DECK THE HALLS WITH DIY STYLE

It’s time to deck the halls, ya’ll. What better way to get into the spirit than by spending a little quality time with family and friends and making your very own holiday ornaments and décor? We asked local craft stores Pinspiration and

Maker’s Loft to guide us through a few easy yet charming

DIY projects. So, grab your glue gun, scissors and glitter and make the yuletide gay! Be sure to stop by both stores for more festive DIY holiday projects and supplies.

Upcycled Oui Yogurt Christmas Jar Candle Holders

Maker’sLoft

makersloftpensacola.com

Materials

Clean and dry Oui yogurt (by Yoplait) jar

Mod Podge

Glitter in holiday colors

Paint brush

Directions

1. Start with a clean jar and apply an even coat of Mod Podge around the outer sides of the glass. Avoid the bottom the jar so it will sit flat.

2. Sprinkle glitter heavily on top of Mod Podge.

3. Let Mod Podge dry, then embellish jar with jute, twine or ribbon of your choice.

Wine Cork Christmas Tree Ornament

Pinspiration Pensacola

pinspiration.com/locations/pensacola

Materials

10.5 Wine corks

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Twine or ribbon of your choice

Sharp knife

Directions

1. Dip the ends of 10 corks into paint like a stamp. Wait for the paint to dry. (Tip: blow dry them with a hair dryer to dry them faster) Once dry, add glitter or paint a design on each of the corks if desired.

2. Tie the twine or ribbon around one of the corks and make a bow at the top. Be sure to leave enough twine at the top so you can use it to hang as an ornament if you choose that route. Some people also display their wine cork Christmas trees on a shelf or mantle.

3. Now, start with one cork and hot glue the remaining corks in layers below it to form a pyramid shape. The first row will have one cork, the second row will have two corks, etc…

4. Next, cut one wine cork in half with a sharp knife or saw. Some choose to boil the wine corks to soften them, so they are easier to cut through.

5. Glue the wine cork stump to the bottom of the pyramid to complete the look.

6. Finally, hang on your tree or set on your mantle for handmade seasonal décor!

Acrylic paints (various colors)

Chunky Looped Yarn Wreath

Pinspiration Pensacola

pinspiration.com/locations/pensacola

Materials

1 skein of loopy yarn (color of choice)

14-inch Styrofoam wreath form

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Ribbons and/or embellishments

Wire or Zip Ties for tying the bow onto the wreath and to make the wreath hanger

Directions

1. Find the loose end of the yarn and tie it into a knot around the foam wreath to secure it.

2. Keeping the yarn balled, unravel slightly as you wrap the yarn all the way around the wreath form until the surface is completely covered. Scrunch and fluff the yarn to cover any foam showing through the yarn. Next, tie another knot at the end and trim any excess yarn. 3. Select seasonal embellishments of your choice and glue or tie them to the wreath using hot glue, wire and Zip Ties. Exercise caution while using the hot glue gun. We suggest florals, ribbon, glitter, ornaments or other natural materials. Wood letters and shapes make great embellishments too!

4. Last, hang on the door or display it on your mantle for handmade seasonal decor.

By Darien Hardy Celebrate the Season with Local Holiday Markets

As we enter the holiday season, it’s time to start thinking about finding the perfect gifts for our loved

ones. Give a one-of-a-kind gift that gives back by supporting local artisans and vendors this holiday season. We have compiled a list of local holiday markets where you can shop for unique, handmade gifts that are sure to please everyone on your list.

CHRISTMAS GIFT MARKETS AT ALYSSA’S

shopalyssas.com Nov. 20, 27 & Dec. 4, 11, 18 4586 Chumuckla Hwy. Pace, FL 32571

Every Saturday until Christmas, vendors will line the front porch of Alyssa’s with unique items, decor and gifts that make for perfect one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts. December 4 is “5 & Dime Day,” where shoppers can find thousands of hidden gems throughout the store on sale for just five or ten cents. December 11 is “Candlelight Night.” On this night, Alyssa’s will transform into a magical “Christmas Village,” lit only by Christmas lights, candles and lamps. Admission to this one-night happening is $5 per-person, or ten canned good food items to help support local homeless families this Christmas. Follow @shopalyssas on social media for complete event details.

