Try This for the Holidays
Elegantly simple, infinitely practical, absolutely doable projects
November/December 2003
BY Susan Wasinger
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The center “trunk” can be from a dead tree, last year’s Christmas tree, or a two- to four-inch wooden dowel set in a tree stand or rock-filled bucket. The trunk should be fairly thick all the way to the top to support the branches. This trunk and stand can be used again with new boughs for years to come.
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GUILT-FREE CHRISTMAS TREE
Oh, the guilt. How can we live with hacking down a healthy living tree for our short-lived enjoyment? Artificial trees—even without pink flocking—are just so, well, unnatural. Here is a hybrid that can solve the dilemma. A reusable “trunk” is drilled and studded with one or two evergreen boughs trimmed from a live tree.
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An environmental bonus: Culling branches from the lowest part of trees can make them less vulnerable to forest fire. If you don’t have a forest in your yard, try asking for culled branches at a Christmas tree lot.
Making the tree is simple, but it helps to study the size, angle, and position of the branches from the tree before you take them. One or two boughs from a spruce, fir, or pine should be plenty for a three- to five-foot “tree.” A frond positioned vertically out of the top finishes it off and gives you a place for a well-deserved gold star.
Faux la la la la
Purely Ornamental
These simple ornaments use natural or recycled materials for a beautiful, original effect.
Good Yule
REKINDLE A PAGAN TRADITION
The Yule Log was part of winter solstice celebrations dating back to the pagan Celts and Romans. Burning a ceremonial log ushered in the sun’s warmth during the shortest days of the year.
Wax Nostalgic
OLD CANDLES GIVE A WHOLE NEW LIGHT Stubs of old candles, waxy spills, and broken tapers all have life left in them. Recycle them into elegant, unusual conical candles using kitchen funnels as your molds.
Can Do
CANNED HOLIDAY SPIRIT (This time, it’s a good thing.) It makes sense to smash soda cans to save space in the recycling bin. But it makes even more sense to keep them out of the waste stream entirely. Make them into a festive, hip wreath that heralds your seasonless environmental correctness.
All Wrapped Up
Never again get a bum wrap
Just say no to tree-hungry, chlorine-bleached, ink-saturated wrapping papers. With a few simple tricks, gift giving can be creative and fun without the waste. A spare bead, a twist of raffia, or a quick two-fingered pom-pom made from a scrap of brightly colored yarn can give lowly newsprint or an old paper bag all the holiday sparkle it needs.