Dec 6, 2014 |
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!
And Frankly, My Dear . . . that’s all she wrote!
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Dec 5, 2014 |
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.
Happy decorating!
And Frankly, My Dear . . . that’s all she wrote!
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Dec 4, 2014 |
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!
And Frankly, My Dear . . . that’s all she wrote!
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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.
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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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