Hello from Texas!

[Ryan_Johnson]

Hi everyone!

My name is Ryan Johnson and I'm from Texas. Thanks for having me! So far, this forum seems like a great place with a lot info that goes beyond simply decorating.

How did I find the online Christmas community? I joined Planet Christmas in fall 06 and LOVED IT! Thought it was the best place. People shared ideas and experiences, and I can honestly say that my display was better for the knowledge I gained. Over the last year or so, I've become a member of everal other Christmas forums: Constantly Christmas, My Holiday Displays, Synchronized Christmas Lights, and Texas Christmas Lights. I also started an online newsletter for decorators and holiday lovers in the Greater Houston Area, although anyone can see it/subscribe to it. Check out www.spacecityholidays.com if you're interested. There's even a link to this site on it!

My only agenda here is to learn and teach, to share and "borrow", and to enjoy this great holiday we all enjoy so much.

Thanks for having me.

Ryan

PS. You can check out my family's love for the holidays (especially Christmas) at our home site: www.johnsonschristmascorner.com

[Sickie Ickie]

Welcome aboard. :) Looks like you have some nice info for those interested in lighting here.

[Elvira]

Welcome to the forum Ryan! :)
3 words about your displays.... HOLY MACKERAL!!! Beautiful!!

How long does it take you to set up? :eek:

[putrid]

Well Howdy Ryan and welcome to the forum. Great to have folks like you aboard who selflessly spread joy during Christmas. Will check out your site and news letter soon.

[Ryan_Johnson]

Welcome aboard. :) Looks like you have some nice info for those interested in lighting here.

One of the reasons I like this site is because it's not all about lighting. While I do a lot outside, we do an awful lot inside as well. As far as cooking, my wife is excited to find a site that also has some info on holiday recipies and stuff. I've always liked everything about Christmas; the music, the foods, the traditions, the movies, the television specials, the smells, and yes, the outdoor decorations. So I'm very glad to be here.

Thanks for the welcome.

[Ryan_Johnson]

Welcome to the forum Ryan! :)
3 words about your displays.... HOLY MACKERAL!!! Beautiful!!

How long does it take you to set up? :eek:

Halloween goes up on October 1st, and usually some Christmas starts going up with it (although it's not turned on). Usually takes about 4 weeks to get all the Christmas stuff up.

I'm going to document the whole installation this year because so many people ask that question: how long does it take?

Lots of work but the neighborhood loves it. I don't advertise or call the newspapers/television, because honestly enough people show up from word of mouth.

Thanks for the nice comments. That's exactly why I do it all: for people to enjoy.

Ryan

[Ryan_Johnson]

Well Howdy Ryan and welcome to the forum. Great to have folks like you aboard who selflessly spread joy during Christmas. Will check out your site and news letter soon.

Thanks for the welcome... and for putting a Texas spin on it with the "Howdy".

Ryan

[Elvira]

4 weeks? Is that day and night? LOL Its beautiful and I can see why you do it. I can only imagine the expression on children and adults alike when they see your displays.
Have you any idea how many ppl you get each yr?

[Ryan_Johnson]

4 weeks? Is that day and night? LOL Its beautiful and I can see why you do it. I can only imagine the expression on children and adults alike when they see your displays.
Have you any idea how many ppl you get each yr?

Four weeks is not day and night- even I would think that was little crazy! From the time I get the first stuff up until it's ready to go, it's about four weeks. We have nice weather in Texas but sometimes rain gets in the way in Oct/Nov. Also have a "real" job so the weekdays are limited on time.

Kids love it, and parents as well. Last year was the first year we animated the lights to music and we loved it (as did the visitors). Brought a whole new element to the display and actually allowed for more lights (the light count is more than doubling for this year!) because they weren't always on and that reduced the power draw (although I did get a whole new electrical panel installed- not a sub panel but a whole new service panel- from 100amps to 200 amps).

We don't watch the number of people. Some nights we're out there talking to people. We have some regulars who come by each night with the kids before they go to bed. The worst night (or best night depending on your opinion) last year was when I was out with some friends looking at lights and my wife called.

"There's 17 cars in front of the house and other people want to see the display but these cars won't leave," my wife said.

"Well just go out and let them know other people want to come in," I said.

Now she was a little annoyed. "Well, Mr Christmas, you're not here! And I already did that. But then a new song started and they decided they didn't want to move until they see all the songs!" (NOTE: there was 6-8 songs last year)

So I had to walk her through shutting down the show for a few minutes until the crowd dispered (the whole thing runs on it's own dedicated computer in the garage).

In short, we get a lot of people. For some people, it's all about how many people come by. For me, it's about those that come by enjoying themselves. And so far, we haven't had any detractors.

Ryan

[Elvira]

Oh sorry you took that wrong, I didn't mean that the amount of ppl coming by reflected how nice your display was/is. I am more curious as to how many ppl actually enjoy the amount of work put into this type of thing and take the time to come out to see it.

[Ryan_Johnson]

No no, I didn't take it wrong. Even if no one came my wife and kids would love it, and that would be enough. In fact, that was my point: that I don't advertise it because I really don't care how many people show up.

But to answer your question of how many: LOTS... the weather here is beautiful in the winter so it's not uncommon to see people hanging out on the edge of the yard and watching for 30 minutes or more. And our neighborhood decorating contest is voted on by the community every year and we win... every year... to the point that I told them they should simply not include us this year. I volunteered to be the judge instead. Not sure if they're taking me up on that or not.

