Craftside

Plaid Knit and Woven Placemat Pattern from the book: Knit or Crochet - Have it Your Way

2009-12-17T05:17:26-08:00

Can I tell you how much I love this technique?

This is such a cool way to get plaid into knitting.

Click on the images to read the pattern for knitting placemats that include a woven plaid element.

This cool knit plaid placemat pattern is from the book:

Knit or Crochet - Have it Your Way
15 Fun Projects with Complete Hook and Needle Instructions for Each
By
Margaret Hubert

Knitters who don’t know how to crochet often see crochet patterns and wish there was a way to convert them. The same is true for crocheters who don’t know how to knit. Those who know how to do both like to choose one over the other for the inherent “look” that each offers. This book gives them the option, as instructions for each project are given in both knit and crochet.

Margaret Hubertdesigns for yarn companies and book and magazine publishers including Crochet, Interweave Press, Quick and Easy Crochet, Crochet Fantasy, and Belle Armoire.

I started to play around with this technique. I grabbed one of my long skinny scarves that was knitted on some big needles and some yarn that was fairly thick and flat and just experimented. I kind of like how it's coming out, I am not sure how much I am going to do or how I will secure the ends but it certainly changes the whole look and feel of the scarf.

Hey and if you want to see another inside peek from Knit or Crochet - Have it Your Way, check out this post for both a knit and a crochet flower.

Holiday Goodness Giveaway Time!

Here's how it works:

We ask a question each weekday.
You leave your answer in the comments section each day to the question (and you can enter each day!).
We will randomly pick a winner each day to send a free book to!

Today is DAY 14 of 19!

Question:

What is your favorite knit thing? Is it something you made or was made for you?

My answer:

My crazy scarf. It is a thin long scarf made from all scraps of yarn with the tails at the changes left on and just knotted together to secure. It is made in all red and black with a hint of white yarn. I have made them for friends in other combos and it allows me to play with lots of different yarns.

Be sure to read the comments of others; maybe you can pick up a good idea, a new place to find your inspiration, or just a good giggle!

FREE MAKEREADY WRAPPING PAPER!

Want some cool, crafty, AND eco-friendly wrapping paper? Send your receipt showing you’ve bought today’s book to craftside@gmail.com, and we’ll send you a package of this brightly-colored up-cycled wrapping paper made from the “Makeready,” or printer’s scraps, from some of our newest books. Don’t forget to include your shipping address too!

How to make a ribbon and pom pom trimmed dish towel, an apron and Christmas tree

2009-12-16T06:17:18-08:00

Are you in need of some quick and easy ideas for gifts? Or, do you want to dress up your own kitchen linens with a side of Christmas decor thrown in? Well, that is what I have for you today.

Click on the above page from The Complete Photo Guide to Ribbon Crafts to read how to fancy up some dishtowels with a bit of ribbon and pom pom trim and sew an apron with ribbon trim.

And while you have out your pom pom trim, grab a styrofoam cone and just start wrapping! That's all I did to make this modern Christmas tree. I alternated pom pom trim with a fringe trim. I used a few little straight pins I recycled from a dress shirt (you know the kind that comes all nicely folded on a piece of cardboard in a plastic bag?) to secure to top ends and bottom ends to the cone. I didn't use glue so I could recycle the trim (and cone) if I needed to.

Holiday Goodness Giveaway!

Here's how it works:

We ask a question each weekday.
You leave your answer in the comments section each day to the question (and you can enter each day!).
We will randomly pick a winner each day to send a free book to!

Today is DAY 13 of 19!

Question:

What is strange about this photo of my pom pom Christmas tree? OK, well that's a silly question, I made you look a little closer at it! There really is something kind of funny in the photo.

The real question:

What is your favorite POM POM craft?

Is it one that involves single pom poms or ones on a trim?

Is it a current one or one from when you were a kid?

My answer:

"or one from when you were a kid?" - is there a difference? Not in my world!

But seriously, pom poms play a big part in my crafting. I even make custom coordinating ones out of yarn.

I would say I use both the same amount. They are like children: I love them equally.

Be sure to read the comments of others; maybe you can pick up a good idea, a new place to find your inspiration, or just a good giggle!

FREE MAKEREADY WRAPPING PAPER!

Gift Idea!!!!!

