Funky, Free and Frugal Christmas Decorations

Paper chains are tacky decorations, right? And to make one from chewing gum wrappers is the utmost in tackiness, right? Well, try this decoration just for fun. It's free, so it won't hurt.

Take the foil wrapper from a piece of gum and fold it as if it still had gum in it. Fold this in half lengthwise, then in half again, as many times as you can. You should have a tight little shiny length of foil that doesn't bend smoothly. Bend it anyway and fasten the ends together with a needle and thread. Put a dab of glue on the thread to make it stay better. Make another one and slip one end through this before sewing it together.

Make several, then stand back and decide whether this free decoration really is tacky. Chances are, you won't think so. To really spiff it up, hot glue a sprig of holly or mistletoe to it (real or plastic). Use it to adorn a doorway, a display of decorations or the Christmas tree.

Substitute used aluminum foil for the gum wrappers for a slightly different effect, or try candy wrappers, or rectangles cut from magazine pictures. Let your imagination roam.

Pinecones are traditional Christmas decorations and if you live where they're available for free (as in, you have a live evergreen tree!) you can use them to your heart's content. That they're free won't detract one bit from their charm. Simple baskets from your kitchen, bath or craft room, become attractive containers for piles of pinecones.

If you don't have a basket handy, use a bowl or a box that you already have (we're talking free, right?). A shiny stainless steel bowl will look amazingly festive when filled with pine cones and bits of Christmas ribbon leftover from your wrapping tasks. Cover a shoebox with wrapping paper, inside and out, then fill it with pinecones.

You can dip pinecones in candle wax and sprinkle them with glitter (or sugar or salt) while the wax is still hot. (Be careful! Use tongs to hold the pinecones while you dip and sprinkle.) This makes a beautiful and almost free decoration.