Ho! Ho! Ho! Here We Go!

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Here We Go Again!

It is the day before my 8th Annual Holiday Workshop where we make Kissing Balls, Wreaths, Candy Cane Wreaths, Candle Centerpieces, Horse Profile Wreaths, and more!

This year, for some reason, it seems the “getting ready” list was a longer process than ever.

How can this be after 8 years doing this workshop?

I should have this down pat but there are always alterations and things which come up that are unexpected.

For example, one of the mechanics I use for this workshop was in short supply this year – rather unusual because this never happened before.

It is a long story – but I got them specially delivered from Rudolph just in time – they are all set.

And my truck had a problem right when I needed it – it got fixed though. Thankfully.

Then my iPhone died. Yup – which I rely on for texting of custom orders for holiday wreaths and kissing balls, and notifying my attendees of all.

Thus, those little nuisances happened and were dealt with, one at a time. No worries in the end.

I guess another thing which may have made it felt longer to get ready was that I had my first pop up shop from spring to fall at a bookstore, then I also sold out workshops on making Succulent Topped Pumpkins and Terrarium Bowls at another venue this year. It seemed I was still cleaning up supplies from those events just yesterday and I needed to be focused on this workshop! Time moves quickly, as I always say.

Or maybe it feels longer to setup because, ah, I’m getting older. The gray hairs are showing today – but you know what? That is partly because I literally start turning into Mrs. KB Claus. That includes the weight gain, yup, I blame it on that!

But, I am, almost, yes, almost done setting up.

There is a tremendous amount of steps to get this big workshop happening, followed by a 2nd workshop group a few days later, and custom orders in between for hand-made kissing balls and wreaths by me by order.

But let me be clear – it is ALL worth it – every minute. This is MY Christmas treat. I love being surrounded by the smell of freshly cut greens, festive attendees, and decorations.

As I set up my holiday workshop space, I can hear the laughs, giggles, and festive cheer from the years prior – I’m not kidding. Can a space maintain that magical spirit? I think it can.

But, you know what?

This day isn’t just for the jolly – To be honest, some people go thru hard times this time of year, whether it is a loss of a relative, a personal struggle from life’s general unexpected happenings, or feeling a little of the holiday blues – it happens to some of us – however, we push thru it – and events, like tomorrow’s big holiday workshop is a way to escape, make your own beautiful holiday and meaningful creations, and boost the start up of the month. It can make the holiday blues completely go away – at least for one day.

Mrs. Santa KB Clause

 

Looking for Workshops?

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Hi everyone!

In reviewing my stats this morning for this blog site, there are two key items people are searching for:

How to Overwinter Plants AND Holiday Workshops

OVERWINTERING

I’ll start with the “overwintering” topic. I’ve shared a few video’s on my process on how to overwinter specific tropical plants on my Container Crazy CT Facebook page. If you visit there, scroll down to find several. This should be helpful to you. There are also various posts on this blog showing the process – use the search bar to find them, which I see some of you have!

HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS

On the Holiday Workshops, please visit my sister site called WorkshopsCT – that is Workshops (with an “s”) – sometimes missed is that s, and CT for me, Cathy Testa or Connecticut!

As of today, my first holiday workshop in early December is completely sold out – and all attendees have been contacted (emailed) just yesterday to ask which item they plan to make.

I will be contacting workshop no. 2 attendees for the weeknight workshop soon as well.

I’m also offering a mini workshop at a senior center right after that – then comes my custom orders!

All current information about my holiday workshops are on www.WORKSHOPSCT.com.

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HOLIDAY GIFT CARDS

Additionally, don’t forget, this is a GREAT time to get a gift card for anyone you wish to provide a gift to this upcoming season. They are applicable to workshops registration fees based on the amount you desire.

SHOP SMALL DAY RAFFLE

And, I will be raffling off a decorative item on Shop Small Day, November 25th – so stay tuned to my Facebook page under Container Crazy CT to learn more about that.

To enter the raffle, there will be some guidelines, such as like the page, share the post, tag a friend, and you must pick up the prize if you win!

TODAY’S FROST

It was definitely frosty this morning – I know, because after a very early brisk morning walk, I walked over to my greenhouse to check if the heat was working properly – and it is!

The glistening sparkles on my hydrangea, along the path to the greenhouse, was as shiny as a Christmas tree as the morning sun was hitting the frost upon the leaves.

If you didn’t move, dig out, or protect your tropical plants by now – I suspect they are damaged by the frost.

We had a good season of being able to wait – because we had the warmest October on record here in Connecticut, and my plants, like my Mandevilla and Cannas were still blooming yesterday.

