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!