Grandmother's China on our Tree

Using old teacups to make keepsake Christmas ornaments. Yes, I'm writing this blog on December 28th, and Christmas is over. Too late to put some newly created ornaments on my tree. But it's become a yearly custom for me and my grandkids to get together over Thanksgiving or Christmas break and make ornaments. My hope has always been that they would add the ornaments to their tree now, but also hang on to them to put on their own tree some day. My grands are preteens and teenagers with very active lives--from church to sports to school and everything in between. Yesterday was the first day we've been able to get together to do this craft. It's okay, they can enjoy their ornaments until they take their tree down this year, and then pack them away for next year's tree. 

So here we go--another easy craft. When I got married, my two older sisters went in together and got me a set of Castleton Ironstone--gorgeous white dishes to use for special occasions. But alas, that was over 50 years ago, and the china covering was cracking giving them an old, weathered look. It occurred to me that the teacups would be perfect for this craft. And would include a touch on sentimental value to the owners--well, maybe. 

The craft is pretty straightforward. I just got out my teacups and discovered I had six left. I went to the craft store, and looked for Christmas items that would fit in a cup. Everything from felt gingerbread men to beads, ribbon, and jingle bells. I think you can see from these photos.

Here are my teacups we decided to embellish for Christmas and hang on our tree.

I labeled them for posterity (I'm such an optimist) so future generations would know where they came from.

Here are some of the decorations I purchased for the kids to include in the cups.

Don't forget pretty ribbon to use to hang the cups on the tree.

I also bought some washi tape with a Christmas theme to border the edge of the cup.

I just set out my tea cups, all the baubles and beads, and three hot glue guns and told them to have at it! Here are their finished creations. 

Finished products!

And more. . .

I love the simplicity of my 10 year old grandson's creation.

Finished project hanging on the tree.

The best part? Hanging with this crew of magnificent creators.

As I previously stated, this has become a yearly tradition. We've made ornaments from small wooden plaques, cookie cutters, and wooden cubes. I've loved every minute.

If your grands are still visiting and you're looking for a craft idea, this just might be a good one. All those baubles, ribbons, and beads I bought at the craft store before Christmas are all on sale now. This just might be a great time to do this even though the holiday is over. And you can stash this idea in your craft box and do it next year. 

Happy grandparenting to you in the coming new year!