I know many households where the Christmas decorations look like a Macy’s display. You will not find an ornament out of place. Every angel is color coordinated to match the LED lights, which twinkle in synchronicity to holiday music. Perfect bows in perfect places.
Not at my house.
The ornaments decorating the tree in my home have been decades in the making. The oldest are a few “Made In China” cloth pillows and parasols purchased for the first tree I had as a grown adult. I spent less than $30 for the tree and all my decorations. It was all we could afford on a PFC’s salary in 1982.
There are decorations I received as gifts from clubs, and friends. Six beautiful snowflakes, painstakingly crocheted with love and the smallest crochet hooks I ever saw in the tiny, wrinkled hands of my grandmother’s sister, Charlotte. I even have the Santa made from felt circles given to me the Christmas I spent at Wilford Hall Medical Center, on bedrest carrying my son.
The ornaments that bring tears to my eyes every year without fail are the ones my sons made me. A simple photograph with Santa taped to the back of a construction paper ornament. A pinecone with red and green splotches of paint. A simple block of fabric tied with ribbon around a cotton ball with a poem about the love tucked inside rests at the top of the tree every year.
This year, take some time with the children or grandchildren to make a memory or two for your tree. Here is a simple idea you can do in a day with things you should already have around the house. You will need:
- 12 canning jar lids – preferably used
- White spray paint
- Chalkboard paint (optional)
- Acrylic craft paint
- Sharpie markers (optional)
- Cotton balls and/or craft balls
- Craft glue
- Twine
- Hammer and nail
Keeping with the purpose of upcycling, wash and thoroughly dry a dozen of those used canning jar lids you have saved. Spray with white paint, two coats if needed.
Sketch a few faces on some paper to serve as a visual guide. Using craft paint and a small bristle brush paint a face on each lid. Glue cotton to the top for a fuzzy hat. Colorful fuzzy balls on each side simulate earmuffs or beanie top. Punch a hole in the top with the hammer and nail. Measure a length of twine to hang.
Alternatively, paint lids with chalkboard paint to share Christmas messages.
I really would love to hear your thoughts on these upcycle projects, and ideas for those you’d like to see. Contact me by phone at (304) 460-5639. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Glorious New Year!
Robin’s Upcycle is located in Kanawha County, WV. Open by appointment. Phone 304-460-5NEW (5639). For info, visit facebook.com/robinsupcycle