Its All About Christmas

This project used green pine tree gel clings, and just like our blue snowman and snowflake gel cling vases, can be displayed alone or grouped together in 3’s using other glass vases of various heights.  You can showcase your beautiful vase or vases on a fireplace mantel, bookcase, and coffee table, or perhaps on a dining room table as a centerpiece.

Begin by adhering the pine tree gel clings to the outside bottom of your glass vase.  Be sure to space the gel clings evenly around the vase creating a border.  Repeat the same step creating a second border right above your first layer.  Next, begin layering the inside of the vase starting with snow flurries, then a layer of bright white blanket type snow, and finish with small pinecones towards the top of the vase, leaving 2 inches of un-layered space.

Supplies:

Tall glass vase (if you don’t already have one, thrift stores sell all different sizes and shapes for just pennies. 1 Package of Gel Decorations, AKA “Gel Clings”- Green pine trees.  If using a few vases, I would recommend trying different patterns with your gel clings for more visual interest. 1 Package of Blanket Snow, bright white 1 Package of Snow Flurries Small pinecones

Please note that gel decorations are removable and reusable. Do not expose to high heat or direct sunlight on hot days, sticker can melt.  Just like our blue snowman and snowflake vase, you can pack your vase away safely at the end of the Christmas holidays by stuffing a balled up wad of newspaper in to the top of the vase, placing a plastic or small paper bag over the top, and rubber banding it all to keep all the contents intact.  Then, just pack it away securely for the next year.

This project used snowman and snowflake gel clings, and can be displayed alone or grouped together in 3’s using other glass vases of various heights.  Showcase your beautiful Christmas vase or vases on a fireplace mantel, bookcase, or coffee table, or perhaps on a dining room table as a centerpiece.

Begin by adhering snowman and snow flake gel clings to the outside of your glass vase.  Be sure to space the gel clings evenly around the vase.  Next, begin layering the inside of the vase starting with snow flurries, then use bright white blanket snow towards the top, leaving 3 inches of un-layered space .

Supplies:

Tall glass vase (if you don’t already have one, thrift stores sell all different sizes and shapes for just pennies. 1 Package of Gel Decorations, AKA “Gel Clings” – Blue snowman and blue snowflakes. If using a few vases, I would recommend doing one vase all in snowmen and the other vases in snow flakes for more visual interest. 1 Package of blanket Snow, bright white 1 Package of Snow Flurries (not to be confused with snow flakes, which are bigger and look more like shredded paper.  Snow flurries have more of a grainy appearance.)

Please note that gel decorations are removable and reusable. Do not expose to high heat or direct sunlight on hot days, sticker can melt.  You have finished.  When the holidays are over, you can keep your Christmas decorating project intact by stuffing a wad of newspaper in to the top of the vase, placing a small paper or plastic bag over the top and rubbing banding it to keep all contents in place.  Then, just pack it away carefully for the next year. 

Candy canes are most often used at Christmas time for decorations for the tree or to satisfy a sweet tooth. These minty candies can be used for many types of inexpensive decorations around the house and given out as small gifts to holiday visitors as well. Candy canes can be used in different holiday crafting projects too.

One inexpensive holiday craft project is a candy cane pillar. This easy idea is so simple, quick and looks fabulous too. All you need is a box of candy canes and a candle in any holiday color you choose. Begin by breaking off the curved end of the candy cane so you have a straight piece. One you have complied your straight pieces, use a hot glue gun to attach the pieces to the candle. Arrange the pieces so the entire candle is covered. Once dry, you can place your candy candle creation in a glass dish or candle jar. Complete the decoration by placing garland around the base and add bells, artificial holiday flowers or berries or any other items you prefer. Now you have just created a beautiful centerpiece for you table just in time for Christmas dinner.

Candy canes are commonly used as Christmas tree decorations, but you can also use them in other areas of your home to decorate. Another low cost holiday decoration is to drape a long garland over doorway or window frames and hang small or large candy canes on the garland. This is very easy to do, does not cost very much and really adds to the festivity of you home.

Using these simple, inexpensive holiday crafts can help save you money on your Christmas budget, yet make it look like you spent a fortune on decorations for your home. You are sure to get many compliments on your beautiful Christmas creations.

Among the first things that family and friends see when they come for that special holiday gathering is the outside of your home. Although just about everyone decorates with outside Christmas lights and other decor they occasionally forget about the Christmas plants that could be used to make a beautiful appearance. Window boxes, sometimes called window planters, can be bought at many discount stores or hardware stores. You can also find several online stores that sell window boxes or will custom make the planters to accommodate your needs. Because the windows in homes vary in shape and size, you must be careful to choose the right planter.

Measure the window for the exact width before you order or purchase a planter box. Also, make sure you have the correct hardware to use with your window and planter. Now, choose the theme, design and color you desire. You can either purchase one already decorated or with a specific theme or choose a neutral one to use throughout the year. Since the boxes are usually created from wood, they can easily be painted and stenciled in any way you choose.

The type of plants you choose can vary according to your location and your personal preferences. When decorating for Christmas, selecting greens and reds will keep your decor in the holiday spirit. Hearty cold weather greenery, such as holly, is always a good selection. Adding colorful berries can give that merry color. Many people also prefer to use items such as pine cones for an added special touch.

If your weather is too harsh for live plants or if you just don’t have a green thumb, artificial plants can also be used in the planter box. Choose the greenery according to your preferences and make sure to purchase floral foam, wire and tape to secure that the plants in the window box

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Mistletoe has been used to decorate homes during Christmas for many, many years. There has been a long held tradition of kissing underneath mistletoe hanging from a door frame. Making your own mistletoe creation is simple and inexpensive, so get ready for the holidays by making an easy mistletoe kissing ball.

