Friday, August 03, 2007

Homespun Christmas Tree

Well, here is the first craft idea I came up with! Remember these cute ornaments? I got to thinking - why couldn't I do this on a cone shaped piece of styrofoam and make it look like a Christmas tree?

So, I tried it. It was MUCH simpler than this, which was simpler than another tree Grace and I made one year (remember those trees, Grace?!).

Anyway, I'd love to know what you think - does it need a star? I thought about making a star out of felt - but somehow I can't decide, I almost like it simple the way it is. Should I put it in a pot and use cinnamon sticks for the trunk or do you like it just the way it is?

Supplies:
cone (tree) shaped piece of styrofoam
1/8 yd. each of three coordinating fabrics
small straight pins

Here is what I did:

Cut three strips (about 1 - 1 1/2 inches wide) of each fabric. Tie each set of three strips together to make one long strip of each fabric.

Either stitch the ends together or pin securely and braid the entire thing into one long piece of braid. Braid it on the tighter side so that no foam will show through when you are finished.

Then, beginning at the point of the cone, wrap braid around and secure with pins as you go. Work all the way to the bottom moving in a circular shape around the cone.

Cost to make: about $2.50 depending on the fabrics you choose - if you already have scraps you can use, it will be even cheaper!

I know, I know - it is only the beginning of August, but I LOVE Christmas and never need an excuse to work on something crafty for Christmas!

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oooo I like it!! but I do think it needs a pot just to let people know it is a tree. Yes that is much simpler then the other ones!! HAHA!! at least we got a nice looonnngggg afternoon of fellowship out of it. :o) I think a group of three different sizes would be really cute. Good thinking. I wish I was there to make it with you.

Wendi said...

Very cute! I don't think it needs a star. I like that it looks simple. It is never too early to start your Christmas crafts!

Tracy said...

It definately looks cute just like it is- but if you did a star maybe a tin one would be cute? A rusty one?

Intentional Living Homestead said...

Very cute! I wouldn't change a think...but I do like the idea of a tin star or something that looks rusty.

wyndesnow said...

I think it is very cute. I don't think it needs a star, but perhaps a trunk and pot. But you could add a star to another one. And a grouping would be really cute. I am starting on my Christmas gifts. I make my siblings and their spouse a basket every year, normally cookies, but this year it's going to be a bit different so I need to start now.

Tracy said...

It's adorable! A star would be cute, but I don't think it needs a trunk.

Anonymous said...

I just love your Christmas tree. I think it would be lovely with or without a star. I prefer it without, though. I just love country/cottage/simplicity such as you would find in the Country Sampler magazine. It would be charming if you made 3 trees of different sizes and grouped them together. Maybe encircle them with a grapevine wreath that you could get either at a yard sale/thrift store or your local craft store. Maybe also the grapevine wreath could be wrapped in white lights. Makes for a country charming center piece.

Sharon.....

Anonymous said...

Very cute! :)

I see from a comment that someone else likes the little rusty tin stars. :) Wonder if she knows where to get some these days?

-- Love, Mom

Amy said...

I love this- it is just precious! I think the cinnamon stick pot sounds really cute and it would double as a yummy scent in the house! I love it!

Susan P. said...

Monica, that is so adorable! I think it looks darling the way it is but I think putting it in a pot and adding a rustic star would make it even more charming;o) Decisions, decisions!

It's a Mom Thing said...

Very cute for a country Christmas. I think a group of 3 or 5 of these in coordinating colors and different heights would look just precious. By itself I think it would be adorable in a pot with a star.

Shawna said...

Very nice! I really like it. It may look good with a star. You could make some with and some without.

Carmen at Old House Homestead said...

I like it just the way it is. Very cute!

I found you at Joy in the Journey. Glad I found ya!

Hugs,
Carmen

Carmen at Old House Homestead said...

O.K....on second thought...
I read Sharon's idea for three trees of different heights with a wreath around them with white lights. That sounds really neat, too! : )

Jthemilker said...

I concur - three trees. With or without a tin star. And if you wanted to make it look more festive, maybe a sprinkle of glitter or just a mist of glitter/sparkle spray. No trunk or pot needed. These are too cute!

Anonymous said...

That is so cute! You could always continue the cinnamon theme and make a star out of cinnamon applesauce dough.