Friday, July 27, 2012

Craft Projects With Glass Blocks and Lights

Craft Projects With Glass Blocks and Lights


When it comes to craft projects, glass blocks are amazingly versatile. There are so many fun and interesting ways to decorate with them in every room of the house.

Craft Projects With Glass Blocks and Lights

Craft Projects With Glass Blocks and Lights

Craft Projects With Glass Blocks and Lights


Craft Projects With Glass Blocks and Lights



Craft Projects With Glass Blocks and Lights

Once you could only find glass art deco blocks or at home improvement centers. There were solid and in order to put lights or objects inside, you had to use a large drill bit and a complicated process to get them "open"-if you choose to do this-consider hiring this out to a professional. Now you can find glass bricks conveniently at your local crafts store with one side left open. You can even use these wonderful finds as vases. They are generally available in two sizes and I've seen them available all year.

Craft Projects With Glass Blocks and Lights

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

How to String Lights on a Christmas Tree

How to String Lights on a Christmas Tree


The Holiday season is the best time of year, my home and decorating the Christmas Tree. So how do you string lights on a Christmas Tree? On we go to the fine art of stringing Christmas Lights on our Trees .... and yes, it can be considered an art. And to some a fine art.

How to String Lights on a Christmas Tree

How to String Lights on a Christmas Tree

How to String Lights on a Christmas Tree


How to String Lights on a Christmas Tree



How to String Lights on a Christmas Tree

Make sure that before you begin, to have everything you need on hand. This will eliminate not having something you need while you are the ladder. So we will begin with the ladder, make sure you have a sturdy step ladder or small ladder handy. You will need this while you are wrapping the upper branches, even with a small tree, being on a ladder makes stringing your lights much easier.

You will obviously need your lights, an extension cord if the socket is not closeor a step on off/on switch cord makes lighting your tree easier and some patience.

Would you be surprised to know that it is recommended that you start stringing your Christmas Tree lights at the bottom? We had always started at the top. Reason being ... you can follow the electrical outlet with the string of lights and not have too much or too little left over from stringing from the top. Never thought of it that way before. You will also be able to start with the correct male/female connections ever string lights and end up with two female ends?

When decorating your Christmas Tree, always start with the lights. The lights are first thing that should be put on before garland or ornaments. Before you start, makesure that the lights are in working order, nothing worse than putting the lights on the tree and half the strand is not working.

As you string your lights use a weaving motion one light under a branch and the next light over, under and over. Tuck the cord into the branches so the cord does not show.

Estimate your space as you work your lights into the branches, stagger and space your rows so that there are no bare spots or clumps of lights together. Be especially careful not to clump the lights together at the top of the tree. The top of the tree should be the showplace for your topper.

If you decide you need more lights on your Christmas Tree, use additional strands and repeat the process ofweaving from the top of the tree to the bottom.

Not sure how many lights you need, a quick rule of thumb is to take the height of your tree and times by 10. For example, a six foot tree would approximately 60 feet ...I know I go way overboard on the amount of lights on my tree but just can't help it.

Now that you have finished stringing and are satisfied with the lights on your Christmas Tree, it is time to decorate your decorate your tree with ornaments, garland and whatever tickles your fancy.

How to String Lights on a Christmas Tree