Making a Holiday Tree Part 1

 

UPDATE:   Check out my Making a Holiday Tree Part 2 to see the results!

Can you believe I just turned 40 and I have never, ever put up a holiday tree in my adult life?  I think I had a roommate or two over the years that put one up but I never had to deal with watering one or worrying about needles falling all over the place or the cat climbing into the branches.  I don't really celebrate Christmas except to eat a big meal with family and friends but this year I am going all out.  

We are hosting my husband's company party for starters.  And then having a big dinner party a week after that and then hosting lots of family members the actual week of Christmas.  So I decided it was time to get it together, and decorate.  

But where to start?  The above Christmas tree (from Shelterness) is sort of what I thought of at first.  It's small enough to fit on a table and festive.  But after thinking about it for 20 seconds or so, I realized that I don't really want a traditional holiday tree and honestly, I think they are sort of boring.  I want a fake one!  This caused all sorts of hulabaloo from friends saying, "No! No!  You need the real thing!" and now I have come to my final decision, that I am going to make my Christmas tree.  Because what else is the point of being an artist except to create giant messes and overextend yourself in your crafting pleasures??  

But where to start?  Wooden tree?  This reclaimed wood tree from Apartment Therapy is rather attractive.

But what about just cool branches in a pot with lots of lights and silver balls?   (Apartment Therapy strikes again.)

And then my friend Jenn just sent me this photo of the reclaimed tree she made this year.  Still awaiting ornaments.   I like this a lot, but as she pointed out, it might be a little too, you know, rustic, for my style. 

And then I found this tree online.  Unfortunately, I can't find the source of this.  Is it a shop or a home?  What ever it is, I think I love it.  It looks to be covered with birds and butterflies.

So I have decided I am going to make mine out of cardboard, papier mache, and felt.  Maybe some tin.  I am going to start making sketches this afternoon.  I am excited!