Search Results for: blog fun and affordable christmas ornaments

Cool Candy Cane Creations

They are the quintessential Christmas candy that will hook you with a simple lick. However, these days candy canes are not just for eating; rather, your entire family can have fun by using the sweet treats as decorations during the holiday season. With the economy still in the dumpster, many people are looking for affordable ways to spruce up their homes in time for Christmas. Candy canes are an inexpensive item that can be purchased in bulk and used to create the following festive items: Candy Cane Vase: Unwrap mini candy canes and glue them end-to-end around the top and … Continue reading →

Fun Christmas Bling

Who can resist a bit of bling around the holidays? I am not a flashy person, but when I saw Martha Stewart’s latest Christmas creation I stopped dead in my tracks. I actually turned off my vacuum and turned all of my attention to the TV where a tree bedazzled with dozens of shiny beaded ornaments and garland stood like a beacon of beaded glory. There’s no way I have the time, talent or budget to recreate Martha’s beaded masterpieces; however, I did some research online and found a few cheaper and affordable alternatives that can be made by people … Continue reading →

Fun and Affordable Christmas Ornaments

Besides construction paper and crayons, some of the most inexpensive materials for crafting homemade holiday decor are traditional candy canes. You can purchase a big box of candy canes for a dollar or less at discount stores during the Christmas season and use them to make a variety of holiday-themed decorations from wreaths to tree ornaments. Given that the candy is so cheap, it’s a good idea to pick up a few extra boxes just in case a few break during the construction process. Here is a kid-friendly candy cane project to get you started on your sweet Christmas ornaments: … Continue reading →

Making Cute Candy Snowmen

According to meteorologists, next week much of the nation will be battered with some of the most brutal winter weather of the season. For some parents that means preparing for a potential snow day. Hence this blog. With the kids home from class you’ll likely be searching for ways to ward off cabin fever. This next cute craft idea is ideal for keeping kids busy when they are stuck indoors all day. These Candy Snowmen are not only incredibly adorable (almost too cute to eat), but they are also simple to prepare, affordable (most of the materials are easily found … Continue reading →

Christmas Tree Traditions

Each American family seems to have their own Christmas tree tradition. Some decorate the tree with a hodgepodge of ornaments acquired through the years while some have a specific color and ornament scheme. Some families like the ease and convenience of an artificial tree while others prefer the tradition and smell of a real tree. But, did you know that there are different Christmas tree traditions throughout the world? Most think that we got the custom of the Christmas tree from the Germans. It is believed that Martin Luther was the first to bring a Christmas tree into the home. … Continue reading →

Making Affordable Holiday Crafts from Fruit and Candy

Don’t break the bank trying to deck your halls this holiday season. Rather, look around your home for inexpensive materials that can be transformed into festive seasonal decor. Two of my favorite frugal materials: fruit and candy. Both are popular this time of year, and you can cut down on costs even more by using fruit and candy that have been given to you as gifts. It’s very simple. Take a look: FLOATING CRANBERRY CANDLE Materials: 1 large clear glass punch bowl 3 12-oz. bags of fresh cranberries (amount will vary depending on size of bowl) 4 floating candles 6 … Continue reading →

A Week’s Worth of Halloween-themed Fun

Our local Target has already moved the Halloween items to the back corner of the store to make room for miles and miles of Christmas decorations. Yesterday I counted seven aisles that are dedicated to all things Christmas while the Halloween gear has been reduced to just three… and we’re not even a week into October yet! Despite Target’s push to get us thinking in terms of stockings, trees and ornaments, my family is still relishing the fall season and counting down to Halloween by participating in holiday-themed activities. If you are looking for a way to seize the season … Continue reading →

Making Christmas Ornaments From Your Favorite Photographs

I know, I know, it’s not even Thanksgiving yet and I’m blogging about Christmas ornaments. Well, when you have family living 5,000 miles away and you need to ship holiday gifts–but can’t spend a ton of money sending them express or priority mail–you tend to get a jump start on Christmas projects. That’s my situation anyway. Take a look at one of the simple and affordable ornaments I’m working on to give as gifts this holiday season. The project gives you an additional way to show off your favorite photos and it’s a wonderful way to personalize a loved one’s … Continue reading →

How to Make Christmas Decorations Using Your Favorite Photos

With less than 50 days until Christmas surely you must have your home decorated for the season. Yeah, right. I am nowhere near the decorating phase. In fact, I’m still in the designing phase, but I know time is not on my side. If you are scrambling to find unique homemade gifts to give to family and friends, consider completing the two projects I am working on. They are simple to make and quite affordable. But, the best part is that they feature personal photographs of the special people in your life. I find that that these projects are a … Continue reading →

Deck the Halls Without Breaking the Bank

TLC’s new holiday program is trying to convince me that I should drop $25,000 on a Christmas tree made from deer antlers. No offense to the Kentucky cowboy who hand crafts these extreme trees, but even if I had 25 grand, I still wouldn’t fork it over for a pointy structure made from 100 dropped deer antlers and a bunch of PVC pipes. Heck, I’m not even spending 25 bucks on my seasonal decor. Rather, I’ve found ways to make my home look festive for the holidays without draining my wallet. With a little time and even less crafting skills, … Continue reading →