Most families' holiday tree is usually a pine tree set in the window of the living room and decorated with lights, tinsel and ornaments. We love to place smaller trees in several places in our home. How fun is it to have one in the kitchen, on the dining room table or on a bedside table in a child's room. There are no rules about where Christmas trees or Hanukkah bushes can be placed. Use your imagination and you'll find dozens of places in your home perfect for a smaller version of everyone's favorite holiday symbol.
Shell Trees
This is a great way to use those shells you and your kids have been collecting on beaches.
You will need:
- Styrofoam tree (any craft store will have a variety of sizes)
- Shells (from your own collection or they can also be purchased in craft stores)
- Glue gun and glue
- Optional: pearls, beads
directions
- Beginning at the bottom glue each shell into place using the glue gun. Try using the bigger shells first and then filling in gaps with the smaller shells. Build layer upon layer until you get to the top.
- If desired glue beads or pearls on top of the shells.
- Top with a star fish, large shell or ornament.
Cork Trees
These adorable small trees make good use of all those wine corks you will certainly be collecting during the holidays! Or, if you don't drink wine, get the word out to friends and family and ask them to save them for you.
To make these trees you will need:
- 18 – 24 corks (depending on how big you would like your tree to be)
- Glue gun and glue
- A 2" piece of a 2" diameter stick (from your yard) or a cut wooden dowel.
- Acrylic or water based paints
- Bits and pieces to decorate your tree
directions
- Start with four corks and glue them together to make the base of the tree.
- Add five corks to the next level, letting them hang over on each side slightly.
- Continue adding four, then three, then two, then one cork to each layer (start with three corks on the bottom for a smaller tree).
- Randomly paint the ends as desired.
- Decorate with ribbon, fabric, buttons or any notions you may have.
- Attach the tree to the 2" base.
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