Last week I had a Skype session with Keri Jaehnig of Idea Girl Media. We went to school in Michigan before we both moved away. Naturally our conversation took on the what-do-you-like-where-you’re-at-now direction.
I sipped my sweet tea and listened as she told me about her new digs, and I thought, surely I could come up with at least five things to like about Ohio. Can’t I?
Let’s test this theory . . .
5. Ohio State University. I mean the colors alone are worth loving this Big Ten university. Am I right? Red and white. It just screams Christmas all year ’round. Don’t get me wrong, though. I live for the yearly battle against UM. I’ll forever be maize and blue. As my friend Cyle and I discussed at Blue Ridge, ’tis far, far better to be from Ohio and drive north to Michigan for schooling, than it is to be from Michigan and head south of the border.
Santa or Ohio? I get confused . . .
4. Buckeyes. Not to be confused with edible chestnuts, buckeyes are “moderately toxic”. Your stomach will not be your friend if you ingest these lookalikes. Buckeye trees once populated Ohio’s lands, and were made even more popular during William Henry Harrison’s 1840 Presidential campaign. That’s cool. I’m just a fan of that dark brown hue.
Chestnuts or Buckeyes?
3. Fireflies (Lightning Bugs). During summer breaks, we would drive south to visit family in Toledo. We loved starting the trip at dusk, as thousands of lightning bugs lit up the fields. I couldn’t find a decent firefly photo, but here’s an awesome firefly in a jar craft that Dot and I did several years ago.
Fireflies in a Jar (Craft)
2. Cedar Point. This amusement park is home to one of America’s largest Ferris wheels. I’ve never been on the Giant Wheel and given my fear of heights and propensity for quick-onset vertigo, it’s a good chance I never will. Still, I have many marvelous summer memories of my times at Cedar Point, from the amazing food venues to my first roller coaster, Blue Streak.
Cedar Point Giant Wheel
1. But the best reason to like Ohio (and you can’t tell me y’all didn’t see this one coming), is that the longest it will take you is about five hours to get from the southern most part of Ohio up to Michigan.
The Mitten of Michigan.
And there you have it. Five reasons why this former Michigander will always like Ohio.
So, what do you like best about your neck of the woods?
This cute and creative idea was inspired by a magazine ad I saw years ago. It’s my favorite homemade craft.
People Feeder
This versatile project can be themed around any holiday, or any decorating style.
You’ll need:
A wood birdhouse with plastic windows
Acrylic paints
Glitter (optional)
Decorative add-ons (optional)
Small candies
assorted paint brushes
cleaning rag
water in a small dish (for brush cleaning)
People Feeder Supplies
Acrylic paints dry quickly, which makes this an easy afternoon craft. Starting with the inside of the birdhouse, pour a small amount of paint on the wood then use a paintbrush to spread it around and get into the edges. If you want to add a little extra touch, sprinkle glitter over the paint while it’s still wet.
After you’ve painted the entire birdhouse inside and out, carefully lay on its side separating the base and the lid, and let it dry overnight.
Let it Dry
Carefully scrape off any dried paint from the windows. For more creative detail, glue on painted decor or tiny tokens (miniature candy canes, ribbons, tiny packages, dollhouse ornaments).
Fill with your favorite small candies then step back and watch your people flock to this fun centerpiece.
This craft costs less than $10 for all supplies, and takes about an hour to complete.
What would the holidays be without a little sugar and spice?
This wonderful craft/gift idea was given to me by a dear client.
Christmas Candies
You’ll need:
An airtight container
Candies, cookies, or other sweets
Packaging/tote bag
Although this gift may seem so simple to be personalized, the beauty is that it is extremely personal. Know a chocolate lover? Throw in some miniature candy bars. A big fan of mints? Wrapped or unwrapped, the airtight container will keep them fresh. You can package home-baked cookies, tea bags, or whatever special treats your loved ones like.
Wrap with a ribbon, and place inside a decorative tote and your gift is ready to give, even to yourself!
This is the simplest of my decorating posts, yet a favorite.
You’ll need:
A glass vase
Pinecones or other small decorative items
Ribbon (optional)
Carefully place your items into the vase, and if desired, tie a ribbon. Display.
Pine Cones in a Vase
I use small pine cones meant for ornamental use. You can also use small ball ornaments, miniature candy canes, or whatever other festive items you like.
Craft stores such as Hobby Lobby carry a wide assortment of vases, or you can check out your local thrift store for options.
Today’s decorating is from my daughter. She’s always had a knack for creativity, and this is no exception. With a few leftover pieces from her own Christmas Wreath, she created this beautiful eye-catcher.
A Light Decor
This lightbulb-shaped glass container has a flat bottom so it can stand anywhere. It also has a screw-on cap.
You’ll need:
A lighbulb-shaped (or other small) glass container
Small pieces of Christmas decor (bits leftover from other projects work great!)
Cinnamon sticks
Burlap strips
Hot glue gun
Simply remove the cap from the container, gently fill with your cinnamon and decorative bits, and recap. Then, take two strips of burlap. Fashion one into a bow. Shape the other into a ring to fit the container and glue them together, then slip them over the neck of the container.
Because the glass is reflective, this makes a great decor near candles or the Christmas tree. It can be used as an individual item or placed on the table-top for those holiday dinners.
Light Decor on Display
This craft costs less than $5 and takes less than five minutes. Now that’s a great holiday deal any way you look at it!
