Monday, December 14, 2009

Chocolate & Gold Christmas Tree



This actually isn’t my tree – I did this for a client last week. But I thought it was a little different. I wish the pictures had turned out better because, in person, the tree is gorgeous.
Here’s the tree in it’s natural beauty. It’s a full 11’ tall.
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I brought an assortment of ribbon and gold glittered netting. We did the tree in ivory, gold, and chocolate brown.
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I found these wonderful cocoa brown poinsettias and ivory velvet magnolias.
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I started with about 8 yards of fabric – champagne satin and mocha brown jacquard. Then I cut it into 8” strips and tucked it into the tree. It creates a wonderful backdrop coloration.
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Then I started making floral clusters. First, a four-loop bow with the chocolate ribbon. Just make the loops and tie with 22 gauge wire.
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Then add the flower and tape with floral tape. Tip: pull the tape taut as you go so it will stick to itself. Floral tape is waxed tissue paper and needs to be pulled to adhere.
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Then I added some gold picks I got @ Michael’s on sale. They add just enough glitz. Tape this to the flower & ribbon.
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Finished poinsettia cluster. I made about 12 of them and wired them onto the branches with 22 gauge wire. I also added some birch branches I sprayed with a bronze paint.
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Next, I draped pieces of ribbon throughout the tree and added the glittered gold netting. I was so happy to find the netting @ Michael’s as I haven’t seen any for a few years.
The pictures really don’t show the netting well at all. It’s like spun sugar on a tree, especially at night.
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Assorted glass ornaments. I also put a ton (around 200) gold shatterproof ornaments, placing them closer to the trunk.
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I ADORE these little gems. And I found these cool hangers. So much nicer than the regular green/silver wires.
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The finished tree! I so wish pictures did it justice. But the client and her family were happy, and that’s what is important to me.
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Come join the party! Add your link to Sarah’s party! Or at least, check out everyone else’s trees.
Happy Decorating!
Colleen

7 comments:

  1. Colleen..it looks beautiful...awesome job!!

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  2. I know poinsettias don't grow in brown, but I really like them! My decor is in the same color as yours...

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  3. Hi Colleen,
    I saw the slides in the Art Gallery for your
    Mural for Nurseries.
    They are stunning! Oh Colleen, did you say "self taught"? If so , you are doing a very good job!
    These murals are of a professional standard.
    Please keep it up . Cheers.

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  4. Wow. That is a stunning tree! Well done!

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  5. Tina, so happy you looked at my art. And, yes, I'm self-taught. I took one art class in college in 1975 - then quit painting for 15 years, I was so discouraged.

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  6. Very pretty! :) Nice murals too!
    Following you from MBC.
    http://myblessingsoverflow.blogspot.com/

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