A Gardeners Forum Forums Members History Forum Life 2004 Christmas Decorations

I posted something very similiar to this up in the plants forum under Bills Christmas tree info, so someone might want to edit that if you think it needs to be. Anyways....

Yesterday I trimmed my grape vines and had an abundance of vines, so I made 3 wreaths out of it and STILL have leftovers!!! So I think I will make a garland out of it for the large doorway that we have here in the house. I'm just a little unsure of how to attach it to the doorway. I don't want to ruin the molding by putting holes in it. The molding was all hand-made by the previous owner! Also, any decoration ideas for it?? I'm planning on putting white lights on it. I tend to like more traditional Christmas decorations. Anyone have ideas?? Also, any ideas for other parts of my house?? Click on my webshots link below and then go to the "house" folder on the 2nd page to get a look of what the doorway looks like now. Its pretty big!

I'm sure you've seen advertisements for those hooks, etc. that can hold heavy stuff, but you can take them down just by pulling out some kind of putty stuff.
Man, what are those things called?
The advertisements are constantly on T.V. this time of year!

Anyway, I've used them, and they work like a charm!
They are in the department at Wal-Mart like where the masking tape, glue, hooks, etc. are.

What are they called???

Oh, well......they work, whatever they are!

Cindy

Yeah! I know what your talking about! Those things actually work?? I'll keep that in mind. Any ideas using things that I probably have around the house? I won't be able to get out shopping until tomorrow (tomorrow is payday)?

Ok, so after nearly blowing away, I've got 2 lengths of vines that are twisted and twined together. The one is about 18 feet long and the other is probably around 22 feet long. My mom gave me a good idea. She said to nail brads or finishing nails into the top of the molding so that you can't see the holes when the nails are taken out. The garland should only need to be supported in 3 places in the top of the doorway.

Any ideas how to decorate it??

Hey you guys! That stuff's called Command Adhesive, made by 3M. I had some here in my drawer next to the 'puter. I've used it to hang lights around the top of my living room walls.

I use brads nailed into the top of the door frames, here. In fact, I leave them up all year and they're all but invisible.

How about spraying some pine cones gold or silver and wiring them into the vines?

Along with the pretty pine cones that have been suggested, how about some tiny white lights? and maybe some lush, dark green ribboning?

Merme

I decided yesterday was the day I was going to get my tree. It was raining and the wind was gusting 40-50 MPH as I drove into town. I didn't think it was that bad when I left the house , but on the highway it was blowing me around. First I decided to go get the oil changed in the truck. Everything went well there, the guys were all cheery and well-wishing (and sold me extra filter and topped off the coolant) . After leaving there I thought maybe it wasn't the best day to be out looking at trees. I can never buy at the first place I go, usually have to visit 3 or 4 different vendors. But today was the day and I was determined to go home with the tree. I slowed down at one place and it didn't look like anyone was there, moved on. Stopped at the next place and looked around for awhile and nobody was there and I was about to leave when a man came out of the trailer. I pulled my hood tighter as the rain came down and the wind swirled around us. I told him I had found the perfect tree and he smiled. I said , "But I haven't gone anywhere else yet" and he said, "On a day like today I wouldn't want to." That's just what I was thinking so I showed him which one I had fallen in love with. We both stood there for a few minutes admiring the tree."It's got a nice blue color" , "It branches out nicely" ,"I like the trunk,not too thick" and then I said "How much?" and he says, "$30-" and I say , "Perfect, that's my budget" and then he asks if he can trim a couple inches off the trunk for me and I'm grateful as he goes to get his chainsaw. I remember last year struggling to do this with a old, dull, rusty handsaw. He tells me that he just got off the phone with his wife and wondered what the heck he was doing out here, nobody in their right mind would be out buying a tree in this weather! I chuckle and he carefully puts the tree into my Bronco and I give him $35- and he actually tries to give back my tip! But I insist and thank him again. So I drive home with the radio cranked up - J. Giles and Elton John - and my oils been changed and the world is wonderful! When I pull in the driveway I realize.............

How will I get this thing (almost 8' tall) into the house. And even that goes smoothly........


So now what ?? After a little struggle, I get it up and don't need anyone to do this !!! I was so afraid I wouldn't be able to and Merme, if you need me to, I can come down and do yours too!!


It smells wonderful in here!

What a nice offer, Mel!

