CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Cory Ho demonstrates how simple it is to decorate a 2-foot tree.
Inexpensive ideas with
ribbons and glue can help
produce Christmas magic
OK, the Thanksgiving Day turkey has yet to make its appearance, but anyone who's lived through a few Christmases knows that the time for planning your holiday decorations is late November, if not sooner.
Those who start early are often rewarded with more rest closer to Christmas Day, and savings of gifts and decorations if you choose to go the do-it-yourself route.
If you're beginning to realize your Christmas savings account isn't adding up to much, and there's little money remaining after bills are paid to bring home a floor-to-ceiling Christmas tree this year, don't worry. A few ribbons, some colorful ornaments and a decorative pot are the makings for a Christmas tree masterpiece.
Crafty classes
Craft supply stores are offering holiday classes and demonstrations. Classes are free unless otherwise stated.BEN FRANKLIN, ENCHANTED LAKE
261-4621
Bow-making: 10-10:30 a.m. Friday.
Glitter cards: 3:30-4 p.m. Dec. 4.
Peppermint gift box: 11:30 a.m. to noon Dec. 5.
Cylinder vase arrangement: 12:15-12:45 p.m. Dec. 5.
Sticker ornaments: Noon-12:30 p.m. Dec. 6.
Gingerbread card: 12:45-1:15 p.m. Dec. 6.BEN FRANKLIN, MAPUNAPUNA
833-3800
One-stroke painting snowman: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday. Cost is $15, plus supplies.
Marbleized glass ornaments: 12:30-1 p.m. Saturday.BEN FRANKLIN, MARKET CITY
735-4211
Crystal snowflake: 5-7 p.m. Friday. Cost is $15; supplies included.
Vellum Christmas tree light shades: 5-7 p.m. Saturday. Cost is $6; supplies included.
Winged angel ornament: 3:30-4 p.m. Saturday.BEN FRANKLIN PEARL CITY
455-1909
Bow-making: Noon-12:30 p.m. tomorrow.
Beaded Christmas angel pin: Noon-12:30 p.m. Friday.FLORA-DEC
537-6194
Holiday felt projects: 11 a.m.-noon Dec. 2.
Christmas wreaths: With floral designer Cory Ho, 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 3.
Bow-making: With Bowdabra, 11 a.m.-noon Dec. 4.
Rubber-stamp holiday tags: 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 10.
Deco clay: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dec. 13.
For some, DIY decorations are reminiscent of simpler Christmases past, when free of the commercialism surrounding the holidays, families made popcorn or paper chains to string around an evergreen.
Cory Ho recently showed onlookers at Flora-Dec how to create their own beautifully decorated 2-foot trees. He assures that even the artistically challenged can do this.
"Nothing is too gaudy at Christmas," said Ho. "It can never be too glittery. The more colorful things are ... the better. You can mix and match any colors."
Trees can be simple or elaborate, said Ho. Any size tree can be used, and a small tree can be decorated for as little as $10 to $15. "It can take less than one hour to complete," said Ho.
Any vessel can be used to contain the tree, from flowerpots to tin drums. Rocks or marbles are placed inside the chosen base to weigh down the tree.
Bulky items and lights should be put on the tree first. Then, it can be embellished with just about anything including Victorian baskets, lacy ribbons, fruits and flowers or traditional holiday ornaments. Miniature ornaments work well on small trees.
The instructors often start decorating with ribbon, which provides an inexpensive means to cover a large area, and they say pipe cleaners (or chenille stems) are a must. "We use them to tie on ornaments, secure lights and bows," said Lisa Kaneshiro, craft class instructor at Flora-Dec.
"Different types of textures add interest," said Ho. So, budding tree artists might want to combine smooth, shiny glass ornaments with matte and textured lace or ribbons. Some people opt for traditional reds and greens, while others take a snowy approach with white and blue or silver.
Glue heated in a skillet is used to attach decorations.
"An old skillet will work to heat the glue, but it can never be used again for cooking," said Kaneshiro. The glue ends up hardening in the pan and can be reheated for future use.
Otherwise, few rules apply. "The decorating possibilities are endless," Ho said. "People just need to tap into their creativity."
And if it turns out too good to enjoy just once, the trees can be stored and used year after year.
CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM
A finished design glows with holdiay color.
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CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Kelly Rapozo looks over the Christmas ornaments at the Kris Kringle Den, a year-round display at Flora-Dec.
Flora-Dec keeps
For some, Christmas is a year-round experience.
year-round yuleKelly Rapozo, a University of Hawaii student, wandered aimlessly up and down each aisle at Flora-Dec, saying she would be happy to spend all day in the glittery holiday section.
"I love Christmas. Everything is so pretty and happy," she said. "How can anyone not like Christmas?"
Rapozo, who hails from Kauai, said she misses her family during the holidays, but Flora-Dec offers some therapy. "It feels good to be around all the decorations. ... It reminds me of home," she said.
Rapozo is not alone. According to craft instructor Lisa Kaneshiro, people visit the store throughout the year looking for holiday goods.
This demand is what led Flora-Dec's managers to open a permanent Kris Kringle Den, where those who can't get enough of Christmas can buy an assortment of lights, ornaments, ribbons and garlands whether it's Easter or graduation time.
The section also caters to Flora-Dec's following of commercial crafters. "If crafters are making things to sell during the holidays, they need to get an early start," Kaneshiro said.
Lights with brown wiring are available for those who like to keep Christmas lights strung up all year, whether on a wooden deck or trellis for outdoor parties or in bars.
"Festive events happen throughout the year, and we want people to be able to find the items they need," Kaneshiro said.
Nancy Arcayna / Star-Bulletin
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