Monday, September 9, 2013

Halloween Mini Lights

It is already almost the middle of September, this year seems to be flying by. But, one of our favorite holidays is coming. Who is ready to do some Halloween decorating? We know we are!

We are very proud to offer a wide selection of lights that will do the job for all Halloween decorations. One of the most commonly used lights for Halloween is the mini light strings. These come in a wide variety of colors and light counts.

The two most popular for this type of application would be the orange mini lights on black wire and the clear mini lights on black wire. These would fit in perfectly no matter what type of overall Halloween decor you decided on. These are also great for indoor or outdoor use, so they are great to use at parties. Your guests will love the ambiance these little lights create.

We also offer a very cool set of mini light icicles for Halloween. This is a 100 light set of icicle lights on black wire with orange bulbs. String these all around your house to show the trick or treaters or party goers their way to the candy and fun. They are fun and festive!

Have a fun and safe holiday and be sure to go all  out with your decorations!

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Icicle Christmas Lights

Icicle lights, one of the easiest and most commonly used ways to decorate a home or business during the holiday season. Hang them along a roof line or gutter and you instantly have holiday cheer surrounding you. These are an old faithful in the Christmas light world, but why not check out all the new options that have come out in the last few years.

There will always be the traditional mini light icicles. These come in 100 and 150 light counts with a variety of colors. But these fun and festive lights also come with a few other options. We offer dripping, twinkling and color changing icicle lights. Some people like these because it gives you a look of dripping ice or falling snow from the roof line. 

Another option that might be a good a choice for businesses are the commercial icicle lights. These are a heavier duty set with tougher wire, 20,000+ hours of life and you can connect 10 sets end to end. This would be useful if you were trying to cover a larger building for the holidays. 

Another option is the popular LED icicle lights.A lot of people have switched over many of their holiday decorations for LED lights over the last few years. One thing people might not think to change is their outdoor icicle lights. But this could be a big money saver around the holidays, especially if you have them on all the time. There really isn't a lot of options for LED icicle lights. They offer two light counts, and three to four color choices. But even with the limited options, there really is something to fit every one's taste.

We are proud to offer a wide selection of icicle lights to meet any decorating needs or desires.

--
Hannah
All American Christmas Co.




Monday, August 19, 2013

Magnetic Christmas Light Clips back in stock

Our Magnetic Christmas Light Clips are coming back in stock and every year sell out very quickly so better stock up now! Magnetic Clips will allow you to mount C7 or C9 lights to an ferrous (magnetic) surface. The clips are designed in such a way to hold the wire on both sides of a bulb socket and will hold the bulb both vertically or horizontally.

These are some of the best clips for C7 and C9 bulbs if you have an area to attach them too, they work great around again roofs and on fences! Be sure to double check the surface with a refrigerator magnet, nothings worse than committing to a clip format and it not work for your application.

Stock on these clips will be limited, as they are every year. So we recommend placing your order early before we're down to just a few packs!

Click here to view our Magnetic Christmas Light Clips

--
Zach
www.aachristmas.com

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Choosing the Right Christmas Light Clips

The holidays will be here before we know it and it will be time to hang those lights again. We know that is only August and it might be a little early to start thinking about your holiday decorations, but you can never be too prepared. Hanging Christmas lights on your roof and windows can be time consuming and frustrating. Especially, being at the top of a ladder and just barley being able to reach that last light to get it just right. Why not try to hang your lights like the professionals by choosing just the right Christmas light clips for your decorating project. Let us give you a few tips for choosing.

Clips for C7 and C9 Lights

A lot of people like the look of a traditional C7 or C9 Christmas light bulb for their home holiday decor. If this is your choice of bulb you will need a clip that can hold a the larger bulb and to set the light in the direction you choose. The best clip for this application is an all application light clip because it can be on gutters, shingles, allows bulbs to  be hung in different directions on gutters or shingles and has folding tabs for a tight grip.Use one clip per bulb for a clean and straight roof line.

Hanging Lights on Shingles

A shingled roof can present a unique problem if you do not have the right clips to hang your lights. Shingle tabs will easily slide neatly right under your roofing shingles. They will stand upright to perfectly display your lights and will not damage your shingles. 