This book with a basket of an assortment of pretty ribbons and trims, a new pair of scissors, and maybe some pretty buttons? I don't think I know a crafter who doesn't use ribbons and is always in need of a fresh pair of scissors!

The Complete Photo Guide to Ribbon Crafts
Over 700 Photos - Bows - Flowers - Embroidery - Weaving - Jewelry - Fashion - Décor - More

Elaine Schmidt

The Complete Photo Guide to Ribbon Crafts provides a reference for all kinds of crafts that involve ribbon. It includes step-by-step photographed instructions for a wide range of techniques as well as projects to accompany each area of ribbon crafting. This is a comprehensive guide as compared to most books on ribbon crafts that are specific by technique or end result (ribbon flowers, silk ribbon embroidery, making bows).

This book explores a wide range of techniques and end products using all kinds of ribbon, making it an essential reference for all craft enthusiasts. It includes ideas and projects for scrapbooking, home décor, general crafting, and fashion.

Elaine Schmidt is a freelance designer, consultant, educator and spokesperson in the craft and hobby industries. She is the former design coordinator for a chain of ribbon boutiques and has developed award-winning product concepts for several manufacturers. Elaine’s original designs are featured in a variety of books, magazines, project sheets and TV segments. Elaine enjoys teaching, demonstrating and thinking up new project ideas that make sewing and crafts fun and easy. Elaine lives in Long Valley, NJ and loves being surrounded by her growing stash of ribbons, fabric, buttons, beads and all the “fun stuff.”

Give the Gift of a Good Craft book with a side of supplies

2009-12-15T05:58:00-08:00

Looking for a Good Gift Idea?

Why not make it a Good Mail Day with a side of supplies?

For that paper crafter in your life, grab some glues, stamps, inks, pens, pencils, markers, and more. You really can't go wrong in that, as all crafters know, you really can't have too many books filled with inspiration and techniques or supplies!

Back in this post, there is an inside peek into what should go into a traveling Mail Art Kit. I don't know a crafter that can ever have too many supplies.

One of the sections in Good Mail Day talks about making friends with your mail carrier.

I love my mail carriers, not only my USPS guys, but my UPS guy and my FEDEX guys!

Let's just say they are here a lot.

May the force be with you all in this season of sending!

I know this mail carrier doesn't look too happy but he was way-cool to take a minute out of his super busy day to pose for me. Pretty nice, huh?

Good Mail Day:
A Primer for Making Eye-Popping Postal Art
By
Jennie Hinchcliff and Carolee Gilligan Wheeler

"What is a good mail day?" A good mail day is a day when, instead of just bills, catalogs, and advertisements, your postal carrier delivers artful, beautiful, personal mail from friends and acquaintances all over the world. Mail art is a collaborative art form with a long and fascinating history populated by famous artists as well as everyday practitioners.

The term "mail art" refers to pieces of art sent through the mail rather than displayed or sold in traditional venues. Mail artists often use inexpensive and recycled materials including postcards, collage, rubber stamps, and photocopied images. Mail art is a truly international activity and a fun way to connect with people in every corner of the globe. Readers will learn to create decorated and illustrated envelopes, faux postage and artistamps, find penpals, make a mail art kit, and much more!

Jennie Hinchcliff has been an active part of international mail art circles and communities for over a decade, has curated San Francisco mail art shows, and produces the quarterly mail art zine Red Letter Day. She teaches book arts and bookbinding at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.

Carolee Gilligan Wheeler teaches popular classes on bookbinding at the San Francisco Center for the Book.

Holiday Goodness Giveaway!

Here's how it works:

We ask a question each weekday.
You leave your answer in the comments section each day to the question (and you can enter each day!).
We will randomly pick a winner each day to send a free book to!

Today is DAY 12 of 19!

Question:

If a gift comes in the mail, do you:

A. Open it right away.

B. Open it from the shipping box but put it under the tree and wait to open.

C. Open it right away but tell the person who sent it you are waiting to open.

My answer:

You know, I seem to answer my own questions "both" or 50/50 a lot! I just got a present from my best friend in CT and I was going to wait but I couldn't. She sent me such cool plaid stuff! But I think the next thing that comes in the mail I will wait to open. So maybe every other thing I will wait/open.

Be sure to read the comments of others; maybe you can pick up a good idea, a new place to find your inspiration, or just a good giggle!

