Holiday Outdoor Decor: DIY Lighted Ball Craft

Image via: Christmas Lights Etc

Supplies

• Chicken wire
• Zip ties
• Measuring tape
• Twinkle lights
• Extension cord
• Gloves
• Wire cutter

Image via: Christmas Lights Etc

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Watch a video on how to make DIY lighted balls:

You can find the link to the video here.

Directions

1. Put on your gloves to avoid any injuries from the chicken wire.
2. Choose a flat, level and large enough surface to unfold the chicken wire. Using the measuring tape for guidance, roll out the chicken wire to the needed height. With the wire cutter, cut the chicken wire to the needed length. Keep in mind that for a sphere, you will need to cut a piece of chicken wire that is about twice as long as it is wide (so, for example, for 2 foot balls you will need 2 x 4 foot pieces of chicken wire).
3. Fold the chicken wire into a cylinder and secure the ends by twisting the wire together then cut away any excess.
4. To form a circle, you will have to close each end of the chicken wire cylinder shut, either by twisting the wire together or by using zip ties. Once you have secured the ends, just bent the chicken wire until you have a nice, round circle.
5. Now it’s time to add the twinkle lights. Make sure to leave the plug exposed with enough cable. Then, just thread the lights in and out of the chicken wire openings until the whole sphere is covered with lights. Depending on your Christmas Lighted Ball size, you might need to use more than one string of lights.
6. The lighted Christmas ball is ready to be placed on the porch or the yard, or to be hung from a tree. Just make sure you have enough extension cords to plug them into.
7. Repeat the process making different sizes of Christmas Lighted Balls and using various twinkle light colors to multiply the effect of the Holiday Outdoor Décor.

Image via: House Beautiful 

This Holiday Outdoor Decor is a great craft for this time of year and it can be used for years to come by just altering the arrangement of the lighted balls or even by using them inside the house for a change. Make sure to make a lot of them for an unbelievable outcome.

For more holiday decorating ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Before you were inspired by – ‘Decorating with Themed Christmas Trees’ from Sam Holloway. Today, I feature John Nuter who is a member of the the Facebook Olioboard Fan Room group and he helps you tackle those pesky Christmas lights! See his ideas to make your outdoor home come alive and watch an awesome video of a lighting show put to music.

To see all the past Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration members on Pinterest click here.

Olioboard Inspiration #56

‘Creative Christmas Outdoor Lighting Ideas’ – Jonn Nuter

Festive outdoor lighting

When I was younger, after Thanksgiving dinner it was a holiday tradition in our family to go see Candy Cane Lane, which was a nearby neighborhood where everyone went out of their way to out decorate each other’s yards. Cars would be lined up as far as the eye could see and slowly drive through the neighborhood and enjoy the decorations. I always remember it as a magical experience and it was the reason I chose to write about Festive Outdoor Lighting. Think of it as a Christmas present to your yard, a great light display that puts a smile on the face of everyone who passes by. Ready to trip the light fantastic? Here’s what you need to know.

Choosing the right string lights

Lighting strings come with as few as 25 bulbs and can go up to as many as 200.Lighting clips make installation easy and are designed to work without damaging surfaces they are attached to. There are even specialty lights designed to add lights around windows and even ones to grab onto brick surfaces. Choose clips on the size of the bulbs you’ll be using, as well as what you will be attaching them to.

Christmas Outdoor Lighting Ideas

Simple keys to successful lighting

• Map out lighting plan ahead of time.
• Use only light strings and extension cords approved for outdoor use
• When plugging light strings together, never use more than 3 strings on one run.
• Never connect different lengths of light strings, they are rated for different amperages.
• If you need a measurement to light a post or tree, use a string first, then lay flat to measure the length of lights you’ll need.

Incandescent lighting versus LED

And the winner is… LED! A string of LED’S may cost twice as much as the same sized incandescent, but because they are so long lasting the price difference is erased after two to three years of use. LED’S use about 10 percent of the electricity that incandescents use because incandescents use 90 percent of their energy to heat up the filament. LED’S sip energy and produce very little heat which also reduces the risk of fire. Many LED lights meet Energy Star guidelines set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency. LED bulbs are typically made of lightweight plastic and are less likely to break than glass incandescent bulbs. Incandescents are generally brighter, but LED’S have more bulbs per string, so call this one a tie.