Clips for Icicle Lights

Icicle lights are a traditional look for the holidays. It always puts me in the holiday spirit when i see people in our town putting up there icicle lights. You have to be sure when you hang them that they are hung properly with the right clips, that way they look their best. Multi application clips will work perfectly for this application. These clips will hook onto gutters in a traditional horizontal position, where the icicle wire will run along the bottom of the gutter without sagging. These clips can also hold mini lights, C7 and C9 light strings, which allows you to hang your regular Christmas lights at the same time from the same clip. This will save space, time and give you a layered look. 

Friday, July 12, 2013

USA Made Christmas Light Clips

Christmas Light Clips
New USA Made Christmas Light Clips
At All American Christmas Co. we try to buy American made products as much as possible and recently we got in contact with a company making Christmas light clips right here in the USA and we are proud to be carrying the majority of their clips! These new American made Christmas light clips are made to very exacting specifications and offer new designs to hang a wide variety of lights, from C7 and C9 bulbs to Mini lights and Icicle lights to LED Christmas lights. These new clips are made from stabilized UV plastics so they will outlast the older imported clips when left outdoors. Perhaps the best part is that their prices are not much higher than the older imported clips we had been carrying so you get all the functionality at a competitive price!

We recently put almost all our older style clips on sale so if you still want to stock on the old style and save do so now! But consider trying these new Made in the USA Christmas light clips!

Here are some of the styles we carry:

  • Speed Shingle Tabs and New Flat Roof Adapters - Holds C7, C9, and LED bulbs under shingles or along flat roofs
  • L-Clip - the updated C clip, great for putting along roof lines to hold any screw in bulb socket
  • All New All in one style clips - Variety of clips for holding sockets and strings under shingles or along gutters. Something to fit anyones decorating needs
  • New Mini light adhesive clips - Holds Mini lights and smaller LED sockets, great for outlining doors, windows and more.
  • New Suction cup clips and Hangers - Great for hanging lights in a window
  • New Light Stakes - Incredibly tough light stakes for holding lights along walkways and windows
  • New Rope light clips - Really cool clips to attach rope lights to a surface, can hook together to create unique displays
--
Zach

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

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.

--
Zach

Thursday, June 27, 2013

DIY Decorating Luminara Battery Candles

Who doesn't love battery operated candles? You can turn them on and forget about them, without worry of something catching on fire or you candle wax melting and spilling over onto the carpet. They are a great source of ambient lighting and they are perfectly safe. You can use them in centerpieces for holidays, in kid's rooms and even for special occasions, like weddings. But there are times that we all think, I wish this candle had a little more pizzazz. There is a way to dress up those plain candles, you just have to get creative.

Photo: Crafting Rebellion 
All you have to have for this project is Luminara battery operated candles in any sizes (white or ivory is best), some tissue paper in a pattern that will match the decor  of your room or event, modge podge, scissors and a foam brush. That's it and you are ready to get crafting!


Get out your candles out to measure them. Stand them up and measure them with a ruler. Be sure to leave just a bit of extra length on your tissue paper. It is always best to have a little more than too little. Then cut out your rectangle of tissue paper.

Time to get out your modge podge and cover about 1/3 of your candle. Now lay your paper over the modge podge and gently smooth it out. Tissue paper is very fragile so be sure not to touch it with sticky finger or your paper will lift right off. Just continue on with the same pattern of adding modge podge, paper and smoothing it out until the candle is covered.

When you get the candle covered and find where the edges meet, you need to trim any excess off so that you have very little overlapping.

Photo: Crafting Rebellion
After you have let the candle sit and the modge podge has dried a little you can trim around the bottom of the candle to clean up any edges. If you have any loose edges at the top just add a little more modge podge and smooth it out.

Now, let your candle sit and get really dry. Then you will want to add one more coat of all over modge podge to seal the outside of the candle. The more layers you add, the glossier it will appear and any wrinkles will become less noticeable.

There you have it, a simple and fun way to spice up those plain Luminara candles for any occasion! Now it is time to sit back and enjoy.

--
Hannah
All American Christmas Co. 


Friday, June 21, 2013

Lighted Wedding Backdrop

We have all seen the pictures with those beautifully lit backdrop, using Christmas lights and fabric. We might have even been a little envious that we cannot all have one at our wedding or event. Well now with all the DIY projects out there, you can have the photos you've always dreamed of and you won;t have to break the bank for it. I know some people are out there thinking, what lights would I use? How would I attach them? Well that is exactly what we are here for. There are a few perfect lighting options for this project.

