Transform a strand of Christmas lights with only mini plastic cups and paper! That’s right—cups and paper! I used white plastic cups (the 3 oz. size) found in the paper products aisle at the grocery store. Depending on where you shop, they might also be called bathroom cups. I tested these lanterns with clear cups, but they didn’t diffuse the light when turned on. The lights inside the white cups illuminate the opaque plastic nicely, casting subtle shadows from the snowflakes. You cannot tell that these are cups once the lights are on!
Strands of lights usually come with 100 mini lights. You only need to cover about half of the lights with cups. You can also use these as a tealight holder—with flameless candles only!
What do you get for the person in your life who has traveled the world and seen all the world has to offer? Well, they probably have not seen everything, and there’s surely something that they would love. Think about a place they really want to go, or a place that they have talked about several times. Perhaps you could give a gift that reminds them of that special place, or something that will be useful to them in their travels.
Because I love of all things Christmas and flowers, these paper poinsettias immediately caught my attention. They are beautiful little ornaments, but would also look fabulous on top of a gift box.
How many times have you gone to the store looking for the perfect gift bag, but either they don’t have what you’re looking for or the bags are overpriced? Here’s a solution to the dilemma… Buy a few inexpensive bags and vamp them up with your personal touch! When adding embellishments to bags, they don’t need to be elaborate; something cute and simple is all you need.
When shopping for a friend or family member who happens to love all (er…most) things within the animal kingdom, consider purchasing unique items. Buying objects handmade by artisans is a great way to support local economies as well as giving a truly special gift. Below are several suggestions for finding that perfect gift. Whether you absolutely adore animals or just appreciate their existence, these gift suggestions are sure to bring a smile to your face.
What’s not to love about bunting? It adds a festive flair to every occasion. Bunting is so versatile—it can be made from paper, felt, fabric—today I made it from burlap. Hang bunting as is, or decorate using stencils and paint, or whatever you like. Have fun!
Kids, kids, kids. So cute and so full of energy. I love their expressions, the funny things they say, and just observing how they perceive the world. One thing that I love about children and childhood in general is play—it’s all about having fun! I’ve picked out a few things for a range of ages. Enjoy!
This is a very inexpensive, yet very impressive table arrangement. It is a nice arrangement for any winter-themed occasion—dinner parties, birthdays, showers, and of course, Christmas! I collected the branches from outside, but you could easily find similar branches at a craft store.
You’ve heard the old adage Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. And you probably know someone who is an advocate of preserving the planet’s natural resources. But, even if you do not agree with your “green” friend’s world view, I’m sure you appreciate the creativity and craftsmanship required to make these products. Several of these are handmade from reclaimed materials. Buy a gift. Save the planet. Make your friend twice as happy.
amanda stott on Raymond’s Sporty Dream