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[M39]Make A Christmas Tree

by Emma Snow, Emm

Do you want to change the look of your Christmas tree, but are short on cash? Here are a few do-it-yourself ideas you can use to transform your old ornaments into something new. Better yet, update the look of your old ornaments and add a few new designer ornaments each year, as your budget allows. You’ll have a tree you are pleased with without breaking the bank.

Old glass ball ornaments are easy to transform. Here are a few options:

~ Spray paint them using pearlescent paint.
~ Coat them with craft glue and dip them in tiny beads, glitter, or potpourri.
~ Add swirls, stars, or other designs with dimensional paint.
~ Stencil new designs on them.
~ Wrap them with lengths of ribbon, cording, or raffia. Secure with glue. Another option would be to attach a bow of ribbon, cording, or raffia by the hook at the top or at the base.
~ De-shine them by spraying with frost spray paint or dipping them in an etching bath.
~ For clear glass balls, add a few teaspoons paint in coordinating colors to the inside of the ball. Rotate slowly to swirl and mix the colors. Turn upside down on newspaper to drain and dry.

If you want to depart from the traditional completely, toss the old glass balls and start from scratch. Look around the house for something unique to make a themed tree. This is a marvelous way to display any collections you have: dolls or doll clothes, dollhouse furniture, teddy bears or other stuffed animals, seashells, cards, seed pods, cooking utensils, collector spoons, cookie cutters, tools, artificial plants…use your creativity!

This is one of the most important questions. Most people find the tree first. The problem is they go tree shopping and fall in love with a tree they simply have to have, only to get home and find it does not fit.

So take a look around your home and decide where the best place to display your tree is. Then how much work will it take to put it there? Do you simply move a small table to another room or do you have to completely rearrange the room.

Next measure the space you have created. How much room do you have between pieces of furniture on either side and how much room do you have from the wall out into the room. You must also know your ceiling height. Some building codes are 7feet 6inches but most are 8feet. Unless you have cathedral ceilings, then you can have slopes from 10 to 14 feet tall and more.

Choosing a Tree.

The first thing to consider is which kind of tree you want, Live or Artificial. The Pros to a Live Tree are; they smell nice and are considered by some to be traditional and they come in many shapes and sizes. The Cons are; they drop there needles and make a mess, they dry out fast, they turn brown you have to remember to add water.

The Pros to an Artificial Tree are; They do not lose their needles, they stay green, they need no water, you don't have to add lights every year and they come in all shapes and sizes. The Cons are; they have no pine scent.

Once you decide what size tree you need, where you want to put it and which type of tree you want then go shopping!

Some things to watch for when selecting a Live Christmas Tree are; Is it brown or dark green? Are the needles dry and brittle or plump and soft? Are there needles all over the floor under the tree? Then check the shape of the tree and spacing between the rows of branches.

Some things to look for when buying an Artificial Tree are; touch the tips, make sure the feel of the tree agrees with you. You have to get your hands into a tree to decorate and light it, if the needles and branches are scratchy and rough you might not like it. Then gently grab a tip and run it thru you hand. Then open your hand and look at it; is your hand green? Do you have a hand full of needles? Did the tree stay in place or almost fall on you? If the tree tries to come with down when you do this, either you pulled way to hard or the stand is not stable for the size of the tree. This could be a problem if you have a small, curious child or animals.

Which ever tree you choose the final test is called a squint test. Stand back a few feet and squint your eyes at the tree. This will show you all the holes, which would need to be filled with large ornaments or floral picks.

Article Source : How Were Your Holidays

About Author

Both Emma Snow & Debby Brown are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Emma Snow has sinced written about articles on various topics from Family, Food and Drink and Health. About the Author:Emma Snow is a creator at for Ornament Shop and Craft Kits. Emma Snow's top article generates over 27100 views. to your Favourites.

Debby Brown has sinced written about articles on various topics from Family Concerns, Entertainment Guide and Holidays. Debby Brown has been a writer for Christmas Decorations and Gifts for several years. View our We have a great selection. Debby Brown's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.