Christmas Craft: DIY Candy Cane Vase

This festive vase will mark the end of my Christmas Crafting. I know it is last minute but this festive arrangement takes only minutes to construct. You can pull it together today and have it on your Christmas dinner table tomorrow or take it to your event as a hostess gift.  Choose materials based on your decor and away you go.

You Need:

*Candy Canes

*Can, Jar, or Vase

*Rubber bands

*Glue Gun

*Ribbon

*Any other adornments

*Plant/Flower

**Tray (If you are making for a centerpiece)

I used a tin can from a Christmas hot chocolate.  

Line up the candy canes and secure using the rubber bands (They are slippery and tricky so don't get frustrated)

Use the hot glue to glue the ribbon over top of the rubber bands.  I used Vintage rhinestones to adorn the front of this piece. Use a Christmas tree ornament, piece of jewelry or anything else you have on hand to make this uniquely YOURS.

I used a silver tone service tray lined it with metallic tissue paper and the left over ribbon from the vase.

Add your plant/flower to the vase. I used a tropical plant and purchased a rose and twigs separately. I created a unique arrangement of my own using these 3 elements.

Place on the table or take as a hostess gift to enjoy.  remove the tropical plant and enjoy all year round. Store your creation and use again next year!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Shower those you LOVE with LOVE

XO

Santa Berry

This Christmas I have been on creative FIRE. I am so very far from home (My native Ontario, Canada) and miss my family the most at this time of year. I have managed to keep myself busy by crafting, baking, shopping and wrapping.

My daughter has her Pre-School Christmas Concert last week and I felt compelled to whip up a festive treat for the kids and parents.  I can only partially take credit for the creation as the Strawberry Santa's I saw on-line somewhere, but the winter wonderland scene was all my own.

This would make an amazing edition to any Christmas Eve event or Christmas day treat table. Fun for the kids to help make and eat!

What you need for Santa:

*Strawberries (1lb or more)

*Creamed Cheese (You can substitute Whip Cream too) - 1 pkg

*Powdered Sugar (3-4 TBSP or to taste)

*Vanilla Extract (1 Tsp or to taste)

*Candies (something for the eyes)

Clean and prep the berries. I cut mine in half. larger on the bottom leaving the pointed top for the hat.

Mix Softened cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla in a bowl. I used a tea spoon to add a dollop of the mixture on the strawberry base and add the hat.

You can decorate by adding candied eyes (I had left over sprinkles from Halloween Cookies & Cakes), you can add a tiny dollop on top for a pom-pom, I used tiny "pearl" candies for buttons by pressing them into the strawberry base.

If you have time and are extra crafty you can mould the cream cheese mixture into little beards :)

(I alternated colored eyes too)

I also started to set the scene with powdered sugar as "snow"

The Scene - What you need:

* Serving Tray

*Pineapple

*Shaved Coconut

*Maraschino Cherries

*Mini-Marshmallow's

*Candy Canes (Number depending on tray size)

*Orange (1)

I wanted a focal point of my tray to scream CHRISTMAS and what better way than a giant tree.  I cut the top off of a fresh pineapple and used it for the tree center. You could use the excess pineapple for Santa Stands or make little benches for your strawberry santas or gifts under the tree. I was in a pinch for time so I used it in my next day breakfast smoothie (that's a whole other blog).

Dust the ground and tree with the shredded coconut "snow" and decorate the "tree" - I used the cherries, marshmallows and sliced oranges for the top! You can use any fruits or candies that you want.

I trimmed out the tray with candy canes, unwrapped of course and ready for the kids to snag and savour.

TIME: approx 30min

EAT & ENJOY

What is your FAV holiday dish to bring to parties or events?

PEARLfection

With mere days between me and Christmas Day I was in Decor Distress. I did not feel like I had enough and required something else to add to my "decking the halls"details.  My tree this year has a pearl garland and DIY ornaments complete with loose pearls and feathers. I wanted something cohesive to add to the overall display.  On-line I found a fabulous idea perfect for my festive table; Pearls suspended in water gels.

There are several ways you can do this depending on your decor. You can use a vase, jars or a giant punch bowl! You can float candles or use for a floral arrangement. The only limit here is your imagination.  The pears (and there are also crystals) are available in a whole host of sizes and colours. You can even get waterproof LED lights for your display

I opted for traditional black and white as it was appropriate for my decor.

The company: Vase Pearlfection can supply you with everything you need for your creation.

What you need:

* Water Gels ($3 + shipping)

* Water

*Pearls and/or Crystals ( I chose Black & White) - $6 + shipping

*Candles or Flowers (Size will depend on your vase or container -  I got a dozen (12) in white  for $14.99 + Shipping)

Don't panic, your gels will come with instructions. Here is the short version:

1) Select your container. I used a vase I had on hand.  Be creative and use anything glass - jars, glasses for a smaller scale or a large glass bowl!  

* I used 8 cups of water per my 1 pack of tiny water gel beads.

2) Let them soak for 12-14 hours and watch them expand. Room Temp water helps this process go along faster.

3) Drain off excess water and place in a separate container.

4) Put some back in and start to place your pearls. Layer expanded gel's and pearls until you have reached the desired amount and location of your pearls.

5) Once it is full again with the gels and the pearls replace some of the water. (TIP: Place ONE drop of bleach in water to prevent algae or discolouration over time)

6) Place your candle on top (or flowers inside if that is what you are using)

VOILA! 

Place on your table as a centerpiece or around your home!

Will you try one? What will you use? Tell me in the comments below!