I have always loved our Christmas tree. We have ornaments on it from my husband's childhood (fragile glass ones), two very special ornaments my grandmother made the first year my husband and I were married (38 years ago). They are Raggedy Anne and Andy completely hand sewn. I treasure them. We have the "Baby's First Christmas" ornaments for each of our children, and recently added two more for our grandchildren. We have every ornament our children made over the years, including one which is just a brown button on a red string (my favorite). I have ornaments given to me by my students and my husband has a few Home Depot ornaments that were given out at company gatherings.When I look at our Christmas tree I see my life. It brings me great joy- and when times are tough- great comfort. For the past four years I have been making a Christmas ornament for each of my children. They are all grown now and have their own trees in their own homes. This year the theme is Christmas Trees. Every tree needs it's own tree! I think they are pretty cute, and very easy to make. I had everything I needed on hand. I am including these photo instructions in case you would like to try your hand at one.
What you need:
Wooden bead- button that fits the base of the bead. My bead is about 3/4 inch tall, white shirt button
Styrofoam cone - I used the small sizes - 2 1/2 inches to 3 inches
One sheet of crafting felt. 9" x 12" or more than one if you want different colors.
White glue
Straight pins
Thread the color of your chosen felt
Decorative thread or ribbon for the hang tie
Assortment of beads and sequin- to decorate your tree
Step 1: Glue a button on the end of a wooden bead.
Step 2: Glue a scrap piece of felt flat on the top of the styrofoam cone bringing the edges down the sides. This does not have to be pretty as it will be covered. Also, trace the base of the cone on felt and cut out the circle. Glue this circle of felt on the bottom of the cone. Double thread a long needle and sew the trunk (through the button) onto the base bringing the thread through the cone up to the felt on top of the cone. The felt on top will allow you to tie off the thread securely without breaking the styrofoam. The trunk is now secure. You could probably just glue the trunk to the base if you don't have a long needle but I sewed mine on. Next choose your hanging thread or ribbon and attach it to the top of the cone. Again the scrap piece will give you a good firm footing.
Step 3: Cut out a bunch of tear drop shape felt pieces and attach them to the base of the cone using straight pins. Be sure to always put your pins close to the top of the felt so that they will be overlapped by the next layer. I let my petals hang about 1/4 inch.
Step 4: Once this lower level of felt pedals is complete, add glue to the very bottom edge of the cone and secure this layer. Be careful not to go overboard with the glue or it will seep through the felt (not good). Grip with your hand to help secure the petals to the base. This is the only layer you need to glue until you get to the very top. The pins are enough to hold the rest.
Step 5: Continue to shingle layer the felt up the entire tree making sure each layer covers the pins in the layer beneath. When you get close to the top, cut your felt pieces smaller.
Step 6: When you get to the very top petals, use glue to secure them. And voila! You now have a cute little tree to decorate anyway you wish- the sky's the limit! As you add your decorations sew them on letting your needle pass through the styrofoam cone- this way the petals will become more secure and you will not be able to lift them up. I sewed sequin and seed beads on mine, but you can do whatever you wish. The star or bows on top are glued or sewn around the attaching tie. Enjoy!
Some of my finished trees! I think I will make a white tree next- still need 4 more before Christmas!
