It's time to get your glue gun out and gather together ribbons, a few dazzling ornaments and sparkly decorating bits.
Whether you are going for the over-the-top treatment or prefer a more minimal look, 'tis the season to be cheerful with holiday lights, wreaths, garlands and ribbon. Trimming your home for the holidays can be as easy as creating one or two festive focal features. Shop at your favourite craft or home store for inspiration and check out the Internet for ideas and how-tos. To see my easy step-by-step projects visit www.canadiantire.ca. Here are some suggestions that will take little time and make a big impact.
To get started, shop for the essentials first so you have everything at your fingertips. (It's very frustrating to be in the middle of a project and realize you have no glue for the hot glue gun or a shortage of craft wire.) My essentials are: hot glue gun and extra sticks of glue, craft wire (thin gauge), twine, scissors, festive ribbon including wired ribbon, ornaments and greenery spray sticks.
Welcome lanterns
The soft glow from LED candles makes these lanterns safe. Choose two lanterns, either the same size or one small and one large. Place the LED candle inside the lantern. Tuck in pieces of frosted greenery spray around the base of the candle and tuck in a few coloured bells or tiny ball ornaments. Use craft wire to secure more spray and ribbon to the top. Attach a bird or poinsettia ornament with hot glue. Hold in place for a minute until the glue has hardened. Hang small bells from the top and you're done.
Unique centrepieces
A handcrafted centrepiece livens up the holiday dining table or can be arranged on a bedroom dresser or bathroom countertop. Look for ornaments that complement each other or pick out a few of your favourites from Christmases past. Choose a solid base that works with the dimensions of your display area. I like the look of a square white plate for a medium-sized display, but this works with a serving platter or tray if you want a large centrepiece. Arrange an LED candle and large and small ornaments. Use a hot glue gun to secure them to the plate. Tip the ornaments and have them leaning against each other for an artistic effect. Loop wired ribbon around part of the display. For larger displays add some greenery sprigs and picks to fill out the space.
Decorating with live flowers and boughs is lovely but when you are making a centrepiece to last three or four weeks, artificial materials make sense. Then, in time for a special party, slip some fresh stems in among your prepared display. The base can be as simple as a mason jar or as fancy as a crystal vase. Choose one that has a wide mouth so there is room for your materials. Fill the container with pinecones. Create height with greenery boughs, spreading them out to gain the full effect. Then balance your display with colourful poinsettia sticks and other picks cut to various lengths. Fashion a bow with wire ribbon and tie around the top of the base.
Wreaths large and small
Artificial wreaths are available either plain or with lights. Whichever you prefer, it's easy to personalize to suit your home. Select two or three colours for ribbons, small ornaments and poinsettia picks. Wrap the ribbon around first, then use craft wire to attach the ornaments. Fill out with picks and finish with a bow.
Enjoy making these decorations with the kids or your girlfriends. Plan a decorating party and spread the joy.
The House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com. Follow Debbie on Twitter at www.twitter.com/debbie_travis. Visit Debbie's new website at www.debbietravis.com.
