be perched on your tree with a sign to look for the new ornaments that he has delivered to them!!  Or you could simply have them near the Elf on the Shelf and allow your children to put them on the tree.   Check out all my personalized Elf ornaments!!

This is just one idea for you to share with your loved ones. Traditions can be created so easily but can be cherished for a lifetime! 

Happy crafting and I hope these ideas help!  Since my first craft show in 1981, customers here at home and from around the United States continue to add to their collections and to buy these personalized gifts for family and friends.

Connect with us for the latest inspired, creative ideas! 

Like us on Facebook 

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CONTACT US

Phone: (573) 893-3272
info@ornamentsforkeeps.com

Happy Thanksgiving From Our Family to Yours!

This time of year is one for cherishing precious time spent with your loved ones. As Thanksgiving approaches we reflect on the year that has passed while looking forward to the festivities ahead in the coming weeks.  So before the turkey goes in the oven and the marshmallows top the candied yams we wanted to take a minute to Thank YOU.

We are so thankful to each and everyone of you.  You have helped us pursue our passion which makes going to work each day so FUN!!  To be able to help create wonderful memories for families makes it that much more special.

We also want to extend a Thank You and Happy Thanksgiving to those who will be away from their families serving in our military, protecting our freedom. We are so thankful to you and your families for making the sacrifices that you do everyday.

May the blessings of the season be with each and every one of you every day!

Since my first craft show in 1981, customers here at home and from all around the United States continue to add to their collections and to buy these personalized gifts for family and friends.  Thank you!!

Connect with us for the latest inspired, creative ideas! 

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Phone: (573) 893-3272
info@ornamentsforkeeps.com

Six EASY Ideas to Help Start Your Family Tradition!!

Creating family traditions can be simple and effortless - don't get stressed trying to create an elaborate plan.  Remember the point  is to bring the family together for some quality time. 

Here are some simple ideas to create your own family traditions that will be easy to continue year after year.

1. Drive through area light displays together.  Tune in some Christmas carols on the radio and you are ready to be fascinated by the twinkling displays.
2. Make Dough Ornaments with the Family - Check out my EASY Dough  Ornament Recipe!  
3. Movie night!  Watch your favorite holiday flick together...whether it's Miracle on 34th Street or A Christmas Story it will be something to share with each generation.
4. Hand print an item with every family member. Choose a cloth laundry or grocery bag or table cloth and have each person put there hand print on it. One can be made for each member of the family and added to as it expands.
5. Family Pot Luck.  You can choose an overall theme that everyone can bring an appropriate dish or have everyone bring a course.  Have everyone email you the recipes in advance and you can put together a booklet for each guest attending.
   
6. Have an annual ornament exchange.  Each person can draw a name and get an ornament for that family member.  You can incorporate themes or other ideas to spice it up from year to year.

These are just some ideas for you to share with your loved ones.  Traditions that can be created so easily and can last a lifetime!  

Happy crafting and I hope these ideas help!  Since my first craft show in 1981, customers here at home and from around the United States continue to add to their collections and to buy these personalized gifts for family and friends.

Connect with us for the latest inspired, creative ideas! 

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CONTACT US

Phone: (573) 893-3272
info@ornamentsforkeeps.com

Simple Steps to Make Dough Ornaments with the Kiddos

Making these cute bread dough ornaments with your kids can be a fun family tradition.  I remember making these with my kids when they were young. Include extended family too so cousins can share those memories when they are older.

Here's a simple Dough Ornament Recipe for your new family tradition:

1 c. flour
1/4 c. salt
1/2 c. warm tap water

You can add colored tempera paint to your dough or you may paint them when baked.

Combine flour, salt and powder tempera (if desired).  Add part of the water, stir and add the rest as needed to make a ball.  Knead with flour till it is a soft ball that is not sticky but not too stiff.  TIP:  Since I make lots of ornament dough, I use a food processor, which is a great option but not necessary.

Now that you dough is complete, follow these simple steps to make your own personalized DIY ornaments!

Step 1 - Cutting process:  Lightly flour surface of cutting board, roll dough out to about 1/4 inch.  Take a cookie cutter and cut out.  With your spatula move to cookie sheet.  Continue cutting your ornaments till you have the desired number.  Take a straw and cut hole in top of ornament for ribbon to hang or add a small wire hook.

Step 2 - Baking process:  Bake at 225 degrees for 4 hours or until ornaments are hard.