No worries, I didn't take your question wrong. But thanks for the clarification! :)

Ryan

[Elvira]

Thats so awesome! Our weather here isn't to bad in Dec, but Jan is brutal. I cringe at the thought of removing any outdoor decorations after x-mas. We too have a community contest, best we ever did was honorable mention, ugh! guess I have to work harder, maybe this yr. The yr we got that, there was a ton of people who actually did go throughout the community looking. It was really nice, but then again, I don't stop yapping! So if I was out there, I enjoyed talking with everyone who stopped by. Last yr, we didn't participate as we had a busy christmas and most was spent away from home.

I loved your sign "christmas corner" I think I might have to borrow your idea, its gorgeous! OH...and your light poles. Ingenius, I love them! Thinking maybe a woman can even build them! :D

[Ryan_Johnson]

I love sharing "How" I do things... many people have copied the display sign and the North Poles... and yes, anyone (man or woman!) can make those. I made four today in fact: 2 six footers and 2 three footers for something new this year.

If you see something either I have or someone else has and wonder "how'd they do that?" feel free to ask me. I'd be happy to tell you (if I know) or figure it out/find out (if I don't).

Ryan

[Elvira]

Wow, now I'm curious what those will be used for, I can't wait until x-mas to see the final product. I went to home depot and the best I could find was the glass globes with the lamp holder included for 7 bucks. I noticed you used plastic for yours, but for the life of me I could not find plastic. I just hope with storing they don't get broken. I did forget the red paint tho. UGH! Most important part LOL

[Elvira]

Ok Ryan, first question.... DH and I are disagreeing on a light bulb.... *rolling eyes* I can see how this project is gonna fair.

Is it the same physical size of a standard 60 watt bulb... or is it those smaller ones?

[Ryan_Johnson]

Ok Ryan, first question.... DH and I are disagreeing on a light bulb.... *rolling eyes* I can see how this project is gonna fair.

Is it the same physical size of a standard 60 watt bulb... or is it those smaller ones?

The base is a Type B bulb, which is the same size as a regular bulb (that allows you to use the porcelin lamp holders (less than $2.00 per)). But I use the 15watt bulbs.

Did you see the step by step: http://www.johnsonschristmascorner.com/NorthPoles.html

That has a whole materials list and goes step by step with pics!

But I certainly don't mind any questions either. Let me know if you have any others.

Ryan

[Ryan_Johnson]

Sorry- forgot to mention that I bought the plastic globes at Lowes, but some people in other parts of the country have told me that they can't find them. There is a company called 1000 Bulbs (www.1000bulbs.com) that carries them as well (you just have to have them shipped).

[Elvira]

So this is NOT an appliance bulb.... correct?

[Elvira]

Yes, we're looking at your how-to page, and I know I'm right :D but, I just want to prove him wrong. Its a woman thing! :)

[Ryan_Johnson]

So this is NOT an appliance bulb.... correct?

Nope. Regular Type B bulb, 15watts.

[Elvira]

Thank you, yet again I am right! :D Maybe NOW construction can begin, stand by, I'm sure there will be more questions LOL

[Ryan_Johnson]

Here's the globes at 1000 bulbs... ask and ye shall receive!

http://www.1000bulbs.com/White-Acrylic-Globe-Lamp-Covers-with-Neck/33033/

[Elvira]

Thank you! Checking that out now.

[putrid]

Thanks for the welcome... and for putting a Texas spin on it with the "Howdy".

Ryan


Texans got the word 'howdy' from us Misourians. JK LOL Totally cool dude. Had to laugh at that.

[Sickie Ickie]

Great tutorial there. Would you mind if I placed it on the SantasProjects.com site?

In fact, any tutorial you'd like to submit to the site would be greatly appreciated! :D

[Ryan_Johnson]

Great tutorial there. Would you mind if I placed it on the SantasProjects.com site?

In fact, any tutorial you'd like to submit to the site would be greatly appreciated! :D

You can use any one my How To's that you would like. The only thing I ever ask is that proper credit is given as to who wrote it. This is what I send people who ask about using the How To's, pictures, etc from the site:

Content Provided By Ryan Johnson from www.JohnsonsChristmasCorner.com (http://www.johnsonschristmascorner.com)

If it helps someone else, I'm all for letting others use it.

Thanks for the nice words!

Ryan

[Sickie Ickie]

I added your tutorials. Thanks. :)

If you have time, visit the site. It just got started late last year. :D

[Ryan_Johnson]

I added your tutorials. Thanks. :)

If you have time, visit the site. It just got started late last year. :D

Saw your site... looks good. Lots of good info there.

There is a new How To added today on the Light Clip Strips for Hanging Brick.

Thanks again for the kind words.

Ryan

[Sickie Ickie]

Added that how-to now, too. How many feet of stripping did you use on your house? Ho many clips per strip on avg?

[Ryan_Johnson]

220 feet of strips (give or take a few feet).

If your strip is attached well you can have quiet a few clips per strip. I have approximately 50 clips per strip (little more than 1 per inch).

Ryan

[Sickie Ickie]

Are they butted up against each other (on the sides, not the ends) or how much room do you have between strips?

[Ryan_Johnson]

If I'm misunderstanding your question, please let me know:

Yes, my strips go end to end, with no space in between each. The only exception is when there is a window or door in the way, then there obviously needs to be a space!

Was that your question?

Ryan

[Sickie Ickie]

I should have said that when the strips go horizontally, how much space is left under them and over them until the next horizontal strip?