Your opinion please – holiday invites

by Sharon Santoni
I just have too much stuff on at the moment, and I can’t clear my mind to think objectively about a project that is fast becoming urgent.
[white]
One of the highlights of the Holiday season for us is our Christmas Brunch Party.  All day long, we host an open house for all our friends – good food, wine, music, great fun.  But, I have set a tradition of sending out fun invites and this year I’m having trouble getting my mind to focus, so I though you might be able to help me.
[white]
This was last year’s invite:
[white]
detail of a holiday party invitation shaped like a christmas bauble
[white]
which started out on my drawing pad like this …
[white]
drawing pad sketches of invitation ideas
[white]
Once I fix on a design I’ll reproduce it by hand and paint it on cut out pieces of card , then write the invite in silver ink behind  – doesn’t take as long as it sounds, and it’s fun to do.
 [white]
So this year, I’d like to do another ‘bauble’ but can’t decide on a motif …  do I go for Christmas trees?
[white]
sketches of a christmas tree motif for the invitation
[blank]
[white]
invitation sketch of a white tree of a dark grey ornament
[white]
or oblique faded stars?
 [white]
sketch of a white star on a dary grey ornament
 [white]
or shall I remind them of the season in words, be it colourful or monochrome …Help!  Any ideas welcome !!
 [white]
ornament invitation with 'noel' written in red script[blank]
[white]
ornament invitation with noel written in gold script
 [white]
Thank you for your help, if you want I’ll show you the finished result

PS – the next day …WOW!!  Thank you for all these wonderful comments, I’m loving each and everyone.  I’ve started a tallyboard so we’ll see which design’s ahead by the end of the weekend.

[white]

47 comments

Pamela Terry and Edward November 12, 2010 - 5:37 pm

I absolutely adore the colourful Noel! Pure magic.

Reply
Lynn November 12, 2010 - 5:49 pm

I like them all, but the one that really caught my eye was the sparkling silver Christmas Tree decorated with the bright red ball ornaments..

Blessings,
~Lynn

Reply
Passionedeco...perchè le case hanno un'anima November 12, 2010 - 5:54 pm

Hi Sharon!
My favourite is the oblique faded star but the choice was hard!
I love last year invitation!
Of course I'd like to see the final result and the pics of your Christmas brunch as well..if you do not mind!
When does it usually take place? December 25th from morning to evening?

Reply
My Grama's Soul November 12, 2010 - 6:03 pm

Oh how creative you are……they are all beautiful…..but NOEL speaks to my heart simple and elegant!!

(O:

Jo

Reply
Babi November 12, 2010 - 6:16 pm

J'Adore the writing Noel!
It's chic and simple!
Babi

Reply
Clay and Fiber Artist November 12, 2010 - 6:31 pm

Maybe the Noel design with no background–unless a band around an ornament is the usual design that tips off the Christmas ball design. Maybe emphasize the top of the ornament and the hanging loop for a variation in the design.

Lovely idea though.

Just thought of this: How about a tiny hole in the top, metallic hanging thread that matches the lettering? They could even use it on the tree or in a decoration.

Reply
Gina November 12, 2010 - 7:49 pm

Love the purple and red Noel. So different from your dark colors of the year before. It's good to surprise your friends with new colors, something they don't expect. Don't you think?

Reply
Sarah November 12, 2010 - 9:23 pm

I liked the merry Christmas tree. They are all lovely though. I'm terribly impressed that you can run off such beautiful artistic creations just like that. 🙂

Reply
la maison LaFortune November 12, 2010 - 9:28 pm

I love the Christmas Tree! Elegant and timeless!

Reply
Simone - honeyandfizz November 12, 2010 - 9:45 pm

All gorgeous, but I love the colour of the purple noel 🙂

Reply
Jill November 12, 2010 - 9:47 pm

Well for me its the NOEL I just love the word it sums up Christmas!
Jillx

Reply
Terra November 12, 2010 - 11:29 pm

The Christmas trees are lively and get my vote.

Reply
Jeanne November 12, 2010 - 11:47 pm

Tough one Sharon as they are all so special and I can see why everyone is gravitating to one and then another. The colourful Noel spoke to me right away and made me smile…but that's me. I think any of them will bring the results you are looking for 🙂

I can relate to having a clear mind..I seem to suffering the same fate about a skirt in my closet. I need to sort out a top and can't seem to get my mind wrapped around it. I think a long brisk walk is in order…usually works for me 🙂

Jeanne xx

Reply
White Ironstone Cottage November 12, 2010 - 11:58 pm

Hi Sharon
You are so talented
Love all the designs but
my vote is for the star

Lovingly
Pam

Reply
KATHY November 13, 2010 - 12:07 am

The colorful noel is gorgeous!!

Kathy

Reply
Millie November 13, 2010 - 12:10 am

My very own Christmas Grinch has suggested a glitzy dollar sign with wings, flying off to the Never Never!! I've got 6 long grumpy weeks ahead of me with 'I hate Christmas' MOTH. Prepare your guest room Sharon, I may need to flee to France to retain my sanity.
Millie ^_^

Reply
Anne November 13, 2010 - 12:29 am

I love the star design and a little colour at Christmas never goes astray. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.
Anne

Reply
Miss Sew & So November 13, 2010 - 12:36 am

i have to say my friend…that i adore your faded star….

it's simple…gorgeous….& lovely…

it sounds like a wonderful day…you are an inspiration…

melissa x

Reply
Tera Little November 13, 2010 - 1:50 am

they are all lovely! and i like that we all have our own favorites.

the christmas tree makes my heart stir.

enjoy!

