All that sparkles
Debbie makes simply fabulous holiday decorations with a few basic materials.
Use various sizes of ornaments and loops of sparkling ribbon to dress your table.
Decorated lanterns warm up your entranceway with seasonal charm.
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 favorite 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 help you get started, shop for the essentials first so that 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 colored 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 centerpieces - A handcrafted centerpiece 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 favorites 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-size display, but this works with a serving platter or tray if you want a large centerpiece. 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 centerpiece to last for three to 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 that 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 colorful poinsettia sticks and other picks cut to various lengths. Fashion a bow with wire ribbon and tie around the top of vase.
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 colors for ribbon, 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.
Please email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.