C19 Quarantine Hobby Series- # 2 Making Ornaments by Sheri LeClair Banitt

Now that I am home most of the time, I have yearned to try new hobbies to keep my mind and spirit fresh and lively. Except the things I want to try really aren’t new at all. I’ve been dabbling in hobbies from my past.

Sometime in the 1970’s, my siblings and I stayed overnight at our Grandparent’s house. There were four of us and I’m sure they were motivated to keep up busy. One time, I remember making Christmas ornaments by sticking beads and sequins into styrofoam balls. I haven’t seen any of those ornaments in years; I wonder if my mom still has them.

As it turns out, you can purchase vintage ornament kits from Mary Maxim Online Catalog. I purchased a few and later ordered a few more. These are fun to make and can be done during a movie or two. https://www.marymaxim.com/

Another funsie was pulling out my vintage muffin tin to sort my beads. Folks, I got this as wedding shower gift in 1981. The ‘patina’ is genuine and now it is producing ornaments instead of muffins or dinner rolls.

Making the ornaments is relaxing and fun. You look at the color photo provided and the hand-drawn diagram for placing the ribbons, pins, beads, and sequins. I use a drop of glue on each pin to make sure it stays put.

If you have time, patience and a little extra cash, I recommend this hobby for your time at home. If you are a boomer like me, it will be nostalgic entertainment. If you are a millenial it will be old-fashioned fun.