Day 11 of 19 of The Holiday Goodness Giveaway and Festive Crafty Blogger Links

2009-12-14T05:30:22-08:00

Holiday Goodness Giveaway!

Here's how it works:

We ask a question each weekday.
You leave your answer in the comments section each day to the question (and you can enter each day!).
We will randomly pick a winner each day to send a free book to!

Today is DAY 11 of 19!

Question:

How do your pets get in on the holiday goodness? I bet there are some good/funny pet holiday stories or crafts out there just waiting to be shared!

My answer:

If they are anything like the "not my cats" they simple do it themselves and just look so cute and seem to know exactly where they need to be to get your attention to be photographed or simply to remind you how much they love you!

Keep those four-legged friends safe this holiday season!

Be sure to read the comments of others; maybe you can pick up a good idea, a new place to find your inspiration, or just a good giggle!

Now, onto crafty news:

About Family Crafts
Do you make your own Christmas cards? If you do, please take a moment and share your designs and then browse through the pictures of other peoples' creations.

Aileen's Musings
Aileen's found a great use for those leftover cards you have! Check out her Recycled Christmas Card project.

Cathie Filian
Whip up a vintage style wreath for the holidays!

The Card Album Crafts
Get the 411 on the Customizing your Greeting Card Album at The CHA Craft Super Show in Anaheim, CA on January 23, 2010.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy is thrilled about a new set of bamboo crochet hooks she finally purchased from an Etsy seller.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Having a hard time finding time to stitch during the holiday season? Read Connie's time-saving tips and share your own.

Farm Girl Roots, City Girl Style
Another project from the past: a quick and easy baby quilt.

Mixed Media Artist
Cyndi is giving away a copy of Chain Style by Jane Dickerson! Come leave a comment and you'll be entered for the drawing.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
Here's a die cut, stamped and shrunk deer Christmas necklace made with inspiration from the book Beyond The Bead.

The Artful Crafter
Just look at the darling ornaments you can make from mini clay flower pots!

The Impatient Crafter
It's Project #2 from Madge's Retrofabulous Christmas Craftabration! Perky Pixie Ornament!

Recycled film canisters are transformed into pretty and practical storage

2009-12-11T05:50:00-08:00

Another cool inside peek and fun recycled storage idea from:

Art Making & Studio Spaces

Unleash Your Inner Artist: An Intimate Look at 31 Creative Work Spaces

Lynne Perrella

Art Making & Studio Spaces is a visual studio tour, an opportunity to turn the key and discover the inner workings of artists in their ultra-personal, unique workspaces. The mission of the book is to look inside studios in progress, amidst the throes of the artmaking process, and to investigate the thoughts of the artists within.

This book reveals the interplay between artist and studio, and explores how each workspace reflects a different, distinctive creative journey. Photography by Sarah Blodgett, plus contributed photos by some of the artists, combines with personal insights to provide an incomparable studio tour that will inspire you to create your own private work space. Pages from Lynne Perrella's art journal are included, to give further insight into this bottomless topic of "art and where it happens."

Lynne Kendall Perrella is a mixed-media artist, author, designer, workshop instructor, and incurable collector. Her interests include collage, assemblage, one-of-a-kind books, and art journals. She conducts creativity workshops in the United States and abroad and exhibits collage in galleries throughout the Berkshire Mountains. www.lkperrella.com

Click on the image to enlarge and read about the very talented artist Keith LoBue.

As you can see, Keith transforms recycled film canisters into pretty and practical storage. I have done this too. Here in Los Angeles all you have to do is make friends with the camera crew and you are very likely to score film canisters if you ask nice!

To keep things organized within the film canister, I recycled bottle caps in two of them for tiny chain and findings. For another, I cut a toilet paper tube into about 1/2 inch sections and pinched them into "eye" shapes so I could fit more compartments into the canister. This is good for organizing larger chains and bigger bits. I didn't glue anything in place but if you are in the habit of knocking stuff around you might want to secure all the little bottle caps and toilet paper tube sections.

Holiday Goodness Giveaway Time!

Here's how it works:

We ask a question each weekday.
You leave your answer in the comments section each day to the question (and you can enter each day!).
We will randomly pick a winner each day to send a free book to!

Today is DAY 10 of 19!

Question:

What is your favorite storage container? Do you use the modern plastic style stuff or have you come up with a fun way to recycle some other type of container? If so, SHARE! We all love to get great ideas on new ways to store our stuff.

