DECK THE HOLIDAY'S

INTRODUCTION Quilling, also called paper filigree, originated in Europe more than five hundred years ago; it involves rolling and combining strips of paper into highly detailed designs. A snowflake ornament is made from eight V-shaped strips of paper, curled at the ends with a quilling needle and joined with a dot of glue at the center. The ornament looks rather majestic here, but it is actually just about two and a half inches tall. Before working on the ornament, practice some quilling basics. Wind a strip of paper around the needle; it will form a tight curl. Play with the paper to stretch it back out to the shape you want. Try folding a strip in half and curling both ends in for a heart shape, or curl them out for a V shape. Quilling paper is easy to manipulate, but working with it is not an exact science: It takes some practice to make the same shape twice. MATERIALS 8 strips of quilling paper, 3/8-inch wide and 4 1/2-inch long Quilling needle or round toothpic

   This diy comes from  www.bystephanielynn.com  .  I really like this wreath.  I actually made one out of cones from stuff I had picked up at the Dollar Store.  Don't expect this to be done in a couple days either.  But remember, it's the end result that will look spectaculart.  Have fun and good luck! DIY Faux Curled Rosewood Wreath {Made From Rolled Recycled Book Pages} I have seen various versions of Faux Rosewood Wreaths in just about every store and catalog for the upcoming season; most with a price tag running upwards of $40 or more. Some are crafted of paper and other of real wood shavings. Last year I made a few rolled flower gift toppers from recycled book pages and they remind me so much of the curled wood roses I thought they would make a good substitute. {with a much lower price tag} Materials Needed: Foam Wreath Form Recycled Book Pages Lots of Hot Glue Ribbon to Hang The full step by step tutor

   This uniquely American event began as a promotional effort by Pasadena's distinguished Valley Hunt Club. In the winter of 1890, the club members brainstormed ways to promote the "Mediterranean of the West." They invited their former East Coast neighbors to a mid-winter holiday, where they could watch games such as chariot races, jousting, foot races, polo and tug-of-war under the warm California sun. The abundance of fresh flowers, even in the midst of winter, prompted the club to add another showcase for Pasadena's charm: a parade would precede the competition, where entrants would decorate their carriages with hundreds of blooms. The Tournament of Roses was born.    "In New York, people are buried in snow," announced Professor Charles F. Holder at a Club meeting. "Here our flowers are blooming and our oranges are about to bear. Let's hold a festival to tell the world about our paradise."     During the next few years,

   Just as the parties from Christmas begin to dwindle, preparations are started for the celebration of New Year. It is a time when even the least-likely party-goer will ready himself for a night of booze, singing, and food. This list looks at 10 of the most common and interesting traditions of New Year from around the world. 10. First Footing First-footing is an ancient European New Year’s custom that continues into the present in many areas. The first person to enter a home after midnight on the first day of the year should be a male, preferably with dark hair. Blondes may have been associated with Vikings – visitors who never brought good luck. The first-footer should carry a gift, such as a coin for prosperity, bread for food, salt for flavor, or whiskey to represent good cheer. The first-footer can be a resident of the house, but must not be inside during the hour leading up to midnight. No fair stepping outside and coming back in again! 9. Iri