You can easily and cheaply create your own mistletoe kissing balls with only a few items which can be easily purchased at almost any craft store. The items you will need for your creation are:

mistletoe

floral foam ball

floral wire

ribbon

Optional items you could also use are:

berries

additional greenery such as fir

Christmas themed cut outs

Gather the mistletoe, berries and other greenery and wrap the ends with floral wire. Stick the pieces wrapped in floral wire into the foam ball, arranging the pieces according to your preference. Add Christmas themed cut outs, if desired. Attach a loop of floral wire into the top of the ball and thread a piece of ribbon through the loop to hang the completed ball.

You can make your mistletoe kissing ball in any size you choose. Also, you can get really creative and add any other objects you think will look pleasing. Each one you make will be your own unique design. This craft can bee a good project for children with adult supervision.

Younger children would need an adult to assist with wrapping the pieces with floral wire. Most children would be able to complete the rest of the project with minimal assistance.

Because these decorations are so easy and inexpensive to make, you will be able to fill many doorways in your home and give a few away as gifts too. Try making your own mistletoe ball to easily and cheaply decorate your home for the holidays.

If you are decorating your home for the holidays on a budget, there are so many possibilities to make your home look gorgeous and festive using inexpensive items. One great items to use to spruce up your home for Christmas is pines cones. In many places, you can get pine cones for free right from your own back yard. If you do not live near an area where you would have access to free pine cones, they can be purchased inexpensively from most any craft store. Decorating your home with holiday crafts made from pine cones are very simple to do and are even an easy enough project for children to participate.

Pine cones can be used for ornaments for the Christmas tree. One simple project for children and adults alike is to decorate the pine cone with glue and glitter. Tie a string to the cone and hang on the tree.

Another beautiful project is to paint the pine cone with a brush or spray paint in holiday colors. Glitter can also be sprinkled on the cone before the paint dries to give it a frosted, sparkly look. The painted cones can be used for tree ornaments with string or ribbon added to hang on the tree. Another way to use the painted cones is as a centerpiece on your coffee table or dining room table. Place the painted cones in a bowl or basket and add some greenery too, if desired.

Decorated or natural, plain pine cones can also be added to wreaths for a wonderful look. Pine cones added to garland and ribbons on a fireplace mantle give a simple but elegant look to your holiday decor.

Christmas decorating on a budget does not need to be skimpy, cheap or unflattering. By using your creativity and a small amount of inexpensive supplies, you can decorate your home beautifully and receive many compliments from your family and holiday guests.

This craft idea is sure to make a colorful and festive splash to your Christmas home décor, or as the perfect hostess gift.  In addition, by using a small strand of clear Christmas lights, it can also make a nice holiday night light in your guest bathroom. 

Begin by stuffing your Christmas basket or container with newspaper to a height of three quarters of the way up. Using a hot glue gun, apply hot glue to the bottom of one large pinecone and hold firmly against the newspaper till glue bonds.  Repeat the process using one large artificial red apple and one large artificial green apple.  Continue the above steps alternating between pinecones and apples until the bottom of the basket is full.  Once the glue has dried and items have adhered to the newspaper move on to step 2. 

Start a second layer this time using medium and small size pinecones and apples.  Hot glue items to your larger size pinecones and apples until glue bonds firmly in place.  Note: you will need to check pinecones and apples making sure none are loose before adding lights.  Next, wrap and tuck 1 strand of miniature size clear Christmas lights around the pinecones and apples.  The eraser end of a pencil works great for tucking the lights in place between the pinecones and apples.  Remember to leave about a one foot leader of the light cord hanging at the back of the basket so lights can be easily plunged in to an outlet.  Next, using your ribbons listed below (3/4 inch or smaller) tie a bow around the handle on the left side of the basket.  To personalize your basket, hot glue a 3-D foam letter sticker around the top of the handle. Cinnamon sticks would also add a nice smell and could easily be hot glued in to place.

Supplies:

Store bought basket or container with a handle. Large, medium, and small pinecones Large, medium, and small artificial apples in red and green ½ yard red & white candy stripe or plaid satin ribbon (¾ inch or smaller) Note: for a very large basket, use wider ribbon) ½ yard green satin ribbon (¾ inch or smaller) Note: for a very large basket, use wider ribbon) Hot glue gun Hot glue sticks 1 strand of green wired small clear Christmas lights (Single-ended plug) 1 3-D Foam letter sticker used for scrap-booking (Personalize it using any letter, we used the letter “S”) Newspaper

Christmas is one of the best times for surprises and cheerful, festive decorations can be a great time to make even more surprises. Adults and children alike enjoy making crafts, especially when the creations can be proudly displayed in the home. Many crafts can easily be made by almost anyone to decorate your home or given to friends and family for gifts. The time spent as a family making decorations can be very rewarding. Your family may enjoy it so much that you choose to make this a special tradition each year.

Once easy Christmas craft is to make a small table top tree. Begin with a foam cone which can be purchased at most any craft store or online. Cover the entire cone with double sided tape. You can adorn the tree with colorful beads, candies, pre-cut foam or paper shapes or any other item you can think of to attach to the tree. Make sure to cover the entire tree with your decorations and don’t forget your tree topper. You can cut and angel or star from construction paper.

Another simple Christmas craft is making popcorn garland. Kids love to make this craft and don’t be surprised if they try to sneak a piece of popcorn or two. Simply take a piece of string, about arm’s length, and thread a needle on one end and try a knot on the other end. Begin poking the needle into a piece of popcorn and pull it to the end of the string. Tie another not when the string is full. You can tie the garland together to make longer pieces to decorate your Christmas tree, fireplace mantle, doorways and more.

These two craft ideas can are so simple and inexpensive. You and your children will enjoy making these decorations and will delight in showing their creations off to all of your family and friends.