OYSTER BAY BOUTIQUE HOTEL MAKERS MARKET

stayoysterbay.com Wednesday, Dec. 1 from 4 pm to 8 pm 400 Bayfront Pkwy.

Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel and Makers Market partners invite the public to shop a curated selection of quality products handmade by local artisans. Products for sale will include hand-blown glass, ceramics, printed goods, curated boutique clothing and jewelry and wellness essentials. Be the first to see some of the latest pieces by Oyster Bay’s selected artists.

CARAVAN ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW

scpen.org Friday, Dec. 3 from 9 am to 4 pm Saturday, Dec. 4 from 10 am to 2 pm St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church | 3200 N. 12th Ave.

Enjoy your Christmas shopping this year by spending time in the relaxing atmosphere of the Caravan Arts and Crafts Show. Visit the Bake Shop & Country Market at St. Christopher’s Espicopal Church for homebaked Christmas treats, gourmet dips and pepper jellies, locally made gifts and more. Purchase raffle tickets and bid on silent auction items for a chance to win beachfront getaways, gift baskets and restaurant gift certificates.

FIRST CITY ART CENTER’S WINTER ART MARKET

firstcityart.org Saturday, Dec. 4 from 10 am to 3 pm Gallery 1060 at FCAC 1060 N. Guillemard St.

First City Art Center’s “Winter Art Market” will include more than 20 local artisan and student vendors selling unique handmade goods, such as holiday ornaments, glass items, pottery, paintings, jewelry, sweets, clothing, crystals, artisan coffee, fiber art and more. The market will also feature Mad Munchies Food Truck and Le Petit Pecan coffee. The event will feature holiday-themed activities for the kids and a special game area. This year, event organizers will be collecting gently used coats to donate to the Gulf Coast Kid’s House.

PENSACOLA ARTS MARKET

Saturday, Dec. 4 from 10 am to 4 pm Cordova Square | 1101 N. 12th Ave.

Enjoy shopping for a variety of handcrafted wares at Pensacola Arts Market. Shop small for unique items such as local art, jewelry, soap, vintage, crocheted and delicious baked goods, including pet treats! Admission is free. Follow @ pensacolaartsmarket on social media for event details.

BEARDLESS BREWHAUS CRAFT FAIR MILTON

Sunday, Dec. 5 from noon to 4 pm Beardless Brewhaus | 5139 Elmira St.

Join Beardless Brewhaus for their outdoor craft fair where local vendors will sell homemade wares that are perfect to finish off holiday shopping. Come out and see the vendors and enjoy some amazing brews! For complete event details, follow @beardlessbrewhaus on social media.

HOLIDAYS AT THE HANGAR CRAFT MARKET

Thursday, Dec. 9 from 4 pm to 9 pm Hellcat Hangar | 1008 N. Navy Blvd.

The holidays are coming and Hellcat Hangar is using every inch of its space to bring the holiday spirit to life with a pop-up holiday craft market, complete with local vendors and artists and food and drinks. Come sip, shop, and enjoy the Holidays at the Hangar. Visit the Hellcat Hangar Facebook page for ticket information. With 2021 being a tough year for live event fundraisers, all ticket proceeds will benefit FavorHouse of Northwest Florida and Autism Pensacola. Donations support those in need in the Pensacola area. Follow @hellcathangar for updates and complete event details.

PENSACOLA ARTS MARKET (NIGHTTIME EDITION)

Friday, Dec. 10 from 4 pm to 9 pm Gary’s Brewery & Biergarden 208 Newman Ave.

Enjoy an evening shopping experience with Pensacola Arts Market. This will be the last one of 2021 so come support local vendors and have a great time. Shop local art, vintage