Step 3 - Painting and finishing:  If you have not colored your dough, I used the following acrylic colors to paint my ornaments:

• Mitten: Ceramcoat Cardinal Red
• Tree:  Ceramcoat Christmas Green
• Star:  Ceramcoat White

For mitten:  After red has dried, use an unsharpened pencil dipped in white acrylic paint to apply polka dots.  FYou will probably want to dip the pencil for each dot.  Test it on a piece of paper before you start.  Allow the mittens to dry completely and then seal with a clear polyurethane sealer.  After the sealer has dried measure the white ric rack and glue onto top of mitten.

For Christmas tree:  After the green has dried, embellish your tree with a package of stars and dots that you can pick up at any craft store.  After these are dry you are ready to seal with a clear polyurethane sealer.

For star:  After white has dried, this ornament is ready to seal with a clear polyurethane sealer.  After the sealer dries, you can bling it up with glue and glitter.

Printable Tag

Now you are ready to cut the printable tags attached and have your child sign their name. Just click on the image to the left and print!!  Be sure and add the year and/or their age so you will have a special keepsake.  Cut 8 inch pieces of red ribbon and tie the ribbon and tag on the ornament.

Your children will be so proud of these!  They will make a great addition to your family tree or would make wonderful gifts for parents, grandparents, school classmates or special friends.  

How to store bread dough ornaments:

• Store in a cool, dry place
• Do not store in damp basement or attic
• I store all my ornaments in Rubbermaid type containers on the main floor of my home.

Happy crafting and I hope these ideas help!  Since my first craft show in 1981, customers here at home and from around the United States continue to add to their collections and to buy these personalized gifts for family and friends.

Connect with us for the latest inspired, 
creative ideas! 

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CONTACT US

Phone: (573) 893-3272
info@ornamentsforkeeps.com

Personalized Family Ornament Options

Personalized family Christmas ornaments are a great way to chronicle your family year by year as it changes.  You can start the tradition anytime because it's never too late.  

But you might want to start it sooner than later! You can look back over the years and fond memories will be sparked. You will see there are various options when it comes to customized family ornaments.  In addition to styles a number of different themes exist.  

Whether your preference is a specific Christmas character or a sports theme we cover the gamete.  As family members are added over the years, you can adjust your ornament to accommodate it so they are included. 

These also make great gifts.  Whether it is for a friend or family member this customized gift shows you were thinking of them in a special way.  You can also begin a collection for each family member as the years progress so they have the same mementos for their trees.  

I hope these ideas help!  Since my first craft show in 1981, customers here at home and from around the United States continue to add to their collections and to buy these personalized gifts for family and friends.

Connect with us for the latest inspired, 
creative ideas! 

Like us on Facebook 

Follow us on Twitter 

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CONTACT US

Phone: (573) 893-3272
info@ornamentsforkeeps.com

5 Places with the Most Christmas Spirit

Regardless of where you travel in the United States, you will find a wide variety of customs and traditions... And there is not better time to appreciate those customs and traditions than during the Christmas Season!!  Here are five places that go above and beyond to celebrate the Christmas season.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee nestled in the heart of the Smokey Mountains offers a picturesque back drop to a down home country Christmas.

Dollywood lights up for the season and all of the shows have a Christmas theme.  See five million shining lights while you're on a Winterfest Trolley Tour of Lights. The heated, enclosed trolley comes complete with a personal tour guide who will share stories about Pigeon Forge's history and famous Winterfest displays.

Frankenmuth, Michigan is also know as Little Bavaria.  It embraces old world traditions and shares them all year long.  The Old Christmas Station is a German Christmas museum offering Christmas antiques and a European Cafe.  And of course Bronner's Christmas Wonderland who boasts to be the largest Christmas store in the World.  Everything in this quaint town takes you back to Old World Bavaria and it's customs.

Solvang, California will sparkle with thousands of sparkling white lights, creating a gorgeous scene that earned "Little Denmark" its title.  

Things kick off with a tree lighting then the Julefest Parade fills the streets.  An ice rink and holiday wine walks round out activities.  Most events are open to the public and some events are free. 

Branson, Missouri rounds out our list with the numerous light parks and trails lighting up the night sky throughout the season.  While it may borderline on overkill, when Branson dresses up the streets for the season they go all out! The ever popular entertainers take on a Christmas tune as well transforming their shows to have holiday themes.