My answer:

Film canisters are my fave, but I also use cookie tins and cigar boxes, both cardboard and wood. I do love the convenience of clear plastic totes, drawers and Zip lock baggies but I don't love the way they look.

Be sure to read the comments of others; maybe you can pick up a good idea, a new place to find your inspiration, or just a good giggle!

How to make Coffee Filter Pockets from the cool new book: Self-made Stationery by Kazumi Udagawa

2009-12-10T05:31:50-08:00

I "heart" this new book so much!

Self-made Stationery:

Handmade Goods Designed By Me

Kazumi Udagawa

Stationery and other paper products have become not only valuable necessities, but also fashionable goods for artists, designers, students, and all enthusiasts who love paper. Self-made Stationery presents a wonderful array of unique and attractive design ideas for creating your own special stationery and paper products. This book is filled with many photographs and step-by-step illustrations that will guide you in making your stationery crafts. You will be surprised by how your creative skills can be enhanced.

Kazumi Udagawa (Japan) graduated from Musashino Art University in Tokyo. As a designer, she has worked for a sundry goods maker and focused on product planning and development to start up a goods store. Currently, she is a designer for various home products, supplies, and design projects. She also creates illustrations for books and magazines.

Check out this fun way to make a pocket out of a coffee filter:

I love making pockets in my altered book so I thought I would try this coffee filter pocket technique.

I didn't have the same type of coffee filter but I thought the type I did have I could make work, just in a bit of a different way. So you get the technique from the book, and here's how I made mine:

I folded the filter in half lining up the edges and then in half the opposite way but about an inch off center.

Then I trimmed the top layer smaller then the second layer.

I trimmed the third layer just a bit taller then the second layer.

All that was left to do was ink the edges and staple the coffee filter pocket into my altered book. As you can see, the first one I made on the left I folded with all the edges matching and didn't trim them.

I was in the mood to make some ATCs to put into my sassy new pockets. I have been collecting translation dictionaries so I thought that I would cut out some words and play with them.

Here are 3 I came up with.

I cut out definitions of different words in different languages and glued them onto a plain piece of paper. Then I used the Autumn Leaves Scribbles Hearts and Starswith a variety of the Stampology inks to add a bit of design and texture.

I love trying out new techniques and just "playing."

Holiday Goodness Giveaway Time!

Here's how it works:

We ask a question each weekday.
You leave your answer in the comments section each day to the question (and you can enter each day!).
We will randomly pick a winner each day to send a free book to!

Today is DAY 9 of 19!

Question:

What is your favorite paper? Scrapbook, newspaper, construction, tissue, tracing?

My answer:

Washi paper for origami is one of my faves; the other is paper packaging. I love graphics and often times, whether it's vintage or new, the quality of the paper has a great quality to it. I think it's the same thing that makes me like remaking cloths. A garment also has the construction and findings details that add more to its design possibilities rather than just yardage.

Be sure to read the comments of others; maybe you can pick up a good idea, a new place to find your inspiration, or just a good giggle!

Jay Calderin, author of Form, Fit, and Fashion, at the Iris Apfel fashion event at The Peabody Essex Museum

2009-12-09T05:43:00-08:00

Below is a snapshot taken this past Saturday at The Peabody Essex Museum in Salem MA. Jay Calderin, author of Form, Fit, and Fashion (Rockport Publishers), was on hand all day in the museum’s atrium for an event supporting their fabulous Iris Apfel fashion exhibit! He signed books and he and his students demonstrated the art of draping.

And here is a sneak peak inside:

Form, Fit, and Fashion
All the Details Fashion Designers Need to Know But Can Never Find

Click on the image to enlarge and read about Mood boards. I make collages like this, often called inspiration boards or idea boards. These are really helpful when you need to design a bunch of things with a cohesive look.

An indispensable primer for students and first-stop reference for professionals, Form, Fit, and Fashion guides the fashion designer through the entire design process, from conceiving a garment to marketing it.

This handbook collects the information and ideas essential to planning and executing fashion projects of every scale and distills them in an easy-to-use format that is compact enough to slip into a tote. Linking six central phases in the cycle of fashion--research, editing, design, construction, connection, and evolution--Form, Fit, and Fashion will help designers to develop effective strategies for building a cohesive collection and communicating their vision.

