Pinterest is dangerous. That is, as soon as I start scrolling through the app, I am sucked into a bottomless pit of crafting ideas, interior decorating plans and the bullet journal spreads.
During a recent scroll, I saw some Christmas ornaments that could easily be recreated. It just so happens that I’m not a fan of my already existing ornaments (I mentioned last column I got caught up in the trendy colours of last season (pastel pinks and blues and metallics).
But if I were true to myself, I would have gone for colours of the traditional red and green as well as plaid and ornaments made of felt and other plush materials.
So, with a list of needed craft supplies, I made my way to the dollar store and Canadian Tire and hoped I would come away with loot that would let me re-purpose my old Christmas bulbs.
I didn’t do anything too wild since I had a rather rustic/traditional idea in mind. So, I went soft white wool with camel and dark brown accents, a chunky evergreen coloured wool as well as lace ribbon and burlap printed with a design on it.
Woollen wrapped bulbs
Tools: Wool (thick), hot glue gun, hot glue
Starting at the top of the bulb where the clasp for the hooks is, place a small amount of hot glue and then secure an end of the wool to it. Let cool and the put glue around the clasp until it overlaps with the wool. Wrap wool into the glue and then continue the process all the way around the bulb and secure wool into the glue. Follow process until ball is wrapped in wool.
Plaid or burlap bulbs
Tools: Material/burlap, string, ribbon
Place fabric on a flat surface. Place bulb on top. Gather the fabric around the bulb and come into a bunch at the top. Cut around the bunch, removing an excess fabric that can be used for another bulb. To sure the fabric around the bulb, cut some string or ribbon, knot it around the bunch – using the clasp on the bulb as the centre point. Tighten the string and knot again. Trim material to your liking.
Embroidery hoop ornaments
Now, this doesn’t involve repurposing something I had already made – but it was something that popped into my mind as I was writing this up. If you find an embroidered or printed pattern on the material, make sure to purchase it. Also buy some small or varying sized embroidery hoops. Secure the material tightly in a hoop, trim excess and add a loop or twine or ribbon to use to hang them. Bing, bang, boom - a cosy ornament.
Now, with my tree set up, I can’t help but feel a warm fuzzy feeling. Not only because of the twinkly lights with the soft glow or the feeling of contentment that comes with the spirit of the season, but because part of the decorations I crafted and created. It’s always nice to see your work on display.
Stay cosy.
Millicent McKay is a millennial homemaker, tea drinker, journalist and blogger for modernmillee.com . For more check out her weekly blog posts and follow her on Instagram.
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