Making things with my hands always comforts me.  When I’m depressed, the repetitive action of knitting or hand-stitching distracts and soothes me, and when I complete something, my self-worth gets a tiny boost. I won’t flatter myself by calling it “Art” therapy, as I don’t think my creations deserve the title “Art,” but my goofball ideas come straight from the heart, so they are genuine expressions of my whackado thinking.

For the past ten years I’ve made ornaments for the holidays. I try to keep them faith-friendly, as my friends and family are from an assortment of backgrounds and cultures. I send my annual ornaments in December because it’s a festive time of year and people can hang them on their trees or doorknobs or whatever. And, the holiday season triggers depression for me,(big surprise) but, if I follow Gandhi’s advice,(see image and caption below), I feel a little better.

Each year I give/send  between 50-80 ornaments. Making them takes time, so I work on them year round. Every day I knit or sew a little, so when December rolls around, I’m ready.

Here are some of my creations. They’re all a bit silly and imperfect because I design them myself. I am not a Designer, but I sure have fun making them. I invite you to stroll through my gallery below.

The Hedgehog’s Dilemma -2016

Side view – still a dlemma -still 2016

Lackadaisical is the new lickety-split – 2015

Truth or Yarn? The Inimitable Yarn Man – 2014

Tumble Bug – Dung Beatle keeps the world revolving – 2013

The tortoise symbolizes longevity, power and tenacity -2012

Have a hatful of Henry – 2010

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – 2009

Keep your heart warm – 2008

Be careful how you talk to camels, they  have good memories… – 2007

A special fox for Mom – 2014?

…and 2017?