Christmas Trees & Decorations

Instructions Step 1: Score paper in half Score the card stock in half. To “score” means to make an indented line in a piece of paper without cutting through it. TIP: Using a scoring board ensures that your lines are accurate. Step 2: Score a tab Score a 1/4 inch tab lengthwise, and then cut …

Instructions Step 1: Make lacy snowflakes Punch a hole at the top of a lacy paper doily. Thread a small length of narrow ribbon through the hole and tie a knot at the ends. Hang several on the Christmas tree for a frosty effect. TIP: Hang transparent ornaments near a tree light for a dramatic …

Instructions Step 1: Check each strand Check each strand for broken lights before putting the strands into storage. Plug the string into an outlet and look for burnt-out bulbs. If the entire strand isn’t working, throw it out. TIP: Place the light strings into plastic storage totes. Some specialized storage totes have slots for each …

Transcript Man: Need some quick seasonal decor? Woman: Quick tips! Man: Fill a mason jar a third of the way with Epsom salt mixed with a little silver glitter and stick a white votive candle in the center. It creates a gorgeous snowy candle lantern. Sparkling!

Transcript Woman: Burned out light bulbs? Man: Quick tips! Woman: Coat them with water based varnish, add tissue paper and decorate with metallic paints. Tie colorful yarn around the bases to make Christmas tree ornaments. Merry! Merry!

Transcript Man: Storing delicate Christmas ornaments? Woman: Quick tips! Man: Line the cups of an empty egg carton with cotton or tissue paper, and nestle one item in each cup. Smart!

Transcript Man: Need some holiday glitter? Woman: Quick tips! Man: Roll candles in Mod Podge and then in Epsom salts to make them sparkle. Pretty!

Instructions Step 1: Choose a location Choose a location to set up the nativity scene where it will be visible and well lit without blocking traffic. Nativity scenes can be arranged indoors or outdoors. Step 2: Center the Christ child Center the manger, or the trough that the Christ child sleeps in, in the stable. …

Instructions : Kids under 10 should not use sharp scissors or hot glue. An adult should help older children. Step 1: Design a vest Make a vest out of the long t-shirt. Cut off the sleeves; then cut an inverted V down the front, starting at the belly button and extending to end of the …

Instructions Step 1: Spread out a skirt Spread out a tree skirt. Not only do presents look more festive under the tree on a tree skirt, but it will catch pine needles, making cleanup a breeze. Step 2: Plump the branches Plump up the branches. When a tree is packed for transport–or, if it’s artificial, …

Instructions Step 1: Think ahead Think ahead when you bring a Christmas tree home, and have a plastic tree bag on hand. Step 2: Place bag Place the bag beneath the tree stand when you set the tree in place. Step 3: Siphon water Siphon the water from the stand with a turkey baster before …

Instructions Step 1: Remove sap from hair Take sticky sap out of your hair by applying a little mayonnaise. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse. TIP: Pure soap and shortening will also help. Step 2: Remove sap from hands Remove sap from your hands by rubbing mayonnaise on them. Wash your hands …

Instructions Step 1: Store it sheltered from weather Store your Christmas tree in an unheated garage or shelter away from wind and freezing temperatures if you are not putting it up right away. Step 2: Choose a location Avoid putting your tree near heat vents, radiators, or windows that get a lot of direct sunlight. …

Instructions Step 1: Decide on a tree type Decide which type of tree you want. Different species hold needles for different lengths of time. Balsam and Fraser firs feature good needle retention, blue spruce will drop needles in a warm room, and Scotch pines will hold on to their needles for about four weeks. Step …

Instructions Step 1: Choose fabric Choose festive Christmas designs for your sachet fabric. Go to the remnant bin at your local craft store to find great deals. Step 2: Glue pieces Place two pieces of 5-inch fabric back-to-back and glue the edges together on three sides. Let the glue dry. TIP: Prevent fraying by spreading …

Instructions Step 1: Add holiday light Add holiday light to your table by filling a silver bowl with shiny beads and different sized glass balls, and inserting a pillar candle. Quick, easy, and very elegant. TIP: Stick adhesive-backed gems onto the glass balls for some extra sparkle. Step 2: Make glitter centerpiece Make your table …

Instructions : When using power tools, always use precaution and wear safety goggles. Step 1: Find a log Find a dried piece of oak, about five inches thick, and cut it to between 14 and 18 inches long. Step 2: Flatten one side Use the circular saw or a table saw to flatten one side …

Instructions Step 1: Find a power source Find an outdoor electrical outlet that you will be able to plug a heavy duty extension cord into. TIP: Use an outlet that is controlled by a switch or run your lights through a timer. Step 2: Measure Use the tape measure to determine the length of the …

Instructions Step 1: Cut out photo Cut out the photo you want to use into a circle that measures about 3 inches across. Step 2: Remove cap Remove the hanger and cap from the bulb. Then wrap the photo around a pencil, making sure the photo is facing outward. Step 3: Put photo inside Holding …

Instructions Step 1: Select gourd Select a bottle gourd that has a smaller bulb on top for the snowman’s head and larger bulb on bottom. Step 2: Wash and dry Remove the stem at the top and wash the gourd, scrubbing off dirt with a pot scrubber. Step 3: Fill in holes Fill in holes …

