Thursday, November 29, 2012

The Christmas Tree...2012

 
     In keeping with my "keep it simple" outdoor theme this year, my tree topper took only a few minutes to make. My tree toppers seem to be what I am most known for, at least according to Pinterest...so, I will share the simple steps that I went through to make this one.
 
 
I started with a few "frosted" branches...

 
...and two sprigs of airy evergreen.

 
On top of the twigs and evergreen, I centered
this large pick that had a hint of red and a single pinecone.

 
I wired them all together
(it is so hard to see the twigs, but they are there).
 
 
     I wired the topper to the top of the tree and then fluffed it a bit to get the look I wanted and added a single red cardinal. What really makes this topper special is the bow "crown" under it. Because my tree has no real ornaments this year, I wanted to feature the plaid ribbon. I made four large bows and simply wired them one at a time to all four sides of the tree, fluffing the loops to make it look like one continuous bow. I think a tree should always have a front and back bow on the topper, it adds fullness. In this case, four bows make a statement.
 

     I bought the bird ornaments after Christmas at Cracker Barrel a couple of years ago. I loved the rustic look and the large size.

 
I found more red cardinals at the dollar store 2 for $1
 and they are scattered throughout the tree.

 
I placed red berries and frosted twigs all over the tree.
 

I found a tree skirt that pulls it all together.

 
I've just started wrapping a few packages in rustic kraft paper
with just a hint of red and more plaid in the bows.

 
     I love the look of the packages under the tree, of course so does my 1-year-old beagle. I'm not sure they are going to get to stay there this year. I think this is worse than having a toddler. At least my kids didn't try to eat the packages!

 
     My husband took this picture this morning in the early hours. I sort of like how the lights played some tricks with the photography...a little haunted looking!
 
     I am joining Tammigirl at If You Could See What I See for Show Me Your Tree. Please take a moment to visit her!

 

17 comments:

Barbara F. said...

Beautiful tree, Sue. Love your topper and the 4-bow crown. xo

Blondie's Journal said...

Sue...your tree is just stunning! I remember you giving a tutorial on making bows one year but I still can't get it right! It is really a coincidence that you posted about the cardinals you found at The Dollar Tree, Last night I spent about two hours looking on Etsy shops for cardinals to decorate a small white tree I have. I just want about 6 plain cardinals and nothing else on the tree. Needless to say, there were about 800 and nothing was right. These are perfect and I can get them 5 minutes away!!!! Thank you dear!

XO,
Jane

Mosaic Magpie said...

I love this tree! It is perfect for a Kentucky girl a cardinal is our state bird.
Deb

Linda said...

Your tree looks wonderful! I can't wait to get started on ours!! Have a great day!!

Glenda/MidSouth said...

So pretty - great job on the topper! I really like the cardinals as the main ornaments. You did good! :D
I remember a kitty I had years ago that loved to steal bows off the packages and play with them.
Enjoy your evening.

Lynn said...

Your tree looks great Sue! Love the cardinals sitting up in the topper:@)

Flo @ Butterfly Quilting said...

And you talk about making something sound easy! I would have a pile of little tree bits and pieces of ribbon before I went out to Walmart to buy a tree topper! LOL

Flo @ Butterfly Quilting said...

BTW...it looks fantastic....can I hire you??? :)

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Pretty tree! Love the natural look. I do toppers too, and usually use different sticks and sparkly branches and make 2 large bows for the front and back and it looks like one bow. XO, Pinky

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Sue! Come do my tree! This is just gorgeous. You did a fabulous job on that topper, and I love the simplicity of the look. Great work, my friend! I can see why you are known for your tree!

I am swmaped with Christmas stuff going on, and I haven't gotten my tree up or the decorations ouside done. I had a little fall (It seems I do that once a year now!) when I tripped over something in the garage. Concrete met left hip which is black and blue. I'm okay, but I'm sore where I tried to catch myself. I would like to blame it on the progressive lenses which have been the culprit before, but I couldn't see where I was stepping because I was carrying a big box and HURRYING. So I'm moving slowly.

Hope you had a good Thanksgiving. I am going to catch up on your last few posts. The good news is that I am pretty much through with shopping. YEA! I just need to go to St. A today and get the tree up.

XO,

Sheila

bj said...

It's just beautiful, Suz....love the plaid so much.
O and I have the same tree skirt. :))
See...we were made to be friends. :)

Jacqueline said...

Sue it is just stunning. I am so glad you shared how you did the topper. The 4 bows are amazing. I love your plaids on the packages too. I just love seeing everyone's decor. Yours is beautiful

dee dee said...

Sue,
how about I fly you out here to decorate my tree next year! You my dear are so gifted!
dee dee

Anonymous said...

It's beautiful Sue. I love how you did the picks with the bows!

koralee said...

Oh me oh my that tree topper is stunning...I love all the red on your tree..such a pretty theme you have going. Happy new week to you.

Traci said...

GORGEOUS!! I did the same thing with my bows this year but they don't look that good.

Gypsy Heart said...

Gorgeous!!!

xo
Pat