Hanging Decorations 2
The decorator who is also a gardener may bring a summer hobby into the Christmas scene by using new clay flowerpots in various small sizes, hung upside down, as bells on sprays or wreaths. One design uses a branch as crosspiece from which pots are suspended by knotted cords. From the knot, inside the pot, a round bell may be hung as a clapper. It is wise to place flowerpots against a background of fir or other soft evergreen to prevent scratching of woodwork. (Drawing 8)
Crossed candy canes are an amusing touch, and one to delight children. They can be used on doors, grilles or fences outdoors, or indoors in place of wreaths or sprays. Wooden canes are selected in sizes proportionate to the place they are to decorate. They may be painted with quick-drying white enamel and wound with red waterproof ribbon tacked or fastened with Scotch tape. For small canes choose red Scotch tape, which comes in widths up to half an inch. Two crossed canes, tied with bright ribbon, are effective against a dark background. Greens may be added. (Drawing 9)
A simulated Christmas tree on the front door offers a pleasant greeting to every caller. To make it, cut a piece of half-inch galvanized wire to the desired size and shape. Insert small pieces of spruce or fir through the mesh of the wire; the needles will catch and hold the pieces in place. Attach the greens in the way that shingles are put on a roof, starting with the bottom row and overlapping each succeeding row. Decorate with single cranberries or with pieces of popcorn wired into position. Red yarn makes a striking outline for
the base. (Drawing 9)
A similar flat tree for the wall of a large room, a public hall or church, may be constructed with chicken wire cut to size and shape. Greens are tied on with hairpin-shaped pieces of wire. Gift tables, small tableaux, Christmas villages and even old Santa Claus himself will look well against such a background.
Other door pieces may be constructed on coat hangers. The crosspiece of the wire hanger is bent toward the top to increase the slope of the sides. The next step is to hold branches of evergreens on each side and place a piece to cover the top. A wire twisted around the neck of the hanger keeps them from slipping. A few whitened branches may be added, some berries wired in and a bow placed in the center. If all materials are at hand, this piece takes only a few minutes. (Drawing 10)
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