Crafty Creations: Hard Candy Christmas

Even though the economy has us cutting back this year, you can’t put a price tag on using your limitless creativity for making one-of-a-kind holiday cards that everyone will remember. In years past, I’ve cut out snowflakes from silver paper, repurposed old Christmas wrap and stamped and glued for holiday cards that I enjoy making, and hopefully, recipients enjoy receiving.

This year I took two of my favorite photos-- one of a duo of Christmas votives painted by my mother and paired with an add-water-to-grow snowman that Veli bought last year, and the other of a pile of broken candy sticks heaped into a vintage candy dish accented with bows and ribbons – and affixed them to cards with old-fashioned photo corners.

Inside the card featuring my three handsome snowmen, I wrote a traditional wish for the season. But for the candy-themed card, I wanted to send a funny message that hopefully made people laugh and looked to one of my all-time, favorite tunes, “Hard Candy Christmas” sung by Dolly Parton in the film, “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. ”

“I’ll be fine and dandy. Lord, it’s like a Hard Candy Christmas,” she sings. “I’m barely getting through tomorrow, but still I won’t let sorrow bring me way down.”

Here’s to a hopeful 2009!



In May 2009, Clarkson Potter will publish my book, The Find: The Housing Works Book of Decorating with Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects, and Vintage Details. Pre-order now on www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com.