Search Results for: blog making eco friendly christmas decorations

Of Cats and Christmas Trees

We have three cats. This is a lot of cats. I do believe that it makes me somewhat of an expert in the cat management department. Some cats like to climb. Others like to spray. Others like to bat things around the floor. When you bring the magical Christmas tree into your home, you bring a ready-made climbing-spraying-batting extravaganza into the living room. Lucky you. Lucky cats. Your tree might delight your cats, but if the ornaments end up on the floor and the cats climb the tree, you’ll be less than delighted. Here are a few tips to enhance … 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 →

Holiday Decoration Family Fun

Who says you have to spend a fortune creating festive holiday decorations for your home? With a little effort and some creativity you can make a variety of seasonal decorations without breaking the bank. Here’s how: Christmas Card Collage: During the holidays, most people receive dozens of Christmas greeting cards. Instead of stacking the cards in a pile or tossing them into a basket, consider cutting out your favorite images, and creating a collage. You can even add small embellishments such as buttons, ribbons or silk flowers for a one-of-a-kind piece of holiday artwork. Gift Stacks: Fake out your kids … Continue reading →

A Christmas Tableaux

With just over a month to Christmas it’s time to start thinking about Christmas decorations. I rarely buy new decorations but jets tend to recycle the same ones in different places or freshened up each year. Usually like Mary Ann I have bowls willed with pinecones as part of my table decorations. This year though I have a brand new Christmas decoration and it will on prominent display. It is a Christmas tableau. Released by Walker Books The First Noel – A Christmas Carousel by Jan Pienkowski is a delightful work of art. While closed it looks like a book, … Continue reading →

Decorating for Christmas

Now I don’t know about you, but I’m appalled at some of the Christmas displays on homes. Where is a written that Christmas light displays or Christmas decorations have to be tacky? Am I the only person out there who doesn’t think that more is not always the best way to go? It often seems that when it comes to Christmas anything goes. There are Santas and elves, reindeer and snowmen and well you get the idea. Of source in a country like Australia where we have recently embarked in summer and where temperatures are hot, not cold, snowmen and … Continue reading →

Window Decorations to Welcome Trick-or-Treaters

Trick-or-treaters are often uneasy about going up to houses for Halloween. They don’t know which homes they are welcome at and which homes they are not. To eliminate that uncertainty for them, you can decorate your windows in a way to let them know that you have candy ready to give out. You will need a pack of black poster board. One for each half window. You will want to do all windows on the first floor of the front of your home. You will need a pair of scissors and some tape. 1. Choose images that you want to … Continue reading →

I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas – Part 1

You may think it is a bit early to be thinking about Christmas, but I noticed garland hanging at my local Hallmark last night. This year, instead of having a white or blue Christmas, how about having a green Christmas? First, let’s think about the Christmas tree. Many plastic trees are made from PVC, the product that many are telling us to avoid for safety reasons. This year, you may want to consider a fresh cut Christmas tree. Make it a fun family tradition by going out to chop down your own tree. Sure, it will probably take a bit … Continue reading →

Making Eco-Friendly Christmas Decorations

This cute paper snowman project is an ideal gift to give to a “green” friend. The foundation of the snowman features recycled envelopes while his appendages are made from all-natural products you can find in your own backyard. In addition to being environmentally friendly, he’s kid friendly as well. Take a look: RECYCLED SNOWMAN Materials: Used, white envelopes (large or small) Scrap construction paper Recycled cotton balls from medicine bottles Small twigs Pencil Compass Scissors Ruler Markers White glue Masking tape Directions: To make the head, cut a rectangle about 1-inch by 4-inch from the white envelope. Cut two more … Continue reading →

Homemade Halloween Decorations Using Everyday Items

Our current rough economic times call for spirited individuals to get even more creative when it comes to decorating their homes for the Halloween season. The following seasonal art projects call for minimal shopping (and spending). Rather, they rely more on everyday items that most of us have sitting around our house. Scour your home and grab the kids to make these simple (no sewing involved) yet adorable Halloween crafts. HALLOWEEN WITCHES MADE FROM SPARE GLOVES Materials: Glove Fiberfill Black Felt Curly Doll Hair Scraps of Fabric Ribbon Googly Eyes Pipe Cleaner Scissors Fabric glue Black Sharpie Directions: Stuff palm … Continue reading →

Go Green to Avoid Seeing Red

Are you seeing red after calculating the amount of money you’ve shelled out this holiday season? Christmas is still a week away and some parents are already dealing with a mountain of debt accrued since Black Friday. As devoted moms and dads we feel obligated to make all of our children’s holiday wishes come true:  Big tree featuring gorgeous ornaments, life-sized animated decorations, elaborately wrapped gifts and miles of twinkling lights that would blind a buzzard. Unfortunately, all that holiday bling can put a real dent in your household budget.  One way to reduce the sting of big bills racked … Continue reading →