Jacqui thrives in the world of making. “Ashley sends me several ideas, and I pick the ones I can do while adding something fresh,” she shared. This year, the task began with selecting materials. Jacqui envisioned cozy textures—fluffy sherpa, ribbons, yarn, and string—but couldn’t find the exact colors she needed.
Her solution? Start with white and dye everything to match the color palette. Dyeing the materials was transformative. Jacqui soaked each piece—lace, sherpa, ribbons, and yarn—and watched as the dyes worked their magic. “Every type of fabric takes the dye differently,” she explained, “but dyeing them together ensures they complement each other.”
Once dyed, the materials were carefully dried and washed in cold water to set the colors. This method saved Jacqui from having to search for dozens of perfectly matched items while ensuring she could include a variety of textures in the display.
With her materials ready, Jacqui moved on to shaping the letters. Using lightweight, flexible bases, she meticulously formed each one, ensuring they were sturdy enough to hold their shape but easy to hang. To reflect the display’s eclectic spirit, she selected a mix of complementary fonts. The letters were then wrapped in the dyed fabrics, creating a soft, textured surface. For added dimension, Jacqui layered accents of string, ribbon, and yarn, blending the retro and whimsical palettes seamlessly.
The letters weren’t the only stars of the display. Behind them, Jacqui constructed a backdrop of wrapped gifts in bronzed red, sage, and forest green, accented with sparkling gold ribbons. The packages tied the retro color scheme to the whimsical side of the display. Jacqui admitted the eclectic mix was a challenge at first, because she naturally gravitates toward symmetry. But the result was delightfully cohesive.
To install this display, Jacqui used self-adhesive hooks and fisherman’s twine to securely dangle the letters from the ceiling. This technique, ensured that the letters hung effortlessly amidst the backdrop of gifts.
The final result is nothing short of enchanting. A vibrant, textured celebration of Christmas, the display invites visitors into a world of wonder and joy. Each handcrafted letter and wrapped gift feels like a piece of magic—and they’re not just for show. The letters and displays are available for purchase, with Jacqui offering custom creations for anyone looking to bring a touch of Rooted’s charm home.
This holiday season, take a moment to admire the artistry behind the display and let it inspire your own celebrations. After all, as Jacqui says, “There’s no wrong way to go about it.”