The hubby and I are not live tree people.  The first year together we bought a live tree.   Apparently neither one of us ever watered it and we both ended up with allergy issues.  Not one of our most favorite memories.  We’ve had artificial trees ever since.

Three years ago when we bought this house, we bought ourselves a new, pre-lit, slim tree.  We were so excited and loved the fact that we didn’t have to add any lights.  We swore we’d never buy another tree without lights.

Last year when we pulled the tree out, we had trouble with some of the lights.  We found a spot where one of the cats must have chewed the light bulb completely off.  There were just the ends of the bare wires.  So hubby put a wire nut on it and we went on about our merry way.

This year, even more lights were out.  After spending a half hour trying to figure out why they weren’t working, we finally got fed up and spent 2 hours removing all the lights.  2 hours with a pair of needle nose pliers, prying the little green clips holding the light strands to each branch.  Now we’re swearing we’ll never buy another pre-lit tree.  At least I still had brand new lights, still in the box, left from an after Christmas sale =)

The color scheme of our Christmas tree has had an evolution over the last 15 years.  It started out as cobalt blue, white and gold with a few little copper colored pieces.  Over the course of the next ten years it pretty much stayed the same.  But for the last five years it’s been increasing more toward turquoise and copper with less of the cobalt.

The only change I made this year was the new ribbon garland.  I found a 70 ft. roll of copper colored wire edged ribbon at Dollar General for $5.  I wrapped the whole tree and still have a bunch left over.  I really love the way it sparkles. Originally, I had a different vision with multiple kinds and colors of ribbon and beads cascading down from the top but I just felt it was too fussy.  I like the simplicity of this much more.  Not to mention, this poor tree is overloaded with ornaments.  We actually have two trees but we only put the “good” tree up this year.

Did you notice the gift-wrapped package on the wall?  Nothing more than a canvas wrapped in last year’s leftover, recycled wrapping paper.  A little curling ribbon and highlighted in the center with another of the glitter snowflakes.  Here is the before…created with acrylic paint and drinking cup rings.

And after…

I like this so much, I’m going to make a couple more “wall gifts” for the other side of the tree.  I’m gonna use shoe box lids instead of canvas but it will look the same.

Here’s a couple more shots of favorite ornaments.

Ok….one last pic….with the lights off…

That’s all for today.

Please take a minute to scroll down and leave a comment.  I would love to know what you think.  Did this inspire you?  Will you use this as a jumping off point for your own project?  Or just say –  Hi, I was here.  Comments are the only way to let me know what you are thinking.  If you enjoyed, please share with your friends or followers.  Thanks =) 

  Andrea

Linking to these great parties…..

Sunday’s Best @ My 1929 Charmer

Show and Tell Saturday @ Be Different Act Normal 

The DIY Project Parade @ The DIY Showoff 

Meet Me Monday @ You Are Talking Too Much

Christmas Craft Tutorial Party @ Project Queen

Thrifty Thursday Blog Hop @ Saved By Love Creations

Tickled Pink @ 504 Main 

Crazy Cute @ Between U & Me 

Saturday Night Special @ Funky Junk Interiors