The timing might be perfect, too. On Saturday some friends are coming from Auburn to finish cleaning this place and rearrange the furniture. They will also unearth the artificial tree for me, though not get it up yet.

And yes, this year I am breaking all my own rules and putting up an artificial tree. Last year, we didn't even have a tree, we had a fiber optic decoration. So this is one step better, one bit closer to normal.

Merme

Hi Merme,
Well if cutting out shapes for glueing Christmas trees to paper and adding ornaments count we are doing that on Sat with the little ones-- I am making a turkey dinner then for all of us- want those leftovers...LOL.
I am starting on the couch blanket for my future SIL- maybe Sun.... cleaning carpet today before I start decorating- Dd rented the big machine so we are splitting the cost and I am doing that today - it is cold but have the heater on so it will dry.. she just called and she is on her way so better get myself into the shower! Lazy today so far...

That sounds like me cooking supper!


cindy

And why, oh why, Bill, did you HAVE to put that Countdown-To-Christmas clock up? It gives me the heebeejeebees every time I see it and then I post fast and make a mad dash back to the glitter pots and yarn baskets and macaroni...

Gotta get "dinner ready" as Cindy remarked!

I'd just like to know.

Merme

It's part of his plan to drive the ones of us here that are half-crazy already, totally over the edge!

It entertains him, I suppose!

Cindy

the minute part is what gets me, I'm like ??? 9 minutes

then I realize I still have 20 something days left

I KNOW!

There is a vendor at the market that has a big dry erase board on his wall. It says "Only 11 market days until Christmas!!!"

And you think Bill's countdown is bad!!!

NOT ANYMORE!

You don't have to worry about the countdown anymore... its gone for good!

OH, Bill! Speaking only for myself, but my comments about the counydown were in jest! Now I feel bad.

I knew something was different this morning.

I really thought it was fun.

Oh!! We were just poking fun!! You can put it back, can't you? I liked it up there!!

Gosh, I wish I had the technology to take and post photos over the computer. I'm completely enraptured over the adorable hat, mitten and scarf set I crocheted for Maxi as a Christmas Surprise and I'd love for all of you to see him in it after Christmas....

The kid is thrilled by anything patriotic, so I simply used basic patterns and adjusted the colors for the American Flag motif. The blue field on the crown of the hat has a white star on top, the main body of the hat is white, with the lower edge and roll up cuff brim in red. The mittens have red and white striped cuffs, while the hands are blue with the star on the backs. I made the scarf red and white in vertical stripes and then at one end added the blue field with big stars on it. I'm so pleased with how it turned out and I know he will love it completely. Wish I could show you all a peek of the kid.

Merme

So Bill, we have days, we have hours, we have minutes. Now I want to know where be those seconds?!

I have a funny feeling I will be popping wheelies and leaving skidmarks up until the last split second before the bells ring on Christmas Morn.

I'm counting on you, kid.

Moving at the speed of light, fingers flying. I remain,

Merme

Merme, I'll bring the camera!! I'll PM or call you Sunday to make plans!

Yes, Bill's countdown freaks me out as well. It makes me wonder.... If I only have 19 days til christmas... That means that once I get my tree up and decorated, along with the rest of the house (which will take several days probably), then I will only have a little over a week to sit back and enjoy it... Why even bother?

But I think that I will do it anyway, if Cindy will come and help me, like I've been BEGGING her to do.

Cindy, PLEASE...................!

Your most favorite cousin...

Les

Hey Shamrock, was your pleading, begging and general wheedling effective with Cindy? Is she dashing right over to lend a hand? Or did she and Lola turn an impervious ear?

If she still needs nudging, we could start a rallying cry if ya wanna, doing one of those "Cin-dy! Cin-dy! Cind-dy! choruses for her?

Me, I'm all set! Melcon6 is coming down to my town to put our tree up on Thursday. Now am I not the lucky one or what?!

Merme

Do any of you have competing neighbors??? I swear every year my 2 female neighbors across the street try to outdo each other in a "who can put up the most xmas decorations competition" .....It's kind of amusing to watch.....there's a lot of new stuff that they didn't have last year, and they typically keep putting more and more stuff up until the big day......I wouldn't mind so much but one of them had musical lights that plays about 10 different songs......I asked her son if she could turn it off at night because it's hard to fall asleep when you have We 3 Kings, or We Wish You a Merry Christmas going through your head.....over, and over, and over again..... :rolleyes: :p

Boy! I can only imagine the crazy dreams that those songs could produce!!

