I'm pretty sure I spotted this tip in Real Simple Magazine last month and I said "DOH!" out loud in the dentist's waiting room.
I have always used a modified version of Martha Stewart's "in and out" method. Rather than wrapping the branches in lights like Martha does, I simply push the lights into the center then back out. I always layer my lights - first small clear twinkle lights, then small multi-colored twinkle lights, then large clear bulbs, and last, large colored bulbs.
During this process I circle the tree about 1,001 times. But then I read this tip about stringing the tree up and down and it was like the Heaven's parted and the Angels started singing! Hallelujah! Up and down! Glory Be!
I tried it last night and it was so awesome. I stayed in one area of the tree until it was filled then moved on, Holy Smokes! I still layered and did my pushing-into-the-center-thing, but I did it up and down instead of around and around. Like this:
Dude, LOOK at my tree in all it's lighted glory!
So, come on, why don't YOU string your lights up and down, too!
Click over to Tutorial Tuesday to inspire me or get inspired! There is plenty of time to link up and lots of stuff to learn!
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I do hear angels singing! I'm gonna try! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYep, I do the in and out/shove into the center thing and am dizzy the whole time :) I've got to remember this for next year!!! Your tree looks BEAUuuutiful!
ReplyDeleteOh this will be so much easier! I won't get dizzy. I won't knock the tree down. I can do this by myself (which is the way it is anyway). Coming from the lady who puts this task off as long as possible, I thank you, oh wise one, you passer of valuable news.
ReplyDeleteYours might be the most beautiful tree I've ever seen! Thanks for the tip! We still don't have our tree up, so I'm gonna try it this year!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the idea! Your tree looks great :)
ReplyDeleteThat IS such a great idea. How come I didn't think of it?! ;) Next year, I'll try it myself...
ReplyDeleteYour tree is gorgeous!! I was trying to remember where I first heard of the in and out method...must have been Martha. I have noticed a difference since I started doing that a few years ago. Maybe next year I'll try the up and down way. :)
ReplyDeleteWell.... just because, that's why. LOL Kidding. If I did the up and down method then I would be up and down the ladder (because I'm short). The round and round method keeps me on the floor for a longer stretch of time.
ReplyDeleteOh, now this is just a loverly idea....maybe it'll make it a bit easier!! Yay :) Thank you for the suggestion!
ReplyDeleteI’m a crafty new follower...come on by , I”m having a GIVEAWAY
ReplyDeleteNever in a million years would I have thought to do that, but wow! It looks fantastic!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of those "Well, duh! Why didn't I think of that?" moments.
ReplyDeleteI followed you here from your comment on my blog where I interviewed Amanda! LOL! Can I just say I am in luv with your shop!!! Great products! i am off to add your button to my blog...if you ever need someone to do a review or giveaway please keep me in mind =)
ReplyDeleteNice to "meet" you!
Very wonderful and bright. love it and I especially love the big lights as a finishing touch of variety. Thanks for sharing. Linda
ReplyDeleteBecause if my child pulls on a strand of lights a whole section can fall off the tree. If they are wrapped around in circles they may just get pulled in a bit but pretty much stay put. I am not sold. yet....
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