So Much To Make: tree

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Glittered Origami Christmas Trees

I saw a darling folded Christmas tree on Pinterest a few days ago, and on a whim decided to try it out with some scrapbook paper. It proved to be not only easy and quick, but the learning curve was abnormally NOT steep for an origami project. I typically have to look at the pictures on the second, third and fourth time of making something before I have it memorized. This took one time. Uno. And my 11-year-old son came along and made one pretty easily after me (his is the one with the deer).

After admiring my cute trees for a couple of hours, I had the idea of adding glitter--like snow-- to the edges. I LOVED the results. So easy and inexpensive, yet they look like something from Anthropologie, am I right?

Want to make your own?

Here's what you'll need:

12x12" Scrapbook Paper (remove the barcode edge)
Heavy Duty Scissors
Glitter Paint in a writing tube (as shown)
My video tutorial (below) or this picture tutorial from Simple Joys.

1. Follow the instructions above to make the trees. If your paper is double sided, have the side you want showing out as you proceed in the folding process.

2. Once the trees are made, outline the folded edges with glitter paint. Let it dry, and you're done!

This post is linking at these parties.

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Branch Votive DIY

I can take little credit for this project. I know how it is made, but my son (now 13) made it a couple years ago. So if an 11 year old can do it, you can too! :)

I set this votive out with my fall decor, and I leave it all the way through Christmas. I just change the table runner and what I set around it. At Christmas I put pine cones and boughs, ribbon, and red and gold glass ball ornaments. I love the versatility. Every year my display looks a little different than the last!

To make this Branch Votive you will need:

A real wood tree branch. Ask around--people are always pruning trees or having them removed. Ours came from our old yard (back when we had trees...). It needs to have a diameter of at least 2.5 inches. Bigger is great, too.
Power Drill
1.5 inch spade bit (pictured below)
Some good clamps to secure the branch while you work
Battery powered votive candles (I found mine at Dollar Tree--4/$1 if I remember right)

1. Measure and mark where your votives will sit on your branch. I suggest an odd number for aesthetics.

2. Clamp the branch securely to your work surface. This is crucial for safety and sanity as you work.

3. Place the 1.5" spade bit into the power drill.

4. With tip of bit on the center of each marked spot for your votives, drill to at least 1/4 inch depth. This photo is not "in action." The real deal is much messier. (Wear safety glasses!) Depending on the sharpness of your bit, each indentation can take a few minutes to drill.

5. Place the battery-powered votive candles into the branch. Real votive candles are fine, too, if you are comfortable with real fire burning in a branch on your table. I'm not, so I went with the fake candle option.