Although I am not fond of the rest of the homes decorations I do love this tree. Since it can be made from antlers that have dropped and collected this is really neat. I imagine these have been bleached and cleaned really well to give a clean white appearance. I would make it taller and add some ornaments made of natural materials. What re your thoughts?
Wreaths are more than just decorations. If you’re driving through town during the Holiday Season, you may see a Christmas wreath on almost every front door. Most people don’t think of the rich history attached to these beautiful Christmas decorations.
The word wreath comes from the word “writhen” that was an old English word meaning “to writhe” or “to twist.” The art of hanging Christmas wreaths originated from the Romans who hung wreaths on their doors as a sign of victory and of their status in society. Women usually wore them as headdresses as a symbol of pride, and also donned them during special occasions such as weddings. Additionally, the victors of sporting events in ancient Greece were given laurel wreaths; This tradition still being used to this day during the Olympic games in which the medals are engraved with sprigs of laurel.
Christmas wreaths are made by twisting or bending evergreen branches into a large circle which are then decorated with pinecones and a red bow. The circle shape of the wreath is made to represent Christ’s eternal love, his strength, and the creation of new life. Evergreens are commonly used in the construction of the wreath due to their heartiness throughout harsh winters and that they denote strength as well as immortality. Christmas wreaths in the Catholic tradition had four candles – Three of purple, symbolizing penance, and expectation, and one of pink to represent the coming joy. The four Sundays preceding Christmas day are embodied by the four candles that were lit each Friday of Advent at dinner along with a prayer. Similarly to Catholic customs, traditional Pagan wreaths were also evergreen circles consisting of four candles. These candles represented the elements of Earth, wind, fire, and water. Their wreaths were typically used in rituals that would ensure the continuance of the circle of life.
Christmas wreaths are a beautiful decoration for your home or office that can really show off your true holiday cheer. Spread that holiday spirit and buy a Christmas wreath for yourself or someone you love!
– Gerry Wilson
Original Story At: http://www.wilsonevergreens.com/christmas-wreath-history/#sthash.LpdyH4E5.dpuf – Written By Gerry Wilson
Use an old or new Hurricane Glass to make this really cool snowman. If you finish it with varnish you can actually use this to put a candle in or use it on a base light. A small push light would work also.
Use acrylic white and blot it on the inside of shade not making a solid thick cover. This allows the light to shine through with a unique snow appearance.
Paint a nose, mouth and eyes in acrylic paint on the outside. Cover with a varnish inside and out and you are ready to go. Add a decorative bow. What a great decoration that you can easily make yourself.
Follow this link for a great how-to on how to make a gingerbread village from stuff you probably have available and stuff from your craft closet. Gingerbread Village Tutorial
Using wooden skewers cut into halves push one half of a bananas onto skewer. Then one-third marshmallow and then half strawberry and then top with mini-marshmallow. Add a red M&M to banana by pushing it into it. Then add two chocolate sprinkles by pushing them in as well. Nice quick little snack for a pick-me up in the afternoon.
Country & Victorian Times 