What Are You Working On? is a community forum for all things hand-made, home-made, and creative in a variety of mediums.
We are spending time decorating and I'm trying to get most Christmas gifts finished, although not all will be.
At Christmas we try to be both budget conscious and environmental in our decorations. Check below the orange squiggle for how we are doing this.
For Christmas decorating we usually have a small, artificial Christmas tree we bought several years ago. The picture is above. As you can see many of the ornaments are handmade. The calico doves were made by my second eldest sister who has passed away. They are very precious to me.
We also purchase a live garland for the fresh greenery image and smell. This is more cost effective, and I believe, more conservation oriented. The garlands are usually made from tree trimmings.
We went to the local farm stand that last week had Christmas trees and garlands, but they were either sold out, or had just packed up. No trees, no people. Nothing. So we went to Lowe's. Usually when you purchase the garland they have a bin near the checkout where they have the lower limbs they have cut off the trees. Where we live, they encourage you to take some of these. They are always free. After Christmas they just burn whatever is left. Garlands are considerably cheaper than a tree, and no tree had to die for your holiday decorations. Here about 70 miles west of Chicago, a 20' swag is $15.
To make a swag for the front door, I use the longer and fuller branches from the free cut bin on the bottom and then layer the smaller branches on top and use wire or twist ties to hold them together and add a bow. Pretty simple and festive. I'm not sure I like this bow. I may change it out for a smaller one in the next few days. I might add a non breakable ornament or two. Or maybe not. I'll see how they look.
The rest of the cuttings, along with a foot or two from the garland, are used to add greenery around the Christmas decorations on the mantel and the entertainment center.
We loop the garland around the arch between the living room and dining room. We have thin white nails and run a twist tie around the garland and around the nails to hold the garland more securely in place. We haven't got the ornaments on it yet. That will likely be tomorrow.
How are your Christmas / Hanukkah / solstice gifts coming? How are your decorations coming? Would love to see pictures!