Michael Basler, of Creative Publishing International, creates three different Christmas tree designs: elegant, country and natural. Elegant Christmas Tree Here are the keys to creating an elegant look: - One of the secrets to the elegant look is a wire-edge ribbon (figure A) that can be shaped however you desire. See instructions below for this project.
- Cherubs and burgundy roses trimmed in gold (figure B) are perfect for an elegant tree. Gold is the central theme of this particular tree.
- Red berries and shiny gold ornaments complement the gold ribbon and other decorations beautifully. See below for instructions on how to create inexpensive gold ornaments from papier mache.
- One way to reflect the elegance of the tree is to wrap the gifts in paper that matches the tree. In this case, gold and rich red wrappings were chosen.
Country Christmas Tree Here are the keys to creating a country look: - Using old-fashioned lights (figure C) are one of the main ways to achieve a country design. Note: DIYnet.com editors recommend the bubble lights that were popular a few decades ago. They can still be found in antiques stores as well as some craft stores and retail outlets across the country.
- Gingham fabric was used for garland and ornaments (figure D) on this country tree. The garland was made from old buttons and fabric-covered thread spools that lend themselves to the rustic feel of the tree.
- Gingerbread-men ornaments add a holiday aroma to the tree.
- Once again, try to wrap the gifts in the same design theme. For this tree, Basler used raffia and brown wrapping paper with gingham ribbon and bows.
Natural Christmas Tree Here are the keys to a natural look: - The most noticeable element of this design is a thick vine (figure E), which was actually wrapped around the tree like garland. Rope garland (see instructions, below) was added for a natural touch as well and embellished with dried berries and moss. This is a fun tree that would be perfect for a cabin or a natural-looking home.
- Styrofoam (TM) balls were covered with seeds and beads as ornaments (figure F) for the tree.
- Dried orange and apple slices were used as ornaments. (See instructions to make these, below.)
Dried Apple and Orange Slice Ornaments Materials: Dried fruit slices (apples and oranges were used for this particular project)
Twine
Glue
Dried berries
Miniature acorns, twigs, greenery and whatever else you desire (found at craft stores) - Dry the fruit.
- Glue -- use a glue gun if desired -- the dried berries and miniature accessories (acorns, twigs, greenery, etc.) to the dried fruit slices.
- Take a short piece of twine, glue to the back of the dried sliced fruit and hang on the tree.
Rope Garland Materials: Rope
Mixed pick accessories (pine cones with greenery and dried berries -- found at all craft stores)
Glue
Moss - Wherever you want to place the mixed pick accessory (pine cone decorations, etc.) along the rope, separate the rope and stick the decoration between the braids to secure. Glue can be used as well.
- Use moss to cover the spot where the accessory decorations were placed. Simply glue the moss right on the spot.
- Create a loop at the end of the rope with glue. This will be the end that starts the garland on the tree.
Note: Don't make one long, huge garland. It's better to make several short ones. Wire-Edge Ribbon Materials: Fabric of your choice (use gold for the elegant theme)
Wire
Fusible webbing (found at all craft and sewing stores)
Iron - Iron the fusible webbing onto the seam of the fabric, which is cut in 3" strips. (As with the rope, don't make a one huge garland, make several smaller ones.)
- Place the wire down the inseams of the fabric.
- Fold the fabric over the wire and iron to secure.
- Curl the wire to form a garland-type design for the tree.
- Wrap the gold-fabric garland around the tree.
Inexpensive Gold Ornaments Materials: Papier-mache craft ornament (found at most craft stores)
Craft paint (to seal the surface)
Gold leaf adhesive
Gold leaf sheets
Small box or container
Craft paintbrush
Straight pins
Ribbon - Paint the papier-mache craft ornament to seal it.
- Crumble several pieces of the gold leaf (called "skewings") in a small box.
- Set the papier-mache ornament, which is sticky with paint, into the box to pick up the skewings.
- Use a paintbrush to distribute the skewings on the ornament.
- Continue until the entire surface of the ornament is leafed.
- Make a small loop out of ribbon and attach to the top of the ornament to hang on the tree.
RESOURCES :
Holiday Fun Year-Round With Dian Thomas
ISBN: 0962125725
Fun at Home
ISBN: 0962125792
Author: Dian Thomas
Dian Thomas Communications
Website: www.dianthomas.com
A Scented Christmas
Model: 0806974710
Author: Dawn Cusick
October, 1990
Lark Books / Altamont Press
Website: www.larkbooks.com
Seasonal Gifts and Festive Celebration: Recipes and Ideas for Hand-Made Holiday Gifts
Model: 0754803554
Author: Sarah Ainley
Lorenz Books / Anness Publishing Inc.
