Snow and frost can turn the outdoors into a sparkling landscape. But who says you can’t bring that splendor indoors – even if you live in a place where Jack Frost never visits? With artificial frost and snow, available at crafts stores, you can create a winter wonderland in your own warm home.
The magic of frost
Iced-over windowpanes and mirrors will subtly transform almost any room. The natural look of frost is easy to achieve. It doesn’t require a special technique – just a can of spray frost.
For the best results, apply the frost to clean, smooth, nonporous surfaces that are either transparent (such as windows or glass cabinets) or that reflect light (such as mirrors). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and be sure to work in a well-ventilated area. The frost will dry within 10 minutes.
Once you decide that winter has overstayed its welcome, all you have to do to “thaw” the frost is wipe it away with a paper towel and warm water.
Here are some ideas:
Frosted windows: To protect the surrounding trim and glass, tape paper over them before beginning. Start spraying from the top, working on one pane at a time. Point the nozzle where you want to position the top curved edge of the frost, holding the can about 15 inches from the surface.
As you spray, move your hand from side to side in a gentle sweeping motion. Repeat as needed, filling in any sparse areas near the bottom of the pane.
Icy accessories: Add a crystalline touch to objects such as vases, hurricane lamps for candles and even the faces of clocks (they’ll look frozen in time). To create a holiday favor for guests, use spray frost to add a festive hue to small items, such as a metal trumpet ornament or a glass bell.
Let it snow
Create a layer of freshly fallen “snow” indoors. Spray snow works well on trees and greenery, such as wreaths and evergreen garlands. Apply it in a well-ventilated area, carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Pile store-bought powdery “snow” (sold in bags) onto shelves or windowsills, or around the hearth. (If you have children and pets at home, it’s a good idea to keep artificial flurries out of reach. Confine them to high shelves or glass-enclosed cabinets.)
Extra shimmer
Complement your snowscape by setting out items that glisten: serving pieces made of glass or silver, glittery ornaments and more.
Indoor icicles: Trim a Christmas tree with icicle ornaments. Look for glass or plastic icicle ornaments at holiday shops or flea markets. Hang the ornaments so they mimic the way ice would form naturally on a tree, with shorter icicles toward the top and longer ones toward the bottom.
Snowy tablecloth: Create a snowflake pattern that won’t melt on a sheer organza tablecloth overlay.
Using a pencil, draw a few snowflakes (2 to 8 inches wide) across a sheet of paper; these will serve as templates. Slide a template under a sheer organza tablecloth; trace its lines in craft glue (use a fine-tipped applicator). Remove the template.
Sprinkle glue with silver glitter, and let dry. Shake off excess glitter. Craft glue is water soluble, so the cloth can’t be washed.
Frosted wreath: Fashion a silvery wreath with sprigs of boxwood, a wreath form and floral spray paint.
Begin by cutting boxwood branches to 5-inch lengths. Gather a handful of branches into a bunch, wrapping ends with floral wire to secure. Without cutting the wire, attach the bunch to the wreath form. Continue, overlapping each bunch until the frame is covered. Lightly mist the wreath with gold floral spray, and then with a thin layer of silver floral spray. Let dry before hanging.
Glittered pinecones: Turn pinecones into lustrous decorations. You will need: a disposable foam paintbrush, white craft glue, pinecones and fine glitter.
Using the brush, dab glue on the outer edges of the pinecone scales. Then hold the cone over a small bowl and spoon glitter over it, letting the excess fall back into the bowl. Stand the cone upright to dry.
Display the glittered pinecones in glass bowls or set them on a mantel.
To make a pinecone ornament, tie ribbon or string to its topmost scale, or insert a metal eye-screw at the top of the pinecone and thread ribbon through it.
Questions should be addressed to Living, care of The New York Times Syndication Sales Corp., 609 Greenwich St., Sixth Floor, New York, NY 10014-3610. E-mail questions to: living@nytimes. com. Include your name and daytime telephone number.
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