20 count Craft Lights back in stock!

Craft Lights

20 Count Craft Lights are back in stock! Our short lead sets (17" lead) quickly sold out this year but they are back. Our 20 count mini light sets are some of the most popular strings for use in lighting glass blocks and wine bottles. These incandescent craft christmas lights are available in individual sets or in cases of 24 sets.

Our Green and White Wire sets are available for immediate shipment (as of 7/10/13) so order early and get all the lights you need for your craft projects in the coming months.

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Zach

DIY Hula Hoop Chandelier

Does your patio desperately  need a lighting update? Well if you have a couple of hours and little extra cash,
you will have a very classy and very cool chandelier to spice up the lighting in your outdoor living space. All you have to have for this project is a hula hoop, ribbon, hot glue gun, a little twine and a string of icicle lights.

First, cut 8 pieces of twine about 3 feet long, this way you'll be able to tie them together at the ends to hang it. Start tying them onto the hula hoop, they should look like spokes on a bike wheel.

Next, grab your ribbon and the hot glue gun. put a few dots of glue where you want to start wrapping your ribbon, just to secure it. Wrap your ribbon all the way around your hula hoop, be sure to not leave any space uncovered. When you reach a piece of twine, be sure to cover the knot with ribbon and continue wrapping. Secure the end with a little hot glue.

Then it is time to start attaching your icicle lights. In our opinion, using zip ties are perfect for this. They are  simple and quick, plus you won't even notice them. Just wrap the lights around, they won't be perfect but that is part of the fun in this project.

Now, pull all of your strings together and tie them in one knot. Be sure to even it out and make the hula hoop pretty balanced. Plug in an extension cord and hoist it up to the ceiling.

This project is very easy and can be used for so many occasions, but using it for outdoor lighting is perfect. It gives of an almost romantic glow. Have fun and try it out! You might surprise yourself with how much you enjoy it and you get satisfaction of knowing you did all yourself.

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Hannah
All American Christmas Co.

DIY Garden Lights

Summer is quickly approaching and I think a lot of people out there are trying to think of fun and new ways to spice up their favorite outdoor spaces. Let's try making some glowing garden lights.Whether it is your backyard, garden or even just your flower beds, this little project will be perfect.

All you are going to need is a couple of the globe light covers, which you can find at any thrift store or hardware store. And a few strings of mini lights, you can choose any color you like. An extension cord, just in case you aren't near a plug. You might also want to get some spray paint, if you want to change the color of your globes.

Now, choose where you want your glowing garden lights to go. The possibilities are endless, it all just depends on your outdoor spaces. These would be nice around a pool, lining a walkway for a wedding or party, setting in your garden and flower beds so you can enjoy them any time of day. You find what works for you. 

Next, stuff your garden globes with mini lights, as many as you like. If you want more light, use more mini light strings. And vice versa. You may also consider using LED lights since they use less energy and might be more friendly with your electric bill. 

Last, put your glowing garden globes in their place and light them up. This is your chance to sit back and
enjoy your handy work. This might be the most affordable and simplest DIY project you can do for your outdoor spaces. Have fun and enjoy your new creation!

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Hannah

All American Christmas Co. 

DIY Twine Ball Light Garland

It's the time of year that people are getting ready for summer and wanting to get creative with outdoor decorations. We have a simple little DIY project that will help you spice up your patio, party or even your wedding. Let's try to make twine-ball light garlands. It is one of those projects that can get messy and take a little more time but it is something that you can make yourself or even get the kids involved in. You can make them any color you wish, match your decor or make them an accent color. Once you light them, all you will notice is the stunning pattern of fairy lights everywhere.

You are going to have to gather a few supplies.

• Twine - Colored or Plain
• PVA Glue - Can be found in any craft store. 
• Corn Flour
• Warm Water
• Balloons
• Marker
• Vaseline
• Old Tray for Glue Mixture
• A broom or something else to hang the balloons from.
• Light Strings - These can be either traditional mini lights or LED lights.
• Fishing Line
• Spray Paint - If you choose to paint the balls to make them more vibrant. 

First, blow up all of your balloons. Make sure you have one for the number of twine balls you want to make. After you have blown them up, draw a circle around the top of the balloon with your marker so you know where to stop your twine. Last, smear your balloons with a thin coat of Vaseline, so that the twine does not adhere to your balloons. 

