An Unexpected Crafty Time

So, my dear mother hijacked me yesterday afternoon for an unexpected crafting session. She had been saying she needed help with a project for Christmas. She saw a "really cute" Christmas time at the dentist office. She went online and printed out the instructions. And everytime we were out shopping she'd say she needed garland and lights and hangers. What kind of tree was she talking about anyway? Well, yesterday was the day that all my questions would be answered. I'm just not sure what question I want answered first. I can tell you, I wasn't too too excited about...it didn't sound awesome in my head..

So, yeah...here's the crafty-ness in question.  Its a small table-top Christmas tree decoration made from wire hangers, pipe cleaners, a strand of lights and some garland. Okay, not some. About three packs of garland.  Because I couldn't really see the finished product in my head, I had a hard time 'liking' it. Usually I can picture what I want and work backwards--but with this one? Not so much.

But, my mom had all the stuff and I had the time. So, here's what we made after reading the instructions a bazillion times...I mean it. they sounded like I wrote them!! I must sound crazy in print!!

 

Here's a white tree we managed to finish.  It's actually not so bad after awhile.  It sort of reminds me of a snow-covered gumdrop tree. If one existed...I know they don't. Probably. Mostly.

   And this is a red/green tree. I know, you can't really tell. It's the camera angle and the lighting. But look how the lights shine. That's pretty--you know it...

I'm still not completely sold on the cuteness factor of these trees. But I do have the experience behind me and the knowledge to draw from should another idea pop into my mom's blonde little head. ♥

Oh Candy Tree....

I've been working on some little Christmas gifts over the past few weeks.  I  have to start early because I make them for the guys at hubby's station, my Mom's people at the IRS and my Dad's people at his job (I still don't know exactly what he does everyday...but that's another story).  I can finally show my little craft on my blog--mainly because I've decided on a different gift for the teacher's at my kids school. So I wouldn't be spoiling any surprises by showing you how I make these. ♥ (and I do need to add a disclaimer: I re-crafted this adorable gift from a friend of a friend--who in her own right is SUPER talented!)

I suggesting hunting for the materials at the Dollar Store and/or the WalMart-shay. They are the best!! For true!  And if you're a really great hunter, these gifts are only about $2.50 each. Of course, once you know how the basics work--you can go high dollar for the ones you love the most. ♥

So, you will need the following materials:

1. styrofoam cone (medium size--you just have to make sure the cone and container jive like turkey and stuffing)

2. Christmas-y container with open top (make sure that the cone and the container you get fit together snuggly.  It can be cermanic, metal, plastic, whatever...)

3. package of Straight Pins--don't confuse these with Safety Pins--entirely different bird

4. assorted hard candies in LOTS of pretty colors (you will need approx. 50-75 pieces per tree depending on the size of your cone and candies)

5. Christmasy Ribbon (1-1 1/2 in thick) Cut into about 18-24 inch lengths

6. Floral Pins (they're also called Greening Pins--in the Floral Dept.)

How to Put Everything Together:

Okay, once you have all the pieces and parts assembled--here's how to get going:   1)  Fit the cone snuggly into the top of the christmas-y container. Make sure it doesn't move around--nice and tight like. 2) Using the straight pins and the candy--start sticking the candy, with the pins--to the bottom of the cone. Continue sticking candies on the cone from the bottom up until you reach the top. You can totally rock your style on this tree! Varying colors and sizes, using patterns and specific colors--whatever your ♥ dreams!!  3) When you get to the top of the cone Stop.  Leave the top flat-y part free of candies.  4) Using one of the Floral pins and the cut ribbon--stick the pin in the center of the ribbon into the top of the cone. Make a pretty-ness bow and let the ribbon hang down. Trim up the ribbons pretty-like. :o)

 

Now you can sing: O Candy tree...how yummy are you looking...eh. Maybe not. But they are super-duper adorkable little gifts to give friends and families--and everyone in between.  I found everything except the pins at the Dollar Store. I bought those at the Wal-mart-shay and craft stores.  Check Costco/Sams for the candies if you are thinking of doing lots of this guys.

And that's an Oh So Pretty Gift, I think. ♥  Happy Crafting!!