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Crafty Christmas CHRISTMAS planning starts early at Flora Dec, but as expected, it's only now that staffers are beginning to sense desperation in the air. "We started Christmas classes in July, but people weren't interested yet," said Lisa Kaneshiro, craft class instructor. "It's starting to get busy now. Everyone seems to wait until the last minute. People are coming in looking for last minute gift items or accessories to give away or wear," she says.
Take in some craft classes
Now or never
quickly for great presents
handmade just in time
for holiday giving
By Nancy Arcayna
Special to the Star-BulletinThey want something easy and fast, she adds and Flora Dec specializes in both. The craft store offers several classes in how to create homemade gifts to add a personal touch to the Christmas decorating or gift-giving.
Displays on view throughout the store offer plenty of ideas. Centerpieces made with candles and faux foliage are a great gift for people in hospitals or care homes that don't allow fresh flowers or plants.
The following jingle bell necklace is relatively easy to make. Four necklaces can be completed for approximately $20, depending on the materials and ornaments chosen. One necklace can be completed in an hour.
Don't wait too much longer. Here's how to do it:
Jingle Bell Necklace
Materials needed:
1-1/2 yards of rattail cord (No. 2 preferred)
Miniature ornaments with a string or eye loop
1 package of 9 mm or 12 mm jingle bells, about 36 pieces
2 packages of pony or plastic beads (varying styles or colors)
1 package of 5 mm or 6 mm jump rings
Long-nose pliers
Tacky glue and glue gun (optional)
Ribbons or other accessories (optional)Place tacky glue on the ends of the rattail cord to avoid fraying. Although this is optional, it helps since you don't need a needle for threading. String your main dangling ornament at the center of the cord. Tie a knot on each side of the ornament to secure it.
"Ornaments with a string or eye loop should be used for easy fastening," says Kaneshiro."If you want to further secure the pieces (ornaments), use a hot glue gun where the string or eye loop is attached," she suggests.
Attach jump rings to the jingle bells and ornaments. Open the jump ring from front to back, not by pulling it apart with a pair of long-nose pliers.
The jump ring allows ornaments to hang properly, Kaneshiro explained.
Once the jump rings are secured, decide how you want to space your ornaments. Tie a knot on the right side of the centered ornament .
Slide on one jingle bell and two different styles or colors of plastic beads and tie a knot after them. Do the same on the other side of the cord.Continue adding beads, ornaments, ribbons, accessories and other notions on either side of the cord as you wish. Just knot them in position.
Once you reach a desired length, knot the necklace cord. The ends can be trimmed if necessary.
The necklace is now ready to be worn or given as a gift to make someone smile.
Flora Dec offers several more classes this month. Reservations are required for all classes. Call Lisa Kaneshiro at 537-6194. Flora Dec is at 373 N. Nimitz Highway. Now or never
Tomorrow -- "Christmas taper candle centerpiece," 6-8 p.m. Fee of $18.99 includes foliage, flowers and accessories.
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