Jay Calderin teaches a wide variety of fashion and professional development courses at the School of Fashion Design in Boston, where he is also the Director of Creative Marketing. He founded and serves as Executive Director of Boston Fashion Week. Calderin’s designs have appeared in the pages of Vogue and Elle magazines.

Another fun photo from the event: The irreverent “Rare Bird of Fashion” Iris Apfel and famed fashion designer Michael Vollbract.

I love her outfit!

Fashionistas! Check out this very fun interactive “paperdoll” link…courtesy of The Peabody Essex Museum…

http://pem.org/sites/iris/

Holiday Goodness Giveaway Time!

Here's how it works:

We ask a question each weekday.
You leave your answer in the comments section each day to the question (and you can enter each day!).
We will randomly pick a winner each day to send a free book to!

Today is DAY 8 of 19!

Question:

What is your favorite holiday outfit or accessory?

My answer:

I totally rock the silliness! I have a penguin sweater that is profoundly silly. I also have crazy socks and leggings. I did just make a not-silly reindeer necklace: you can learn how to make it here.

Be sure to read the comments of others; maybe you can pick up a good idea, a new place to find your inspiration, or just a good giggle!

How to crochet a four-color spiral from the new book: The Complete Photo Guide to Crochet by Margaret Hubert

2009-12-08T05:38:00-08:00

This is so cool. I could see making doilies, crafting pot holders, super-sizing it to make an area rug, oh all sorts of things in all sorts of color combos!

Click on the images to enlarge and read how to crochet a four-color spiral.

This four-color crochet tutorial is from the new book:

The Complete Photo Guide to Crochet

Basics, Stitch Patterns, Projects for All Methods of Crochet

Margaret Hubert

The Complete Photo Guide to Crochet is a comprehensive reference book on all aspects of crochet. This book provides a reference for all methods, including:

Tunisian
Filet
Intermeshing
Broomstick lace
Bruges lace
Freeform crochet

It includes step-by-step instructions for all the basic stitches and swatches of hundreds of stitch patterns with complete instructions. This handy guide also provides instructions and patterns for 50 projectsfor garments, accessories, and décor items!

Margaret Hubert designs for yarn companies and book and magazine publishers including Crochet, Interweave Press, Quick and Easy Crochet, Crochet Fantasy, and Belle Armoire. She teaches at yarn shops, retreats, and national gatherings and rarely misses a national conference in the needle arts field. A world traveler, Margaret pays close attention to the fashions in Europe and spots style trends as they hit New York. She is equally as passionate about knitting and crochet, and can design patterns for either, in any size or shape. Among her specialties, she is a master at free-form crochet.

She is the author of 11 other books including five books in our Hooked series, Knits for Men, Plus Size Crochet, and Knit or Crochet: Have It Your Way.

Holiday Goodness Giveaway Time!

Here's how it works:

We ask a question each weekday.
You leave your answer in the comments section each day to the question (and you can enter each day!).
We will randomly pick a winner each day to send a free book to!

Today is DAY 7 of 19!

Question:

Who taught you how to do the craft you do? Did you learn from a family member as a child and it was "handed down"? Did a friend turn you on to it as an adult? Or did you see it in a book, take a class, or learn online?

My answer:

I learned to knit, crochet and sew from my Mom and Great Grandmother. I learned painting and some art skills from my high school teachers, a lot of my design and building skills from the teachers in college, and now I learn new skills, stitches and techniques mostly from books.

Be sure to read the comments of others; maybe you can pick up a good idea, a new place to find your inspiration, or just a good giggle!

All sorts of recycled crafts and Crafty Blogger Links

2009-12-07T09:37:28-08:00

I had the pleasure of volunteering at a cool Swap-o-rama event at Inglewood High School this past weekend. To my left is the wonderful organizer Gail Atley and to my right are two of the other volunteers that helped the crafters sew up their fun projects. The event's proceeds went to benefit the
Earth Club school garden and the Golf Club.

This young designer made a grocery-style bag out of a t-shirt. It is so simple.

All you need to do is cut a t-shirt out in the shape of a plastic style grocery bag (the top of the handles are the shoulder seams that you leave intact. Then sew up the bottom and sides.

This designer made the plushie from the book:

Sweater Surgery
How to Make New Things with Old Sweaters(as seen on the cover in the top righthand corner)

These crafters really got into making letters with the Sizzix Hello Kitty Die cutter and had a great time personalizing their projects!

