simple...

photos: iPhone/angelo:HOME

video: flip

...sometimes, NOT so simple.

This year, the goal was to keep Holiday decorating minimal since I am traveling more than I am home.

Well, my idea of creating a "simple" garland became an all day project that wasn't so much a difficult thing to do as it was time consuming. The result was worth it, but if I knew that I would be spending a good part of my day on the project, I might have rethought it.

If you're up for taking it on or better yet, you have a few people willing to pitch in then here's a breakdown of how it happens:

Using string with a wire insert and then attaching inexpensive ornaments, leaves and pine cones in either a random order or specific pattern you can begin to form the look of the garland you're seeking to achieve. Plan the colors/textures you're going to use first. Since you're making this you can create whatever look you want. Tie ornaments and other decorative pieces you may be using onto the string/wire with either ribbon, wire, string or ornament hooks (which is what I used). Once you're finished you can drape over a large mirror, doorway, window, string along a banister, or on your mantle. I ran a string of white lights through it once it was done and hung on the fireplace.

Now that the Holiday decorating is done...I'm off for my Midwest tour of duty (Minneapolis, Wisconsin, Indiana, Chicago). Work related shenanigans and then back home sometime during the week of the 14th. I hear there's snow and ice in my immediate future!

-angelo