Reply
Grace @ Sense and Simplicity November 13, 2010 - 2:18 am

I love the Noel too – such a pretty colour and so simple but pretty. If you still wanted to do a Christmas tree, what about one that was a continuous looping line cascading down – not sure if that makes sense, but I always think they look pretty.

Reply
Ann November 13, 2010 - 2:28 am

Looks like the colorful Noel is in the lead. My vote goes there also!

(I actually like all of them for different reasons.)

-Ann

Reply
Ceekay- Thinkin of Home November 13, 2010 - 2:29 am

You are very talented…since you asked…I love the Noel!

Reply
Debra November 13, 2010 - 2:50 am

S – love the tree & the star, but Noel is so special . . . can't wait to see your final choice!

Reply
Barbara Powell November 13, 2010 - 3:15 am

Sharon~Your talent is amazing! Just love the designs! The two that stand out for me are the tree….just love the wimsy of it and the Noel!! Where do you find the time to do these artistic endeavors? I love it. I come from an artistic family, my Dad was quite an artist and he taught me as a little one.
Can't wait to see what design you choose.!!

Regards Barbara

Reply
The French Bear November 13, 2010 - 3:52 am

I agree, they all look stunning!!! Sharon, I love the Noel, that is my favourite!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B

Reply
Razmataz November 13, 2010 - 4:53 am

I am liking the star. In fact I wouldn't mind getting one of them along with the invite to your lovely French home. But since you don;t even know me, I will just reassure you that your friends will be thrilled to get any of them. But the star is lovely.

Reply
Jenny Schouten Short November 13, 2010 - 6:54 am

The Christmas Trees for sure with their whimsical branches. xo Jenny

Reply
Lancerika November 13, 2010 - 8:47 am

I like the sweet Christmas trees
and the star:)
Wish you a LoVeLy party time:)

Reply
Victoria Goodridge November 13, 2010 - 9:29 am

Your Christmas Brunch sounds divine, especially when I imagine your beautiful setting. Noel for me 🙂

Reply
* French Farmhouse 425 * November 13, 2010 - 9:35 am

LOVE the last one shown!!! Hugs, Rachel 😉

Reply
Natascha November 13, 2010 - 3:09 pm

I love the Christmas Tree the best. It's my favorite.

Reply
becky at abbeystyle November 13, 2010 - 4:08 pm

It's the Noel bauble for me!

Reply
Kellie Collis November 13, 2010 - 6:31 pm

I'm loving the Christmas tree! It's gorgeous! Have a lovely weekend, Kellie xx

Reply
DAVID McGRIEVEY November 13, 2010 - 6:32 pm

The tree, The tree, The tree, The tree, The tree, The tree, The tree, The tree, The tree, The tree, The tree, The tree, The tree, The tree, The tree.
There, I think the tree has won.
X David, NYC

Reply
for the love of a house November 13, 2010 - 8:40 pm

Lovely! I would vote for the tone on tone Noel!

joan

Reply
Privet and Holly November 13, 2010 - 9:22 pm

Sharon, I don't know if
it's because of the dismal
world economies or the
snow falling outside my
door as I write, but the
colorful version of NOEL
sung to me! Your party
sounds like such fun….
all day….!
xx Suzanne

Reply
Bob November 14, 2010 - 6:56 am

Sharon darling, each design is fabulous! Why do just one? Reproduce each design, then send out
your invitations as a 2010 Collectible with all the guests receiving just one the designs!!!

How simple is that?

All your talents and interests just blow me away. And a good Mother it seems too. You rock,
my dear!!!

Happy Holidays!

Reply
Fräulein Klein November 14, 2010 - 9:45 am

Dear Sharon, I like the one with the tree! But the others are so beautiful , too!
Have a wonderful sunday,
yvonne

Reply
Rebecca November 14, 2010 - 12:54 pm

The TREE for ME!

Reply
Life in the Country Lane November 14, 2010 - 1:17 pm

Personally I love the bright colors so its Noel for me. But I also like the idea of a wreath or a snowflake. I have these in silver and white tin decorations for the tree and they look very festive. Look forward to seeing the result.
Rebecca

Reply
Flo November 14, 2010 - 3:15 pm

I love how you created the added dimension on your invitation for last year, painting the little hand-sewn patch on the shiny bulb, texture on texture. I would vote for a star/tree/wreath/snowflake done in the manner of last year's invitation, framed in a hand-sewn patch on top of a shiny bulb.

Reply
Jacqui November 14, 2010 - 3:28 pm

I'm not much use, I like last year's best!!!

Reply
CÉLINE CHOLLET November 14, 2010 - 7:37 pm

Bonjour Sharon !
Je ne savais pas que tu peignais comme ça ! c'est super !
J'aime bien la boule marron avec l'arbre aux boules rouges, je lui trouve plus de présence, d'originalité et de personnalité celles avec noël écrit dessus.Bon courage !
Céline.

Reply
Amy November 15, 2010 - 7:19 pm

You could try harp! I'm a harpist and when I send out Christmas cards, there's always a harp on them.

Reply
Buttercup & Bee November 17, 2010 - 12:25 am

What lovely designs my favourite is the christmas tree it seems so festive, I would hang it on my own christmas tree I would also be saving them up from previous years as Im sure your friends would have done and when I had a collection I would make a garland they would look so pretty all together on co-ordinating ribbon.
This is my first visit to your site which i discovered by accident but i will be a dropping back soon very beautiful with lovely pictures thankyou for sharing.

Reply
Ron Mylar November 20, 2010 - 2:12 pm

You have made this with the drawing and you are determining all of the procedure which is very nice. All the designs are awesome.

Reply
Debbie November 22, 2012 - 3:59 am

I love them all but my favourite is the colourful Noel followed by the Cristmas tree.

Reply

Leave a Comment