I’ve had disappointingly little time for polymer clay recently, but I have managed to make an ornament for Christmas. I started off with a ready-made paper mache egg that I painted with gold acrylic paint and decorated with polymer clay and crystals.
You may be wondering why I have made a tree in a bushfire, but that’s not entirely what I was thinking. I wanted to make something that was specific to Christmas without the common images that you buy in the shops, so I tried to think on a more elemental level.
Firstly I think all the sparkles and lights at Christmas are to remind us that even though it’s mid-winter the summer sun will come back again. So I made my egg gold because the solstice is about the sun.
On the base of the egg I have made the sun from polymer clay. It’s on the base of the egg to show that the sun is on the other side of the world bringing summer to the Southern Hemisphere. I grew up in South Africa, and I still have family there so I think about this every year.
The tree has no leaves to show it’s winter.
The crystals represent snow (because it’s winter), and the stars in the sky on the longest night. They are also there because I believe that at Christmas you can never have enough bling.
Unfortunately the crystals I used are not very good quality. I do have better ones, but I couldn’t find them. I think I imagined the egg made from real gold and diamonds, but I haven’t got the skills or budget to make it that way (this year 😉 ).
Fulgorine 
I love this Cate, and the backstory behind your symbolism… beautifully done!
Thanks. It’s very satisfying making something with specific intentions.
Such a lovely ornament! I love all the symbolism in each element. Also eggs are portents of good things coming and new life. What better symbol for this time of year! Enjoy the day! Erin
Eggs all year round!
Oh, I love the meaning behind your ornament, wonderful!
Thanks. 🙂
A very special ornament for your tree! Thanks for sharing the story behind it.
My pleasure. Thanks for your comment.
Creative and lovely ornament with lots of meaning.
Thanks.
I love trees in winter and I love what you have done with them for the solstice. The golden light of this time of year may be less bright, but no less treasured. This is lovely work.
That’s a beautiful way to say it. 🙂
This ornament is full of symbolism – apart from the sparkling “snow”, I love the idea of the sun in the opposite hemisphere 🙂
Sometimes I can’t help thinking a bit opposite. 😀
Beautiful ornament. I too love the symbolism and how you achieved it. So well thought out and crafted!!
Thanks.
I love hearing about the inspiration for the colours and elements. It is beautiful.
Great to hear.
Like everyone else the symbolism you have imbued your ornament with is wonderful. Your egg is a sweet rendition of its back story.
Mona
Thanks. 🙂