A few Christmas Creations....

This week has been a bit hectic. I've been trying to get my Christmas decorating done. Where does the day go? I have one tree and the staircase done. I still have to complete two trees, the mantel and the outside, so this will be a quick post. This past week I taught two classes on decorating your home for Christmas. One was a Christmas tree decorating class which included learning how to do a wreath, and the other was decorating your fireplace mantel. I'll share a few photos. The wreath is easy to do. I start with a 30" artificial wreath, which was quite full, added 4 glittered poinsettia, 6 gold berry picks, two wonderful holiday ribbons and here it is....

My trick is, when the wreath is complete take some real greenery and cut it into pieces and insert it into the wreath. When your guests arrive they will think that you have a fresh wreath on your front door. When the holidays are over, remove the greenery and store the wreath until next year. When it's time to put the wreath back up add more fresh greens. This is a trick I've used for years. You will be amazed how this can change the look of an artificial wreath. If you have double doors, make sure the bows are placed in the opposite directions. Take a look at the photo below. Hang your wonderful creation with a matching piece of ribbon.

Just attach the ribbon to the top of the door with two flat head thumb tacks. Remove them when the holiday is over. It's just that easy! Here is the mantel I completed during the class last night. It took about two hours. The homeowner , my good friend Shelly wanted to it be fun. This is her sunroom and her tree has all the ornaments her children have made over the years. She also has three other trees that are all beautiful. We added lots of beaded garland and the FUN moose to capture the theme of the room. Some fun red berries that looked like they had frost on them and some bright green glittered ostrich feathers finished off the look. Both projects are not that difficult. You just need to be creative. This holiday give your home your own unique style. It will then be a "Creation From Your Heart". " Holiday memories start wherever home is.