Recycled Tree

I was hoping to make some brand new Christmas trees this year, but of course I'm rapidly running out of time . So I'm going to be sensible and cut myself some slack and just make some more of these trees.

I had so much fun making these last year. I had started off trying to come up with an original fabric tree pattern and eventually came up with the design below, which I still think is pretty cute, but  just not quite right.

Eventually, after much over thinking and over designing I realised (as I so often do) that I wanted the trees just to be nice and simple and started working with card and fabric to get the look I wanted.

I ended up being really happy with the over all look and think that it would just be fun (and less stressful) to use last years as well as making a few new ones. And hell, maybe I'll even find the time to tweak the fabric patten so that it works a bit better.

I think these tree's are pretty self explanatory, but I'd be happy to do a little tutorial if anyone would like me to? (I'm a bit shy about these things!).

Whilst we're on the subject of Christmas, I'm mightily relieved to report that Bella's advent calender is looking like it might be ready in time for Dec. 1st. It's only taken me a year.
Now I just have to come up with idea's for what to put in it. I don't want any kind of sweets/candy/chocolate in it and want/need to keep everything small (if for no other reason than it has to fit in the calender's pockets). So far I've bought her a little tube of strawberry flavoured lip balm (she's obsessed with lipstick at the moment, which is weird because I never wear it) and I intend to make her some Princess Peg dolls, but I'm stuck beyond that.
Anyone got any idea's for cheap and easy gifts that I can use?

Comments

[Ram in the Thicket]

I am having a giveaway on my blog starting today to celebrate my move from blogspot to typepad. Please stop by to enter at http://www.raminthethicket.typepad.com

[Zoe Krylova]

sometimes toy stores will have a section of bins in which they have small items: miniature animals, marbles, finger puppets, erasers (i've seen some really cool japanese erasers that look like food), tiny deck of cards, etc.

special stones, geodes, gems

pendants

little felted gnomes or fairies

small wooden animals

coins

small tree ornaments

mood ring

magnets

tiny statuettes, like of the buddha or any icon that is meaningful to you. . .

it all begins tomorrow! have fun! btw, i love what you make :)

[LindaSonia]

The trees are adorably unique. I'd love to see a tutorial if you would be so inclined. Be well!! LindaSonia

[Anina]

No ideas here, but I LOVE those little trees. Please do a little tutorial.

[M&Co]

Your trees are so cute! I love tha fabric and I love the idea!!

[paula]

These are so cute - I would love a tutorial!

(We have a small advent calendar this year with special Christmas ornaments to put on the tree. That way, the tree-trimming lasts all month and we get to appreciate each ornament more.)

[ginny]

Hi Manda,
I have just filled up my girls' Advent....
I always put in something to eat (foil covered angel/santa and gold coins), something for the tree.. over the years we have built up a collection of decorations.. salt dough, wooden and china. I have found two tiny glass angels this year only (we will have no room left on the tree otherwise). Lastly i include some gifts for them.. hair grips, fabric hair bands, necklaces, little fabric beaded hearts, tiny needle case, brooches. It's fun looking for the bits if you have time. I wrap them so they can't cheat (they are 7 and 9 now). Also if you are pushed for time, rather than rushing to fill all 24 pockets, just pad out with tissue paper the higher numbers until you have found the gift and swap it later. Alternatively like Al .. Waitrose does do great chocolates and you can't go wrong with chocolate!! Glad Bella is much better... really felt for you.. it's so scary when thay are that poorly.
Sending you all lots of love
Ginny
x

[kat]

sweet trees! before opting for activities, i'd begun collecting little faery treasures for thehobbit's countdown. here is what inspired me http://www.atoygarden.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=336&CFID=8382793&CFTOKEN=44a2f590d8fcb5b9-9198D5BA-D61C-E357-D84DC2DBD5C6761D

[christina(apronstrings)]

they are so pretty. i would love a how-to. although, i bet i can figure it out?

[Lynn]

How about a handkerchief! My daughter loves them. We have some old and some new!

[bekka]

would love to see a tutorial for your recycled trees. they're lovely in their simplicity.

[Sarah Smith]

Hi

I had a thought for Bella's advent calendar Me to You Bears do a range of small bears that would fit I think.

I hope she loves her calendar.

Sarah

[Siri]

Temporary tattoos. Little precut wooden shapes from the craft store that can be painted, glittered, or drawn on with markers. Buttons. Coins for their piggy banks, and maybe once even a paper bill, rolled up or folded some fancy way. Which reminds me that it's time to stock up for this year. Fortunately, we don't start with our stocking advent calendar until after our son's birthday on the 7th!

[Vicki]

I love visiting Tree Fall. I look forward to every new post. I want to make every single thing that you post and I love to show my sewing students your latest creations. Thank you for being one of my favorite things all year round. Now find a babysitter for the kid-s! so you still have time to sew and blog once the baby comes...

[amy m]

a tutorial would be awesome! i have lots of patterned christmas scrapbook paper i could put to use!

[Lily]

Maybe you could put some wooden letters (the ones that go on bedroom doors) that spell out her name and then put one letter in a pocket by itself you could start with l,e,l,a,b so she couldn't work out what she will end up with until the end. Or you could put a piece if a jigsaw in every pocket and then on christmas day put the last piece in and complete the picture!
Hope this helps
Lily