DIY LED Light Canvases

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Hannah
All American Christmas Co.

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. 

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Hannah

All American Christmas Co. 

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

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Hannah

All American Christmas Co. 

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.

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Hannah
All American Christmas Co.

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.

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

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Zach Broyles