When a non crafting junker crafts for Christmas

I fully admit, I'm not much of a crafter.

I suppose it's because I seem to be able to make what I desire out of found objects as is. I simply enjoy the look of an element in it's authentic form without having to touch glue or scissors.

However, I took a walk on the wild craftin' side this weekend. :)

~ cranberry garland ~

Take this simple cranberry fake garland for example. While I loved the look, the piece I had wasn't long enough for what I had in mind.

It doesn't get much simpler than picking up some fresh cranberries, threading a big needle with some heavy string and getting to it! (creating in front of a kid's Christmas cartoon made the job much quicker I might add..)

The top is the fake and the bottom is the real deal. How I LOVE the variation of the shades on the latter!

I strung the strands across my blogging area wall unit. Here's one section. I love how the real berries look against the antiques!

Anyone have any idea how it lasts non refrigerated?!? I have NO idea. But I'll let you know in 30 days. :)

~ Tap handle ornaments ~

These fabulous antique tap handles are from Anything Goes Here Etsy. Since I just received them, I had to do something fun with them!

Add a few canning jar lids (that have rusted to the perfect hue from being outdoors), and raffia and you have...

... some very rustic junk style ornaments for the tree. :)

~ Canning lid wreath ~

 I can't take credit for creating this, however this is how I bought this wreath for $1. :) A bunch of canning lids were strung onto some kind of tie.

 Tie it together tightly and you have yourself an industrial chic wreath!

rust tip: I purchased the lids with no rust. They became this patina by simply hanging on my outdoor shed

And this is where it got rusty.  I added these last couple pics because I linked this post up to Nester's "You made a wreath out of what?!" party. :)

So moving along...

~ illuminated jars ~

I have a dark fireplace mantel and desired to brighten it up.

White mini lights were first placed in position along the mantel top.

Then glass jars of varying heights and shapes were placed in front of the lights. The jars light up beautifully as if illuminated by candlelight.

tip: that white stuff is glass angel hair. It's extremely difficult to locate, however if you do find some, don't pass it up! It catches the light in the most amazing of ways and makes your surfaces appear hazy snow like.

 Dark mantel no more! The combination of the jars, lights and angel hair has quite an illuminating effect, especially when dusk approaches. And it's very junkified. :)

Closeup of wreath because Joani asked. :) It's junkfied with memories. More story to follow!

~ old gate ~

 The ever so easy to make gate tutorial is HERE

The rest of my decor is simply all about arranging vintage finds and family keepsakes I already had. Is it crafted or simply arranged? I'll let you be the judge. If you like no cost junk decorating, you'll like what else is in store. :)

Would you consider yourself more of a crafter or arranger?