Chrismon Crafts

Chrismon Tree on Christmas Eve at Ascension
 Lutheran Church in Danville, Virginia.

A Chrismon tree is a Christmas tree decorated with explicitly Christian symbols in white and gold. First introduced by American Lutherans in 1957, the practice rapidly spread to other Christian denominations, including Anglicans, Catholics, Methodists, and the Reformed.

• Visit Christian Symbols for Chrismon Crafts at our Christian Clip Art Review Blog here.

       The Word "Chrismon" (plural "Chrismons") was adopted for a type of Christmas decoration and explained as a portmanteau of "CHRISt-MONOgram" (a Christogram) first by Frances Kipps Spencer for her congregation's Christmas tree.

      Originally, the women who developed Chrismon ornaments intended for their designs and ideas to also be given away and not mass marketed for profit. In fact, they developed their Chrismon tree display as a kind of personal protest against the commercialism of Christmas. But as all good Christmas ideas eventually become marketable product in America, so went the ways of supply and demand for the ornaments.
       Frances Kipp Spencer's original versions are primarily made from beaded patterns and interested crafters can order her original patterns along with supplies at Rufty's Chrismon Shop here.

       Fortunately for us, there are many free patterns still available on the web for those of you who may be feeling a bit poor and deflated by all the commercial speculation and doublespeak surrounding the Spencer Chrismons. Your Christmas can still be about Peace on Earth and Goodwill to Man. Just click on the links above in my listing to find both free patterns and creative ideas about decorating your very own Chrismon tree this Christmas.

More Patterns for Crafting Chrismon Ornaments:

• Simple patterns on PDFs at www.whychristmas.com
• Chrismon patterns at www.ezartsncrafts.com
• Ancient Christian Symbols for Chrismons from umcs.org (The United Methodist Church)
• Rudolf Koch Christian Symbols
• Chrismons - East Liberty Presbyterian Church - pdf.
• A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols by Edward Riojas
• Clip Art by Steven Erspamer for Church Years A, B, and C and Clemens Schmidt & Placid Stuckenschneider and Clip Art by Corissa Nelson

Examples of Chrismons by kathy grimm.

Chrismon Ornament Crafts:

1. Craft The Three Nails and A Fish Chrismon - based upon Galations 2:20 
2. Handmade Pearl and Shell Ornament - Matthew 13: 45-46 Pearl of Great Price scripture
3. Craft a Communion Cup for The Chrismon Tree - Luke 22: 14-20 reference
4. Craft Easy Nativity Star Ornaments - Matthew 2:1-12 Star of Bethlehem
5. Free pattern for a Chrismon Crown cross stitch - Timothy 6:15 and Revelation 19:16
6. A Manger Scherenscnitte Pattern by Kathy Grimm - Luke 2:6-12
7. Craft a Papier Mache Chrismon Candle - John 8:12 and Matthew 5:14-15 and Psalm 18:28
8. Craft Tear Drop Shaped Chrismons with Shells  - Acts 1:5 and 1 Peter 3: 21 and Romans 6:3-4
9. Craft a Golden Tassel Angel Ornament - Luke 2:8-10
10. A Triquetra Knot Chrismon, Cut From A Scherenscnitte - Matthew 28:19 and 1 John 5:7
11. Craft An Anchored Chrismon Cross - Mark 4:35-41
12. Craft Baby Jesus in A Walnut Shell  - reminder of Luke 2:11
13. Craft a Beaded Cross - 1 Peter 2:24
14. Craft a Dove Chrismon, Symbolic of The Holy Spirit - Matthew 3: 16-17
15. The Open Bible Chrismon - John 1:14
16. A Sheave of Wheat Chrismon - Luke 22: 31-32
17. DIY the Prophet Jonah and Whale - Jonah 1:17 and Matthew 12:40
18. Make a Vintage 1950s Popsicle Stick Angel - Matthew 26:53, Psalm 91:11 and Revelation 5:11