We got a few extra weeks of time to get our gardening chores done. Most weather reporters on t.v. were saying the “growing season” was over as they gave everyone the heads up of the frost coming this week, and they continued with saying that most people wouldn’t have plants out this time anyways – but NOT TRUE. Plant people like to save the enjoyment as long as possible. You may have been pushing the limits of the outdoor plants.

Fortunately, I had taken down my last big red banana plant on Monday – and glad I did – Even though, it did not get hit by frost yet, I noticed the root base had a portion which got mushy – which meant it was starting to rot a little – so, although we did not have frost yet, and the days were warm, the soil was cold and wet – always something to consider, so it was good I got it out and stored before that rotting situation got worse – and got other tropical plants dug out earlier in the month.

Hope you did too!

Cathy Testa

 

 

Pre-Registrations for the 7th Annual Holiday Workshop are now OPEN

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Kissing Balls for the Holidays

The term ‘KB’ is short for Kissing Balls which are balls made with fresh evergreens every year just in time for the holiday season. Kissing balls are beautiful when hanging outside on your wrap-around porch, by your entrance, doorway, or even inside the home. They are fun to make and last all the way into February when hung outside – the birds enjoy them too. They will pop by to perch on them which is lovely, especially when snow is clinging onto your freshly made beautiful Kissing Ball.

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A Large Kissing Ball

Workshop Every December

Every December, Container Crazy CT offers an early Kissing Ball and Wreath Making Holiday workshop where attendees make large sized Kissing Balls to take home. In addition to the Kissing Balls, you may elect to make a round or square wreath, long styled candle centerpiece, or cross shaped wreath.

In 2016 – We hope to offer the horse head profile shaped wreath option too. Often, Cathy T comes up with a new idea to make every season. To register for the workshop, visit www.WORKSHOPSCT.com. Look for the Eventbrite links to the right side of the site, or mail payment to confirm your pre-registration.

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10 Reasons Why Making Your Own is Best

  1. Fresh Evergreens – fresh, fresh, fresh – not old, old, old
  2. Mechanics included – You cannot find the Styrofoam ball used for less than $6 retail and wreath frames are costly too – all is included for your one item of choice.
  3. Mix of Evergreens – You select the ones you want in your creation – up to 14 varieties of very beautiful evergreens.
  4. Fun Gathering – The socializing factor, time for you with the ladies, food, festivities!
  5. Holiday Beverages included – A special themed drink to enjoy, and in 2016 – Pizza will be included. Attendees also contribute light apps as desired.
  6. No Cleanup – Cathy T does ALL the setup and cleanup – You have ALL the fun
  7. Early Décor – You put up your decoration to enjoy all month instead of waiting
  8. No Risk – Cathy T takes all the risk for you – You just show up and enjoy
  9. Originality – It is made by you with your special touches and you learn all the special tips and techniques. Every year, you will learn something new.
  10. A floral type item is included every year – last year it was variegated Holly and seeded Eucalyptus – what will it be in 2016? You have to register to find out!

To sign up, visit www.WORKSHOPSCT.com (our new 2016 website for workshops).

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Pre-Register Now!

This workshop fills up very quickly every year, so signing up early is helpful to pre-register to hold your seat. To “confirm” your seat, payment is due in advance. We currently have 21 people pre-registered as of this posting – so don’t wait. Later, there is a wait-list if you missed this year’s chance, and note that workshop appointments the week of December 5th are available for one-on-one style sessions. For a quieter option, we offer a Weekday Workshop on December 7th, 2016 at 5:30 pm.

Location:

Location of the workshops is the East Windsor section of Broad Brook, Connecticut.

Workshop Fee 2016:

In 2016, the price is one size fits all of $40 pp for any one item you elect to make. It includes tax and many benefits – so don’t miss out – We make “quality” items at larger than normal sizes you would find in retail environments. You may submit payment via mail or via Eventbrite on our WorkshopsCT.com site.

Cancellation Policy:

Any cancellations one week before the workshop dates are non-refundable since we work with pre-ordered live greens. Cancellations have special policies – You may elect to send an alternate the day of, or use the fee towards another workshop within one year of the workshop date. See WORKSHOPSCT.com for the details.

Gallery:

To see photos of all our workshops, see GALLERY.

Custom Orders:

Cathy T of Container Crazy CT and Cathy T’s Landscape Design takes custom orders for wreaths, candle centerpieces, kissing balls all month in December. See the following links for details under Holidays. Also, batches of greens may be picked up for purchase if you wish to make something special at home, such as a container filled with a mix of evergreens and your own special touches. Batch pick-ups begin the week of December 5th.

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Looking forward to seeing you,

Cathy Testa
http://www.ContainerCrazyCT.com
860-977-9473
containercathy@gmail.com

http://www.WORKSHOPSCT.com