LOL--I tell you I have weird dreams anyway.....I had the weirdest one yet just the other day but I can't share it on here....freaky stuff!!!!

To keep up a little bit I added a strand of lights across the length of my porch..... I just don't have the energy for all that they do..... :p

Hi Loz ~

Here's what you do...you would like to have your outside decorated with more lights than you have the energy to put up, so....

Tell your competing neighbors across the way that when they run out of room decorating their houses and yards, they can extend their efforts to your place and vie with one another all around your mulberry bush!

Now, howz THAT for a plan?!

Merme

Merme, can you start the chant?

No, she has not helped me -- and no again, I have not even started on the lights yet. My husband and I cannot do a thing together without killing each other. I'm supposed to read his mind or something. So, I'm not even going to attempt doing anything with him, or ask him to. And now it's dark... hard to do in my living room (you can't hardly see)

I think I WILL take off early tomorrow though, so that if Cindy can, maybe she will help me then!

Help me out ya'll. Cin-dy! Cin-dy! Cin-dy!

Leslie

17 days... i just about freaked when I saw that.

And, I haven't bought ONE Christmas present yet!

Cindy

Hey!!! Were your ears burning?

What are you doing tomorrow?

Yeah!

I haven't hardly been on the forum today.
It has about killed me!
(That, along with a few other things!)

I have no Christmas feeling at all...

Tomorrow...nothing!
Might have to go to Richmond for some bourbon ball ingredients!

Cin

Cin-dy! Cin-dy! Cin-dy!

Gosh, kid, I hate to nag you at the end of a difficult day, but I gotta know if you've volunteered to help Little Shamrock out?

I was thinking...if you help her, she could help you, and then you'd both be better off!

It might just get you both in a better holiday mood...

Nagging or not, you know I love ya, kid.



Merme

16 days!!!

Maybe I shouldn't have got on here before work.

Yes, maybe we can help each other out. We DO need bourbon ball ingredients! I'll ride up with you, if you'll help me!!!!!

Everybody have a good day!

Leslie

Mel took a photo of the Christmas tree and also of the hat, mitten and scarf set I made Maxi, as she said she would do. She will post it at some point for all of you to see.

Oh, and Cindy, just for you, she aimed the camera so as NOT to include a very messy telephone stand that is still near the tree. She told me you have "Eagle Eyes" for detecting small details in pictures. That has to be because you are such an artist, but even so, I didn't want an easily discernable mess put on-line for your perusal!

Merme

Oh, come on, Merme! You should have included it!
I need all the entertainment I can get!

Did you ever see the pictures of all our computer desks we put on here one day?



Cindy

OMG, I asked her the same thing after I took the picture of her tree!! Here you go Merme, here's everybody's computer desk and keyboard stories

and here's Merme's angel



and the tree, sorry Merme the pic didn't come out very well but the good news is I don't think Cindy will be able to detect anything


and the absolutely adorable scarf/hat/mittens



and there'll be more about our visit later cuz I'm up to my eyeballs in this tonight with the kids and the sanddollars keep breaking and we had to stop for dinner and I was getting frustrated!

Bill "Houston....we've got a problem!"

Why can't I see the photos Mel posted? I see only small boxes with little red X's in the center.

I know my tree, my angel, and the mitten set don't look like that!

Orbiting in cyber space, seemingly losing touch with Ground Control, I remain faithfully yours,
Merme

Merme , I was gonna say that it must be a problem with your computer but now I can't see them either!?? I could before when I posted them, and I saw them again a little bit ago but now they are gone??

Help!!!!

You could try going to my photo site http://community.webshots.com/user/melcon5

I copy/pasted the url and saw them.
Nice tree!
I copied the photo so I could digitally enhance it and find SOMETHING!

The hat, scarf and gloves are neat! Is that what you're gonna teach me to do via the internet?

I'm not blonde, but I missed a heck of a good chance! I can really see me learning to crochet over the internet! Well, it will be good for a few good posts/laughs here! You all can feel free to make fun of me (like I had to give you my permission!).

Cindy

I can see them all here now.

Well, I don't see them now but I know I did before, Did I mess things up here or what???

