Vintage Ornament Series

A Nostalgic Christmas: My Series of Vintage Ornament Paintings

There’s a certain magic in the glow of a Christmas tree, especially when it’s adorned with vintage ornaments. These treasures from decades past hold more than tinsel and sparkle—they carry memories, stories, and a connection to loved ones. My latest series of small paintings, each 6x6 inches, celebrates that magic.

The series features four different ornaments, all from the 1950s and 1960s, or perhaps even earlier. These are no ordinary decorations—they once hung on my Aunt Rose’s silver Christmas tree, shimmering in her home during the holidays. After her passing, I inherited the ornaments, and every Christmas, I give them a special place on their own tree in my art studio. Painting them felt like a way to honor their history and the joy they’ve brought to our family over the years.

Vintage Glass Heirloom

6 x 6 oil on panel

Painting Memories in Glass

Each of the four paintings in this series focuses on a single ornament. They’re small but packed with detail, capturing the intricate patterns, reflective surfaces, and delicate textures of these heirloom treasures.

I used oil paints for the series, beginning with my usual process of an underpainting in burnt sienna to map out the values and structure. The ornaments, with their shiny surfaces, offered a challenge and a joy—I worked to capture the way the light danced across their curves, bringing out their depth and character.

One ornament, for example, has a bright, multicolored stripe pattern that reflects light in a kaleidoscope of hues. Another features delicate indentations with intricate floral details, the kind of craftsmanship you just don’t see in modern ornaments. Each one is a little time capsule, a reminder of the craftsmanship and style of mid-century Christmases.

The 6x6 format was intentional. I wanted these paintings to feel intimate, like you could hold them in your hands, just as you would the real ornaments when decorating a tree.

Frosted Memories in Pink

6 x 6 oil on panel

A Special Tree and a Legacy of Joy

Every year, I put up a small tree in my art studio with only these vintage ornaments. It’s not a silver tinsel tree like the one my Aunt Rose had, but it still sparkles with the same warm nostalgia. Decorating that tree is a ritual for me—it’s like stepping back into the holidays of my childhood, a time when everything felt magical.

Aunt Rose was someone who loved Christmas, and there were always piles of presents for us underneath it. These ornaments remind me of her: her laughter, her hospitality, and her love for family. Painting them felt like a way to keep her memory alive and to share a little of that Christmas magic with others.

Treasured Glints of Amber and Rose

6 x 6 oil on panel

Faith, Light, and a Season of Hope

As I worked on these paintings, I found myself reflecting on the deeper meaning of the season. Christmas is about more than decorations and traditions—it’s about the light that came into the world, a light that still shines in the darkness.

These ornaments, with their delicate glow and vintage charm, felt like a fitting symbol of that light. They remind me that beauty endures, that joy can be found in the simplest things, and that the memories we hold onto can continue to bless us for years to come.

Vintage Emerald Sparkles

6 x 6 oil on panel

Why This Series Matters

This series of vintage ornament paintings is more than a collection of pretty images. It’s a celebration of family, tradition, and the joy of the Christmas season. Each painting tells a story—not just of Aunt Rose’s tree, but of the homes and holidays where these ornaments have brought warmth and cheer.

I hope these paintings bring a little of that warmth to others. Whether they remind you of your own family’s traditions or simply make you smile, my wish is that they spark a bit of Christmas magic in your heart.

About the Artist

*"Glowing with color and light," and "Ethereal, impressionistic, illuminating" are some of the comments describing Lina Ferrara’s paintings. Her work highlights the overlooked beauty in everyday objects, from fruits and flowers to animals and heirlooms. Raised in New York City as the child of Italian immigrants, Lina’s cultural heritage and childhood experiences influence her artistic style and subject matter.

A pivotal moment in her life was spending six months on her grandparents’ farm in Tramonti, Italy, as a child. This time left a lasting impression, inspiring her love of painting animals and rural life. Lina pursued dairy science at Penn State University and spent years on a family farm, balancing motherhood and the beginnings of her artistic journey.

Lina has studied art history, gilding, and painting in Italy, including the "grotesque" style of the Renaissance. Her work has been exhibited in juried art shows and is part of private collections in the U.S. and Europe. Lina Ferrara is represented by Smith Fine Art Gallery in New Cumberland, PA, and Allenberry Resort in Boiling Springs, PA, and she welcomes commissions through her website.*