28 DECEMBER 17, 2020 RIDGEWOOD TIMES WWW.QNS.COM
Holiday decorations bring a
smile to everyone’s face, and
that is needed now more than
ever. Crafting seasonal décor instead
of shopping for it gives you and your
family something to occupy your extra
time at home and helps you avoid
big crowds and shopping stress.
Perhaps you’ll make wooden signs
with jolly messages or metal snowflakes
covered in lights? Or maybe
you’ll craft ornaments for the tree or
engrave messages into the menorah?
No matter the craft, a homemade
holiday novelty will bring a sense
of pride and happiness to all.
Ready to get crafty and holiday
savvy? Here’s what to do:
MAKE A PLAN
Visualize your project in your
space and measure the location
so you know what supplies you
need. Take a look around to notice
what areas have the most room.
Get a view from the outside to see
what your neighbors will see when
passing by.
Browse social media/decoration
sites for inspiration. Save pictures
of your favorites and then picture it
fitting in your space. You could even
sketch out your design on paper to
get a clearer vision of what you’re
going to create.
Locate your sources of electricity
if you want to incorporate lights,
music or even snow machines (Hey,
we can dream!). Be sure you have
extension cords if you’ll need them.
SHOP FOR YOUR
MATERIALS
Shop for and select the items that
are eye-catching and fun. Consider
bright, festive colors and pretty
patterns.
Research the items you need, and
what stores near you carry them
before you leave to save some time.
Price check between stores to ensure
you don’t overspend. If possible,
you can even order online supplies
ahead of time to avoid the crowds.
HAVE THE BEST TOOLS
IN YOUR TOOL BELT
Equip yourself with tools that are
lightweight, versatile, portable, user
friendly and the best to get the job
done. The new MakerX line of tools
from Worx gives you a range of creative
options, allowing you to create
from anywhere and perfecting the
small details that make all the difference.
The tool set revolves around
a 20V Power Hub battery that powers
five versatile tools, including
an air brush, angle grinder, mini
heat gun, rotary tool and wood and
metal grinder, so the possibilities
are limitless.
Test out your tools on some scraps
first before diving into your perfect
materials and always follow safety
measures and be careful when handling
tools.
SET THE MOOD
You’ve got everything you need
so now it’s time to start feeling
festive. Light an apple cinnamon,
vanilla cookie, fir and firewood or
whatever spiced-snow-scent-ticklesyour
fancy candle, turn on the cold
weather carols and get your groove
on. Pour a cup of cocoa - or a glass of
spiked cider for mom and dad - and
get to work!
KICK BACK AND ADMIRE
YOUR WORK
Enjoy the company of those
around you as you work together
to make your holiday crafts and see
the beauty in creating something
with your hands, regardless of the
imperfections. Work any mistakes
into your final design. After all,
the experience is half the fun, and
you’re making memories that will
last forever.
Proudly display your holiday
decorations in and out of your home
for yourself, your family and your
neighbors to enjoy.
Take lots of pictures for friends
and family who can’t be there in person
and share your work on social
media. A little joy goes a long way.
— Courtesy of BPT
HOLIDAYS
Tips to craft your own holiday decorations
/WWW.QNS.COM