Yes, Cindy, Cindy, that's what I'm going to teach you how to do. I'm accumulating the COOLEST stuff for your lessons and am excited about it!

I just know you'll be able to do this easily and will enjoy it -- as long as Lola leaves you in peace for a few minutes while you are working and doesn't decide to nest in the yarn or steal your hooks. (I've collected you almost a whole set). The hooks are made in handsome colors of stainless steel, so they might be appealing to her.

The reason for the assortment of hooks is because with the proper hooks and textiles, you can make anything from lace to a living room rug....it's all the same technique and stitches, just in various sequences.

And oh THANKS for giving us permission to pick on you....you make yourself so accessible for that!



Merme

Maybe it's something wrong in Webshots right now.
I can't see 'em anymore, either.

or...maybe you broke something!
(You're in BIG trouble if you did! Mr. Bill will give you that look!)

cindy

I know!
It's my pleasure!

I could give you a real good one to make fun of me for right now, and it has a lot to do with crocheting...

I'll be back in a minute with a picture and you will ROFL!

Cindy

O.K.
See this "table cloth"?

Looks like it shrunk just a tad!

BTW - I blurred my messes beside the table so YOU couldn't make fun of ME!

Cindy

Oh Cindy, I feel bad that you shrunk your table cloth.....I've done stuff like that before.....I shrunk one of my fav. sweatshirts the other day, and now it won't even fit my niece..... :rolleyes:

But......it's so funny seeing that tiny thing laying across your table knowing that it used to fit it!!!!!!!!!

Webshots no longer allows their members to post their webshot photos on other sites. (Sounds like a good reason for our members to move their photos to another album place)
From Webshots Help
Mel and Cindy managed to see the photos here temporarily because the first viewed them on webshots. When they came back here, the photo was stored in their temp. files on their computers. When the temp file left the puter it became invisible here once again.

I love the scarf and mitten set...they are sooo cute

It does stink about webshots, but there are lots of other great sites to store photos on too....webshots is over rated if you ask me.....I have webshots, and imagestation--and I prefer imagestation a whole lot better. You can link your photos from there too.

I had imagestation first and found it difficult to use and error messages often, then I just recently switched over to Webshots and found it much easier and NOW ThIS!! I guess I'll have to just post my link and then if I really have to have the picture on here for you all then I will have to use imagestation?? :p

Merme,

I saw the pics and of course the ones you emailed me of the scarf and mittens- your angel is beautiful - if I get the camera I have been promised I will take pics of ours too- and my village and train- am really happy with the way it turned out this year.... Timothy the 3 yr old - says it is Thomas the Tank- so now it is Thomas's Village too.

well, all the stuff is great!

i have met on other member, mom54, and have plans to meet cindy next summer. i talk to bill on the phone once in a while, and have talked to one or two other members.

and about the photo issue... photobucket is another free site, and they make linking VERY easy. i use them for linking and webshots for "sharing"

This is TOO cool!
Gonna have to mow the yard that week!

Does he make you click the heels of your ruby slippers together and say "There's no place like home, there's no place like home"?
Just curious.....

Cindy

Oh, this time of year, my fingers are flying with the crochet hook.

It is funny but, if I make something fast for Maxi and give it to him right away when I get my yarn basket out, he is so happy with the thing, that he loses all interest in the yarn basket after that. Then I can work on items, knowing he won't peek inside the basket again. :rolleyes:

So not only did I make the mitten set some of you saw, but I've also made him two other caps, and slippers. I made stationary clutch bags for two of the teenage girls at my church who work with me in the music program. I made an evening bag for another girl on our list. Plus my two winter hats and matching scarves. Plus the two potholders and hot pad set for my Ex's girlfriend.
Plus the Victorian Candy Cane covers for an assortment of smaller gifts for various people. Plus the snowflakes for a friends tree....

Tonight I'm starting on a hat and mitten set for little Danforth, Maxi's step-brother, who turns 3 next week.

I am waiting until after Christmas Day, I think, to do the adorable teddy bear for my great-nephew who was born last May. I'm going to work him in a deep shade of pastel blue using a super soft yarn called Baby Clouds.

The other thing I want to get to tonight are the two calligraphy projects I have planned as gifts.

This afternoon I made up two batches of 4Ruddy's Cranberry Salsa, also for gifts. The two batches filled a total of four pint sized jars and they look so festive!

So what are all of you up to?
Merme