It’s that time of year. When I simultaneously seek out new recipes for pumpkin pie while mysteriously leaving a thin trail of glitter everywhere I go. When Glittered Sequin Christmas Dreams of Grandeur Go Full Graceland.
When Glittered Sequin Christmas Dreams of Grandeur Go Full Graceland
You may recall last July when I found this sequined stocking prize at an estate sale.
I carefully and painstakingly removed all of the pieces and made myself patterns. I had a vision that I would modernize this Christmas crafting classic. What joy it would bring! #famouslastwords
I imagine that there are probably many of us that can remember the happy grand old days of sequined tree skirts…
…and sequined stockings.
Vintage Sequin Glory
Why I can even recall that my grandmother had a sequined toilet seat cover (Poor Santa) and my aunt made doorknob covers for every handle in her home.
This was THE handcrafted fad of the 60’s and 70’s. Every angelic housewife in America was probably beading until her fingers bled.
Or perhaps leaving a trail of seed pearls everywhere she went.
These needle-wielding women took their craft seriously.
Nothing was left unadorned.
Children were outfitted.
Husbands and fathers were memorialized.
Sequins were scattered throughout the land.
How Long Does This TAKE!
So I picked up my needle and 10 HOURS later I had finished the entire spectacular first season series of The Crown on Netflix …and just one Santa.
ONE.
While I sat admiring this sequined labor of love a family member came by and said: “I like your Elvis in a Santa suit.”
Indeed.
It then took four hours and two Hallmark movies to edge the 50-inch diameter tree skirt.
With every stitch, I began to truly appreciate the work of these women and slowly my dreams of creating an entire room of sequined gloriousness died.
Particularly when Sweet Guy asked how long each of the seven snowflakes of doom was taking to make.
Two hours. Each.
Cheers To Midge
I’m not sure if the 24 beaded and sequined Christmas ornaments I had planned are going to get done.
Because there is a reason the woman, I call her Midge, pictured below is drinking.
However, I hope you admired the sequined dachshund near the chamber pot in the image above. Because embellished felt wiener dogs ARE happening right now at Storybook Cottage.
Stay tuned and keep smiling,
Laura
Ha! You've made my day! I remember those days of sewing sequins on Christmas items very well! Still have a large set of the 3 Kings to hang over the fireplace, an Advent calendar, and more — many with avocado green felt backgrounds!
Your tree skirt looks gorgeous with the snowflakes!
Happy Thanksgiving Day! Jane p.s. I kind of like that doorknob cover 🙂
ACK!!!!!!! Hilarious… for me at least! Poor fingers, dahling.
*hugs*
Kelley~
You crack me up. I agree. One year I was going to have a flock of sequined blue birds. Is two birds a flock?
I admire and appreciate all the work that went into the sequined 70s. Next time you need a Hallmark movie marathon, count me in! A girl after my own heart.
You're right about a reason for that woman to be drinking! I remember my mom doing this sort of thing all the time. Tablecloths. Tree skirts. My stocking. Ornaments. (I have to repair a raggedy Ann she did, whose leg was amputated last year.) I'm OK with sequins and straight pins but sewing them on? Well, let's just say I am no Martha Stewart when it comes to whipping up anything involving sewing!
So these are fabulous — love them all but your tree skirt is especially beautiful! I am SO excited to decorate!
Oh my word, I remember those but I never made any of them. Yours looks fabulous and you have way more patience than me. I would be the woman with the drink. haha
Awe So cute and pretty! Beautiful post ♥
Oh my…this is great in a scary way. I just can't stop looking. Love the ornaments you are taking 2 hours each on.
This is why tacky glue was invented!
I've watched the first 2 eps of the Crown and love it altho I don't much care for the Matt Smith as the Duke…even if he was the Dr.
Best wishes for a peaceful Thanksgiving.
Your tree skirt is fantastic and yes I remember all the sequins. I still have a doorknob hanger. I love the snowflakes and the blue Santa. It's beautiful. I don't know how you stuck it out-sewing on those tiny beads. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
“When I simultaneously seek out new recipes for pumpkin pie while mysteriously leaving a thin trail of glitter everywhere I go.”
You know…I think this is a good way to live life. All the time.
I remember this era of crafts. It was a glorious and shiny time! Love.that.dress! And the Dad stocking. And…is your tree GOLD? Too Cool!
Haha
My Grandmother B was as crafty as they come and she loved Christmas! The post brings back lots of memories of all the glittery, glitzy things she made over the years to celebrate Christmas! Your blue Elvis Santa is really cute! 🙂 ~Rhonda
Oh goodness, this is hilarious! I do remember the crafty sequin days, I didn't have the patience for that then, but had friends that were forever sewing things..however the thought of curling up for a Hallmark movie marathon is very appealing, so I might just have to rethink sequins! I laughed out loud when I saw your Elvis in a Santa suit, too too funny!!Happy crafting Laura!
Jenna
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind words!!
Hugs,
Debbie
This was a blast from the past! I was a young mom in those years and made lots of things with sequins. We used to make the holiday ornaments by using straight pins and beads and making a pattern in Styrofoam balls. Using felt with all the glitzy stuff was the big thing. Love the little doxie…so cute…
So funny! I was one of “those” sequin girls and found it was really a great form of therapy in the evenings. 🙂 My step-mother did a huge amount of Christmas crafts and truly, everything was gorgeous! Your Santas and snowflakes are beautiful! Don't you love a Hallmark marathon?
xo
Pat
Laura,
Thank you for this fun walk down Christmas Memory Lane. In this day of instant everything, I really admired your commitment to this year's decorating. I do love a Hallmark marathon, but I'm afraid I'm not as productive during mine.