by Sharon | Dec 13, 2014
I’ve been relaxing and thinking about what you take to our annual block party. Hors d’oeuvres are mentioned on the invitation. I can go to my local deli and order something for the occasion. I can bring candy as I’ve done before. I can also do something different. Which I think I will do.
I do like these. They are a bit different. There’s also:
And also:
That gives you a variety of antler styles. I believe a ribbon wrapped at the neck of the bottle is a nice touch, but as you can see it isn’t really necessary.
They all require the same basic materials:
- craft brown or red pipe cleaners
- googly eyes
- red pom poms
- ribbon is optional
- glue gun or glue of your choice
- scissors are always useful
If you need a video, I have one handy:
Well, there you go! These are great as inexpensive gifts to give to friends, neighbors, your lawn and pool person, even the mail carrier. It’s all part of spreading Christmas cheer!
by Sharon | Dec 12, 2014
This is basically a pictorial do it yourself project. Yes a picture is indeed worth a thousand words. To be honest with you, I’d thought about a project similar to this, but now that I see them, I’m motivated to give them a try. I like the idea of these terrariums. They do make a lovely display for every room of your house plus you could use either figures you’ve bought or paper crafts. I like the paper craft idea. With them being under glass, you won’t have small hands pawing at them. You won’t have artificial snow blowing about. This is a beautiful alternative to a traditional Christmas Village you may set up year after year. I do find these pictures quite inspiring.
You can build your base with just about anything:
- artificial snow
- seashells
- angel hair
- garland
- tinsel
- single color ornaments
- river rocks
- large Christmas lights
- tissue paper
- whatever tickles your fancy
You can place just about anything on top. This is an excellent idea for Christmas, but also for other holidays when you have the desire to decorate.
Allow your imagination to go a bit wild and have fun!
by Sharon | Dec 10, 2014
Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.
Once in a while you read something that stops you in your tracks. This inspirational expression or quote seemed appropriate to share during this holiday season. In all the rushing around we do in preparation for Christmas it’s important to stop and listen to reflect upon what the season is all about and what the season truly means . . . to you. Not to anyone else, but to you.
It doesn’t have to be while opening presents. It can be before dinner, while wrapping presents . . . even while shopping or driving to your next destination. Just take a moment to stop . . . and listen to what is around you . . . you’ll notice it’s always with you . . . it’s love.
It doesn’t have to be a spiritual thing . . . it’s just an interesting experiment . . . see what you feel and hear. It could be while you’re eating something special for the season. Maybe even a piece of a candy cane will give you that “special” holiday feeling. What is it? Is it love . . . or something else? How does it make you feel?
This reminds me of Thanksgiving and taking a moment to count your blessings and be thankful. But there is something magical about Christmas. It isn’t about remembering our blessings or coming up with something to be thankful for. This is more about the feeling you receive. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was out walking one evening taking in the sights of Christmas. What struck me at that moment was the smell of wood burning in a fireplace. I felt love. The warmth of being close to family . . . safe and secure.
It may be worthwhile to remember this and periodically during 2015 to stop for a moment and check into what you receive.
by Sharon | Dec 8, 2014
The picture seems to tell it all. I do have my take on the best way to make this Christmas craft project work.
You’re going to need:
- vase of flowers
- a clean round container the vase of flowers would fit in
- candy canes
- two-sided tape
- large rubber band
- red or white ribbon
Let’s put it together:
- I’d put two strips of two-sided tape around the outer container: approximately halfway down the container and also about a half inch from the bottom of the container to make sure my candy canes will be securely placed.
- Attach the candy canes to the container.
- For added security, I’d slide a rubber band from the bottom of the candy canes and up under the crooks of the candy canes as in the picture where you see the ribbon.
- Next I’d tie a ribbon to hide the rubber band.
By having the vase of roses or flowers of your choice in a container placed in another container, watering will be easier and gives some space away from the candy cane decoration.
You can always do variations of this idea by using small glass or plastic containers and the mini candy canes to use as place setting cards or give as hostess gifts.
This is a festive idea that will dress up your dining table or wherever you choose to put it.
Thanks for stopping by!
by Sharon | Dec 7, 2014
Elf Shoe Paper Napkins
I find it amazing what can be done with paper and cloth napkins that will make your holiday dinner table interesting and exciting for family, friends and guests.
I believe napkin folding is an art form, not unlike origami, but a bit less complicated . . . so I tell myself.
Here’s a video tutorial that explains the process in 8 steps:
What’s great is that you can play it over and over again until you get it!
I hope this was fun and informative for you.
