This is a little Flashback Friday action for ya! Flashback to January 2010. I was asked by Romantic Homes Magazine to contribute a cute, and easy holiday craft for their "Make it" column. I was then, and remain to this day an absolute sucker for twinkle lights around our home. And not just for holidays, but year round. I am also a collector (or hoarder) of vintage trims and ribbons...which I'm sure you are too.
This is an easy, fast, and lets just say it...cheap...little afternoon craft. We've always got a strand of these decorative lights hanging in our home and I smile very time I see them. I've made them for Christmas, Autumn, and my favorite just might be the set I did for Valentine's Day. The set that hangs over the window in our kitchen brings a colorful twinkle to the room every night, as does the set draped along our mantel. We think they'd be adorable in a baby's nursery too!
Here is what you will need:
Small strand of Christmas lights (you can find these in the wedding aisle at Michael's)
Large size plain white baking/treat cups (found in the baking aisle at Michael's)
Bits of ribbons, lace, and trims
All-purpose glue (I've used Aleene's as well as a glue gun)
Scissors
X-Acto knife
So easy...just cut desired ribbon and trim to match the circumference of the treat cup. Then apply them to the cup, gluing about every inch or so and pressing down to adhere, securing well at the seam.
Be creative...for instance, first apply a lace layer, and maybe some pom pom or some rick rack on top of the lace...making sure that you line up all of your seams so that you can later twist the shade so that the seam line is in back.
Once the shades are decorated use an X-Acto knife to cut a small X in the center of each cup bottom for the light bulb to fit through. Then pop shades over the bulbs, pushing through until the plastic base emerges through the X.
These are a great way to bring not only light, but also some fab color and texture to a festive vignette. These short strands of lights are perfect for draping over a single window or doorway. All you need are some of your favorite trims, ribbons, bits of vintage lace and rick rack...and with a little glue you can make ordinary treat cups into fabulous holiday light shades!
I hope you give these a try...and if you do...I'd love to see yours!
xo, Jenny