Thursday, October 31, 2013

Pre-made LED Christmas Light Strings on Sale!

When decorating for the holidays, a lot of people like to use a more traditional Christmas bulb but want all the benefits of LED's. We have your solution, C7 and C9 LED pre-made light strings.

These Christmas light strings have the look of an old fashioned Christmas buls that so many people love. They even come in many of the colors that you are used to seeing with regular incandescent Christmas lights, such as, green, red, white, multi-colored and many more. They also come on green wire which is perfect for lighting your Christmas tree or your home. 

Now for all the benefits of these pre-made light sets. LED Christmas lights won't get hot, no more worrying about your tree being plugged up when you're not at home. They use 98% less electricity, this way you save money around the holidays. These LED pre-made sets will last for approximately 50,000 hours. Also, you can plug 30 sets end to end. All of these things cannot be said about traditional Christmas lights. 

One other benefit of these light strings, they are ON SALE right now! Everybody loves a great deal at Christmas. It doesn't get any better than that. You can check out our entire selection of pre-made LED Christnas light strings here.  

--
Hannah



Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Black Out Caps

Have you ever stood back from your outdoor holiday decorations and thought to yourself, "I wish there wasn't all those bulbs hanging down from that window." I think just about anyone that has ever decorated something with mini lights has had that thought. But we have a great solution for that exact problem.

Black out caps are little plastic covers that slide right onto a mini light bulb. This way you can hide all those pesky extra lights that hang down when you plug your lights up. You never even notice them when you turn your lights on in the evening. This will give you decorating a much cleaner and even professional look.

We also have color caps. These will change any clear mini light to a different color. If you have a display or another decoration that needs clear and color mini lights on the same string, this will work perfectly. You just choose the color you need and slide it on you mini light bulb.

It is that simple.

--
Hannah
All American Christmas Company

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

DIY Tinsel Wreath

Tinsel and fairly lights turned into a holiday wreath. It doesn't get more festive than that. This very simple and inexpensive DIY project will be a great addition to your holiday decor. 

All you are going to need is some tinsel in the color of your choice and battery LED lights to match, masking tape and a foam wreath. Some of these item might even be laying around from some old decorations that don't get used anymore. 

Lay down your foam wreath and decide where you want the lights to start and end. The ending point will need to be in the back at either the top or the bottom, to keep it hidden and secure. Start taping your lights down and continue to wrap them all the way around the wreath, taping as you go. 

Next you can start wrapping your tinsel around the wreath, starting where you started your  battery light string. Be sure to adjust your lights as you wrap your tinsel so they aren't hidden. 

Secure your tinsel and use the excess to hang it up on your door at the desired length. Then turn your lights on and enjoy. 

--
Hannah
All American Christmas Co. 

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Fall Light Decorations

Fall is one of my all time favorite seasons. The leaves changing, the weather starting to cool off and pumpkins are everywhere. One of the most fun parts of fall is the decor. There are so many options for fall decorations but have you thought about how you would light up your Autumn decorations? Well, we have.


Brown wire mini lights are a wonderful option during the fall months. Wrap a strand of brown wire lights in you centerpieces or in fun fall leaf garland. These lights will blend perfectly with your decor and will give you table or mantle a nice glow.

Brown wire mini lights come in 3 and 4 inch spacing with bulb counts of 20, 50 and 100. The 20 count will be great for use in centerpieces or a tablescape. They are short with no end connector. This way it won't overwhelm your arrangement. The 50 and 100 bulb counts are great for garland and larger scale decorations. You will have plenty of ambient light from your fall mini lights.

Flicker flame bulbs are another fun and festive option for fall decor. You can use them in you garland or standing alone next to fall floral arrangements or group them in the middle of a table for a centerpiece. These have a very realistic flicker just like the flame from a candle. But with these lights you won;t have to worry about anything catching on fire or endangering kids or pets with an open flame. You can just plug them in and forget about them. Perfect for soft lighting on chilly fall nights.

You just have to be creative and these fall lighting option can a long way. We hope you have a fun and festive fall season.

--
Hannah
All American Christmas Company

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Speed Shingle Tabs

We are so proud to offer a selection of USA made light clips to our customers. But we would like to tell you a little more a specific type of clip that is perfect for outdoor decorating, especially along a roof line.

Shingle speed tabs are a wonderful tool when you want to line your roof with lights during the holidays. These tabs can be used on almost any roof types; metal, tile, wood, composition. Shingle speed tabs are made with UV stabilized poly so they won't be worn down from sunlight. Also, they are made with increased rigidity, so there will be no harm from snow and ice. These clips will last for quite a long time in even the most unpredictable climates.

Installation with Speed Shingle Tabs is also much quicker than with some other clips. With these you can install a fully assembled light string. This will save a lot of time while decorating for the holidays.

These light clips will also accommodate for C7 and C9 light strings, both LED and incandescent. This means that any of the lights you have always been using for you home decorating can still be used. Big money saver.

For flat roofs, mostly with commercial buildings, there is the Flat Roof Adapter. These will help attach the speed shingle tabs a flat surface roof. These can be affixed to the flat surface with either screws or adhesive.

These will work for any decorating project on a home or business. And they are all made right here in the USA.

--
Hannah
All American Christmas Company

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

11S14 Patio Lights at All American Christmas Co.

All American Christmas Co. has carried "Globe" Patio lights for many years but as the popularity of using these decidedly old school lights grows we've chosen to start carrying the classic style S14 Patio Lights. S14 are just as common for patio lights as their rounder counterparts but have a few benefits over their globe cousins. They are an 11 watt bulb with E-27 Medium Base, they have the circular style filament for traditional appeal that is rated for approximately 8,000 hours.

These new patio lights come in most common transparent colors, a satin frosted white, and a handful of ceramic (opaque) colors. Since they are all medium base (same as a house hold light bulb) they require our larger commercial light line, like our Molded Commercial Light Strings. Even though these S14 bulbs are in our patio lights section they are popular for many uses, a lot of sign companies use them to light/outline signs, they are great for hanging across streets to get a European look, and they are incredibly popular for lighting up weddings!

Check out our Patio Lights page to see all the great S14 and Globe bulbs available.
--
Zach Broyles

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