Make Nature Christmas Decorations in July

If you like to make natural Christmas decorations, July is the perfect time to start. Many of your materials will be readily available, either in your yard or in stores. Gathering the supplies now will cut down on expenses closer to Christmas. Here are a few things I like to look for over the summer months:

• Pinecones – You can simply hot glue a ribbon to one end and apply some white paint to make them look snowy or you can do all sorts of elaborate things with them.
• Flowers – Strawflowers and other things that dry easily, like lavender blossoms, are only available free for a limited time. Pick them when they look their best and dry according to instructions. I like to tie a few sprigs of lavender together with a pretty ribbon to make a nicely scented ornament.
• Shells – There are usually sales right now in the store. My mom made the cutest tree one year with small shells strung together for a garland.

Pinecones look great in Christmas arrangements. Photo: SXC