Saturday, November 20, 2010

My Christmas Wall Tree

I'd loved this idea of a bits-and-bobs, collection tree ever since I saw it over at The Fable of the Table. And, with a rummage through my jewelry box, my buttons, pompoms, fridge magnets, ornaments that don't fit with our 'strictly red' tree this year, and a goodie bag sent over from Beijing, there were suddenly more than enough trinkets to fill up my tree.


My tree is backed with poster board with a linen surface, and the decorations are simply pinned on (and double-sided taped if pinning was impossible). It is outlined with a thin piece of twine. It can't get any easier than that!


I really enjoyed making it, and just love how personal it is. We have mementoes on there from such a range of times and places and people: incense from our honeymoon in Thailand, my badge from the summer I interned at IKEA Beijing, keys to Justin's old red Mitsubishi, a red clay heart from Auntie Jenni, a beaded wreath from Grandma Thies, coloured paper clips that I slipped off submissions to the Sonora Review, a pendant I remember buying in Nottingham when I was about eleven, a fishing lure that my parents attached to one of Justin's Christmas presents one year, and even the twine was a gift from my friend, Loreal! I'm sure this will be a yearly tradition, with new items added each winter.

For other beautiful wall trees, check out Jane's and The Sunday Collector's. And then make your own!

8 comments:

Justin said...

I have a few more fishing lures you can use... or perhaps some stink-bait to remind us of our catfish fishing trip.

Kathryn said...

Wow, I'm in love with this idea! Yours turned out absolutely wonderful, I love how personal it is. Such a great way to use any and all of your leftover decorations!

And I have to say, I'm also quite fond of your Julbock and God Jul sign! :)

Red Red Completely Red said...

Mmm, maybe next year, Justin. Give that stink-bait time to ripen!

Thanks, Kathryn, yes the Julbock arrived yesterday from IKEA, and is making me so happy!

ID said...

What a lovely tree. Especially like the Beijing IKEA badge of course!!!!
I think I have enough saved junk to make multiple trees - just not sure when I will have the time.

Rita said...

I love your Christmas Wall Tree! It's fantastic. If I find the time I would love to make one too, it makes a wonderful tree of memories.

Jadyn said...

I love how it came out! Such a great way to make use of all those little memorabilia.

Loreal said...

What a wonderful, meaningful little tree! I love it! And I'm glad that you found such a lovely use for that twine!

Anonymous said...

This might be a great way to see all of my Christmas pins this season (as I never get around to wearing all of them). They are sort of like your 'trinkets' as each one reminds me of a 'time' and 'person'.
(Or is this too 'tacky'?)