Instructions Step 1: Select gourd Select a bottle gourd that has a smaller bulb on top to serve as Santa’s head with a large bulb on bottom, which will become his jolly mid-section. Step 2: Wash and dry Remove the stem at the top and wash the gourd thoroughly, scrubbing off dirt with a pot …

Instructions : Working with electricity is very dangerous. Completely disconnect your computer from electrical outlets before you begin. If you have any doubts, contact a professional. Step 1: Strip USB cable Cut the USB cable and strip a small section of the outer sheath to expose the red and black wires inside. TIP: Cut back …

Instructions Step 1: Clean and dry baby food jars Clean and dry all of the baby food jars. Remove any labels, and set the lids aside. Step 2: Glue the jars into the shape of a tree Set the jars on their sides and glue them into the shape of a tree, with a row …

Instructions Step 1: Fold fabric and pin Fold the lining fabric in half twice to form a four-layer square. Measure the length of one side of the square and cut a piece of string the same length. Then pin one end of the string in a corner of the square. Step 2: Draw an arc …

Instructions Step 1: Glue CDs on ring Arrange the CDs in evenly spaced intervals completely around the craft ring, shiny side facing out, and glue them into place. Step 2: Glue the second row Glue a second layer of CDs so that they’re evenly spaced between the CDs on the first layer. Step 3: Attach …

Instructions Step 1: Start with a plain stocking Start with a plain Christmas stocking, either store-bought or handmade. TIP: Felt is best if you plan to use a lot of iron-on appliques. Step 2: Decide on a concept Decide on a concept. Modern or old-fashioned? Simple or elaborate? Understated or over-the-top? Consider focusing on a …

Instructions Step 1: Bend the hangers Take two wire hangers and fashion each into a circle. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly round. Step 2: Bind the hangers Bind the hangers together with floral tape to make a base. Step 3: Arrange your cuttings Arrange your tree cuttings on the base, attaching them with floral …

Instructions Step 1: Prepare wreath Place a wreath flat on a table. : Use a flame retardant artificial wreath. Using real greens near open flames is an unnecessary fire hazard Step 2: Space candles Evenly space four candles—three purple and one rose—on the wreath. Tapered candles are more traditional, but pillar candles are fine, too. …

Instructions Step 1: Choose tree that looks natural Choose a flame retardant tree that looks as authentic as possible, meaning you can’t see the pole through the needles, the tips of the branches aren’t rounded, and the needles look natural. TIP: If you’re buying online, make sure there’s a photo and zoom in on all …

Instructions Step 1: Choose a spot Choose a spot for your tree that is free from obstructions and away from potential fire hazards such as heating vents and fireplaces. Step 2: Measure the ceiling Measure the height of the room carefully, as it is crucial. When determining what size tree will fit, remember to account …

Instructions Step 1: Gather hanging materials Make sure you have enough ornament hooks. If you have pets, use ribbon or string instead. You never know when they’re going to get their paws on—or sink their teeth into—an ornament. TIP: Hang ornaments with green florist’s wire, which blends in better than ornament hooks. Step 2: Hang …

Instructions : Pets are sometimes attracted to eating tinsel, which can cut up their intestines. Step 1: Pick one Decide whether you want to hang tinsel—those silvery strands hung from branches to add shimmer to a tree—or garlands, which are long, decorative pieces that wrap around the tree. Using both can be a bit much. …

Instructions Step 1: Decorate board Decorate a piece of cardboard or poster board large enough to hold 24 small boxes, envelopes, or pouches. The containers should be large enough to hold a little treat. TIP: Cut the cardboard into a holiday shape, such as a Christmas tree, wreath, or snowman. Step 2: Decorate containers Decorate …

Instructions : Popcorn-cranberry garlands hanging from a Christmas tree may prove tempting to pets. Be sure to place them out of reach. Step 1: Pop popcorn Make or buy popcorn. Then leave it out for a day or two to get stale—fresh popcorn breaks too easily for stringing. If you’re using microwave popcorn, choose one …

Instructions Step 1: Do a light-check If you’re using last year’s lights, check them to make sure they don’t have any frayed wires, burned-out bulbs, or cracked sockets. If you are buying lights, figure on 100 lights for every foot of tree. Don’t connect more sets than the manufacturer suggests or you might blow a …

Instructions Step 1: Measure your space Measure the space where you’ll put your tree. Take into account the height added by a tree stand and a top ornament. Step 2: Find a good seller If you don’t have the luxury of going to a farm and cutting down a fresh tree, choose a seller who …

Instructions Step 1: Choose a fresh tree Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that don’t easily fall off when you shake the trunk or run your fingers over a branch. The drier the tree, the bigger the fire hazard. TIP: Needles should bend but not break, and the trunk should feel sticky with sap. …

Instructions Step 1: Select a jar Find a small, clear glass jar with a secure lid. Step 2: Find a figurine Select something to put inside the jar, like an ornament, a figurine, or a miniature toy. Or sculpt your own decoration out of clay. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s waterproof. Step 3: Measure …