Best Ways to make your own Christmas Decorations
Written by Caroline Casetti
With the holidays just around the corner, you may want to get a leg-up on Christmas by pulling your old boxes full of ornaments out of the closet and blowing all the dust off. Worried about all the cracks, fractures and scuff marks you’re noticing? Fret not! Many decorations can be refurbished or repaired by careful, intensive labor.so Follow below ways to make your own christmas decorations.
Whether your main concern is time, labor or money, you must first decide whether your ornaments are worth refurbishing and revamping, or if it would simply be easier—and perhaps more economical—to just buy new Christmas decorations.
Take Stock of Your Inventory
The first step is to know what is and is not restorable. Ornaments with cracks on the painted surface, or ones that have been dented or physically warped throughout the years most likely cannot be restored. We all have our favorite ornaments, but chances are the ones you love most are the ones that have received the most wear and tear. It may be a difficult choice, and time consuming to sort through them, but choosing the right ornaments to clean and restore will save you time, energy, and frustration.
The Q-Tip Method
One of the simplest ornament restoration methods requires a small box of Q-tips and a soft paper cloth. Avoid using paper towels as most are too abrasive and would scratch. Since cleaning your ornaments is a delicate matter, practicing on an ornament clearly beyond repair might help you get the hang of things, and can even show you what not to do. With proper care and patience, restoring your ornaments to their former holiday glory is possible. Remember to stay meticulous – hard, detailed work will pay off!
- For Delicate Ornaments- Rub a dry, clean Q-tip across the surface of the ornament. Sometimes, if you are lucky, this may be all that is needed to bring back the sparkle. If not, slightly moisten a fresh Q-tip with a little water. It’s important to make sure you are not accidentally rubbing the design off.
- For the Stubborn Ones – A little soap can work too, but you want to be careful because certain types of soap can actually remove the paint. Gently rub the moistened Q-tip over the area to be cleaned with constant checks for color transfer. In some cases, soap won’t help. If so, try using rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. Remember to test the substance on a small, unnoticeable area of the ornament.
In addition, a good rule of thumb to follow is to make sure there is only a trace of dampness on the Q-tip, as too much liquid can actually do more harm than good.
The Wax-On Wax-Off Method
You can also gently buff the ornament with wax to help it shine. A little wax can go a long way and will really help make your more colorful ornaments look their brightest. Wax is best used for ornaments that are more moderate in style, meaning ones that are simply cylindrical and contain no groves or other filaments. Use a soft bristled toothbrush, or a clean rag. For ornaments that contain more elaborate designs or ones that have glitter, it’s best to stick to the Q-tip method, as it is a more precise and delicate way to clean.
With a little effort, you should be able to make your ornaments look like new again. As for the ones you love but are tattered, well, maybe it is best to preserve them by putting them away. Planning ahead for the holidays by revamping and restoring your decorations can help you get in the festive spirit. You can do this with family members, or just create a fun project out of it. Jumpstart the holidays by bringing life to your décor!