Website: www.lorenzbooks.com
Scented Gifts: From Sachets to Soap, from Gingerbread to Potpourri
Model: 1579901425
Author: Laura Dover Doran
Wrap It Up: 50 Creative and Stylish Gift-Wrap Ideas
Model: 0765588986
Author: Sally Walton
Creative Gift Wrapping: Unique Ideas for All Occasions
Model: 0895779625
Author: Gill Dickinson
Gift Wrapping : Art of Craft Series
Model: 1861263635
Author: Annette Claxton
(2001)
Trafalgar Square Publishing Co.
Website: www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com
Great Gifts: Toast the Host
Model: 0865739889
This book is not out of print, but is hard to find. Check used book stores.
Greet the Season (Great Gifts)
Model: 0865739870
This title is difficult to find. Check with used bookstores.
Christmas Cooking for Dummies
Model: 0764554077
Author: Dede Wilson
(2001)
Ruminator Books
St. Paul, MN 55105
Phone: 651-699-7038
Fax: 651-699-7190
Email: books@ruminator.com
The Christmas Cookbook: Recipes to Celebrate the Festive Season
Model: 1842152416
Author: Sue Maggs
(2000)
Southwater Publishing (The Manning Partnership Ltd.-- Imprint of Anness Pub)
Phone: 0-1225-852727
Fax: 0-1225-85282
The Everything Christmas Recipes: Festive Holiday Fare and Treats
Model: 1580925444
Author: Editors of Adams Media
(2001)
Adams Media Corporation
Holbrook, MA 02343
Phone: 781-767-8100
Fax: 781-767-0984
The Christmas Cookie Book
Model: 0811830950
Author: Lou Seibert Pappas
(2001)
Chronicle Publishing Company
Website: www.chroniclebooks.com
Familyfun's Cookies For Christmas
Model: 0786864699
Author: Deanna F. Cook
(1998)
Hyperion Books
New York, NY 10023
Phone: 212-456-0100
Classic Crafts and Recipes for the Holidays
Model: 0609808508
Author: Martha Stewart
(2001)
William Morrow Books / Hearst Books
Website: www.harpercollins.com
How to Do Christmas Florals If You Think You Can't
Model: 1574860739
Author: Anne-Marie Spencer
(1997)
Leisure Arts (Hot Off The Press, Inc.)
Website: www.craftpizazz.com
Gift Of Christmas: Create Ornaments, Candles, Centerpieces and More
Model: 0865733902
Author: Editors of Creative Publishing
(1996)
Creative Publishing International, Inc.
Website: www.creativepub.com
The Spirit of Christmas: Creative Holiday Ideas
Model: 1574861964
Author: Editors of Leisure Arts
(2001)
Leisure Arts (Hot Off The Press, Inc.)
Website: www.craftpizazz.com
Christmas Crafts and Entertaining: Fun Projects and Gifts Plus Great Recipes
Model: 0865731780
Author: Editors Creative Publishing International
(1999)
Creative Publishing International, Inc.
Website: www.creativepub.com
Wrap It Up: Great Gifts (Great Gifts)
Model: 0865739862
Holiday Decorating
Model: 1586632272
Author: Megan Fulweiler
(September, 2001)
Metro Books
Christmas 101: Celebrate the Holiday Season-From Christmas to New Year's
Model: 0767903994
Author: Rick Rodgers
(October, 1999)
Broadway Books/Random House, Inc.
Website: www.randomhouse.com
Bon Appetit the Christmas Season
Model: 0609607251
Author: Bon Appetit Editors
(September, 2000)
Clarkson Potter/The Crown Publishing Group/Random House
Website: www.randomhouse.com
Decorating for Christmas: 70 Themed Craft Projects to Decorate Your Home
Model: 0715309617
Author: Carolyn Shulz
(September, 1999)
David & Charles
Make Your Own Christmas Tree Ornaments: Inspiring Ideas for Decorating Your Christmas Tree
Model: 1842152351
Author: Carolyn Bell
(August, 2000)
Southwater Publishing (The Manning Partnership Ltd.-- Imprint of Anness Pub)
Phone: 0-1225-852727
Fax: 0-1225-85282
GUESTS :
Michael Basler
Creative Publishing International
Email: mbasler@creativepub.com
Website: www.creativepub.com
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