Sunday, December 23, 2018

MY KATE SPADE- INSPIRED CHRISTMAS TREE

Christmas has been a long time coming to our house.  We've had a one-month renovation that stretched well beyond two months.  I was waiting for all the construction traffic to be gone
 before I put up the tree.  Hence, very late with the decor.  For the first time in forever I don't have a live tree to decorate for Christmas.  I have a small vintage feather tree instead that I placed on the landing in the foyer.  I couldn't wait to add my Kate Spade-inspired ornaments to it.  I knew the black and white with pops of pink would really stand out on the white tree.


VINTAGE FEATHER TREE

I placed some of my Kate Spade office boxes under the tree.  
Adding ribbon makes them look like gifts.

KATE SPADE "GIFT" BOXES



The striped ribbon that I wove through the tree is very Kate.


I added some tassel ornaments to the mix.




FEATHER TREE DETAIL
Merry Christmas to my readers.  Thanks so much for following along.
See you all next year.  Have a wonderful holiday.

To see last year's tree, go here.

LAST YEAR'S TREE

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

CREATING A WRAPPING PAPER CHRISTMAS TREE



Yes, I made some Christmas trees with wrapping paper.  And yep this is a repeat but it's a good one.
  It's so easy.

My first tree was for my home.   I cut it from some green houndstooth wrapping paper and attached it above the mantel.   I used straight pins to support the garland and added some vintage glass ornaments.  The tree topper is actually a mirror.  (Step by step directions are at the end of the post.)



You can see that I randomly draped the gold garland over the print, around the ibex, and then let it climb the tree.


I crinkled some wired ribbon along the mantel and added a sphere with sparkles.



I liked the idea so much that I re-created it for one of the sales at the store.  This time though I used the plain side of the wrapping paper.  To create the random gold dots I used a round foam stenciling sponge brush.   I dipped it into some gold craft paint and applied it. Make sure to tamp the brush on a paper towel to remove some of the paint before you apply it.  You need the paint a little dry so it doesn't run.   I attached  the "tree" to a chalkboard wall with clear push pins.  I used the same push pins to support the garland.  

PAPER TREE AT THE STORE




The following year I used navy striped paper to make another wrapping paper tree for our Holiday Sale.  This time I layered it on to a vintage cupboard.  I nailed it to the shelves with small finish nails, then draped the garland around the nails and outlined the tree with gold ribbon.

ANOTHER PAPER TREE AT ONE OF OUR SALES

If you'd like to make one, follow the directions below.


1. Decide on the height and cut a piece of wrapping paper  to that length.

2.  On the top of the cut, find the center of the paper.

3.  Draw a line from the center top to the bottom left corner.  ( I used a yard stick.)

4.  Draw a line from the center top to the bottom right corner.

5.  Cut out your tree shape.

6.  I mounted mine with Zots.  You could use double-faced tape, push pins, or finish nails too.

7.  Drape some garland, add ornaments, and a small mirror or ribbon as a topper.

I'd love to see yours if you decide to give it a try.

Monday, December 3, 2018

TRADER JOE'S BOXWOOD WREATHS

For years I created my holiday wreaths with greenery from my garden.  That all went by the wayside when I discovered Trader Joe's boxwood wreaths.  They have become one of my first holiday purchases.  In the past I've placed the wreath on my front door.  I decided to change it up this season and put two wreaths in the front window instead.  




I think I'll be leaving the front door bare.  Maybe.



 Large sugar pine cones and some garden clippings are tucked into the corner of the bench.





I purchased a third wreath and layered it over the architectural piece on the side of the garage.



Do you purchase your holiday greenery or create your own?

FYI, these wreaths arrive at Trader Joe's the day after Thanksgiving and are in limited supply.  I try to get there early.   The other thing I like about them is they're only $10.99!!!!!