Christmas Trees: Make It Sparkle. Make It Your Own.

Like snowflakes, no two Christmas trees are alike. Where one person loves sparkle and color -- the brighter, the better—another prefers the reserved elegance of a muted palette. And, of course, many people’s style and tree vary from year to year, inspired by the nature outside the window or, in Martha’s case, the beloved grandbabies gazing up at the tree in wonder. Let the four distinct and pretty themes in this story spark your creativity, whether you aim to adopt a new look from topper to trunk, or make a sampler of easy ornaments to mix in with your treasured standbys (or give away to friends and loved ones).


Here's How to Turn Dollar Store Fishbowls Into the Cutest Christmas Decoration

Building a snowman has never been this effortless!

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the always fun task of taking the Christmas decoration boxes out of storage and decking the halls. But there's always room for one more DIY decoration—especially if it's as cute as this one.

Blogger Kelly Dixon of Smart School House created this Fish Bowl Snowman, a craft that is guaranteed to have your friends and family members asking how you pulled it off.

The secret? Fishbowls! Seriously, this holiday decoration couldn't be simpler (or cheaper) to make.

To create your own three-tiered Frosty, head to the craft store and stock up on all the supplies you need to create a cute snowy scene in each fish bowl. For a list of supplies and instructions on what to do next, head to Kelly's full tutorial at Smart School House. Trust us, this cute craft is as easy as it gets!

DIY Spoon Lamp


 

 BIRD FEEDER WREATH 

A circular mold, wide ribbon, some birdseed, and some melted suet are all you need to help feed our feathery friends over the winter months.

Bundt Bird Feeder

MATERIALS

  • Suet

  • Saucepan or baking dish

  • Fine cheesecloth

  • Measuring cup

  • Fresh cranberries

  • 6-cup Bundt pan

  • Wild birdseed

  • Dried cranberries

  • Roasted unsalted peanuts

  • Large plastic spoon

  • Wide ribbon

STEPS

  1. Begin by cutting 1 pound of suet into small chunks and rendering in a saucepan (or baking dish in a 375-degree oven) until all the fat has melted.

  2. Strain rendered suet through fine cheesecloth, allow it to harden at room temperature, and then melt and strain again. Measure out 1 1/2 cups melted suet and set aside.

  3. Place fresh cranberries in bottom of 6-cup Bundt pan in desired pattern (we used three cranberries in every other channel).

  4. In a large bowl, thoroughly combine 4 cups wild birdseed and 1 cup each dried cranberries and peanuts

  5. Add melted suet to dry ingredients and thoroughly coat using large plastic spoon or your hands.

  6. Once completely combined, fill pan with mixture, being sure to press down firmly as you go.

  7. Allow mixture to harden overnight in the refrigerator (or freezer).

  8. Once hardened, remove pan from fridge and allow to sit at room temperature for 5 or 10 minutes before unmolding.

  9. With wide ribbon, hang wreath outside when temperature is around freezing. Be sure wreath is not in direct sunlight, to avoid melting or spoiling. (Tip: Avoid using twine or rope to tie up wreath as it can pull through and break the side of the wreath.)

DIY PICTURE