I’ve been on Etsy far too often lately, drooling over the goodies that the community of craftspeople has in store. It’s the time of year when I love to make crafts, give them away, and yes, buy them.
Yesterday we did our Christmas decorating – yes, I realize that it’s still November. Next year, I think I’ll do it in October just to be perverse – no, because I love advent and love the decorations most of all. There’s nothing that makes a room look cozier than Christmas lights and decorations, except perhaps a wood fire.
I love garlands too, and I find that they add a lovely touch to the home. Garlands can be installed just about anywhere in your home, even if you don’t have a shelf. They’re easy to pack away and quick to put up.
Currently I’m in love with paper garlands. I have a new garland of little stars on a raffia and wire string. This will go on our Christmas tree. The stars are made out of scraps of wallpaper. I also have a paper garland up on my wall. It’s a simple garland with a green background and a piece of decorative scrapbooking paper in the middle. “Joy” is written on the middle of the garland. Put paper garlands on wire ribbon so they tie up anywhere or place the lightest paper on a fabric ribbon and hang it with some clear tape. Easy!
Fabric garlands are a delight as well. Create a flag garland with different-colored pieces of fabric or choose a quilting fabric to highlight pictures of an old-fashioned Christmas. Fabric garlands are ideal for homes with small children – they’re not edible and they wash well, two qualifications of any kid-friendly ornament.
Bough garlands are oh-so-lovely to have in the home because they smell wonderful. Weave pieces of white rope together and weave cedar or pine boughs through the rope. You can also add evergreen boughs underneath outdoor Christmas lights. Watch that you don’t put them up too early, since boughs can get very dry and pose a fire hazard.
What are your plans for holiday decorating?