By Anne ClarkeI remember when taking a long string and making popcorn garland was one of my family's favorite holiday crafts. In addition to it being a very inexpensive way to add ambiance in our tree-decorating adventures, it was something the family enjoyed doing together. However, there are downsides to a popcorn garland - it is fragile, a little greasy, and the dogs go after it. So we decided to upgrade by making our own ornaments with scented potpourri. It was a hit right away, and best of all, our living room had the soothing, lingering smell of pine needles instead of popcorn.
Now it is our new tradition to make these lovely scented balls of colorful potpourri to decorate our Christmas tree every year. Here is how it works:
You will need:
Clear glass or plastic ornaments
Edging lace
Ribbons for bows and for hanging
A hot glue gun and plenty of hot glue
Small dried flowers or artificial flowers
Glitter
Pine essential oil, vanilla oil, or your choice of scent
Colorful potpourri
With these simple instructions and ingredients, you can make a statement with a new twist on holiday decorations that are perfect for the occasion. It does not have to be expensive, and it can even become a craft the whole family will love. Potpourri tree ornaments are not even an expensive undertaking. And they are certain to brighten the room and to make the air fresh and fragrant.
Prepare your potpourri however you like, whether this means just picking out a colorful potpourri, or even adding a safe, colored paint to the pieces of potpourri. Perhaps you will want to add to or strengthen the fragrance with scented oils. However you go about making it ready, after preparing your potpourri, fill each ornament about one-third of the way full with the potpourri mix. Then sprinkle a bit of glitter into the ornament. If you prefer, you may want to mix in the glitter when you prepare the potpourri, to make it simpler. This will also assure that you do not spill or overfill the ornaments. Remember, glitter is messy, and you don't need much, so be careful. If you have plastic ornaments that open wide enough, it is beautiful to have a whole flower in your ornament, resting on the potpourri.
Use the glue gun to set your ornaments tightly, as well as to decorate your ornaments with ribbon, bows, lace, and flowers, as well as to set the hooks (if your ornaments have hooks), or make loops of ribbon from which your ornaments can hang. You will love the wonderful aroma, the bright décor, and the new ambiance of your Christmas at home with simple, inexpensive decorating changes. Experience Christmas in a different way by experimenting with all kinds of different new and creative ways to decorate your home both indoors and outdoors. Brighten your own holiday for you and for your guests this year with crafty decorations like potpourri ornaments.
Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching, gardening, and fashion. For more of her useful articles about home decor, please visit http://homedecorworld.com/, supplier of fine Dining & Kitchen supplies, Garden & Patio decor and more.
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