This little faux to real mini Christmas tree in a strainer is hiding a secret from you…
It’s actually the TOP of a faux tree, with real branches added!
In real life, it totally looks like the real deal. I did the same method to a faux garland wreath last year here. And to the card wreath HERE I did the year before. But I’ve never seen it done to a tree top yet.
Did I beat “Pinterest?!”
Let’s not check and just run with that thought…
(tree above is faux top with real branches poked in)
My son unexpectedly got pretty sick a good week ago. And he isn’t out of the woods yet.
So that’s greatly delayed us venturing out into the cold to cut down a tree.
I pulled out the big ‘ol dusty faux ones I had in storage, and after coughing up a dust storm, I decided they were just too fake for the look I was going for this year.
The big key word for 2014 appears to be ‘woodland’. I call it Charlie Brown myself.
My dream tree resembles one that has been freshly cut from the forest, where pruners have never ventured.
There are uneven branches, and even gaping holes you can see through. I can see it all now… and hear it too.
Son, “That’s UGLY!”
Me, “I know! Isn’t it perfect?!”
I’ve been trying to find a faux one like that, but there just aren’t any to be had. Close… but not quite.
How to enhance a tree top into a snowy wonder..
- Outfit top of tree into a container of choice.
- Spritz with spray snow.
- Decorate the tree.
- Spritz more spray snow so ornaments get a light dusting.
- Top with faux plastic snow for added bulk.Click to read: How to achieve indoor real snow effects HERE – for more tips!
It’s most frustrating when you can clearly vision what you want, but ‘they’ don’t sell it yet.
“Can a big company that needs a rustic home goods designer with a fearless sense of funk please email me?
I promise to keep you very busy with all my wants and needs and desires. I’ve yet to see my dream army canvas sheets or stamped burlap luggage or scrappy purses or even Charlie Brown Christmas trees in an array of sizes and snow volumes. And so much more.
Hope to hear from you soon!”
(battery operated tea light sits inside a vintage custard cup and faux snow)
Right… so anyway… with my son coughing away, that called for desperate measures.
I took one more look at the trees…
Yuk.
And put one together…
Yukyuk.
And that isn’t a laugh either.
So then I had a little brainstorm… what if I just used the top as a ‘form’ and added real branches to it?
So I did. And stuck it in a vintage applesauce strainer for some added quirk.
I was actually inspired by Inspired by Charm’s planter strainer from way back. You just don’t forget great stuff.
I LOVED the uneven branches!
Ok, so now I need little presents…
I had these blocks of wood sitting in front of me….
Some twine was tied around the wood, with a little sprig of green added, and it was done.
(the red is Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint Tricycle)
The little tree in a strainer totally looks real in real life. Well… it kinda is! And the spray snow will help it maintain a fresh look longer once it dries too.
Now I’m kinda wishing I had put the entire tree up with this treatment!
Maybe I will…
To be continued.
P.S. You’ll see the project above the tree tomorrow.
What do you think? Have you tried this before with a faux tree?
And now, onto the rest! And don’t forget today’s special giveaway at one of the blogs below…
Songbird – music sheet star garland
Inspired by Charm – Hot cocoa station and recipes
Shanty 2 Chic – Wine bottle holder – and today’s giveaway!
Remodelaholic – Mini house printable luminaries
Thistlewood Farms – Paint stick Christmas tree
So stinking cute, I love it. Pinning!!
Love that little tree; I remember my Mom having one of those strainers too. Very clever you are.
I love it….I love the look that older items bring to the house. Great job.
Oh I pray your son gets better soon! It’s awful to get sick so close to the holidays. I love the little tree. I might just have to steal your idea this year. We have a 5 month old puppy (42 pounds already!) who, I just know it, will want to eat all of my Christmas decorations in the house. This would be a good way to put a tree up higher to keep her at bay.
Your tree does look very real Donna. After making my outdoor greens I stuck the extras in two vases so we’d have the “real” tree smell around the house but I’m rethinking that plan after seeing this. I’m going to place them either inside our tree or tuck them with the faux greens in my dining table centerpiece. Thanks for the inspiration!
Your idea of a Christmas tree and mine are the same. Each year I search for a skimpy fir tree with plenty of room between the branches so ornaments & decorations can be nestled near the trunk and have room to hang. There are no trees like that available. That’s what I grew up with in the late 50’s. Wish some manufactuere would take the hint and offer a tree like that. Beautiful little tree in the strainer.
Ohhhh Nancy! We just picked up our tree tonight. It’s like a high end Charlie Brown! My son said, “It doesn’t have any branches!” And me… “I know!!!!” hahahha Coming soon! I so get it!
If your son is coughing a lot do NOT give him menthol cough drops. My Ear, Nose & throat doctor told me menthol makes more mucus. He told me to use Hall’s Breezers. They worked like a charm for me. Hope he feels better soon.
oh donna, how come EVERYTHING you make is so utterly gorgeous?!? and EVERYTHING you touch turn into gold? (here, “gold” means rusty rustic charm in the most beautiful of all the ways!!!) happy holidays to you!! =) xo
There are bands of advertising appearing at the bottom of every photo. It is distracting and obscures the project, which I love. I hope your son gets better soon. It looks like mom is itchin’ to do more decorating!
Hi Fonda!
Yeah, those ads are on trial. There’s an x on them so they can be closed off.
Unfortunately, ads help me keep Funky Junk online. But I’m looking at other ways so I don’t have to rely on so ‘many’ ads. Coming in the new year!
Thanks for always following along! So appreciated!
My boy is doing much better, thank-you!
Love the tree. Looking at my strainer now & thinking I need to go collectnsome greens from the yard to fix up that “faux” tree. Thanks for a great idea
Just got back from Charleston SC where everything is steeped in tradition. There are garlands and wreaths everywhere. Of course the use of real materials is a must, but many of their creations started with faux bases and real greens added. I’d say you are right on the mark with your little tree idea.
That strainer looks like the alien spaceship from the movie MiB 2. 🙂
I love, love, love your creative stuff you come up with!