When I was a child, I loved making handmade Christmas ornaments. Usually they consisted of pipe cleaners, googly eyes and pom poms. Last month, I was given a copy of Christmas with the First Ladies: The White House Decorating Tradition from Jacqueline Kennedy To Michelle Obama. I was inspired over and over again. You can see more about the book at my post here.
Betty Ford's Clothespin Cardinal
Since it's our first Christmas in our new home, I thought I'd make my version of Betty Ford's Clothespin Cardinal. I love felt ornaments! In 1975, the Christmas Tree in The White House was decorated with handmade American crafts. You could even write and receive instructions on how to make things like a soap snowflake, a corn husk doll, a clothespin cardinal and more.
The photo above shows the actual instructions printed in the book, Christmas with the First Ladies: The White House Decorating Tradition from Jacqueline Kennedy To Michelle Obama. I hand drew my own template based on her instructions and cut my bird out of felt. I did things a little differently - including whip-stiching the cardinal together with embroidery floss and using sequins for eyes, but the homemade feel is still there. Now the little felt cardinal sits on our tree, celebrating Christmas with us.
You can pick up your own copy of Christmas with the First Ladies: The White House Decorating Tradition from Jacqueline Kennedy To Michelle Obama with by visiting the Insight Editions website.
Starting December 10th, the Noise Girls will be hosting a Christmas with the First Ladies Pinterest Contest in celebration of this awesome book!
Go here to enter, and for nspiration and a chance to win one of 5 copies. And watch for more reviews and posts from fellow Noise Girls. You won’t be disappointed.
Diclosure: I am participating in a campaign with the Noise Girls and Christmas with the First Ladies. This post is part of that campaign.
Leave a Reply