Lighting your outdoors

String your lights in the evening, with them plugged in so you can see the effect as you build your light scheme. If you have a nice evergreen in your yard that you would like to illuminate, it is best to use larger bulb sizes. The industry rule of thumb is 100 lights for every vertical foot of tree. larger trees may need more.  Evergreen bushes are perfect candidates for lighting nets, crisscrossed networks of wires and mini lights. Toss them over your bushes, plug them in and viola! Mini light strings are great for spirals of light on posts or trees, the bark is usually rough enough to hold lights in place however, pushpins can be used for support. Don’t drive in a bunch of screws or nails as it can harm the tree.

Display Overboard!

For you adventurous types there are music synchronization kits that turn your yard into a virtual Christmas disco. A standard 30 amp plug-and-play system divides your display into 16 separate channels and can include weatherproof speakers. Pre-synced music and simpler sets can be bought that come with a small speaker and 10 pre-loaded songs.  The end result is really quite impressive(and your electric bill will be also)

Check out this video that shows a great use of outdoor lighting synced to music. It’s AMAZING!

Link to the video –> Decorating your Outdoor Christmas lights.

Let me end by wishing you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR. – Jonn

About John Nuter

My name is Jonn Nuter and I live in Milwaukee,Wisconsin. I have always been interested in interior design/decorating, yet only did it in a limited capacity for friends and family. After a bout with cancer 9 years ago, I was inspired to throw convention to the wind and live the rest of my life doing something I was truly passionate about,so I went back to school and I’m proud to say,recently received my diploma in interior decorating from Penn Foster University. I am capable of working with all styles of design, but I tend to lean towards modern/contemporary. I am currently looking to obtain a position in the design field while i work towards starting my own design service. That is where Olioboard comes in as an invaluable tool for creating your own designs whether you just like to experiment or you work in the design industry. It has not only provided me with a place to network,find advice and get support, but I’ve made some great friends.

Whether it’s for indoor or outdoor display, you can always count on the beauty it brings in any areas at home. Interestingly, there seems to be an unlimited number of designs that you can choose when it comes to holiday lanterns. You just have to match them with your theme.

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Here are some of the great ideas that you can do to illuminate your holiday home using lanterns:

Group your holiday lanterns in your entryway

This idea is probably the easiest and the quickest way to do the trick. Your guests will never fail to spot this decorative idea as they get inside. Complete your design by combining them with gifts, stockings, canes, and other holiday decors. An old bench or coffee table can furnish your lanterns in place.

Try a color scheme

Aside from grouping your holiday lanterns according to designs, you can also do a color scheme. This is perfect if you don’t really have similar lantern designs. The color scheme will make it look perfect especially when you have it arranged creatively or even in random order. You will be amazed at how the lanterns look as soon as you turn on the lights.

Decorate with extra ornaments

Decorating your lanterns with various holiday objects can certainly provide an elegant and brilliant look. You can decorate your lanterns with Christmas balls, candle, foliage, ribbons and other colorful items for your lantern arrangement.

You can always mix and match any holiday items available at home. Just don’t have it overly done with decorative objects. Keep it simple and it will show its natural style and elegance.

For more holiday ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

The Smartphone isn’t called smart for nothing. It is not just for communication or for playing your favorite music, it now how practical purposes for your everyday life. Smartphones have evolved in so many ways that consumers can keep track of their energy use, lights, fuel costs and more for their home. It also opens opportunities for programmers to make applications that will benefit the users.

Image via

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There are several ways to save energy at home using your Smartphone. Here are some of the things you can save using your Smartphone:

Enhanced fuel efficiency.

Did you know that you can save fuel consumption by being up-to-date with how you drive? Rapid acceleration, sudden breaking and over speeding can increase your fuel consumption to 33 percent. This figure is definitely a lot of money to just go to waste without you knowing it. One example of Smartphone application that can help you with this is the greenMeter. This application will store data on your driving speed and changes in acceleration. The greenMeter app will indicate whether you are driving efficiently or not.

Control the thermostat of your cooling and heating appliances.

Adjusting your thermostat to its proper setting will certainly save your energy bill. This will help you utilize the right amount of workloads that your appliances perform. Some popular apps for controlling your temperature are Nest and Ecobee thermostat controller. It is easy to install and use. You can adjust the temperature of your home with your Smartphone like a remote control.

Conserve and monitor energy consumption

Energy monitoring in real-time to conserve electricity. Many devices on the market can help your home and be monitored on your smartphone.

The Energy UFO application for iPad provides visual feedback of electricity consumption and its cost as determined by information received from our family of Wi-Fi enabled products, such as the UFO Power Center, a four outlet smart power-strip. The UFO Power Center, as shown in the application is currently available from www.energyufo.com.

