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!

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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.