O Christmas Shrub, O Christmas Shrub

by Erin

In an effort to get into the holiday spirit, save money, and get rid of a shrubby eye-sore in our backyard, we converted a shrub to a Christmas tree.

Here's my lumberjack-ish husband cutting it down.   I almost missed out on the picture because he did it so quickly.  Studly. 

Later that night, we trimmed it.  I had three strands of lights, a collection or ornaments (thanks Mom), and some slightly tacky garland tucked away in my Christmas decor box (it hadn't been opened in probably 8 years).  Perfect.  Here's Max transitioning to his more artistic side. There's Penny doing what she does best.  Nothing.  
 

And here's our pretty shrub.

Now I've got to use Leslie's winter pom pom tutorial and get some presents wrapped and under the tree! 

Winter Pom-Pom Tutorial

by Leslie

"It's the holiday season, so whoopdy-doo and dickory-dock, and don't forget to hang up your socks!"

Don't you just love Andy Williams?  Whenever I hear a song of his on the radio it takes me back to the days when Erin, Laura, and I would put his record on after dinner and make up dance routines to the festive holiday songs.  

Wrapping gifts has always been somewhat of a holiday priority for me.  I don't always take the time to do anything fancy, but I love to when I can!  This year, I found a roll of white tulle at Hobby Lobby for half price (it ended up being $5). Armed with my new wrapping tulle, I decided to make some fun pom-poms to add to my gifts.

Here is my wrapped gift, wrapping paper courtesy of the Alzheimer's Society.  We've been getting a lot of holiday stuff in the mail lately.  At least this could be used! (Thanks Grandma, for donating to the Alzheimer's Society and giving this to me!)  By the way, this gift is for my brother-in-law, Derek.  I am sure he is reading this now and chomping at the bit to tear into it!!

Your eyes deceive you.  This is not toilet paper.  It's tulle!  This project could easily be done with tissue paper, as well.

Wrap a length of tulle around the gift and tie it in a nice knot with plenty of tulle to spare.

Cut approximately 10 pieces of tulle into similar sized squares.  Similar is the key word.  I didn't do a great job of measuring, but this adds to the "rustic" look of the pom-poms.  Ha!

Fold the tulle accordian-style so you are left with only a thin strip.

Tie the folded tulle VERY tightly onto the top of the package using the excess tulle you left earlier.

Fan out the tulle, separating each piece as much as you can for maximum volume.  Trim the tulle to the desired length and sit back and revel in the cuteness of it all.

Add any extra detail you might like!  I got this little bag from the dollar aisle at Target.  It would be so easy to make, but hey, it was a dollar!

I hope you all have fun getting ready for the holidays!  We head out for Colombia next week.  Time is just flying!