Consider using your smart phone to start helping you at home. Whether it is enhanced fuel efficiency, controlling your thermostat and more. You will love the simplicity and convenience , and your wallet will enjoy the energy savings!

For more green living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

]]> https://stagetecture.com/3-ways-your-smartphone-can-save-energy-at-home/feed/ 0 28123 https://stagetecture.com/how-to-create-an-illuminating-outdoor-holiday-home/ https://stagetecture.com/how-to-create-an-illuminating-outdoor-holiday-home/#respond Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:11:52 +0000 https://stagetecture.com/?p=21072 Entry #829, December 11, 2011

One of my favorite holiday past times during the holiday season is driving through the neighborhoods with beautiful Christmas lights. From the overly imaginative to the tastefully done, the holiday season is a great time to light up your outdoor home.

I was admiring these creative ideas on Southern Living for festive outdoor lighting ideas that aren’t your ordinary 1970’s giant color bulb lighting! While those were festive 40 years ago, see the trend for more subdued lighting that still has a winter wonderland affect!

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Starry Nights Basket

Make hanging baskets sparkle all winter long by lighting them from within. Use coiled vine baskets without liners, and push a 100-bulb string of small pearl lights from inside to out around each basket. Place clear plastic ornaments in the basket as filler. On top, pile a 50-bulb string of small white lights and a string of prelit metal stars to shine above.

Luminous Lanterns

Old-fashioned lantern posts are classic, but this holiday season wrap them in lush garland and glowing globes for an ethereal holiday look.

Dreamy Door

Dress up a boring doorway with a red and green color scheme. A door outlined with garland, glowing lights, and red bows complements the hanging wreath. A grouping of poinsettia plants adds the perfect punch of holiday cheer.

White Magic

Give new dimension and beauty to an exterior building, such as a garden shed or detached garage, by illuminating it with winter white lights. Line the walkway with votives, too, such as these large metal votives specifically designed for outdoor use.

Swags of Light

When creating an outdoor light display, work with the layout of your home, fence, or gate. Light swags work perfectly on the fence shown here, accented by a slender twig tree that sits in front of the tall brick pillar.

Light up your holiday home this season!

For more holiday ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

The holidays can be a pretty busy time of year for most people, what with family obligations, seasonal parties, and of course, shopping (not to mention all the regular stuff that fills up your schedule on a daily basis).  And yet, you want to take the time to enjoy some of the traditional aspects of the season.  Otherwise, what is all the hustle and bustle for?  So once you’re done decorating your home in an array of lights, candles, and figurines (or whatever you happen to decorate with), it’s time to turn your attention to your office.  Of course, there are some differences between decorating here and decking the halls at home.  So here are just a few pointers to help you keep it appropriate.

Image via: Interior Foliage

Keep decorations festive for all

The idea is to display your festive spirit without going over the top and potentially offending your coworkers.  You may want to keep the tidings of joy toned down in your own office or cubicle for this reason.  While hanging enough lights to make your office resemble the surface of the sun, blaring holiday music at 80 decibels, and throwing tinsel at passing colleagues may seem like good fun to you, it may not necessarily impress those who have to work with you (or your boss).  So keep it tasteful and toned down.  How, you ask?

For starters, you should probably skip the lights.  Sorry, but it’s all too easy for them to look tacky, they suck up a lot of power, and they’re likely to annoy your coworkers.  If you do choose to use lights, make sure they are battery operated, and limited to your immediate desk area. You should also go easy on the holiday music.  If you want to listen, keep it low and turn it off if you get any complaints, or simply wear headphones.  From here you can have some fun since there are all kinds of decor that are totally appropriate.  One easy way to add some holiday spirit to your space is to cover hanging artwork with seasonal wrapping paper (like a present).  If you have a cubicle, you could pin some paper on the walls.  You should also consider placing some poinsettias around your office.  Plants are a great way to brighten up the décor and they provide some extra oxygen that will literally have you breathing easier.

Image via: Paradise Designs

Wreaths

Wreaths are another great idea, as long as they’re artificial; you don’t want tons of dead pine needles littering the floor when you get back from your holiday break.  They come in many sizes, colors, and materials to add some flair to your office and make the atmosphere festive.  And of course, you’re bound to have your own particular hallmarks of the season, such as candles and figurines.  You’ll want to avoid actual flame, so think about getting some LED fake candles (many are battery operated and flicker like the real deal).

