Our Christmas has all been taken down and as usual, I’m loving the clean uncluttered feel of the house. I’ve made one exception to the de-Christmasing, however: the pots on our front porch. I’ve removed the ribbon, the reddish sticks, and the big silver ornaments, but I’m leaving the rest, even the lights, for as...
There is nothing as lovely as urns flanking a front door to amp up your curb appeal on Christmas and add to the welcoming feel of your home.
Our Christmas has all been taken down and as usual, I’m loving the clean uncluttered feel of the house. I’ve made one exception to the de-Christmasing, however: the pots on our front porch. I’ve removed the ribbon, the reddish sticks, and the big silver ornaments, but I’m leaving the rest, even the lights, for as...
Computer issues and a tight schedule have kept me from the computer of late. Hoping this tutorial is not too late for some of you.........but then again, the design principles shown here could also be employed for interior arrangements set into floral foam. Well, enough "disclosures", let's move onto the the creation of a traditional winter arrangement My favorite is the spruce tree toppers. They add the element of height and bulk Inserted straight up, a cluster adds an instant base Dogwood sticks; red, yellow, etc. continues the element of verticality Additionally set in an upright fashion As we move on the best advice I can impart is, use a variety of evergreen forms and textures. For example if all evergreen bundles chosen have a similar needle, say all small like the spruce, nothing would "pop". A great choice here is the long needle of white pine to contrast with the short needle of the spruce. Beginning at mid-level onto the bottom, insert at a 90 to 45 degree angle as you begin to fill these lower gaps (all creations will have a Dr. Seuss look mid-point, don't worry!) LOVE coned cedar! Another texture, form (droopy) and the addition of mini cones All inserted at the rim of the urn as a "spiller" A few set at a 90 degree angle to bring the coned ends higher towards eye level Whopper cones, the "jeffrey" cones. My "have to haves", red berries and in this case, hard plastic red berries for season long impact. Actually, many seasons...... Try to avoid styrofoam, they burst and will look like popcorn mid winter. The real winterberries soon turn black and drop Real alder cones on faux stems. Why faux stems? To hold the clusters of diminutive pinecones. Another benefit of faux is the pliable stems Boxwood. A great mid filler and another contrasting texture Always stepping back, I will tend to add more of the previously used until satisfied. Does this help? Don't be timid, and have fun! General Tips; 1) buy twice as much as you think you will need 2) think "filler", "thriller" and "spiller" 3) Use opposing textures 4) When complete, mist with water and then an anti-dessicant, such as 'wilt-pruf', it holds in moisture and adds double the lifespan of your creation I would love to see your efforts, send me photos Debra
Our Christmas has all been taken down and as usual, I’m loving the clean uncluttered feel of the house. I’ve made one exception to the de-Christmasing, however: the pots on our front porch. I’ve removed the ribbon, the reddish sticks, and the big silver ornaments, but I’m leaving the rest, even the lights, for as...
Decorative winter urns are quite ubiquitous in Canada this time of year, where the season is long, cold and often colourless. Many homes here in Toronto have entrances that are flanked by urns filled with winter greens, branches, berries and ornaments to bring some holiday cheer to the landscape. It's always exciting to see the various designs. Creating the arrangement is quite simple to do and the effect is long-lasting and merry, making the project well worth the effort. Start with a wide-mouthed urn. This will allow for greater surface area. Fill the urn with earth and then begin to plug it full of cut branches. Cedar, white pine, balsam, spruce and boxwood are good choices for the greenery. You can also use magnolia boughs for texture and colour and, for fragrance, sprigs of eucalyptus. Think horizontally and vertically, creating a wide base with fanned-out greens and then building upwards, considering height and dimension. The most attractive winter urns are pyramid in shape, echoing the silhouettes of Christmas trees. Decorative elements can include ribbon, pinecones, Christmas ornaments, artificial fruit, dried flowers and silk flowers. Here is an excellent how-to with easy step-by-step instructions and advice on what materials to use. I've collected some of my favourite and most-inspiring images of winter urns to share with you, below. Many are from Canadian Gardening magazine and Canadian House & Home magazine.
Picture this – you’re about to go on a much-needed vacation, but before you go, there are a few things you need to take care of around the house. One of the most important things on your pre-vacation checklist should be checking your outdoor lighting. Not only can it enhance your home’s curb appeal, but […]
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To follow are some visual highlights of our winter work. I will not fault anyone who cannot wade through them all! My group produced a prodigious amount of work the past five weeks, and I am pleased that every winter project we had is finished. We are better than halfway through the Detroit Garden Works
I spent Friday tiling a backsplash for a kitchen at a transitional housing project for my local Committee on the Shelterless (COTS). Long time readers know ...
This DIY French Christmas Tree will look beautiful with your Christmas decor. Easily recreate this chippy french urn for the perfect base!
Seasonal Each of our beautiful seasons is an opportunity for some wonderful seasonal decor in the home or office. Rachel A. Clingen Wedding & Event Design offers a specialized seasonal styling service. With the hustle and bustle of the holidays clients enjoy our award winning design and consult services for festive out door urns, bannister ... Read more
Our Christmas has all been taken down and as usual, I’m loving the clean uncluttered feel of the house. I’ve made one exception to the de-Christmasing, however: the pots on our front porch. I’ve removed the ribbon, the reddish sticks, and the big silver ornaments, but I’m leaving the rest, even the lights, for as...
The only shopping I want to do Thanksgiving weekend is to hit the local nursery to gather materials to create some gorgeous Christmas urns. Decorated planters for the holidays add a festive eleganc…
You don’t need a large patio to make a big impact with your holiday decor. Carefully dressing the exterior of your home will give it bold festive appeal, even from the curb. Welcome visitors with th