Curtain Lights
Curtain lights are great for a project of this sort. They have a uniform look, which is great for backgrounds of head tables and cake tables at weddings. Most people won't want too much going on behind them as far as a pattern of light goes. Simple is better.  These look stunning when draped with a little sheer fabric to soften the glow just a bit. Curtain lights come in white, green and black wire with white (clear) lights.


Globe Lights
Globe lights are a wonderful choice if you want something a little more outside of the box. These lights are something that you could use for a background of a photo booth or even for a wedding ceremony. Since globe lights come in different sixes, you could even consider mixing them up a bit. Try using G40 and G50 bulbs alternating on the string for a whimsical feel. You also might try using clear and pearl white to give your lights a little more depth. These look great hanging in front of sheer fabric or even just right against the wall.


Fairy Lights
Fairy lights, the faithful light string. These are a tried and true form of lighting for all occasions and events. These would make a great background if you wanted something that was much easier to customize. You can buy as many strings as you like and hang them in any pattern you choose. There are many lengths and colors to choose from. There would be something for every budget and decor. These look great in front of or behind fabric.



We have found a great DIY backdrop frame blog too. It's simple, very easy to understand and it is very inexpensive. This is great project for those that want to build their own instead of renting one, which could end up costing hundreds of dollars! Check out, Dandelions on the Wall.

--
Hannah
All American Christmas Co.

Friday, June 14, 2013

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.

--
Hannah
All American Christmas Co.

Friday, June 7, 2013

Christmas Light Clips on Sale

We are blowing out all our most popular christmas light clips! Prices are knocked down and we are still offering 10% off any online order of $40 or more so stock up know and save.

All American Christmas Co. carries a variety of clips for hanging / mounting lights to a variety of surfaces. All in One and All in One Plus clips allow you to put lights quickly around your roof or clipped to gutters and hold a number of bulbs. Our icicle lights offer fast icicle light string installation (just remember to take them down before valentines day people!). Our Shingle tabs (seen on the left) are great for holding C7 and C9 bulbs under shingles and if you use a parapet clip you can easily outline a building with just some silicon adhesive!

Check out all the Christmas light clips we have to offer and stock now!

--
Zach

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Patriotic Lights and Displays

The Fourth of July is just around the corner and I know everyone is getting excited for the cookouts and parties that come with it. But have you thought about how to decorate for your favorite summer gathering? Here at All American Christmas Company, we are proud to offer a selection of patriotic lights and decorations so that you can show your American pride.

Starlight spheres are great for using outside for late night parties and barbecues. We offer a large selection of sizes, including spheres on stakes to line walkways and driveways. There are even special patriotic options, such as the USA sphere that resembles the American flag and solid colored red, white and blue. You cannot go wrong with this festive globe of light.

I know most people don't think about using light displays for much more than around Christmas time, but we have some great patriotic light displays that are perfect for this time of the year. We offer an American flag and USA in red, white and blue. These are great for hanging outside for your July 4th barbecue. It will not only give a little extra light but also show you're proud to be an American.

One other option to consider is string lights in patriotic colors. These are available in all of your favorite light styles; LED bulbs and strings, mini lights, icicle lights and rope light. Any of the more traditional patriotic lights will work with your decor and give you some fun light so that the party can continue into the night.




Try to get creative with your lighting and have fun. You cannot go wrong with any these options, any of them will be sure to show your American pride on the fourth of July!

--
Hannah
All American Christmas Co.

Monday, June 3, 2013

DIY Party Lights

Nothing says "It's party time!" better than festive lighting. Time to amp up your summer gatherings wtih some easy DIY light projects. These simple little tricks will help to light up any  of your outdoor summer fiestas and they will look great indoors all year round.

Let's gather up some supplies.
Ribbon Tassel Lights
You can choose any ribbon to match your theme or just solid colors that will work indoors or out all year. Start by cutting your ribbon into 6" strips. Apply a small amount of hot glue all the way around the first globe light socket. Press on a row of ribbon strips. Make sure you press them down and make sure they are very secure. Repeat this process until you have made your way all the way down the socket and you are happy with the tassel. Finish up by gluing a strip around the messy end of your ribbon. This will make it look much cleaner. 