Image via: Maria Decorating Ideas

Decorating Common Areas

You should also ask about decorating common areas (lobby, break room, etc.).  Although your company may do their own decorations, you might want to get together with coworkers to come up with a decorating scheme that reflects all the diversity of your office.  The season is really about tolerance and brotherhood of man, so it behooves you to make sure all of the many holidays that occur in this season are represented, not just yours.

Evan Fischer writes for Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer the premier law firm for auto accidents and personal injuries.

For more holiday ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Best of 2010 – #4

“How do I Save Energy? It’s so Hot this Summer”

We continue with the Best of 2010 on Stagetecture. From December 27 – December 31st I am counting down the top 5 blog posts on Stagetecture. These are based on the posts that received the most views from you, my readers.

In the heat of the summer, the number one item on everyone’s mind is saving energy! This post came in #4 this year, when the entire world was trying to cool off from the heat AND save energy at the same time. Whether it is summer or winter, these same energy efficiency ideas can be helpful!

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Original Entry #211, July 13, 2010

With record breaking heat in some areas of the United States, and just being darn hot everywhere – how can you even think about saving energy in your home? Low Impact Living has 8 Easy Ways to Save Energy and Money this Summer.

1.  Keep your home at an eco-conscious temperature.  78 degrees is plenty cool in the house.  Turn down the AC and get a programmable thermostat so you’re only cooling the house when you really need to.

2. Work with the sun to keep your house cool.  Close all shutters and blinds during the day to keep the sun out– then open windows at night to cool the house and feel the breeze (if you have any!).

3.  Let the air dry your dishes and clothes. The dryer and dish washer use a lot of energy– and the air does the drying job just as well.  Plus your clothes will last longer.  See some great clothes-drying racks here.

4.  Take shorter showers and do not take baths.  Hot water heating is one of the major uses of energy in any home.  Showers are the way to go– and keep ’em short. Baths use much more water and heat than do baths (unless you’re taking 30 minute showers!).

You can also look into solar hot water.

5. Ditch the beer fridge. It’s amazing how many homes have two refrigerators.  Please do not use more than one fridge.  And if you have an old model, get a newer Energy Star model.

6.  Use ceiling fans rather than A/C.  They are much more energy/-efficient and you can get very reasonably priced Energy Star models.

7.  Get solar screens for your windows. These screens cut 75% of the heat coming through your windows, but don’t impact your visibility. They are really great energy savers.  See solar screens here.

8.  Spend one night each week in candlelight. It’s romantic, fun and inspires new conversation. If you’ve got kids, how about turning off the TV one night and playing a board game by candlelight? Clue would be particularly spooky!

For more green living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Did your co-workers just invite themselves over to your house? How about an old out of town friend calls and wants to see you after 10 years!? Whether these sound like your life, or not – anytime a summer party can be thrown together.  My whole thought is, “Yeah, but will it LOOK thrown together”?

I came across this great article from Apartment Therapy, on how to put together a no-fuss party, and still look like you planned it.  Look at these ideas!

String lights.

No need to tuck away these Christmas staples until chilly season arrives. Simple string lights make a strong impact on summer nights, without the strong dose of holiday kitsch.

Candles.

Candles in jelly jars are hard to beat when it comes to lighting up a festive summer party on the fly. I like to wash and save a few jars a month just for this purpose. For instructions on creating your own, check out crafty nest’s how-to. One caution: not all jars can withstand high heat without shattering, so to be on the safe side stick to tea lights rather than pillar candles. Easier yet, set out soup bowls or shallow vases with an array of floating candles— instant ambiance!

Simple paper decorations.

The talented Brittany Watson, previously featured on Apartment Therapy for her creative work at the Danish Ambassador’s Christmas party, recently threw a launch party for her thesis project, complete with thousands of airplanes crafted out of maps. Simple idea, beautiful result! You can check out more details here. And when in doubt buntings do the trick too.

Fresh flowers.

Easy arrangements in recycled jars and bottles are impossible to get wrong. The more the merrier! For more easy flower inspiration, check out this post on simple sprigs in recycled vases.

Self-serve drink station.

This is not only practical, it’s also fun. Let your guests get creative with their drinks while you get to mingle with other guests.

Utensil station and easily identifiable drinking glasses.

Like the drink station, a little smart prep work beforehand goes a long way saving you many trips to the kitchen during the party. Let guests help themselves to forks and knives, and avoid a million orphaned drinks with a labeling marker or something similar. For laid back parties we use a variety of colored rubber bands that guests can slip around their glasses.

For more summer time party ideas on Stagetecture, click here.