CHRISTMAS GLITZ & GLAMOUR TUTORIAL

Before Christmas arrives, I would like to share another of the little holiday projects I created this year. I dug out my stash of broken rhinestone jewelry and composed this glitzy little framed rhinestone Christmas tree. Hung near a lamp, a window or even by lit candles, this lovely tree sparkles like mad, adding a very festive look to the room.

Framed rhinestone (or other jewelry) trees are not a new craft form by any means. For decades I've occasionally seen and admired one hanging on someone's wall around Christmas. Their popularity peaked in the 1960's, although they have been around at least since the 50's, possibly much earlier. The one pictured here that I made for myself fits in a 5" x 7" frame and is actually quite small. I'm hoping to find the time to make a much, much bigger one sometime soon. Most of the older ones are generally in 12" x 14" frames and larger.

The trees take a little time & patience to compose, but they are actually quite simple to make. All you need is a pretty frame, a piece of velvet matte board to fit in the frame, some clear jewelry glue from the craft store and a whole lot of broken rhinestone jewelry and loose rhinestones. Pearls also look wonderful mixed in with the rhinstones and a few craft store crystals wouldn't hurt the look at all. You can also purchase strands of rhinestones by the yard in fabric stores and some craft stores, as well.

The first thing you'll want to do is draw a tree shape to fit the piece of matte board on a separate sheet of paper. I find the easiest way to do that is to fold the paper in half lengthwise and beginning at the top of the fold, draw half a tree. Then just cut out your half tree, open it up and you'll have a nice, symmetric tree shape. Position the paper tree shape onto the velvet matte board and trace around it with a pencil so that you can see the outline. Glue lengths of rhinestone strands along the outline. Be careful not to use too much glue or it will smear and cause all your work to look messy!

Once you've got your outline completed it's only a matter of filling in with various rhinestone pieces. Use loose rhinestones, pearls or crystals to fill in tiny areas where the background might show. Add a pretty rhinestone pin to the top of the tree and a base of rhinestones or pearls and you're done! Allow your tree to dry thoroughly before slipping it into the frame, then hang your gorgeous creation on a wall and prepare to hear lots of compliments!

SHELLS & PEARLS ORNAMENT

Last week I visited a long-lost childhood friend who, I was surprised to learn, now lives not too far from my current location. I wanted to give her something as my hostess gift that was very "Florida" and after some thought decided to make her this shells and pearls tree ornament. I already had the delicate clear glass wreath shape ornie awaiting inspiration to hit, although I could have also used a clear glass ball. I filled the ornament about half way with faux pearls mixed together with opalescent mica chips, then carefully glued an arrangement of pretty white shells - most gathered by myself on Sanibel - and a few of the faux pearls around the top to decorate and hide the gold colored cap. A length of mossy green organza ribbon tied through the hanging loop was the final touch. It's simple but elegant, and my friend seemed to like my gift very much.

MAKE A VINTAGE TULLE YULE TREE

The instructions for this magical little tabletop tree came from a 1950's handout flier printed up by a tulle manufacturer. The fliers were distributed in the fabric departments of department stores and five & dime stores, both places where one could purchase tulle in those days. I remember seeing these pretty trees made up in deep green tulle and decorated with metallic gold cording or rickrack and sparkling sequins and dusted with glitter. But wouldn't they be fabulous made up in pink, aqua or white tulle and decorated with any of the wide variety of pretties available today? I think these trees would be lovely as holiday decorations in a bathroom or bedroom and they'd be quick, easy and inexpensive to whip up as gifts for like minded friends, too.

1/4" SCALE CHRISTMAS MINIATURES

I've been a busy little (ok, I'm not exactly little, but you get the idea) elf, creating a sleigh full of tasty miniature treats and festive decorations ... and even the guy who supposedly made them (even though it was really me). The lavishly decorated Christmas trees are suitable for all dollhouse scales, too. Everything is currently on eBay hoping to find a home, so if you like something please do go check them all out at http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZserendipity*2*QQhtZ-1 or just click on my eBay link at left.