Friday, May 24, 2013

Wedding Light Inspiration

Yes folks, it is wedding season again. This is such an exciting time for so many people across the country. Young brides are abuzz trying to decide on the perfect decor for their big day. We want you to be sure and not forget about a very crucial part of your wedding day. The lighting. Now we understand that in these times so many people are trying to plan on a budget. We totally understand, lighting might not rank very highly on the "to purchase for wedding" list. We just think you should consider one thought; A well-lit space, a space that utilizes a very carefully thought out light design is key to achieving the right mood and atmosphere for your wedding and reception. The right lighting can be your best friend. It can actually compliment your decor, while still being an element all of its own.

With that being said, lets move on to a few ideas to make the best of your venue with the perfect wedding lighting.


Friday, May 10, 2013

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!

--
Hannah

Friday, May 3, 2013

White Wire Curtain Lights back in stock!

We just found out we're getting our shipment of White Wire 150 count Curtain lights back in stock! Order them up before they are gone again. These curtain lights are very popular and we have had many requests for them and we're glad to be getting them back in.

As of 5/3/13 we have these curtain lights, so order early! Click here to check these Curtain Lights

--
Zach

Thursday, May 2, 2013

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.

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!

--
Hannah
All American Christmas Co. 

Monday, April 29, 2013

DIY Origami Light Garland

From: Wit & Whistle
Are you looking for a fun and unique lighting idea for a wedding or special event? We have found one that might be just right.A fun little project we call Origami Light Garland. What could be more fun than a string of glowing paper cubes? These are simple, inexpensive and really fun to create. The possibilities for color combinations and paper patterns are endless.

You will need to get your supplies together first. You need paper in your choice of pattern, just make sure it is thin enough to let light glow through it.A string of lights, either traditional mini lights or LED lights, if you are concerned about a fire hazard.

Now, you will need to cut your paper into squares, about 8.5" x 8.5". You will need enough squares that you have a cube for each bulb on your string. Then you are going to fold your paper as follows:

From: Wit & Whistle
After you have folded all of your paper cubes, all you have to do is poke your lights through the holes. No glue or tape needed. There you have it, it i that simple. Just be sure to let your creativity flow and you will can have a blast doing this little project.

--
Hannah

Thursday, April 25, 2013

25 count LED Craft Lights lower price!

LED Craft lights
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!

--
Zach

Monday, April 22, 2013

LED Battery Lights

There has been some great improvement in the last few years when it comes to battery powered lights. Now, All American Christmas Company is proud to offer a 3 different types of battery operated led lights. All three types of LED battery lights have all the benefits of other LED lights strings, no heat, low power usage and bright, true colors. You are going to get so much from these little light strings, especially if you are planning to use them in crafts.
M5 LED
Concave LED
20 count Concave and M5 style LED battery lights come in several color options, all bright and true to name. Concave battery lights use 3 'AA' batteries and you will get approximately 25 hours before the brightness changes. There is a 4 inch bulb spacing and 12 inch lead from battery pack to the first bulb. Concave and M5 LED light strings are great for crafts, such as Lighted Canvases. 


Ultra Thin LED
18 count ultra thin LED battery lights are similar to other LED battery lights but the bulb and wire styles are much different, being much smaller and thinner than regular LED light strings. These also come in several color and are ultra bright. Ultra thin LEDs use 3 'AA' batteries and have a 4 inch bulb spacing and 12 inch lead. Ultra Thin LED lights are great for costumes. 



If you are considering doing some lighted crafts or fun costumes, these little lights might be perfect. Easy to use and no extension cords to worry about. 

--
Hannah
All American Christmas Co. 


Thursday, April 18, 2013

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!

--
Hannah
All American Christmas Co.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Traditonal Style LED Bulbs

We are all big fans of the traditional look of the C7 and C9 Christmas bulbs. Well, why not upgrade and go for the LED version of these lights. Retrofit LED lights will fit into any standard C7 or C9 socket, this way you only have to change your bulbs and not all of your wire. This will help you keep flexibility and still get all of the benefits from LED bulbs. 

