Just peeking out from under a snowbank with a little announcement . . .

Blizzard warning in Minnesota today,


which makes it a good day to snuggle up with a needle or a book.

One of my favorite books with a needlework theme


contains a passage that says something like this:

"If a woman were to see all the dishes
she would do in her life in a big pile all together,
she'd lie down and die right then and there."

That's a little like how I feel about Christmas ornaments. Not that I don't enjoy making them more than I enjoy doing dishes . . . I've just made A LOT of Christmas ornaments in my time.

I repeat: A LOT.

I guess that's because making Christmas ornaments is one of my all-time favorite things to do, and has been since I was a child.

That's why I've often made an ornament to thank people who purchased large pieces from me during the year, and also why we've started an ornament exchange between myself and my girls and my sister and her daughters. Each of us makes 9 ornaments -- we're only in our second year, but last year was just delightful.

This year will be delightful too,
if I ever get around to starting them . . .

I'm working on a big project this week, but I'm going to tackle the ornaments first thing next week, which is perfectly fine since I've no tree to hang them on yet.

My parents sent a large Christmas box yesterday, and when I emailed my thanks I asked if they would please follow up with a tree and some decorations. We're woefully behind here in Hinckleyville this year. In fact, when I went to purchase some white mini lights yesterday, our local Target was out, out, out!

We may in fact be the
last people in America
without a Christmas tree.

But our lack of decorations definitely belies our enthusiasm for the holiday! And as a manifestation of that enthusiasm, let me be the first to announce:

The Small Works Holiday
Spectacular Giveaway!

And I'm going to be giving away something that should in no way surprise, but should nevertheless entice you:

A Susan M. Hinckley
limited-edition
Holiday Ornament!


(suitable for decking your own halls, or
sharing with a friend who appreciates good cheer
and quality hand-craftsmanship . . .)


All you have to do is leave me a comment,
(or send an email)
and just as soon as Santa drops
his sackful of ornaments down the chimney,
I'll begin the handouts!

I'm going to leave the comments open until one week from today (December 16), and I promise that I've had so much practice making ornaments over the years (practically a professional!) that you shouldn't be disappointed, even though I'm currently unable to post a picture of the prize.



So tell your friends they'd better all be good . . .
and post an entry!

And now, back to the workshop.