Dances from different countries representing various sweets are performed for Clara's entertainment, and the the Dance of the Mirlitons represents marzipan and Denmark. I stitched the blanket stitch around the outer edges of the skirt and bonnet to give them a bit of detail. The cross stitch seemed a natural choice for the bodice, and since I recently learned the bullion stitch (thank you, Nonda!) it's been showing up on a lot of my ornaments.
The powdered wig curls are a nod to the Marie Antoinette style of a lot of the ballet costumes seen in this particular dance. It's so cute when the younger ballerinas are cast in the role of sheep - I can see why a shepherdess might need a crook! This particular shepherd's crook is a small bow I purchased in a big box store, probably intended for decorating a corsage or something.
Which brings me to one of my favorite themes - these are YOUR ornaments. Choose whichever colors, stitches, beads, notions; whatever reflects your personality and tastes.
With a heavy charm, you may need to rebalance the ornament by offsetting the hanging loop. Or, simply accept that they will hang at a slightly different angle. Go for it! And send pictures. I love seeing what my fellow crafters make.