One of the huge benefits of switching to retrofit LED's is the energy efficiency. An LED bulb uses only .96 watts per bulb, with incandescent bulbs they will use 5 to 7 watts per bulb. This alone will  help you save money on your energy bill when you are using these lights. You will also get so much more from your wire. You can get about 800 bulbs per string if your are using 18 gauge SPT-1 wire, this is going to save you so much hassle when putting up and taking down your decorations. 

We try to offer only the best retrofit LED lights, so that they sit flush in the socket, the color is true to name and the color is even. We offer a wide array of colors and even twinkle and color change bulbs. There is something for every taste and every occasion. 

--
Hannah
All American Christmas Co. 

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Light Your Patio With Patio Lights


Lighting up your patio or outdoor living space can really increase the appeal of your backyard. Just use some bistro lighting to create a fun and inviting outdoor area. With summer coming you are going to want to spend more time in these outdoor spaces, socializing and enjoying cool summer evenings. Luckily we are here to help find the perfect patio lighting that will meet your needs.

Globe Lights will Hang Like Stars in the Night Sky
Try using Patio lights to brighten your patio area, creating a sparkling night sky effect or use bright colors for summery party lights. Spring and Summer patio lighting ideas might include, wedding celebrations,  graduations, summer holidays, and birthdays. Try using them along decks and overhangs, between trees and other natural landscapes and even from wall to wall. 

Choose your bulbs, globe lights come in a variety of sizes and colors. After you have chosen your bulbs, decide on your stringer. These are available in white or green and have many lengths and socket spacing. Choosing the right one for you is just a  matter of decorating taste. 
  • Colors include: 
    • Clear
    • Pearl White
    • Satin Multi - Red, Blue, Green, Pink and Orange
  • Sizes Include:
    • G30 (C7 and C9 Base)- 1 1/8" Diameter
    • G40 (C7 and C9 Base)- 1 1/2" Diameter
    • G50 (C7 and C9 Base)- 2" Diameter
--
Hannah
All American Christmas Co. 

Friday, March 29, 2013

Uses for Rope Light



The flexibility you have when using rope light in home lighting projects are endless. Rope light is one of the easiest lights to incorporate to your decor because there are not many wires to tuck away. Just be sure to measure your light properly. Here are some uses and tips for installing your flex light.

Under Kitchen Cabinets - This is great for a soft or indirect glow under your cabinets. It will also be helpful to have a little extra light shining on your counter tops. To attach these to the cabinets, you can find hooks that will screw right into the cabinets, quick and easy to install and remove.

Transform Trees - Wrap the trunk of your trees in the backyard. It would be easiest to wrap and work with the smaller trees. This will add a little ambient lighting for your outdoor events and parties.

Decorate Your Deck - Wrap rope lighting around the hand rail and deck posts of your deck. Great  for summer
entertaining and just to relax outside on your own deck.

Light Your Path - Line your walkway with flex lighting. This will be simple and great for you or your guests that will be coming and going in the evening.


Now that you have a few ideas on how to use your flex light, let me give you a few tips on how to measure correctly.

Use Twine - Using twine is the easiest way to accurately measure your area for lighting. It is very inexpensive and easy to get around tight and unusual places. Start by securing the twine close to where you want to begin your outline.

Make an Outline - Run it around the perimeter of where you want to use your flex light. Make sure to attach it to key angles, likes corners.

Measure - When you've completed the outline, cut off the piece of twine. Measure with a tape measure, the length of lighting you will need for the project.

Leave Some Slack - Remember to leave about 15% in excess. You want to be absolutely sure that you have to correct amount and only have to cut once.

This can be a really fun project to add a little jazz to different spaces. Try using it in your home or for your next party. Everyone will love the new and unique ideas you can come up with.

--
Hannah
All American Christmas Co.



Friday, March 22, 2013

Creating custom Curtain Lights for Weddings

Curtain Lights

One of our most popular blogs is on using curtain lights, the most popular trends in recent memory for weddings and receptions is to use incandescent curtain lights behind some sort of tulle or sheer fabric, this creates a subtle glow and effect that is a great backdrop for any event. Sadly our white wire 150 count curtain lights we have on www.aachristmas.com are sold out until later in the year, and while we do have our commercial curtain lights which are very heavy duty this blog will focus on creating your own custom curtain lights!

