I am behind in my posting--trying to get ready for the holidays! This is not one of my more normal posts in that it is really more personal in nature instead of travel-related. Having 2 of our 3 children and daughter-in-law--and more importantly our first grandchild!-- come for Christmas means that I suddenly have to decorate for Christmas. Since we are here only temporarily, I brought no Christmas decorations with me, never expecting to spend the holidays here. So, I kicked into DIY mode, and went scavenging around Muscat for craft supplies--not so easy in a town that really doesn't support a crafts industry like we are used to in the US!
First off was some fabric--gold and turquoise tulle and turquoise Christmas fabric for a certain little girl's Christmas stocking and other presents!
Next a shopping trip in Dubai for lights.
then a trip to the beach for a few shells,
I purchased some painted wood ornaments at a local handicraft store inside a small shopping mall in the al Shatti area:
This little ornament was purchased especially for my granddaughter when we were in Salzburg this past summer. When you pull on the string, the doll's arms and legs move up--like a very simple marionette! I couldn't resist this Bavarian addition to our Christmas celebration!
I also purchased some handmade ornaments at the craft bazaar that was sponsored at our church in Muscat. The lovely lady in this picture happened to have made and painted them herself--which I didn't know at the time I purchased them. It was a special treat to know that I had not only spent money towards a good cause but that I knew the artist!
After collecting a fishing net at the local "dollar store", gold spray paint, shells, hot glue sticks, and the tulle, it was time for a little crafting. I painted some saved bottles gold (it was a true treasure find that I found gold spray paint at all!). Then I wrapped it with some fish net and tried to glue on seashells.
The hot glue didn't work entirely, and I've only found Elmer's glue over here in a stick. (It might be in some store around here, but I didn't have 3 days to get in the car and search for it!). So, a little American ingenuity kicked in, and I googled how to make your own glue.
I selected the recipe I thought would work best and for which I had the ingredients: corn starch, vinegar, and Karo syrup.
Following the directions, I cooked the mixture. Then I used a paint brush to wipe on the glue so I could add glitter over the gold paint on the bottles and help the net and the shells adhere to each other and the bottle.
Voila! I am on my way to having inexpensive, homemade Christmas decorations for my beach theme.
And now, for the finished products!
First off was some fabric--gold and turquoise tulle and turquoise Christmas fabric for a certain little girl's Christmas stocking and other presents!
then a trip to the beach for a few shells,
I put Don to work after we bought some ornaments here in Muscat. The ties had to be attached to the ornaments, and there is no such thing as ornament hangers to purchase here.
This little ornament was purchased especially for my granddaughter when we were in Salzburg this past summer. When you pull on the string, the doll's arms and legs move up--like a very simple marionette! I couldn't resist this Bavarian addition to our Christmas celebration!
I also purchased some handmade ornaments at the craft bazaar that was sponsored at our church in Muscat. The lovely lady in this picture happened to have made and painted them herself--which I didn't know at the time I purchased them. It was a special treat to know that I had not only spent money towards a good cause but that I knew the artist!
After collecting a fishing net at the local "dollar store", gold spray paint, shells, hot glue sticks, and the tulle, it was time for a little crafting. I painted some saved bottles gold (it was a true treasure find that I found gold spray paint at all!). Then I wrapped it with some fish net and tried to glue on seashells.
The hot glue didn't work entirely, and I've only found Elmer's glue over here in a stick. (It might be in some store around here, but I didn't have 3 days to get in the car and search for it!). So, a little American ingenuity kicked in, and I googled how to make your own glue.
I selected the recipe I thought would work best and for which I had the ingredients: corn starch, vinegar, and Karo syrup.
Following the directions, I cooked the mixture. Then I used a paint brush to wipe on the glue so I could add glitter over the gold paint on the bottles and help the net and the shells adhere to each other and the bottle.
Voila! I am on my way to having inexpensive, homemade Christmas decorations for my beach theme.
And now, for the finished products!
And the best part of Christmas...
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| Looking at her stocking toys! |
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| Relaxing under the tree... |
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| Celebrating on Christmas Eve after the family service at church. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! |
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