The nurseries and even the grocery stores are full of outdoor greens. You can buy them adorned with beautiful bows and ornaments or just plain greens for you to decorate yourself. You may be hesitant since that is not your talent. If you can buy a couple finished for your home, great, but if the budget is a little stretched right now with other Christmas expenses, this may not be an option for you. Some things cannot be skipped, like extra food for visiting family and guests and gifts for the family. Maybe those planters will just have to wait until next year?
I have an idea for those of you who might be interested. My wife, as I have said is a decorator and helps me with my blogs about home decorating and staging your home for sale. A couple of year ago she took an Urn Making Course at the Glass House and learned some interesting information about making your own Christmas urns. We did our own in past years and even a novice like myself was quite pleased with our work. The credit should naturally go to her since she directed the project but I suggested she post a few simple tips for those of you who want to make your own urns.
Here are those tips if you feel creative. it really is easy even for the novice.
1) Remember, once you purchase the bulbs, cranberries, bows, ribbon and any other ornaments you want to include, they are a one time purchase. Store them and use them each year. If you were looking ahead, hopefully you bought these necessary items last year on sale after Christmas. If not, good news! Christmas items are already on sale at several stores and it is only the end of November so go bargain hunting. You will be surprised how little your outdoor decor will cost.
2) If you have a friend or relative with some evergreens that need trimming, you can cut your own fresh greens at no cost. The tree owner will be pleased with the free trim.
3) Use a couple of your summer patio pots and add some sand on top of the left over dirt to hold the contents. It will freeze as the weather gets colder and hold your arrangement secure. ( a useful tip she learned in the course)
4) We are lucky and have saved decorations from former years. If this is your first attempt, do not spend a fortune. Buy just a couple of spectacular sale ornaments and pretty wire ribbon ( it is easier to work with) and the rest (smaller items) you can find at the Dollar Store, even maybe a stuffed Santa. Add some pine cones from your yard.
3) Use a couple of your summer patio pots and add some sand on top of the left over dirt to hold the contents. It will freeze as the weather gets colder and hold your arrangement secure. ( a useful tip she learned in the course)
4) We are lucky and have saved decorations from former years. If this is your first attempt, do not spend a fortune. Buy just a couple of spectacular sale ornaments and pretty wire ribbon ( it is easier to work with) and the rest (smaller items) you can find at the Dollar Store, even maybe a stuffed Santa. Add some pine cones from your yard.
5) Be sure to wire everything in or the wind will destroy them half way through the season. Try the Dollar store for wire and some sticks to wire to the end of the bulbs for easy placing among the greens.
4) If you have hydro available, add a sting or 2 of lights. They are also very reasonable and add a nice touch.
4) If you have hydro available, add a sting or 2 of lights. They are also very reasonable and add a nice touch.
Voila! You have beautiful professional looking arrangements on your porch to greet family and friends for a fraction of the cost.
Have fun!
Have fun!