To build your own curtain lights you need some male & female plugs, 18 gauge wire, and some mini light strings.

In a nutshell you have to use the wire and plugs to create a long "power strip" you have to measure the plugs out in the spacing you want to go with for the curtain drops, we recommend staying with 6" or 12" to keep it easy to do the footage calculations in your head. You have to modify the female plugs that go in line by cutting out one side of the plug. Click here to view how to modify plugs.  Many companies sell a premade curtain light string that is just a long power strip that you can plug mini light strings into. Be aware of the distance you need to cover before you tackle any project.

When it comes to choosing the right mini light strings for the curtain lights you need to know how tall the lights need to hang down, most customers need around 10 feet of lighted length ( 2.5" spaced 50 count Mini lights work well for this) but depending on your application you'd really need to take a look at the 50 count Mini light strings we offer to find a good match, or maybe even 100 counts if you need TALL curtains.  After you make your power string you simply plug in the light strings and you'll have your very own custom curtain light strings.
Custom Curtain Lights
Simple Diagram of how to layout Custom Curtain lights
It's good to always have some zip ties on hand to keep any long or extra wire wrapped up and keep things uniform.

Visit http://www.aachristmas.com/vpasp/mini-lights.asp For light strings
Visit http://www.aachristmas.com/vpasp/electrical_supplies.html for Wire and Plugs

--
Zach Broyles

Monday, March 18, 2013

Concerning out of stock items

The 3 red words no one wants to see OUT OF STOCK! We try our best to keep our site as up to date as possible and 99.99999% of anything that says out of stock is, now we get questions as to when products will be back in and this varies depending on the item. During the earlier part of the year most items that say they are out wont be back in until late summer/early fall.

We will update the site as soon as we get them back in (as well as the blog, facebook, etc). Our smaller Curtain Lights on White wire and Shorter Lead 20 count craft lights are by far our most requested items that are out of stock. We do however carry Commercial Curtain Lights and different 20 count Craft lights. Bookmark our site, like us on Facebook, and check the blog regularly for all All American Christmas Co. updates!

--
Zach

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

All About Mini Lights

Clear Mini Lights
Green Wire Clear Mini Lights

Mini Lights

Mini lights, the small glass bulbs Christmas lights that adorn houses, businesses, restaurants all over the country. These have become a staple in decorating and while they are definitely still commonly referred to as "Christmas Lights" they are in no way just for the holiday season. In 2013 All American Christmas Co. plans to tighten the screws on our Mini Lights and try to simplify the staggering amount of choices there are. 

Differences to consider when choosing Mini Lights

There are a handful of differences between Mini Christmas light strings and if you're not well informed subtle things can dramatically change how you'll have to approach lighting a project. Use the info below to give you a little insight on how to use Mini christmas lights
  • Bulb Spacing - This is the distance from bulb to bulb. This detail should come with the largest caveat, spacings are almost never exact and should be taken as approximations. The wire between the bulbs can often be cut at different lengths that will give slightly different spacings. The most common factory spacings are 2.5", 4", & 6" but like I mentioned before the variance in construction can take spacings from 2" to 3" and 4.5" to 5.5" just depends on the production runs. All American Christmas Co. tries to offer the most accurate spacing measurements possible.
  • Bulb Count - This one is pretty easy, just the count of bulbs on a light string. There is a varying amount of options for some counts on the spacings and what not but for the most part this is pretty self explanatory.  The number of bulbs on a string range from 10, 15, 20, 35, 50, 100, and 150. The most common counts are 50 and 100, with the majority of bulb spacings being available for those two counts.
  • Lead Wire - A "Lead" is the length of wire from the male plug of a light string to the first bulb. This amount of wire can vary depending on the manufacturer with some sets having short leads that are close to the spacing of the set itself and some sets have long leads which easy in decorating with a sing string. Most lead wires are shorter on longer sets and longer on shorter sets.
  • Lighted Length - Lighted length refers to the footage from the first bulb to last bulb. This can vary depending on the spacing of the bulbs themselves and the lighted length is pretty easily calculated. Simple take the Total number of bulbs minus one multiply by the spacing (in inches) and then divide by 12 this will give the total footage. Example: (100-1) x 4" = 396" , 396"/ 12 = 33 feet
  • Bulb Voltage  - Mini light bulbs are not universal, if you've ever tried to replace mini light bulbs with bulb voltages that aren't the same you'll notice certain bulbs will burn hotter and inevitably will burn out faster. The most common voltage 2.5 volt and are 50 & 100 bulb count strings. As the bulb count drops the voltage goes up, 35 count have 3.5 volt, 20 count have 6 volt, 15 count have 8 volt, and 10 count and have 12 volt. 
--
Zach

Friday, February 22, 2013

New Globe Light Cases.

