This is the last Ornament Thursday for 2008, and it's been a pleasure to bring them all to you. I found this easy ornament in a December 1998 issue of Bead&Button, and the PDF is available for half-price ($1.95) until January 2, 2009. The best part is that you can download the instructions, so you'll have them instantly and can create some over the next few days for next year's gift giving or your own decorating. It just takes seed bead and a 2-1/2" round ornament, so buy some on those after-Christmas sales. I've made some with colored balls, and I've even used clear glass ornaments. The ornament is quick to make, so create some today. My tip for creating--buy hanks of seed beads, rather than tubes. Since you're stringing a lot of beads in a row (35-36 on this ornament), it's much easier to slide your needle down the length of thread and load the beads on, rather than picking them up one at a time. Also, I suggest gluing the ornament top to the ball, because if the ball falls and breaks, it can cut the thread of the ornament and then you have a lot of restringing to do. But be careful to keep the beads away from the glue, because if you do have a broken ornament, the bottom ring that gathers it all up can be cut and the whole thing can be removed. Then you just have to restring the bottom ring and you're good to go again. (Take it from me, I have experience in this.)

As for my buddies, since we're posting on Dec 25, just a few people joined in.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Cindy's sharing her favorite OT project!

Strands of Beads
Melissa shows off a simple snowflake necklace for her final seasonal piece of the year. 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to one and all. Thanks for tuning in.