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Christmas Crafts (for Adults)


I've said it before, I'll say it again: pinterest is running my life. There I was, with my regular Christmas decorations scattered all over the house, totally content to hang the usual wreaths in the usual places. And then: oh! I have wire hangers and dozens of extra gold ball ornaments! I must make that wreath immediately!

That's pretty much what happened. Here's what happened next:


It turns out I'm really bad with ribbons and bows. I'd love to make this a little neater, but I just don't know how. I also didn't have quite enough gold balls, as evidenced by the fact that you can see the wire hanger peeking through. At night, though, with the Christmas lights shining in through the glass front door, it sparkles nicely and you can't see the imperfections.

(Please excuse my truly horrible picture-taking skills.)

Another trick gleaned from Pinterest: to hang a wreath by a ribbon, hang a command hook upside-down on the back of the door and loop the ribbon under it. That link isn't the actual hook I used, I got mine at Kroger, but you get the idea.

But Pinterest isn't all frivolity. Last year we made Advent wreaths as a craft in our moms' group at church, but they were styrofoam and felt and mine didn't even survive the car ride home. Eager for something a little more elegant, I browsed Christmas candle ideas until I found something I could do with items I had around the house. 


The stand and platter are from Pampered Chef; I just checked the website, and it doesn't seem like this style is available anymore (it was a bridal shower present five years ago). I'm not sure I've ever even used it for food; it regularly sits on the buffet in my dining room, showcasing my dried wedding bouquet (which, frankly, is not holding up so well anymore). The candles I got at Hobby Lobby at 50% off; the greenery is snipped from some garland I had on hand; the mini pine cones are from my winter-woodsy wedding decorations. I just knew I was saving them for a reason!

Obviously, this picture was taken after the first week of Advent.
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  1. AnonymousDecember 10, 2012 at 10:28 AM

    I like your advent candle centerpiece. It's fun to "repurpose" things around the house for Christmas decorations. A walk through West Elm and Pottery Barn was my inspiration for my mantel this year.

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