Great crafts to bring holiday or seasonal cheer to any home
BY ALDONA BIRD
Newsroom@DominionPost.com
If you are still deciding on the type of tree to put up this holiday season, this DIY might provide inspiration.
It’s easy to get stuck on the need for a traditional tree. But, especially if you have a small home (or just smaller rooms to fill with cheer), alternatives to a classic evergreen tree can be just the ticket for Christmas decorating.
If you aren’t one for Christmas decorating at all, or if you don’t celebrate Christmas, you still might enjoy making some of these winter décor ideas to celebrate other holidays or the natural season.
Table top trees are great if you have some surface area.
For a simple, table top tree to display a single ornament you can use cardboard or thin wood. If you choose wood you will need a scroll saw, or thin bladed handheld saw to create curved lines.
When using cardboard, also select holiday paper, fabric or paint to cover the cardboard.
Onto your material, draw the outline of a Christmas tree — any size you want — with a cut out section larger than the ornament you want to display.
You can make your tree in a classic shape, a cartoon shape or any style you prefer. Put the cutout in the middle, off center, or all the way on the side open to the edge.
Cut out your tree. Also cut out a base for your tree, and secure the two together with glue. If using cardboard, consider using two pieces to make a more sturdy tree.
Cover the cardboard with your chosen paper or fabric, or paint. Punch or poke a hole above the ornament cut-out, and hang your favorite bauble.
If you want a more nature inspired decoration, consider arranging bare branches in a container for a table top or up against a wall.
Spray paint bare branches and decorate them. This adds a wintery starkness to your décor, while also really highlighting your favorite ornaments.
You can also use evergreen branches, creating a tree effect that takes up a lot less space. Hang a bare branch (about three feet long) on a wall with twine — tie near either end, and hang on a hook or nail in the middle of the twine.
Hang inverted evergreen branches in the shape of a pine tree. Start by hanging the longest branch in the middle and work out to either side, using smaller branches. Hang each consecutive branch a little lower, but keep the ends of the branches even at the bottom.
This wall hanging tree looks great with or without ornaments, and can be as big or small as you like. If you only have access to small evergreen branches you can secure them together to make longer sections with thread — just hide it in among the needles or leaves.
If you want to use just one bough to display your favorite ornaments, hang it horizontally by itself with twine, fishing line, rope or yarn secured at either end. This can look great by a window, against a wall or above a mantle.
For a less Christmas-y look, and more seasonal celebration, pick a beautiful evergreen bough and hang it horizontally unadorned.
For window bling that doesn’t block light or take up space, hang 15 or more baubles in the shape of a 2D tree in your window with fishing line using the same bare branch (painted or not) idea as for the evergreen hanging tree. If you have more space, hang baubles in a 3D tree shape for a funky and modern look.
Don’t let small spaces, lack of visiting family, or any other reason stop you from enjoying the seasonal beauty available this time of year.
