Natural Ideas for Christmas: Fantastic Decorations to Make Book

Store-bought decorations rarely have the charm and vibrancy of natural ones--how can plastic compete with the lush bounty of the garden? Rather than spending loads of money on mass-produced items, take a look around the backyard, the kitchen, and the store room for evergreen foliage, mosses, pinecones, vines, twigs, flowers, fruits, nuts, spices, and various containers like flowerpots, buckets, vases, baskets. (Of course, you can visit the craft or garden shop for any of these supplies too.) Add some metallic spray paints, ribbons, raffia, and candles, and you're ready to create the two dozen or so projects presented here (along with many variations): garlands, wreaths, centerpieces, chair swags, and more. The first half of Natural Ideas for Christmas is devoted to basic techniques, including drying fruits, wiring individual elements, and making bows. The step-by-step instructions in the second half are nicely illustrated and reasonably well explained, but the directions are sometimes a bit cumbersome since they refer back to specific methods in the techniques chapter. Still, most projects are easy and all are attractive. --Amy Handy Read More