Critter Free Pinecones for Decorating

We don't have too many pine cones in Southern California unless we go up through the mountains, so when I came across this "Bake the Bugs out of Your Pine cones" I have to admit, I never thought of that.

I've picked up Magnolia pods for decorating and I'm sure it would be a very good idea to bake the bugs out of them too.

Basically, the House of Hepworths recommends pre-heating your oven to 200 and then putting in the pine cones or whatever goodies you might have, and bake for 45 minutes.  I'd take her advice too and only bake for 45 minutes. You might want to check on them every once in a while too as she had some burned ones after baking for an hour and a half.

Let us know if you baked the bugs out of your goodies from nature.

Mini Snowy Pine Trees in Mason Jars

We love the idea of mini pine trees dusted with Epson Salt snow in different size mason jars. You can pick up the mini trees at the dollar store and finish with twine and holly and berries.

These would be cute on a hutch as displayed here, a holiday centerpiece grouping or a fireplace mantle decoration.

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Mini Elf Donuts

I love this idea of miniature Elf donuts!  The donuts Cherrios dipped in powdered sugar, dipped in chocolate with sprinkles and rolled in cinnamon and sugar.  The donuts are then placed in a wax paper lined pill box.  So clever and fun for kids to make.

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Do-it-Yourself Lacy Ice Candles

We made these Ice Candles in Girl Scouts and I still love the look of these lacy candles. They are so easy to make and you can use recycle old candles or candle wax and use candle dye to achieve the perfect color for your holiday display.

Glitter Transforms Toys into Holiday Decorations

Inexpensive toys from the dollar store transform with a little glitter into beautiful holiday decorations. 

1. Using a paintbrush, coat the toy with an even layer of white glue.
2. Put glitter into a bowl and use a spoon to coat glitter onto the toy. Gently shake excess glitter back into bowl
3. Repeat the process where you held onto the toy.
4. Touch up any bare spots by dabbing them with the glue and sprinkling on more glitter.

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Upside Down Snowman

What a fun idea for your next snowman! 

Source: Pinterst

Glitter Champagne Glasses

You'll love this easy step-by-step tutorial on how to make these beautiful glitter champagne glasses. Great for gifts or for your holiday parties.

White Pine Cones Under Glass

A beautiful centerpiece or winter accent for any room using a heavy handcrafted glass plate and tall dome top from At Home with Willow House.

Christmas Candy Floral Centerpieces

A fun centerpiece for your holiday tables, turn ordinary into extraordinary with red and white Christmas candy added to these floral arrangements.

DIY Sock Snowmen

These are too cute! You can find the do-it-yourself tutorial for these Sock Snowmen on the  Then She Made blog.

Santa Wreath Pattern

How cute would this be hanging on your door or was wall art in your home? Santa Wreath pattern from McCalls.