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!

Start Now and Knit Your Own Wrapping Paper

As you might have noticed, I've recently fallen back in love with knitting. It's the combination of cold weather and a little tiny person for whom things knit up wonderfully quickly -- there's nothing like feeling you can finish a whole piece of clothing in a week or so!

And with my needles out and itching for new challenges, I've considered trying out this lovely way of wrapping a present:

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Surely, it is just a large rectangle of stocking stitch that has been seamed at the back and the end? What a great way to make friends and family feel all woolly inside.

And for those that can't knit (or those us who can, but inevitably run out of time), there's a cheat: faux-knitted wrapping paper!

And, to write your message, faux-knitted cards!

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Just, please, don't compare the knitting inside the present to the wrapping paper... you'll be sorely disappointed!

Christmastime, Mistletoe and Twine

Over the past week, I've been knitting up a Christmas cardigan for Tilly with this gorgeous red-and-white striped wool, using this free pattern. I love how the two-toned wool comes together -- not too pepperminty, not much too like a candy cane -- and looks like it would be right at home on a little Danish baby!

And all that striped wool inspired me to pull out the roll of baker's twine. Our house at Christmas is almost all red and white (with the exception, of course, of the Russian Doll cones!) and so baker's twine is a perfect compliment.

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Use it to string up decorations:

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To tie a gift bag closed:

(tutorial)

To keep your Christmas cookies neatly in a pile:

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Or, for a bit of simple charm, it would look lovely just wound around an old wooden spool:

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So, don't let ribbon have the monopoly on Christmas trim again this year -- give baker's twine a try! And, as always, please post a link if you do, as I'd love to see!

(linking to My Creative Space today!)

Gather Ye Pinecones

For the third instalment of Start Now and Be Ready for Christmas, I've got some pinecones for you. There's something just lovely about bringing nature into the home at Christmas, and pinecones are relatively easy to find -- most craft shops sell them by the sack-load. But perhaps these ideas will inspire you to start early, and have time to collect your own this year.

1. Pinecone Wreath

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A lovely alternative to greenery, I'm sure this wreath would be quick work, with a variety of collected pinecones and acorns, a circular foam base and a lot of hot glue.


2. Pinecone Centrepiece

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Old candlestick-holders, pinecones, and a glittery star or two, and you've got a little Christmas sparkle for the table. I love that the pinecones are so compact, so if your Christmas feast consists of dozens of dishes, they will squeeze in nicely between the turkey platter and the brussel sprouts.

3. Pinecone Gift-Wrap

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If your family is competitive each year about who can wrap the fanciest presents, then perhaps a pinecone and pretty ribbon will finally put you in the lead?


4. Pinecone Garland

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Simple, natural, beautiful. I could imagine this garland in a cosy Christmas log cabin, or in a sleek Scandinavian apartment.


5. Pinecone Christmas Cake

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Martha Stewart design, of course. And though you can't eat the pinecones, the pine-needles are made of chocolate!


6. Pinecone Tree

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And if you hit the jackpot and find a mountain of pinecones, why not make your whole Christmas tree out of them! Just be careful if your dog is anything like Bella... or else Christmas morning might be a carnage of chewed cones!

(Start Now and Be Ready for Christmas is inspired by a series over at The Fable of the Table)