Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Easy and Personal Christmas Ornaments


Glitter Christmas Ornaments:

Christmas is around the corner, and it's time to deck the halls and decorate the Christmas tree!  Why not create glitter Christmas ornaments using three simple items:  clear glass ornaments, glitter, and Murphy's Oil Soap.  That's right, Murphy's Oil Soap!  Remove the silver top from the clear glass ornament.  Pour Murphy's Oil Soap inside the ornament, just enough to cover the inside completely.  Pour the excess out into the bottle by resting the clear glass ornament upside down on the top of the bottle.  Once the oil has emptied, pour any color glitter inside the ornament and move it around until the inside is completely covered.  That's it!  You now have stunning ornaments to hang on the tree, string as a garland, or compile inside a decorative bowl!

Supplies:

- clear glass ornaments
- glitter
- Murphy's Oil Soap







Paper Mache Christmas Ornaments:

Christmas is a special time of year to make memories!  So let's create some simple yet memorable Christmas ornaments that will last a lifetime.  Mix one part water to one part Modge Podge.  Next, tear strips of newspaper into 1/4 inch strips.  It's easier to tear from the top to the bottom of the newspaper.  Soak the strips of newspaper in the Modge Podge mixture.  Apply the strips onto the ornament until the ornament is completely covered.  Continue this process until there is a noticeable difference in the texture and thickness.  Hang to dry overnight.  Once dry, paint a solid base color and then it's time to be creative.  Paint snowflakes, polka dots, stripes, etc.  Allow to dry and hang with ribbon, raffia, or even wire.  

Supplies:

- clear glass ornaments
- newspaper
- Modge Podge/ water
- acrylic paint
- ribbon, raffia, wire




Winter Plants for the perfect winter containers




With the cold temps. tonight and for the rest of the week, it is time to replant and refresh your containers.  This year challenge yourself and do something completely different from last year.  May be introduce different heights and varieties of juniper and cypress trees like the Lemon Cypress.  Then add some variegated Euonymous plants, Angel Vine, and even pine cones for that special winter detail.  It's all up to you , but I will help give you a few hints to lead you in the right direction.