Hi, crafty friends! I've been dreaming up this little project for myself for a while and wanted to make sure I shared it before Spooky Season was over this year. I created a set of black swan ornaments using several of my favorite dies. 

And while these are clearly gothic styled Halloween ornaments, you could easily make these white swans and change the color palette to something Christmasy for a Seven Swans a Swimming ornaments based on the 12 Days of Christmas! If I have time, I might make a Christmas version myself. 

I have all the supplies you'll need listed below, so let's get right into this tutorial! 

Start by die cutting the smaller lacy die from Scrap Diva Designs' Flower Nesting Set from Scrapbook.com's Black Mixed Media Cardstock. This cardstock is super thick, making it the perfect base for an ornament. (Scrapbook.com also makes this carsick in white, if you are making Christmas ornaments). I cut one die for each ornament. 

Next, cut some smaller nesting layer from some background papers in Prima's Bewitched 6x6 Paper Pad. I cut the larger of the two layers from a black pattern, and the smaller of the two layers from a purple-pink pattern. I cut 2 of both of the sizes for each ornament.

On the back side of the lacy Flower Nesting die cut, add 1 of each size of the smaller nesting layers using 1mm thick foam adhesive to attach each. Flip this over. Attach some chandelier crystals to the bottom front of the lacy Flower Nesting die cut using a metallic DMC thread. Also create a loop with the same thread for the top. I used a little liquid glue to attach these then added 2mm thick foam adhesive over the top. Add the larger of the 2 smaller nesting layers on top of this, then place the smaller nesting layer on top using 1mm thick foam adhesive. 

Using liquid adhesive, glue rhinestone trim around the edge of the top nesting layer. Add a small flower at the bottom of the lacy Flower Nesting die cut if desired. I used hot glue to attach the flower. 

Next, die cut the Frank Garcia Spellbinders Keepsake Swan from Spellbinders ColorWheel Cardstock. I  used Raven for the body layers; Sicily for the beak and eye layers; and orchid, mulberry and violet for the bows and cape. Glue your layers together using both liquid and foam adhesive. (If you are making white swans, use Raven for the eye layer, Beeswax for the beak layer, and Classic White for the body layers.)

Use a white Gelly Roll pen to add a highlight to the eyes and a line across the beak to mimic the markings  on black swans. (If you are making white swans use the pen to add a highlight to the eyes.) 

Then add the swan to the front of the ornament using 2mm thick foam adhesive. Finish off the ornament by adding few sparkly gems. And that's it! These ornaments are ready for hanging or gifting. Until next time, happy crafting!

Adrienne