This girl had a great sense of style and made a bag from a pleated polka dot skirt and a black lace slip. Madonna would be proud!

On to Crafty Blogger Links to keep you up-to-date on the latest crafts:

Farm Girl Roots, City Girl Style
Linda built a house--a gingerbread house, that is! Check out photos and learn more about this party concept that's taking Chicago by storm!

Mixed Media Artist
One of Cyndi's readers shared a fabulous craft idea using her own custom-printed fabric...and you can do it too!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
See how to make a Max from the Grinch antler headband from recycled sweaters.

The Artful Crafter
A bead spinner is not required, but certainly recommended, to make a beautiful seed bead Christmas tree like this one created by Sharon.

The Impatient Crafter
Madge is feeling Retrofabulous this holiday season! Check out this vintage inspired mixed media jewelry project idea!

About Family Crafts
Check out these creative gift wrapping ideas. You simply cannot give someone a fabulous homemade gift using ordinary, store-bought wrapping paper. You can easily and quickly personalize the wrap as well as the gift.

Aileen's Musings
Looking for Christmas card ideas? Aileen shares her idea using a Starbucks coffee sleeve and challenges you...

Crafty Princess Diaries
A light tent can make all the difference when photographing your crafts.

It's Monday so that means:

Holiday Goodness Giveaway Time!

Here's how it works:

We ask a question each weekday.
You leave your answer in the comments section each day to the question (and you can enter each day!).
We will randomly pick a winner each day to send a free book to!

Today is DAY 6 of 19!

Question:

What kinds of things do you do to give back, or what events have you heard of in your community? I bet there are some great crafts or special events that we would all like to know about and bring to our own communities.

My answer:

Is what I did this past weekend. I shared my time and skills with people to help them express their creativity in a whole new way. I really think the greatest gift is of our time.

I look forward to hearing about how all you crafty peeps share a bit of you, whether it be what you make or what kinds of events you are a part of.

Repurpose buildings and trash into new uses, just 2 ideas from the new book: 1000 Ideas by 100 Architects

2009-12-04T05:02:00-08:00

This book is one of those that isn't exactly crafty but boy is it creative and it really gets my mind going. The world around us really can spark creativity (and just general eye candy), and reading about what other creative people think about is cool.

Inside the mind and behind the scenes!

Click on the image to enlarge and read a bit about taking a building from one use to another and trash for new construction. These are just 2 ideas from the new book:

1000 Ideas by 100 Architects

Sergi Costa Duran and Mariana R. Eguaras Etchetto

Architecture is an art form that provides both function and beauty. Each architect brings something uniquely distinct to his or her work. Learning what makes an architectural work or the body of an architect's work unique is difficult to deconstruct. This book provides behind the scenes insight into the work of 100 top international designers through the deconstruction of 1000 architectural details and projects.

1000 Ideas by 100 Architects is an unrivaled sourcebook for ideas. This collection also provides details and information that are not available on this level through any other source.

Sergi Costa Duran is the author of the architectural books Green Homes, New Prefab, High Density and Earth. He lectures frequently on environmental subjects for the Catalan Government (Generalitat de Catalunya) and the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). He lives in Barcelona, Spain.

Mariana R. Eguaras Etchetto is an architecture and interior design editor. She lives in Barcelona, Spain.

Holiday Goodness Giveaway Time!

Here's how it works:

We ask a question each weekday.
You leave your answer in the comments section each day to the question (and you can enter each day!).
We will randomly pick a winner each day to send a free book to!

Today is DAY 5 of 19!

Question:

Have you ever gotten your crafting or decorating inspiration from a piece of architecture?

My answer:

YES, big YES. Not only the buildings themselves, but photos of them hold all sorts of possibilities. I walk in my neighborhood every night and it is so interesting how all the different shapes of the houses and then the decorations on them make you look at different shapes and color pallets.

Different styles come through: whimsical, retro, classic. There were some "tee pee" shaped light-up Christmas trees on one person's lawn that I definitely had not seen before, and it sparked some thoughts and I came to the conclusion I prefer the coil style of construction.

And on a materials front, aluminum trees still coordinate nicely with my aluminum Airstream!

Be sure to read the comments of others; maybe you can pick up a good idea, a new place to find your inspiration, or just a good giggle!