Christmas Tag Ornaments

Several years ago, Ken's three sisters and I came to an agreement that instead of buying Christmas gifts, we would make charitable donations in honor of each other.

This year Ken & I gave money to Compassion International, using their gift-giving catalog as a guide. Education funds always speak to my heart, so that's what we chose.

Since I was making the donation decision at the last minute, I didn't have time to wait for the little donation gift cards. So — I thought, why not make something myself? How about an ornament of some kind that Ken's sisters could hang on their tree as a reminder in the years that come (if they wanted to)?

SHOW

 
Each ornament is comprised of two tags. Instead of laboring through placement of alphabet stamps, I went the quick route and just hand-wrote the information.

Here's a peek of the second tag.

 
just the simple to - from part.

And then I thought that if they do decide to use these as ornaments, maybe there should be a Christmas-y part, too. So — here's the back.

 
AND TELL:  stamps are from Papertrey Ink (School Time, 2008 Holiday Tags, Simple Alphabet); cardstock is PTI (Stampers Select White); ink is Stampin' Up (Real Red, Bashful Blue, Summer Sun, Basic Gray, Marina Mist, Wild Wasabi) and PTI (Tea Dye Duo); ribbon is PTI (Pure Poppy Satin); baker's twine is from The Twinery (Lemondrop); also used PTI's Tag Sale #2 die and SU's Basic Black Stampin' Write marker. 

Now, how about the last of the New York City pictures?

On our final morning there, Ken & I stumbled upon Bryant Park where we found ice skating — 
this pretty fountain —

 
lots of cute and colorful tables and chairs for the younger set — 
 
and a maze of little temporary shops filled with mostly handmade items — 
It was almost like walking into Etsy. In fact, I bought Ian a silkscreened shirt from a guy who gave me a card with his etsy address on it. (I know... my parents went to New York and all I got was this lousy t-shirt.)

After exploring Bryant Park for a bit we headed back toward Rockefeller Plaza for some hot chocolate at a little French chocolate store.

 
And that would be a picture of Ken counting his money and saying to himself, "I can't believe I'm paying $17.40 for two cups of hot chocolate." [Edited to add:  Some have asked, so... no, sadly, I would say that the hot chocolate was not worth that much money. Not really sweet enough for me. But... it was freezing outside and we got to walk around inside sipping hot chocolate and warming up, so when you consider the whole package... maybe it was worth it after all. :) ]

We realized that we hadn't been to Macy's yet, so we hopped on the subway...

 
lingering a few minutes...

 
to watch a group of street dancers...

 
dressed like Santas (more or less).

And we eventually emerged to find...

 
(I love that snowglobe holding a mini-cooper in the median. I used to drive a mini. {sigh} I loved that car. Miss it still.)

Anyway, I had to check out Macy's store windows

 
which tell the Miracle on 34th Street story

 
 
and then we dove into the store to find the restaurant and check out their decorations.

 
 
 
 
 
My pictures don't do it justice, but still pretty, don't you think? I just regret that we didn't take a chance to explore the store more. I heard today that there are two floors (!) of women's shoes. Rats — what a missed opportunity! :)

So — that's really it for our trip to New York. Fun, fun place. I look forward to going back again some day.

And that's it for me here today, too. Past my bedtime.

Thanks so much for stopping by. I should be back here tomorrow (with my real life...). See you then.

 

Comments

[Stephanie Mino]

I absolutely love your tags to represent your donation......What a cute idea! Now she'll have it forever. Your pictures are awesome of NYC!!!

[Katherine K]

I gotta know-was the $17 hot chocolate worth it?! I'm guessing it probably was!

[SueB]

Yeah, I want to know about the goodness of the $17 hot chocolate, too. Great idea about the tags. Good idea to put the date on them, too. Love the photos of NYC. You always give such interesting virtual tours.

[Sue Plote]

Janelle - Looks like you had a great trip to NYC. As someone who's never been there, I loved the photos you shared! Also, great idea for the tags! They would be great in so many situations!

[Laurie W.]

Janelle I loved looking at your pictures! What a fun trip! And your tags are simply adorable!!

[Vicky]

I've thoroughly enjoyed your travel photos and look forward to your next trip! The tags are a great idea - although we don't all have your fabulous handwriting!

[Kay Gasser]

So glad you did the NYC trip...plan lots more trips....make memories!!

[Maureen]

Oh, I am soooo going to NY one day before Christmas!!! LOL...had to laugh at the dh counting the money after the hot chocolate!!! Just like my dh in Vegas after ordering 2 martinis for 30.00!! LOL