Without a doubt, Christmas is truly a magical time of year. Spending time with family, friends and loved ones is one of the reasons why Christmas is so special. Creating traditions, sharing fond memories and simply being together adds to the warmth and merriment of the holidays.

A fun holiday activity that practically every family enjoys is the tradition of decorating the house — especially the Christmas tree! If you are like most families, you probably have a few boxes of favorite ornaments that you unpack and proudly display year after year. As you carefully hang every last Santa and snowman, you also make room for a couple of new ornaments that you knew would look fabulous among your old favorites.

According to a new survey by Unity Marketing, approximately 80 percent of American households will be “decking their halls” this holiday season. Most individuals will also be adding a few new pieces to their existing ornament and décor collections, just to keep up with what’s currently in style. “This year, that would be a return to old world charm with dynamic colors like sapphire, ruby red and citrine embellished with metallics. There will also be an emphasis on patterns and textures with glitter, beads and etchings; and such icons as birds, pine cones, winter foliage and berries,” says Susan Atchison, trend manager for Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores.

Whether you are hosting a large holiday party or a quiet gathering with close family and friends, here are some quick and easy decorating ideas that will surely add a festive feel to your home:

* Spray garland with white and silver glitter to give it a sugar-coated vintage look and hang it on your staircase rail or fireplace mantle.

* Repetition helps to highlight your holiday theme. Use poinsettias or hydrangea in your tree, garlands, large glass hurricanes or as accents to other centerpieces. You can also tuck them around photo frames, candles etc. Use your favorite item (holly, flowers, pinecones, ornaments) — the key is to use these items throughout your home.

* Evoke the senses with the smell of home baking and a welcoming feel — burn candles with scents like cinnamon, pumpkin pie.

* Decorate with beads. Wrap the lower portion of pillar candles with colorful strung beads for a glitzy look or create beautiful beaded ornaments (see instructions below) to coordinate with holiday colors.

* Use your favorite fabric to wrap around the base of your tree instead of using a traditional tree skirt.

* Make colorful, festive, placecards for your holiday dinner with sheets of festive scrapbook paper.

* Sew or wrap pillows in holiday fabrics to scatter on the sofa and chairs for quick holiday touches.

For more ideas and the latest trends in indoor and outdoor holiday decorating projects, visit your local Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

* Beaded Icicle Ornaments
Courtesy of Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores

Supplies and Tools:
* 22-gauge floral stem wire
* Beads in assorted sizes
* Wire cutters
* Tacky glue

Directions:
1. Cut wire 6-1/2-inches to 8-1/2-inches long.
2. String small bead on wire, bend wire about 1/2-inch up.
3. String remaining beads on to desired length, covering wire at the end.
4. Bend wire to make hanging loop by placing wire end into last two beads.
5. Add a drop of glue at the top of last bead to secure

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Here are several beading crafts that are favorites for the bead craft lover.

Jewelry- Jewelry is probably, by far, the most popular beading craft that people perform. Because the limit is the sky with jewelry, all ages can participate. For children, there are necklaces that are made with the large plastic beads. Using the bigger beads makes it easier for children to handle. Necklaces, bracelets and even tiaras are a favorite for kids. Rather than using wire, children would benefits from using elastic string for their jewelry. This way it can grow with them. There are various children’s websites on the internet that even give instructions to print out that can be followed. For the older crafter, there are earrings, pins and chain bracelets/necklaces to create. You can create your own design, or once again, you can print instructions off the internet to create a particular pattern.   

Ornament Covers- When researching this topic, I was surprised to come across this topic. Ornament covers are a way to add color and style to what otherwise is a plain colored ornament ball. The ornament cover is made from either one color or various colors and thread. Once again, you are trying to create a type of pattern to accent the ornament. It can be a little tricky trying to picture the finished project. You can do something simple or you can go profession. It’s all up to you.

Victorian Beaded Lampshades- This is one of the most time consuming beading projects there is. It takes a lot of patience and attention to detail. After purchasing a lampshade you must place a trim around the edges. This is what the fringe will hang from. If you want to match your furniture, be sure to pick colors that coordinate. You will then sow the beads through the loop and then proceed to hang your fringe. First buy various beads and then make a pattern from them. Once you’ve decided what pattern you like and how many beads it will take for each fringe, go back to the store and purchase the amount needed. Buy a few extras incase your loose or break any.

Beaded bags- Next time, when choosing a matching purse for your outfit, remember your options just got larger. You can make purses in all shapes and sizes. They can range from fruit shaped, butterflies and even cartoon characters. If this interests you, you might want to check for classes at your nearby crafts store. You can even specialize in antique purses. The antique purses can be made to match a particular outfit. They are done similar to the lampshade beading work when adding the fringe along the bottom of the purse. A lot of purses that are done in beadwork are accented with sparkled sequence as well. You own unique style will make the purse just right for you.

Flowers- Another unique design that people are picking up are French Beaded Flowers. The name “French Beaded” describes a particular technique that is being used, and not necessarily the fact that the flower is French. It is done by wrapping wire that has been beaded around a center point of beads. You can use any type of bead. If you’re familiar with bead size, generally an 11/0 is used. Although it’s up to you as to what style you want to get across while making your flowers. Flowering making from beads has been around since the 1500’s when the Europeans practiced this hobby. You can even find these flowers in museums around the world or maybe even a private collection.

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