I’m plugging away on my Christmas gift list still, which is great for my gift pile but not so productive on the blogging front. So look for a slew of Crafty Christmas Countdown posts here in the next few days as I wrap up this year’s blog project in time for you to have all the inspiration you need for your Christmas lists.
I saw the cutest Christmas trees at Starbucks last year but didn’t want to plunk down the money for something I thought I could make. Instead, I picked up a papier mache tree form at Hobby Lobby, three sheets of 12×12 scrapbook paper, Mod Podge, a paintbrush and some white paint, then made my own.
It’s so easy, but a little time consuming in a rather repetitive way. First, I painted the entire tree white. You don’t have to use white; I chose that color because the paper had white snowflakes and also because it coordinates with my decor. While the tree was drying, I cut each sheet of scrapbook paper into .5″x4″ strips.
I swiped a bit of Mod Podge on the top third or so of the back of each strip and adhered it to the tree, starting from the bottom and working around the perimeter of the tree. Each successive row overlaps the row below it slightly (I think I finally realized it worked best to overlap by about a half). I didn’t worry too much if the tree wasn’t covered completely because the cone is painted white.
The tip was the trickiest part but I just worked slowly around it and bent the paper gently so each piece wraps smoothly around the top of the tree.
After everything dried, I used the handle of my paintbrush to gently curl the loose ends of each paper strip. I’m planning to add some silver snowflake buttons to the top of the tree and maybe some glued white glitter to give it that shiny “snowy” appearance.
Not so much a lover of the paper tree? Then maybe you like it’s companion just a bit more. I stopped into the quilt shop one day to check out what was new and immediately fell in love with that little felt tree kit from Artgirlz. Is it not the cutest thing ever? I planned to put it up in my studio but Honey has fallen in love with it, so I think I’ll let him take it to work. It was nice to have something to work on during my Thurday night TV binge last week (Ugly Betty then Grey’s Anatomy — and please don’t get me started on that Izzie storyline. Ugh.) I just sat on the couch and stitched the felt balls and beads around the tree, kind of randomly and without a lot of worry other than trying to make sure I didn’t put two items of the same color right next to each other. It’d also make a nice project to stick in your purse and pull out for those times when you have to just sit and wait.
Thankful: 20. A craft store close enough to my house that I can run out to pick up more elastic when the 300 feet of it I know I own has gone missing.
20 November, 6:17 pm
I love these trees. This was one of my crafts for the church Advent Festival last year.
Amys last blog post..The Girlie Show was SUCCESSFUL
20 November, 6:19 pm
very cute trees!
Heather~Domestic Extraordinaires last blog post..This is how the Christmas Card rolls….
20 November, 6:24 pm
So great Mary!
My daughter would love to try this! We have been talking about a home made Christmas this year…trying to stay away from expensive store bought items…or modify or alter something:)we have already purchased.
I will show her your darling trees when she get’s home from school!!!
xoxo
Kay
kayellens last blog post..Adding Special Touches
20 November, 8:25 pm
What a great idea! Hmmm…I think I will have to add this project to my ever growing list of things to do. I am really excited about decorating for Christmas this year. I have a ton of ideas already. I want to make it extra special for the kids this year.
Dawns last blog post..Time For Another Give-Away
20 November, 10:10 pm
These are so cute.
Jeannine McCloskeys last blog post..Bad things come in Three’s!
20 November, 11:00 pm
How very cute they are!!
sadiras last blog post..Closed for Remodeling…
21 November, 12:54 pm
Oh my – that looks labor intensive alright! What a patient woman you are!!
Carolines last blog post..Feliz sew-along: The Overdress
21 November, 4:28 pm
How very cute are those trees!
But sex with dead Denny, come on!
Beths last blog post..Boosh!!!
22 November, 8:06 am
Oh yeah…I need a tutorial on that, lol. The tree is precious…I can’t believe it only took 3 sheets of paper. Ok…I’m doing it!
Oh and I tagged you. Check out my blog for the rules. Oh and maybe you can help me figure out how to post the avatar too oh, techmaster!
Sabrina
Sabrinas last blog post..I won! I won! I won!
22 November, 4:22 pm
Love them! I may actually try my hand at this in the near future
Devilish Southern Belles last blog post..Problem area
22 November, 10:37 pm
Your trees are so cute. Not sure I have time to make one, but they will be on my list of things to do someday.
Ruths last blog post..Here comes the Holidays…
23 November, 3:52 pm
WHat a neat idea!!! Glitter would be so pretty on that paper tree.
Tiff@Three Peass last blog post..Sweet Potato Biscuits
24 November, 9:54 pm
What is the base of the felt tree? a cone of wool felt or is it a felted cone?
Both tree are great!
6 May, 1:58 am
Great Post Thanx.