Remember When. . . Maddie and Jon got married?

6/30/2021

The couple looking lovingly at each other surrounded by greenery.

Thank you to Hoffer Photography for the use of the photo.

Abby and Maddie are extraordinary women in my life. Abby is my niece, and Maddie might as well be. I held them both as babies and have loved them ever since. Both love nature, have a zest for adventure, are talented writers, and have found their soulmates. So it did not surprise me that the ornaments I made for Abby's wedding inspired Maddie to ask me to make some for hers.

two porcelain leaves mirroring each other. One with eucalyptus berries and one with palm leaves. The two are connected by an off white satin ribbon.

Abby's Ornaments Click on image for more.

6 porcine ornaments with green herbs impressed into it. In the center is the back of the ornament with Jon and Maddie and the date stamped.

5 procaine oanemnts with green herbs pressed in them and on with Jon and Maddie stamped.

Maddie's Ornaments

I teamed up with both women to realize their nature-inspired visions. Maddie and I decided to add beads to represent their birth order for the children's ornaments. This way, they can always tell which ornament is theirs.

Sup-"herb" Ornaments!

Post of herbs line a bench in front of more pots of herbs in a roof top garden.

Maddie and Jon live in Brooklyn, where they have created a little bit of Eden with their rooftop garden. Their garden has an herb section put to good use in many culinary creations they make for themselves and lucky guests. So it made sense that they wanted the favors for their wedding to reflect their love of gardening and cooking. Maddie asked me to use six herbs they grew; basil, oregano, parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme.

Sage Design

Assorted ornaments made from two different clays with the same herb and stain. There are a variety of shapes, sizes and ribbons from which to choose.

Samples from stoneware and porcelain were a great aide in communication so I could bring Maddie's vision to reality.

use porcelain clay
square shape for adults, rectangular for children
curved edges
simple satin ribbon with beads for children's ornament to indicate birth order

The Basil Elements

A slab of white clay with herbs pressed in at intervals so the ornament can be cut out.

Imprinting herbs in the clay.

A board of ornaments with holes in the center top. In the very front is a tool putting a hole in the last one.

Making the ribbon hole.

A kiln filled with ornaments that look off white and light.

Staining bisqued pieces.

Boards full of cut ornaments that have herbs impressed in them.

Cutting each ornament.

A stamp of their names and wedding date being placed on the back of each ornament.

Stamping the back.

A kiln filled with ornaments that are white with dark green.

The reveal after glaze firing.

Attaching ribbons and beads and sorting ornaments by herb.

Finished in Thyme

Parsley ornament tied around a green napkin at the placesetting.

Photo courtesy of Hofferphotography.com

I delivered them to Maddie in her parents' home two days before the wedding. So I met Jon, and Maddie seemed to enjoy showing me her dress and accessories as well as sharing all the wedding details. Because of covid, they limited the wedding to close family, so it was touching to play a part in such a special day.

Best wishes Maddie and Jon, I am so happy you have found each other.

Ornaments are a great wedding favor, especially when they hold so much meaning and meet the couple's vision. If you would like me to help you realize a unique wedding favor, contact me so we can talk about it.

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