New York City, New York kicks off the season every year with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.  Then captivates a nation when the tree is lit at Rockefeller Center.  Broadway even celebrates every year with the Radio City Hall Rockettes, a Christmas tradition for sure!

If your travels take you to any of these destinations don't forget to create a special memory by picking up a unique Christmas Ornament for your tree!  If you don't have the chance to travel during the holidays, be sure to check out all the Personalized Christmas Ornaments that we have available!! 

Since my first craft show in 1981, customers here at home and from around the United States continue to add to their collections and to buy these personalized gifts for family and friends.

Connect with us for the latest inspired, creative ideas!

Like us on Facebook 

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CONTACT US

Phone: (573) 893-3272
info@ornamentsforkeeps.com

Moms Connect and offer a GREAT Way to Network Their Businesses

In today's fast paced world you need a large network to continually grow your business.  The more people talking about your products or services keeps your name top of mind.

One of the best opportunities we have found to connect with similar type business owners is by being featured on Business Among Moms (BAM) blog.  

Business Among Moms offers moms running a business support to balance the unique needs of motherhood and entrepreneurship. This is done through:

• Weekly blog posts on a variety of business topics. 
• Promoting your business and connect with other mompreneurs. 
• Advertising opportunities exist that are both unique and affordable. 
• A membership program that will allow you to further grow as a mom and a business owner.

If you are a business of a similar design check it out!  It may be another avenue for you to affordably grow your business!  

At Ornaments for Keeps we value the information as well as networking opportunities we have gained through BAM!

www,ornamentsforkeeps.com

We look forward to sharing our ideas with you!!  We are passionate about creating unique ornaments that will be treasured for a lifetime.  Since my first craft show in 1981, customers here at home and from around the United States continue to add to their collections and to buy these personalized gifts for family and friends.

Connect with us for the latest inspired, creative ideas!

Like us on Facebook 

Follow us on Twitter 

Follow us on Pinterest

CONTACT US

Phone: (573) 893-3272
info@ornamentsforkeeps.com

Create Special Keepsakes with Personalized Ornaments

Every family has family traditions - why not pair those with a treasured keepsake?  We have a wide variety of Personalized Christmas ornaments that are sure to fit just about any of your loved ones!!

There are several different ways you can personalize ornaments to have special meaning.  You can choose an ornament that's associated with a hobby or interest or one that shows the growth of a family over the years.  The options are endless!!  

Here are some different ways you can create cherished mementos for your loved ones.

• Use the year in the ornament to chronicle the growth of your family over the years.  
• Pick a theme for different family members that will span over a few years.  This can be sports, hobbies, aging for a baby, etc.
  
• Chronicle milestones in your family.  The birth of a child, a wedding or anniversary, and so on.
• Pick a character or set of characters to create a specific collection over a few years.  Reindeer, snowmen, angels are all options.  Or you could look at a cast from a favorite TV show or cartoon series.

These are just a few ideas of how to create lasting memories for all to enjoy for many years.  

Connect with us for the latest inspired, creative ideas!

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CONTACT US

Phone: (573) 893-3272
info@ornamentsforkeeps.com

Get to Know Ornaments for Keeps!

We are Ornaments for Keeps and we offer Personalized Christmas Ornaments. But more than that - we offer you a special keepsake that will be treasured forever!

Christmas ornaments are considered heirlooms in many families.  They can mark a momentous occasion like a birth, wedding or anniversary.  They can chronicle time with a new one added to the collection marking each passing year.

Personalized ornaments make wonderful gifts too - Especially for that 'hard to buy' person in your life.  We have many different themes and styles available to choose from.  Consider picking a favorite team, hobby or sport and you have a winner!

Ornaments are available in ceramic, resin, clay, glass and bread dough. You can see the full gallery at www.ornamentsforkeeps.com.  

Like us on Facebook to get crazy good deals too!  You can also find out when and where we will be on location during the  holiday craft season.  

Follow us on Pinterest for great ideas throughout the holiday season!!

We look forward to sharing our ideas with you!!  We are passionate about creating unique ornaments that will be treasured for a lifetime.  Since my first craft show in 1981, customers here at home and from around the United States continue to add to their collections and to buy these personalized gifts for family and friends.

Connect with us for the latest inspired, creative ideas!

Like us on Facebook 

Follow us on Twitter 

Follow us on Pinterest

CONTACT US

Phone: (573) 893-3272
info@ornamentsforkeeps.com

Have You Started Thinking About Your 2013 Christmas Card?

