1. Create a Cozy Mason Jar Lantern

Mason jars are perfect for so many crafts, and making a winter lantern is quick and easy. Grab an old mason jar (or any glass jar), and coat the outside with a thin layer of Mod Podge. Sprinkle Epsom salt all over the glue to give the jar a frosted, snowy look. Let it dry, and then drop a battery-operated tea light inside. You’ll have a soft, glowing lantern that brightens any room. Tie some twine or ribbon around the top for a finishing touch. It’s simple, charming, and perfect for cold winter nights.

2. Make a Winter Wreath from Scrap Supplies

Who says wreaths are only for Christmas? A winter-themed wreath can add beauty to your home all season long. Look around for items like old scarves, pinecones, scraps of ribbon, or fabric. Use a wire hanger or an embroidery hoop as the base and wrap it with your materials. Glue on pinecones, buttons, or little trinkets you have lying around. A white or silver ribbon bow at the top will give it a frosty, winter wonderland feel. Hang your wreath on the door, over the mantel, or anywhere you need a little cheer.

3. Handmade Felt Mug Cozies

Nothing beats a hot cup of cocoa, tea, or coffee on a winter day, and you can make it even cozier with a handmade mug cozy. All you need is some felt, scissors, and a needle and thread. Cut a strip of felt to wrap around your mug, leaving room for the handle. Decorate it with buttons, beads, or even some hand-stitched snowflakes. Sew or glue the ends together to fit snugly around the mug. These little cozies not only keep your hands warm but also make great gifts for friends and family.

4. Paint Your Own Snowy Canvas

You don’t have to be a professional artist to enjoy painting! Grab a canvas (or even some cardboard) and a little paint. Use blues, whites, and silvers to create a peaceful snowy landscape. You can paint simple trees, falling snowflakes, or a cozy winter cabin. Add glitter while the paint is still wet for a magical sparkle. Painting is relaxing and helps you focus on creating something beautiful instead of worrying about the cold outside.

5. Decorate a Gratitude Jar

Winter is a great time to reflect on the positive things in your life. Find an old jar and decorate it with paint, ribbon, or whatever you have on hand. Every day, write down one thing you’re thankful for on a slip of paper and drop it in the jar. By the end of winter, you’ll have a jar full of happy thoughts to brighten your day.

Winter might feel long, but crafting can help turn it into a season of creativity and joy. Whether you’re making lanterns, wreaths, or gratitude jars, these simple projects will keep your hands busy and your heart full. So grab some supplies, turn on your favorite music, and craft those winter blues away. Stay cozy, y’all!

The post Crafting Away the Winter Blues first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

Start with a comfortable base layer like a fitted turtleneck or thermal tee. Neutral tones such as black, cream, or taupe set the stage for easy pairing. Add a chunky knit cardigan or a soft sweater for warmth, and top it off with a tailored coat to keep the cold at bay. Opt for coats with clean lines to add sophistication to your layered look.

Now, here’s where things get fun: incorporate animal prints! A leopard scarf, zebra-patterned gloves, or even snakeskin booties can elevate your outfit from simple to stunning. Animal prints act as the perfect accent without overwhelming your ensemble. Not a fan of bold prints? Try a subtle touch, like a cheetah-print belt or a faux fur-trimmed hat.

The key to making this look work for everyone is balance. Keep the animal prints as the star of your accessories while letting your layers remain cozy and classic. Whether you’re heading to Bedford’s holiday markets or catching up with friends over coffee, you’ll feel both fashionable and snug in your layered creation.

This winter, let’s turn heads with cozy chic outfits that roar with confidence—Bedford style!

The post Winter Wardrobe: Cozy Chic Layers with a Wild Twist first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

Create Your Own Countdown Clock

Start the excitement early by crafting a DIY countdown clock. All you need is a large piece of cardboard, a marker, and some creativity! Draw a clock face with numbers and mark the hours leading up to midnight. You can decorate it with glitter, stickers, or whatever you have handy. Set it up in your party area, and let everyone take turns moving the clock hands as the hours pass. This is a fun way to keep the countdown going, especially if you have kids around!

Make Your Own Party Hats

No New Year’s celebration is complete without festive hats. Instead of buying them, make your own! Gather items like construction paper, leftover wrapping paper, ribbon, and stickers. Roll a piece of paper into a cone, tape or glue the edges, and decorate it however you like. Add elastic string or ribbon to secure it under your chin. Let everyone in your household or at the party make their own personalized hat—it’s a great activity and adds a personal touch to the festivities.

Time Capsule Fun

A New Year’s Eve time capsule is a meaningful and creative way to reflect on the past year. Grab a shoebox or a jar and have each person write down their favorite memories, funny stories, or even their hopes for the upcoming year. You can also include small keepsakes like photos, ticket stubs, or drawings. Seal the capsule and agree to open it next New Year’s Eve. It’s a wonderful tradition that gets better each year!

