Dec 3, 2014 |
I love pine cones. They’re fresh, woodsy, and versatile. Most stores sell them in bags, or if you have neighbors with pine trees, you can ask them for the dropped cones.
Next to my Nutcracker Village, this is one of my favorite Christmas decorations.
A display of pine cones brings a touch of the outdoors inside, and adds a splash of color to any Christmas shelf.
Pine Cones in a Sleigh
This craft is extremely easy. You’ll need:
- A display container
- Pine cones
- Garland or other decorative filler
- Spray paint
- Newspaper (optional)
Start by selecting pine cones that are sized for your container. You can use a decorative item like a sleigh or basket, or you can paint a shoe box or other container.
If you’re using fresh pine cones, I recommend putting them upside down or sideways on a cookie sheet in the oven at 200 degrees for approximately twenty minutes. After removing from the oven, let cool then carefully tap them. This will remove any seeds and tiny bugs that might be hiding.
Once you have your cones selected, lay several them out on a newspaper or plastic sheet, and spray paint. Allow them to dry for at least 24 hours.
Depending on the size of your container, you may want to crumple some newspaper to put under the cones and garland. This will add height and dimension to your display.
Arrange the garland/filler and top with your painted and unpainted cones.
Display of Pine Cones in a Sleigh
You can add candy canes, jingle bells, winter flowers, or whatever holiday decor works best with your other decor.
The price will range, depending on your container, garland/filler selection, and how many cones you paint. Try different cone sizes. Sprinkle with holiday glitter. Top with a small Santa doll. Make it your own.
However you decorate this season, I wish you a Merry one!
And Frankly, My Dear . . . that’s all she wrote!
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Dec 2, 2014 |
Sounds simple, right? But until two years ago, I didn’t know how beautiful such an idea could be.
Holiday Candles on the Mantle
The local dollar store or thrift store is a great source for inexpensive supplies.
- Votive glasses
- Decorative stones
- Platter or tray
- battery votive candles
I found this great candle, tray and stone set two years ago for $14. I just had to add the candles. Since then, I’ve seen similar product at dollar and thrift stores, but I prefer the great selection at craft stores. Choose your product with whatever color scheme you like. Pink glass on a long silver tray. White glass on a circular white plate. Red and green glass on a gold square. Place the battery candles into the votive glasses and arrange them on the tray with the decorative stone. Although the battery candles are a little expensive ($20 for twenty-four), they last quite a while and won’t scorch the glass.
Candles on the Mantle
It makes a great table-topper or mantle decoration.
Bedford Manor: Christmas on a Budget
They also make great hostess gifts, as you can easily put together your own with as little or as many candles as you want.
For a child’s craft, select clear or solid frosted votive glasses and help them apply Christmas stickers to the outside, then coat with a clear protective gloss or decoupage glue.
Happy Holidaying!
And Frankly, My Dear . . . that’s all she wrote!
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Dec 1, 2014 |
It’s back! Follow me on Instagram and be part of the #25PhotosOfChristmas fun.
#25PhotosOfChristmas
It’s the same schedule I posted two years ago, but what the heck. Let’s do it again!
Each day, post a photo for that day’s theme, tag me and hashtag #FMD25PhotosXmas.
Let’s get this internet party started, yah?
And, Frankly, My Dear . . . that’s all she wrote!
Dec 1, 2014 |
A few weeks ago, Dot surprised me by crafting this wonderful piece.
Autumn Wreath by Dot
The colors are subtle yet attractive. It’s the perfect fit for our Italian Coffee House color scheme at Bedford Manor.
I haven’t crafted for quite some time. Around here, we’ve been deep cleaning and decorating and working and writing. Feeling very productive. But there’s something about crafting that soothes my soul.
And Dot knows it. So on Black Friday, she surprised me by taking me to Hobby Lobby with a $20 budget. At first, I didn’t know what to do. There are so many wonderful options! I did know, rather than buying decor, I wanted to make something.
Hobby Lobby is a great store. Each week they have a 40% off coupon which you can get by email or a smart phone app. And they always have amazing sales.
With less than $20 and thirty minutes, you can make your own wreath from start to finish.
You’ll need:
- a natural wreath
- two complimentary stems, flowers, or other flora
- embellishment
- hot glue gun with extra glue sticks
- heavy-duty scissors or wire cutters
Sort your crafting product and keep everything within easy reach.
Cardinal Wreath Ingredients
Ladybug Wreath Ingredients
If it’s important for the wreath to have a “top”, make sure you decide which part of the wreath that will be, then mark it so your work isn’t lopsided. I glued a penny to the back of my wreaths.
Penny on Wreath
Separate your stems as necessary. Most pull apart but some are wired and require cutting. You can also shape most to contour to the frame of the wreath.
Shapely Flora
Working with one flora at a time (the greens), carefully glue the end of the first stem then gently push it into the wreath. Work your way around the wreath until the full circle is lightly covered. Then take the second flora and glue them in place as well. You may need to re-glue some pieces as you go along. Finally, add your embellishments. Larger embellishments sometimes come on a twining stem, which is useful for wrapping around the flora to keep it in place.
When you’re finished, gently remove any residual strings of glue by pulling them off the wreath. If you like, string a long ribbon or hang with an over-the-door hanger. I left mine as is, to let the recipients decide how and where to best display their gift.
The end result is a craft that you’ve made yourself, and can customize for your home or someone else’s.
Cardinal Wreath
Ladybug Wreath
And now, finally, it’s beginning to look … well, you know.
And Frankly, My Dear . . . that’s all she wrote!
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Oct 27, 2014 |
Are you on Facebook? If the answer is “yes”, hop on over to my New Inklings Press page and give us a “like.”
If the page gets 350 or more likes by November 1st, five Lucky Likers will each win an autographed copy of The Unemployment Cookbook.
The Unemployment Cookbook, Second Edition
I win. You win. It’s a win-win situation.
Thanks for your support!
Nip’s Favorite
And Frankly, My Dear . . . that’s all she wrote!
