If you are looking for a little something different to adorn your Christmas tree this year, you may want to check out these balls by Von-Rica Leonardo.

Mrs. Leonardo is best known for her bright, abstract works of art, but she has taken a slight diversion in the last few years in working with clear Christmas balls. “I began decorating Christmas balls at my one-woman show at Eden Hair Salon in 2003,” she said.

“I walked into a retail store in Bermuda and saw clear glass balls for sale and decided it would be really nice to dress them up with my particular flair.

“It is also an affordable craft that everyone can purchase.”

She usually begins preparing her decorative balls early in the year and has made about 200 so far this year.

“There are more to come,” she promised.

“I am aiming to produce these ornaments all year round and to cater to tourists as well.”

She uses a variety of materials in her creations.

“For instance colourful feathers, sequins, glitter, beadwork and paint,” are used, she said.

“At times one ball can take me an hour (to perfect) especially with the beadwork and sequins.

“My purpose is to personalise these ornaments and for them to be enjoyed as small, thoughtful gifts or simply as a Bermudian crafty and creative collectibles.

“No two balls are the same, they are all different.”

She says her inspiration came from a Spanish artist and architect.

“I’m a big fan of the Antoni Gaudi from Barcelona,” she said. “And, of course, by the few years that I studied surface design at London College of Communication (formerly London College of Printing). My designs are labelled VonArt Designs.”

Some people have the balls designed to mark their first Christmas together or for their baby’s first Christmas.

“They are beautiful and affordable and it is a piece of artwork that every year they can remember the person who bought it for them,” Mrs. Leonardo said.

The ornaments start at $15. Email vonartwerks[AT]yahoo.com for more information or to place an order.