Glittery Toast Glasses

Turn ordinary glasses into something sparkly for your midnight toast. Use clear plastic cups or any old glasses you have at home. Coat the rims with a little glue (non-toxic, of course!) and dip them in glitter or colorful sugar crystals. You can even use paint pens to write names or wishes on each glass. This simple touch makes your toast feel extra special and adds a bit of sparkle to the night.

DIY Confetti Poppers

Celebrate the countdown with homemade confetti poppers! Take empty toilet paper rolls, wrap them in colorful paper, and fill them with confetti made from cut-up magazines or tissue paper. Seal one end with tape or tissue paper and tie the other with ribbon. When the clock strikes midnight, everyone can pop their confetti to welcome the New Year in style!

Have a Gratitude Hour

Take a moment before the big countdown to go around and share what you’re thankful for from the past year. It’s a heartwarming way to reflect on the good times and set a positive tone for the year ahead. You can even write your gratitude notes on slips of paper and keep them in a jar as a keepsake.

Whether you’re crafting decorations, making time capsules, or creating confetti poppers, the New Year is all about celebrating in ways that bring joy and togetherness. Get creative, involve your loved ones, and make it a night to remember. Happy New Year, y’all!

The post Ring in the New Year with Creative Celebrations first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

Unique sweaters have become a festive staple for parties, family gatherings, and even casual Fridays at work. If you don’t already have one tucked away in your closet, there’s no need to worry—Bedford offers plenty of options to help you stand out. Local thrift shops and craft stores are great places to find vintage gems or plain sweaters to transform into your own masterpiece. Add some pom-poms, garland, or even miniature stockings to create a look that’s uniquely you.

For those looking to show off their quirky fashion, consider hosting or attending an Ugly Sweater Contest. Bedford’s community centers and churches often hold fun, festive events where you can showcase your holiday flair. If you’re feeling extra spirited, why not organize a sweater walk in your neighborhood? Strolling in style is a surefire way to spread smiles and warm hearts.

So grab your glue gun, dig into your craft bin, and let your imagination shine brighter than Rudolph’s nose. Whether you’re decking yourself out or cheering for someone else’s sweater ingenuity, let’s make Bedford a little brighter this Christmas—one quirky sweater at a time!

The post Spreading Holiday Cheer with Quirky Christmas Sweaters first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

What You’ll Need

Here’s a list of items you can use to make your ornaments:

• Corks
• Pinecones
• Seashells
• Old buttons
• Scraps of ribbon or twine
• Acrylic paint
• Hot glue gun or craft glue
• Small beads, glitter, or stickers for decoration
• Hooks or loops for hanging

You don’t have to use all of these things—just gather whatever you have on hand. Now, let’s get started!

Ornament Idea #1: Cork Snowmen

Transform leftover corks from wine bottles into cute little snowmen! Start by painting the cork white and letting it dry. Then, use black paint or a marker to add dots for the eyes, mouth, and buttons. A tiny piece of orange paper or a painted toothpick can be glued on as the nose. Tie a ribbon or scrap of fabric around the cork for a scarf, and glue a loop of string to the top so you can hang it on your tree.

Ornament Idea #2: Pinecone Christmas Trees

Pinecones are a gift from nature and make perfect mini Christmas trees. Paint the tips of the pinecone green or white to mimic snow. Glue on tiny beads or sequins as ornaments, and add a small star (cut from paper or foam) to the top. Attach a piece of twine to the base so you can hang it up. These look so pretty and rustic on any tree!

Ornament Idea #3: Seashell Angels

If you’ve got seashells from a summer trip, turn them into angel ornaments. Use a large shell for the body and a smaller one for the wings. Glue the smaller shell to the back of the larger one. Add a bead or button at the top for the angel’s head, and draw on a tiny face if you’d like. Finish by gluing on a loop of twine for hanging. These angel ornaments are unique and bring a touch of the beach to your tree!

Ornament Idea #4: Button Wreaths

Old buttons can be turned into adorable mini wreaths. String green and red buttons onto a piece of wire or sturdy string, alternating colors as you go. Once you’ve made a full circle, twist the ends of the wire together and tie a bow at the top. Add a loop of ribbon for hanging, and your button wreath is ready to go!

Tips for Crafting Your Ornaments

• Always be careful with hot glue, especially when working with kids.
• Mix and match decorations to make your ornaments unique.
• Don’t worry about perfection—homemade ornaments are meant to be fun and full of character!

Making ornaments from everyday items is a wonderful way to spend time with family and create lasting memories. Plus, these crafts are eco-friendly and budget-friendly! So grab your supplies, get creative, and make your Christmas tree one-of-a-kind this year. Happy crafting!