Globe Lights for Weddings

New Globe Light Cases

All American Christmas Co. is proud to offer Globe lights in smaller cases. Previously we had carried all of our globe lights in cases of 500 bulbs but our most recent purchase was shipped in cases of 250 bulbs so they are smaller, easier to ship (many 500 count shipped oversize), and give you a big savings over buying individual boxes.

Our G30, G40, and G50 Globe light bulbs are great for use on Patios, hanging in Christmas tree lots, Restaurants, and for Weddings. Apart from offering a wide selection of in stock bulbs and wire and light strings. We carry the Christmas light style strings, the Molded Wire, and the twisted wire with ceramic style sockets.

Visit our Globe Lights page to check out all our new Globe light cases and strings.
--
Zach

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

New affordable LED Craft Lights

New LED Craft Lights at All American Christmas Co.

Using short Mini light strings for lighting up blocks and bottles is old news and has been discussed in excess on this blog but late last year All American Christmas Co started carrying a brand new line of 20 count LED Craft lights that are much more affordable and functional than previous incarnations of LED Craft sets.

LED Craft Lights
Wide Angle (Concave) Bulb
The New LED Craft Light strings we carry feature Wide Angle 5mm LED bulbs (shown left) these style bulbs offer the widest viewing angle and most vibrant colors in our opinion. These sets feature a 36" long lead wire from the plug to the first bulb so you (or your customers) won't need a extension cord for simple decorating applications. Bulb spacing is approximately 3 inches with an over all lighted length of approx. 4.75 feet. This string will be perfect for both wine bottles and glass blocks and other popular craft projects. They come on both Green and White wire with most standard colors available so you aren't stifled by LED's lack of variety! Now for the best part, prices for the LED Craft Lights range from $5.49 to $6.99 depending on the color of the bulb, so you're not spending 10 times the money for a light string.

What are the real advantages of switching Crafts to LED?

If you are used to using Craft mini light strings you're probably spending somewhere around $3 a set, for 2 or 3 more dollars you'll be saving yourself time, headaches, and in the end money! LED sets are rated at 50,000 hours of burn time, now we think that number is a little extreme but even 20,000 hours is a vast improvement over the 2,500 hours you get from incandescent lights. Our LED Craft light bulbs are molded in so you wont have to deal with bulbs coming loose or twisting during installs and they generate little to no heat because they don't have a filament heating up so your crafts won't even be warm to the touch. If you make lighted wine bottles for a side business or even a full time job you'll find that increasing your price to give your customer a product that will last longer, use less power, and give the same beautiful effect will be a smarter investment in the long run.

Now you may think,"The look won't be the same!" and you're right. LED lights are a different look, the way the light is made isn't the same method so they give off a different light, but we carry Warm White lights that match the color of Clear mini lights very well and honestly LED colors look a million times better than incandescent because they aren't lighting up painted glass the diode actually lights up the desired color. Below is a comparison of Warm White LED lights and Clear (white) Mini Christmas Lights.
Warm White Versus Clear Bulbs
Warm White LED VS. Clear Incandescent Bulbs

--
Zach
All American Christmas Co.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Globe lights for Weddings

Globe Lights for Weddings
Globe Light Bulb on C9 wire.

Globe Lights for Weddings

All American Christmas Co. carries a wide variety of light strings and bulbs that can fit in to about any application or holiday. One of the most popular "Christmas Light" bulbs for use during other events are Globe lights, these round bulbs are a classic style bulb that don't appear at all Christmas-y. These have skyrocketed in popularity in the past few years for us in weddings because almost any theme can find a place for these lamps. This blog will again cover Globe bulbs and their uses in Weddings.

