Clay Work in Progress

      This week in the craft room, its all about clay.  These photos show our hand built Christmas serving bowls in the process of being formed in clay plus the adorable decorative shapes which we added to the sides.  We have three different themes for the large bowls: Winter with snowflakes and mittens, Christmas Treats with gingerbread people and candy canes, and Heavenly Angels with stars.  The bowls dry slowly, lightly wrapped in plastic.  Next comes sanding and smoothing preparing them for the first firing.  Everyone is looking forward to applying the underglaze colors which really bring the designs to life.  After three coats of glaze and the second firing, the bowls will be ready for their place in the Christmas Booth.

    
If you are in the market for smaller clay bowls, we also made "soup size" editions.  These bright and colorful bowls filled with homemade treats make the perfect gift for friends and neighbors.  We will keep you posted on the clay bowl progress.

Inspiration from Trinity's Beautiful Windows

                  If you were at the Sunrise Vigil on Easter morning, then you can understand how one of our Crafters was completely taken by the majesty of the early morning light revealing itself through the stained glass windows.  That morning inspired our newest creation; Stained Glass Christmas ornaments.  I photographed the windows, which we transferred onto small stretched canvases, added a " leading look-a-like" and painted our tiny windows to match the real ones.  Later the ornaments will be finished with a glossy sealant, black velvet ribbon, and a brass hook for hanging on the tree.  It brings a little bit of the beauty of Trinity to your home to enjoy. 

                The ornaments come in two sizes; 3"x4" for hanging, and 5"x7" which can be displayed on a stand.  You are invited to see these and other "Trinity inspired" items at the Christmas Booth. 

My Very First Post

             Its our very first post on the very new Christmas Booth blog and we are so excited to share the work of The Christmas Booth Crafters.  Filling the booth takes a full year of dreaming, imagining, painting, gluing, sewing, and creating Christmas ornaments and decor for the Trinity Bazaar, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Columbia, South Carolina.   Crafting began the day after the 2010 Bazaar and we have quite a bit to show for our efforts so far.
              Last year, we had several extremely popular items that sold out quickly and we are pleased to announce they are returning to our inventory.  Most notably, our Cathedral Mice are returning and along with the Cross Bearers and the Choir Mice we have Bishops, Vergers, Parishioners, and a very special mouse bride and groom.
               I'll be posting  more new items for 2011 plus old favorites from last year's Bazaar.  Thanks for visiting!