The post Deck the Halls: DIY Christmas Ornaments from Everyday Treasures first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

What You’ll Need

To make bottle lights, gather these simple supplies:

• Empty glass bottles (wine bottles, soda bottles, or any interesting shape you like)
• A string of battery-operated LED fairy lights for each bottle (look for warm white or amber to create a cozy effect)
• Optional decorations: twine, fake leaves, mini pumpkins, fall-themed stickers, acrylic paint
• A small paintbrush or sponge, if you plan to paint
• Scissors

Once you have all your materials, you’re ready to start creating your Thanksgiving bottle lights!

Step 1: Clean and Prepare Your Bottles

Start by cleaning your bottles. Remove any labels by soaking them in warm, soapy water for about 20 minutes. This will loosen the labels, making it easier to peel them off. Rinse your bottles and let them dry completely before moving on. Clear glass works best for this project because it lets the light shine through, but tinted bottles can add a unique look as well!

Step 2: Decorate the Bottles (Optional)

If you want to make your bottles more festive, now’s the time to decorate! Here are a few ideas:

• Twine Wrap: Wrap twine around the neck of the bottle and tie it in a bow for a rustic look.
• Fall Stickers: Stick some fall-themed stickers or cutouts, like pumpkins, leaves, or turkeys, onto the outside of the bottle.
• Painted Designs: Use acrylic paint to add your own designs, such as leaves or dots, around the bottle. You don’t have to paint the whole thing—just a few details can add a special touch.

Make sure the decorations don’t block too much of the bottle’s surface so the lights can shine through. Give the paint time to dry if you use it.

Step 3: Add the Fairy Lights

Once your bottle is ready, take your fairy lights and gently feed them into the bottle. You might have to adjust them a bit to spread the lights out evenly. Leave the battery pack outside the bottle so you can turn the lights on and off easily. If the battery pack is distracting, you can tuck it behind the bottle or use a bit of tape to keep it hidden.

Step 4: Arrange Your Bottles

Place your bottle lights around the house or use them as a centerpiece on your Thanksgiving table. Try grouping several bottles together for a bigger impact, or mix them with pumpkins, pinecones, and small gourds to create a beautiful fall-themed arrangement.

Step 5: Light Up and Enjoy

Now for the fun part—turn on your lights and enjoy the warm, ambient glow! These bottle lights are perfect for adding a cozy feel to your home on Thanksgiving, and they make a great conversation starter. Plus, after Thanksgiving, you can keep them up for the rest of fall or even through the winter by adjusting the decorations.

Making bottle lights is a fun and easy project that brings warmth to your home for the holidays. With a few simple supplies, you can create a decoration that’s both beautiful and eco-friendly. Happy crafting and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

The post Glow Up Your Thanksgiving: DIY Bottle Lights for Cozy Holiday Ambience first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

Light Layers and Breezy Blouses – Start with the basics. Light layering is key when temperatures are in flux. Opt for a classic button-down shirt in a breathable fabric like cotton or linen. These materials keep you cool while still giving off that cozy, layered vibe we associate with fall. Pair your button-down with a simple tank underneath and roll up the sleeves for a casual, relaxed look.

Stylish Vests – Vests are a fantastic way to maintain the fall aesthetic without the bulk of a full sweater. Choose a quilted or knit vest to layer over long-sleeve shirts. They add dimension to your outfit and provide just enough warmth for those cooler mornings without making you overheat by midday.

Dresses with Boots – Dresses can be a great transitional piece, especially when paired with the right accessories. A simple, long-sleeve dress in a fall color or pattern keeps the seasonal spirit alive. To enhance the look, add some knee-high boots. This pairing is both comfortable and chic, perfect for a day out or an evening gathering.

Cardigans Over Tees – Never underestimate the versatility of a good cardigan. A lightweight, open-front cardigan can be thrown over a basic tee or blouse, offering that snug sweater feel without the heaviness. Choose a cardigan in a rich autumn hue like mustard, burgundy, or forest green to keep your look seasonally appropriate.

Lightweight Scarves – Scarves aren’t just for freezing temperatures. A lightweight scarf can add a pop of color and texture to any outfit. Opt for lighter materials like chiffon or silk in fall prints to keep your ensemble looking fresh and festive.

Footwear Focus – Lastly, let’s talk footwear. Swap out the heavy boots for ankle booties or loafers. These are perfect for maintaining that fall look while keeping your feet cool and comfortable. Pair them with your favorite skinny jeans or a midi skirt to complete the outfit.

Embrace those warmer than average days with these stylish alternatives and keep your fall fashion game strong.

The post Styling Through Warmer Fall Weather in Bedford first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.