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With very little effort, readily available natural materials can be transformed into impressive Christmas centerpieces.
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Looking for alternatives to painted pinecones and cranberry garlands? Debbie Stapley offers a few tree and ornament ideas that will bring scent and texture to table and tree. Materials: 4 foam cones, 6" to 12" high
Stick cinnamon
Ground cinnamon
Whole cloves
Assorted nuts in their shells
Potpourri for the holiday season
Tacky glue
Glue gun
Raffia Cinnamon-Stick Tree - Using the tallest cone, hot-glue the cinnamon sticks vertically around the cone, starting at the top. You may need to cut the cinnamon so that the bottom tier fits.
- Cover the joints between the tiers with a raffia bow.
- Hot-glue a big walnut to the top.
Potpourri Tree - Using a medium or tall cone, paint the cone with tacky glue.
- Pour the potpourri onto waxed paper and roll the cone in the potpourri. Pat it firmly into place.
- Add a raffia bow.
Note: The potpourri should have a rough texture -- wood shavings, bark, dried flowers, etc. Ground-Cinnamon Tree - Using the smallest cone, paint the cone with tacky glue.
- Pour out a lot of cinnamon onto waxed paper and roll the glue-covered cone in it, patting the cinnamon into place to cover the cone entirely.
- Decorate with whole cloves pushed into the cone.
- Add a raffia bow.
Nut Tree - Using a medium or tall cone, hot-glue nuts to the cone, randomly, in tiers or in a pattern.
- Glue a big nut to the top of the cone.
- Add a raffia bow.
All products can be found at grocery and craft stores. Cornhusk Packets Materials: Dried cornhusks
Small coins and candy kisses
Red raffia
Red magic marker - Moisten the cornhusks to make them easier to work with, then wipe off the moisture.
- Place a coin or a small piece of candy near the center of the husk.
- Fold the two long sides to the center, over the candy. Fold up one end to meet the other.
- Tie together tightly with the colored raffia and make a small bow.
- Hang packet from the tree.
- If you wish, write a number on each packet. On Christmas, or each day of Advent, invite children to open a packet and find a prize.
All products are available at grocery and craft stores. Festive Fact: As part of their New Year's celebrations, the ancient Romans wished each other "good health" by exchanging evergreen boughs.
RESOURCES :
Classic Crafts and Recipes for the Holidays
Model: 0609808508
Author: Martha Stewart
(2001)
William Morrow Books / Hearst Books
Website: www.harpercollins.com
Gift Of Christmas: Create Ornaments, Candles, Centerpieces and More
Model: 0865733902
Author: Editors of Creative Publishing
(1996)
Creative Publishing International, Inc.
Website: www.creativepub.com
The Spirit of Christmas: Creative Holiday Ideas
Model: 1574861964
Author: Editors of Leisure Arts
(2001)
Leisure Arts (Hot Off The Press, Inc.)
Website: www.craftpizazz.com
Make Your Own Christmas Tree Ornaments: Inspiring Ideas for Decorating Your Christmas Tree
Model: 1842152351
Author: Carolyn Bell
(August, 2000)
Southwater Publishing (The Manning Partnership Ltd.-- Imprint of Anness Pub)
Phone: 0-1225-852727
Fax: 0-1225-85282
A Handcrafted Christmas: Creating a Welcoming Home for the Holidays
Model: 1564774082
Author: Dawn Anderson (Editor)
Welcome Home for the Holidays
Model: 0963297813
Author: Gooseberry Patch
Instant Gratification Ornaments: Fast and Fabulous Projects
Model: 0811830233
Author: Genevieve A. Sterbenz
Quick and Easy Christmas Crafts: 133 Projects for Gifts, Ornaments and Holiday Decorating, Vol. 1
Model: 0848715640
Author: Oxmoor House
Oxmoor House
Birmingham, AL 35201
Phone: 205-877-6562
Fax: 205-877-6504 or 205-
Email: oxmoorhouse@spc.com
Jewish Holiday Style: A Beautiful Guide to Celebrating the Jewish Rituals in Style
Model: 0684849593
Author: Rita Milos, et al
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