I love to send and receive photo Christmas cards! I proudly display them so we can enjoy them throughout the Holiday Season.

Many families make the creation of their Christmas card a part of their family traditions. It has become very popular for families to design and create their own Christmas card by adding personal touches of family photos and holiday snapshots. The greeting in the card can be personalized but brief or may include a "Christmas letter" updating everyone on the years’ events.

I have started planning our photo Christmas card for 2013. Creating a personal card was one of the holiday traditions I began in 1980 after our first daughter was born in 1979 on Christmas Day. Looking back on the cards from each year brings back smiles and great memories.

My mother sent her first photo Christmas in 1954.

 

These have been a few of my favorite photo Christmas cards.

 

 

 

 

 

Pinterest offers a wealth of ideas and inspiration on photo Christmas card ideas. Look at "Ornaments for Keeps" on Pinterest and check out our "Christmas Card" board for a few great ideas!

We would love to see your favorite photo Christmas cards throughout the years! Please share them with us...

 

 

 



 

Linda is the author of this post. To read more about the doughlady, click here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

What a Great Weekend!

Keith and I had family visiting us at the Lake of the Ozarks and their visit is a family tradition. We have watched all the kids grow up through the years and it has been a blast.

Each year, the kids are constantly on the jet ski, in the water and asking Keith for boat rides. Aside from being little lake fish, the kids enjoy my breakfast pizza which I make for them every time without fail.

Over the years, we have made many traditions as well as memories that always make me chuckle. This year there were some mischievous activities going on throughout the weekend. There was the usual bugging of the kids and parents, but the biggest prank pulled was on the last day the family was here. We had all just woken up when we found that the girls' swimsuits were all frozen in a ball in the freezer. Knowing that the swimsuits couldn't have done that by themselves, we started lining up the culprits. Keith seemed the most capable of pulling such a prank. Whenever we asked him if he did it, he smiled and simply said "I didn't do it." So bravo, whoever made the first move. We will see how someone feels when the favor is returned.

Wrapping it all up, it was a great weekend with many memories made. There is that saying, "you can't pick family." Though this may be true, I sure am glad with the family we got stuck with. Family are the people that will be there through the thick and thin, making priceless moments along the way that will always leave a smile on your face. Here's to a good weekend, we can't wait for another family visit next year!

Here is a peak at the infamous swimsuit ball...

 

 

 

 

 

 





Linda is the author of this post. To learn more about the doughlady, click here!

6 Months Until Christmas!

Do you realize 6 months from today will be Christmas day! Here's some fun trivia to get you thinking about the holiday season. Get your pen and paper ready to see how much you know about Christmas. (answers below)


1. What did Frosty the Snowman have for a nose?
                    a. button
                    b. carrot
                    c. a piece of coal

2. How many gifts would you receive if you received all of the gist in the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas?"
                    a. 12
                    b.182
                    c. 364

3. In the traditional song, "Go tell it on the Mountain," what are you suppose to go tell on the mountain?
                    a. Santa Claus is coming to town
                    b. Our Jesus Christ is born!
                    c. Dinner is ready

4. True or False: Joseph was the one that told Mary she was going to have a baby.
                    False: It was an Angel that told Mary the news!

5. How many times does Santa Check his list?
                    a. once
                    b. twice
                    c. 10 times

6. It would have been a laugh to see Mommy doing what last night?
                    a. Kissing Santa Claus
                    b. Baking Cookies
                    c. Singing Christmas carols

7. On the eleventh day of Christmas, what did my true love send to me?
                    a. A dozen roses
                    b. A box of chocolates
                    c. Eleven Pipers Piping

8. Santa Claus is said to bring gifts to good children. What do naughty children get?
                    a. a rock
                    b. bag of dirt
                    c. a lump of coal

9. The "traditional" portrait of the American Santa Claus was created by artist Haddon Sundblom as part of an advertising campaign for what product?
                    a. Coca-Cola
                    b. Fisher Price toys
                    c. Raggedy Ann dolls

10. One of the most popular Christmas stories of all time is "A Christmas Carol," the story of businessman Ebenezer Scrooge who changes his miserly ways after being visited by ghostly beings on Christmas eve. Who is the author of the book?
                    a. Henry James
                    b. Charles Dickens
                    c. Mark Twain

11. According to the poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas," which of the following names is NOT attributed to one of Santa's reindeer?
                    a. Donder
                    b. Vixen
                    c. Rudolph