Friday, January 4, 2013

DIY Mini Light Garland


We all know that these days we are trying to do more DIY projects. They help to save money but also they can help you to completely customize the wedding or party to the theme with recycled mini lights and inexpensive cups or cupcake papers. Now who can say no to that? One way to add fun and festive customization is to make covers for your mini lights to string around the room or venue. You can do this in several different ways using several different products. Some people use cupcake pan liners, clear plastic party cups covered with fabric or covering Dixie cups with scrapbook paper that matches your party décor.



Friday, November 30, 2012

Repairing Christmas Displays

When All American Christmas Co. got started we mainly focused at selling lights to cities and businesses for large decorating jobs, and during the season we sold (and still do sell) countless screw in C7 and C9 bulbs for repairing large Christmas Displays. Most displays are put up late november and are burning for many hours and since incandescent bulbs have a bulb life from 2,500 or 3,000 hours their life gets eaten up pretty quick during the season. Inevitably bulbs burn out and break after being moved in and out of storage so it's a good plan to have spare bulbs in the colors you need on hand.

For the most part repairing displays be it Pole Mounted pieces, Ground mount, or building mount is fairly straight forward.

  • Give any display a once over before you put power to it, any broken bulbs should be removed (wear gloves when dealing with broken glass) and make sure the cord has no cuts or breaks that could cause a short.
  • After you check the bulbs and wire plug the display in, note any burned out bulbs and remove them. Adjust the wire if it's shifted to create a uniform appearance, if sockets have loosened affix them to the frame with new tape or zip ties.
  • Once the displays is completely reviewed you can begin to replace the bulbs that were shot, now one caveat new Incandescent bulbs are almost always brighter and whiter (for clear anyway) than bulbs that have been up for a season or two. Some times this can create brighter spots on a display but if you need to get it up and lit it's usually not a huge deal, just be aware of it
  • Always test your displays before you get on a job or hang them up because of Murphy's Law, what can go wrong will go wrong. And being able to stay on top of potential problems will help alleviate headaches down the road.
Now incandescent lights will have be repaired and replaced every season, thats the nature of the beast. Most cities are making the switch to LED bulbs. LED C7 and C9 bulbs let you use the displays you love without having to completely strip them and rewire the frame.  Both of our LED screw in bulbs use .96 watts per bulb, whereas Incandescent C7 use 5 watts and C9 use 7 so there's a tremendous savings in power consumption. LED bulbs have a bulb life rated at 50,000 hours, which is pretty long and while no one will guarantee bulbs for that long period of time LEDs will outlast old school bulbs by many many years. Screw in LEDs are also made of durable plastic so they wont shatter and their colors do not fade because the LED inside the bulb itself is making the color not the color of the plastic itself. They may have a higher up front cost but making the switch will save many man hours of repair time and save a lot of money on the power bill.

For more info on our bulbs visit www.aachristmas.com
For more info on our Christmas Displays visit www.allamericanchristmas.com

--
Zach

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

20 count Craft lights back in stock

We have our 20 count Craft lights with short lead wires back in stock! We bought all our supplier had so we would have as many as possible in stock for as long as possible in 2013, but as you can see we don't have a ton! So stock up early so you can have some for all your craft projects next year.

We are also considering buying new wine bottles in various styles, we are talking to many of our largest craft light strings purchasers about carrying wine bottles and have found a great supplier for bottles of all colors, shapes, and styles! Stay tuned to our blog or facebook for more info!

Click here to go to our Craft Lights page to shop.

--
Zach
All American Christmas Co.
www.aachristmas.com
www.allamericanchristmas.com

Monday, November 12, 2012

New C7 LED Globe Lights

We are big fans of Globe lights here at All American Christmas Co. and over the past few years they have become more and more popular for year around applications but just in time for the 2012 holiday season we have got in new LED C7 Globe lights in G40 and G50 size.

These LED Globe bulbs are the same basic size as their incandescent counterparts except you get all the great LED benefits of very low wattage, bright vibrant colors, and ability to string a seemingly endless number of bulbs together.

We have both C7 and C9 LED Globes now and they are great for all occasions, they look great for  parties, proms, weddings, events, holidays, anytime and with LED you don't have to worry about the bulbs breaking and can run around 600 max if need be!

Visit our LED Globe lights page to check our all the great new LED Globe bulbs we carry.

--
Zach
All American Christmas Co.
www.aachristmas.com
www.allamericanchristmas.com