Workshops offer tips for the holidays

One of the things fall ushers in, besides the desire to curl up with a good book, is our passion for crafts. The poor economy is one reason people are making their own decorations, but the start of the holiday season, traditionally, has always been a great time to stretch oneís creative muscles. And itís for this reason craft workshops are booming.


Among the first to fire the cannon this holiday season is English Gardens. Founded in 1954, English Gardensí annual Holiday Open House (going on today) offers homeowners their first chance to see the latest in terms of fall and winter products, as well as DIY workshops on everything from making a bow to sprucing up your old decorations. 


Bow workshops
The make-and-take bow clinics will be held at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Nov. 12-13; and 1 and 3 p.m. Nov. 19-20. Participants who register in advance online (www.englishgardens.com) will receive step-by-step instructions on how to create a bow and leave with one theyíve created. 
The fee is $5, plus the cost of ribbon.  


Free repairs on Christmas lights


One event that is sure to help a lot of people is a free lighting repair clinic conducted by Ultra Lit Technologies. With tight budgets, the last thing people want to do is purchase a new set of lights because of one bad bulb. During the clinic, members of Ultra Litís Lightkeeper Pro team will not only fix peopleís lights, but introduce the public to Lightkeeper Pro, a nifty little tool that allows you to repair light sets quickly and easily. 
The ìYule Mule,î as the company calls its repair truck, will be stopping in
cities all across the United States and fixing peopleís Christmas lights, including indoor and outdoor miniature light sets, pre-lit trees, lighted wreaths and yard dÈcor at no charge. The Michigan tour will include stops at English Gardens stores: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 11 in West Bloomfield; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 12 in Royal Oak; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 13 in Clinton Township.


Christmas season premiere
If you attend todayís open house, be sure to check out the display of LED Christmas Garden Stakes ($39.99). Iím guessing these are going to sweep the country as quickly as the icicle lights did when they were first introduced. They come in white, blue, red and multicolor and appear to be very easy to install. Thereís also LED twigs, although theyíre not quite as big as the stakes.
Rumor has it even Santa Claus is curious about the lights. While heís there, heíll be posing for Christmas photos.
Send your comments or home and garden tips to Gina Joseph, The Macomb Daily, 100 Macomb Daily Drive, Mount Clemens, MI 48043, or email them to gina.joseph@macombdaily.com.