12. A plant used in decorating for Christmas is the "Noche Buena" flower. What is it commonly know as in North America?
                    a. Mistletoe
                    b. Holly
                    c. Poinsettia

13. The legend of Santa Claus, the jolly old elf who brings Christmas gifts to good little boys and girls, evolved from the European custom of celebrating the life of a saint known as a generous man and protector of children. Who was he?
                    a. Saint Klaus
                    b. Saint Nicholas
                    c. Saint Christopher

14. The portrayal of Santa Claus as a jolly old elf began with a famous poem originally know as "A Visit from Saint Nicholas." What other title is the poem know as?
                    a. Twas the Night Before Christmas
                    b. A Christmas Carol
                    c. When Santa Claus Comes


** I will be headed to the Atlanta Market in a couple of weeks. Check back the end of July for "What's new in 2013!"





Answers: 1. (A )Button, 2. (C) 364 presents 3. (B) Santa Claus is Coming to Town 4. False: It was an Angel that told Mary the news! 5. (B) Twice 6. (A) Kissing Santa Claus 7. (C) Eleven Pipers Piping 8. (C) A Lump of Cole 9. (A) Coca-Cola 10. (B) Charles Dickens 11. (C) Rudolph 12. (C) Poinsettia 13. (B) Saint Nicholas 14. (A) Twas the Night Before Christmas



Linda is the creator of this post. To learn more about the doughlady, click here!

Personalized Memorial Ornament

I want to introduce a new personalized memorial ornament I have created with care and compassion. "In Our Hearts Forever" memorial ornament is expertly personalized to celebrate the life of a deceased loved one. When hung on the Christmas tree each year it will bring comfort and memories of that family member or friend and will be a cherished keepsake. It's a way to keep their memory alive during the holidays and all year long.

Beautifully handcrafted of clay, decoratively painted and hand dipped to give it a glossy shine. I includes a sheer white ribbon for easy display.

It can be personalized with the deceased loved ones name, birth and death dates or maybe you want to make it more personal and add "Husband, Dad and Grandpa" or "Wife, Mom and Grandma." There are so many ways to personalize to honor that special person.

I have been giving a memorial ornament at the visitation attached to the plant or arrangement or attached to the memorial envelope. It makes a meaningful keepsake.

The older I get, the more I realize we need to stop and remember the people we hold most dear.

Linda is the creator of this post. Wanna know more about the doughlady? Click here:)

How To Make An Easter Family Ornament Tree

What a cute, fun and easy Easter ornament tree to make! It has made a great centerpiece for my Easter holiday table. I am excited to share this with you...so let's get started!!

I used a tall, round clear vase (recycled from some flowers I received) and filled half full with clear marbles from Hobby Lobby. I tied a green with white polka dot ribbon around the vase and made a big bow. I added a clear jeweled brad to the center of the bow to give it that classy touch. I purchased five green flower branches from Hobby Lobby (when they were 50% off) and snipped off the bottoms as needed. I arranged them in the vase so it was full and I had plenty of room to tie the ornaments on.

Next I made the photo ornaments. I chose to put my children and grandchildren on my tree.

Supplies needed:

2 1/2 x 3 inches rectangle wood pieces (I found mine at Hobby Lobby)
Pretty spring scrapbook paper
Embellishments such as stones, brads, buttons and ribbon
Small photos of your family
ModPodge
Adhesive
Scissors
A drill to drill holes through the top of the wood pieces

First, I painted the edges of the wood rectangles with white paint. Then I cut out the photos and the paper. I layered each wood piece and paper, positioning the photos until I was happy. I used the adhesive to glue together. I embellished each one to make them fun and whimsical. I drilled a small hole in the top and added a thin coat of matte ModPodge to the top for a finished look. After drying, I added a ribbon for hanging.

I hung each picture ornament on the tree and then added some small glitter Easter eggs (in the seasonal section at Hobby Lobby) to complete the tree. What a cute classy decoration this makes for Easter.

My grandchildren love to visit and see their picture hanging on our tree. It gives me a chance to talk to them about Easter and why we celebrate this holiday...not just for the Easter Bunny, colored eggs and candy but because Jesus died on the cross for us, arose to Heaven and if we believe we will meet Jesus in Heaven someday.

Do you have any favorite decorating ideas or holiday traditions for Easter? We would love to see or hear your ideas.

Happy Crafting and Happy Easter!!

Linda is the author of this post. Wanna know more about the doughlady? Click here:)