Now, tie a piece of string to the knotted end of each balloon, then tie them to the broom or other stand. This will allow you to work more easily with the balloons, but be sure to have a drop cloth or some thing to catch the excess glue mixture.

Next, it is time to finally make your glue mixture. Mix up PVA glue, a few tablespoons of cornstarch and warm water. You want this mixture to be smooth and not too runny, and make sure you have plenty of this mixture, twine is quite absorbent.

Then, take the twine and dip it into the glue mixture, run it through so it is soaked. Begin wrapping it around the balloons, both vertically and horizontally until you  get the desired effect. When you finish wrapping them, snip off the end of the twine and tuck it under another piece so it does not stick out. Repeat this step for all the balloons.

Now, you need to let these dry overnight.After they are totally dry, you might notice they have gotten hard. If they aren't hard they are not dry yet,  let them sit and dry the rest of the way. In the drying process, balloons will begin to pop, if they don;t go ahead and pop them yourself. then pull the remaining pieces out from the twine balls. 

Last, you are ready to spray paint! Give your twine balls a nice coat of paint just to boost the vibrancy of the colors. When that is dry, you are ready to attach them to lights. All you need to do it, push the light down in a hole through the twine and make sure they are secure.

And there you have it, a fun and easy project to add a little extra pizzazz to any outdoor party or space!

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Hannah

All American Christmas Co. 

25 count LED Craft Lights lower price!

We are blowing out our price on our LED Craft lights with 25 bulbs. We dropped the prices and soon will be offering them by cases as well. These sets offer the same functionality as incandescent craft lights, 25 lights, only one plug, and have all the great LED benefits!

We have had great success with our 20 count LED Craft lights and wanted to offer the 25 count sets at a lower price, they are now $7.49 which is same price per bulb as the 20 count! So if you're lighting wine bottles or blocks or are just wanting to try our LED in your craft nows the time! We think the advantages out weight the difference in price and if you are making them to sell your customers will ultimately will be happier because the lights will last 10 times longer!

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Zach

DIY LED Light Canvases

Most people are becoming more and more fond of little DIY projects. Why not find some of those extras LED Christmas light strings you have left over and try to do something fun and creative with them. Making the LED light canvases are easy, fun and can be used for so many occasions.

First, you will want to make a template. You can draw this on paper or draw directly on the back of the canvas. the design options are endless, you can even customize them for any occasion. You will also want to make sure you have close to the same number of holes that you have lights. Second, you will need to have something to poke holes in your canvas, a screwdriver (with a smaller tip) is the easiest tool to use. And we all have one on hand. Third, if you want to paint your canvas you will have to find the paint that you like. Next, a string of LED Christmas lights. You can use craft LED lights, standard LED light string or battery operated LEDs. You make the choice of what would be best for your application, if you do use the ones with a plug make sure you have an outlet near by the place it will be displayed  Last, duct tape, just to make sure the lights are secured to the back of the canvas.

Now, if you are going to paint your canvas, that will be the first step. You should paint it with two coats, just to make sure you have really good coverage. You don't want spots showing up, that aren't covered, after you inserted your lights. You might even try chalkboard paint. Then you can change the text for different occasions, like holidays or weddings.

Next, you will use  your template and screwdriver to start making the design. Make sure you use a smaller screwdriver so that you have small holes, you only want them large enough to get the end of the light through.  Follow your pattern until all holes are punched. Or if you like, you can make a random pattern to look like a night sky. The possibilities are endless, if it is going in a child's room you could try constellations or a floral pattern. If it is going in a kitchen, you could make copy a design from your favorite dishes. If it's going in a living room, try using inspirational words. Let your imagination get carried away.

Then,start putting the lights in. Push them in bulb first through the hole, you might have to push a little harder to make the bulb fit if the hole was a little to small. But you do want the bulbs to fit tight, that way they won't fall out. Also, be sure to secure the lights to  the back of canvas with duct tape. You don't want extra wire dangling around on the back of your new project.

All that is left is to plug it in or turn on the battery pack and admire your DIY talents. These lighted canvases are great for your home, weddings, gifts and even as night lights for the kids. Try it out and see what you think. You might surprise yourself with all that DIY creativity!

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Hannah
All American Christmas Co.