The second exchange group is similar with the exceptions of exchanging only with one person, and the group exchanges on a quarterly basis but only 3 times. The groups are moderated by the same people and most members cross-over. For the Third Quarter (July-October), I made the ornament below. Using some of the same concepts from earlier designs I had a rough idea of what I would do for this exchange. The only thing missing was the miniature ornament I would be using at the bottom. While shopping I found the miniature I used and bought several packages. The ornaments come in packs of 12 with three different options (that I have found so far). They are available in packages of 12 bright glitter pink and another in medium glitter gold, then there is a package of 4 each glitter red, glitter green and glitter dark blue. The gold have golden tops while all the other colors have a silver toned.
I am thinking of using this ornament design for the annual exchange but changing out the silver tops for golden tops that way I can use gold-plated wire, findings and beads. I find that the gold toned gives a ‘warmer’ feel. I will most likely make enough of one color to satisfy both groups I have signed up for. Though it rarely happens, occasionally, I will have the same person in both groups. Not wanting to send them a double set of the same ornament I can either use a different color or use the alternative design of only 4 arcs instead of the 6 arcs in this ornament.
I am a member in another Yahoo! Groups which has an ornament exchange, but it is not the groups primary purpose. In the ornament exchange in this group the crafter is expected to produce at least six of the same ornament, send them to the co-ordinator and she will take one from everyone and send then out so when the participants get their box, there are six ornaments inside.
One of the things I also do is make the same ornament to keep for myself. If I decide to do all the ornaments in the same color scheme I will be making at least 15 of the same ornaments.
