inspiring gardeners, designs from nature

You Can Create

Your OwnChristmas Ornaments

inspiring gardeners, designs from nature

It’s time to deck the halls once again. As a child growing up in New England, it was always a tradition to make Christmas ornaments from things found in nature. The Tillandsia kissing ball, Succulent Magnolia cone and dragonfly driftwood are all nature/garden inspired. The snowflake is just something to sparkle up the holidays. Have fun making your own ornaments - it’s a great project for kids to get involved in too.

Tillandsia Kissing Ball

I’ve had this plain wicker ball for awhile now. I gave it a light brushing with Benjamin Moore Pearlescent Metallic Glaze.

I used some leftover trim from the Joy Us garden LadyBug Bag as the hanger. The same little Til-landsias I used for the Thanksgiving centerpiece are used here.

The Tillandsias have been attached with soft wire & small glittered cones added in for sparkle.

inspiring gardeners, designs from nature

Succulent Magnolia Cone

I found this Magnolia cone on the sidewalk. Because the Succulents I’m going to use have a lavender tint, I decided to use a silvery pink glitter.

Sheer burgundy ribbon is used as the tie & the Succulents have been wired on.

Hanging & ready for the Christmas tree.

inspiring gardeners, designs from nature

Dragonfly Driftwood

I picked this piece of driftwood up on Hendry’s Beach in Santa Barbara.

I simply filled the indentations in with green babbles & beads with the glitter fern tucked in. The dragonfly sits on top. No gluing or wiring here.

This would make a fun place setting.

inspiring gardeners, designs from nature

Glittery Snowflake

These are the glitters I used. I paint on Elmer’s Glue where I want the glitter to stick.

This is one of the plain plastic snowflakes I want jazzed up to hang off my front porch.

All dressed up & hanging in the Bougainvillea.I used some silver jewel garland as the hanger.

inspiring gardeners, designs from nature

Inspired By The Sea TablescapeThis is the tablescape which graced our December newsletter.

The tree stands ready for its ornamentation. Shells have been glittered & wires attached.

The garlands & larger glittered shells are laid out on a bright green piece of fabric.

The finished product sparkles like the sea.