A SAVVY woman has revealed how to take your festive tree from tacky to luxe with an easy bauble hack.
Have you got loads of baubles and ornaments sitting in your decoration box that you’re just tired of?
Of course, the easiest option would be to head to the shops and replace them – but not only is this wasteful but can also be pretty expensive.
So, if you’re looking to slash the costs around the festive season and start the New Year with savings, you’ve come to the right place.
This is because one thrifty DIY fan, Sara Davies MBE, has come to rescue with just the right solution – and it costs practically nothing.
The ”TV’s Crafting Queen” recently appeared on BBC Morning Live where she demonstrated viewers how to upcycle their old baubles and give them a brand new life – all with a bit of paint.
For the epic bauble glow-up, you will need old baubles, a bucket, a plastic bag, as well as some spray paint – the savvy whizz went with gold and silver hues.
Once you have the supplies ready, place the plastic bag in the bucket and will it with water before spraying the paint directly into the liquid.
The DIY guru explained that because the paint is oil-based, it sits on top of the water and will create an ”amazing top layer of marble paint ready to carefully dip your baubles in”.
And that’s it, you have a brand new range of baubles ready to take your Christmas tree for cheap and full to luxe and gorgeous.
Need more inspiration? Appearing on the show, Sara also revealed how you can use common cupboard essentials – flour and bicarbonate of soda – to spruce up the boring ornaments.
Start by covering the old baubles with acrylic paint – she went with white and festive green – and whilst the paint is still a little sticky sprinkle on some flour.
The key here, she warned in the video, is not to dip the bauble directly into the baking must-have, as it will create a messy look.
”You’re just going to give it a little bit of tap to take off the excess.”
Next, let the baubles dry properly for some time – Sara advised the viewers to wait a full hour for best results.
Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping.
Limit the amount of presents – buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb.
Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you’re not having to buy multiple presents.
Plan ahead – if you’ve got the stamina and budget, it’s worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales.
Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you’re not forking out more than you should though.
Buy in Boxing Day sales – some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25.
Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent.
Shop via outlet stores – you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts.
They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor.
If you want to try out the bicarbonate of soda method, chuck the white powder into the paint, which will give it a textured look.
Don’t be scared if the mixture comes out a little thick – you can always add more paint if required.
With the mix ready, apply it in a left and right – ”because if you go all the way around, you’re not going to get that kind of textured feel”.
Want to go more fancy? Sara suggested topping it off with gold paint or polish, which you can pick up from most craft stores.
”They look stunning!”
