I landed a Whoville type tree this year. And I couldn’t be more pleased!
You see, after 20 long years, I decided to bite the bullet and get a real Christmas tree. I like my fake one, but I really desired to smell pine and enjoy a real authentic looking tree in the house for a change.
So when my eyes landed on a $35 special right in town that was far from perfect, I fell in love!
There’s one song that I always hear in my head when I look at my tree. So to get you into the spirit of all things Whoville, here’s a little tune you can play while you visit if you wish. 🙂
Welcome to my Whoville Junk Memory Christmas tree viewing!
The tree is WONDERFULLY quirky! The girth is fairly narrow, with spindly like branches reaching towards the ceiling every which way. And the branches are sparsely spaced, leaving great display areas for all my rusty treasures. 🙂
The tree stand was placed into a metal tub (thanks Vic! he finds good junk for me) with the opening covered with burlap, resembling an official root ball. No need for a tree skirt this year. 🙂
Vintage license plates from Anything Goes Here Etsy set the junk theme style for this fun lovin’ tree. The white garland is simply ripped white sheets in about 6″ strips.
I know. That music is abit annoying while trying to read isn’t it? Ah well. Do watch the video after reading this post, it’s got some pretty cool scenes in it. 🙂
Like my ultra quirky star?!? It’s a cultivator blade, sent from Iris at Treasuring the Journey.
When Iris spotted these things, she immediately deemed them mine and sent them over to me to see what I’d do with them. 🙂 Iris, I hope I did you proud! 🙂 The best part? After Christmas I can use them somewhere else. 🙂
Cool vintage keys, tap handles and antique clothespins from Anything Goes Here Etsy were sprinkled here and there for my kinda ornaments. 🙂 Joan, your stuff simply rocks!
And in special cases, pearls even have a place on a junk tree.
Can you guess who this precious little angel is? 🙂 (xo mom!)
This sweet little sleigh is patiently waiting behind the tree for present time.
More quirk. 🙂
Fake snow, inspired by Shanty 2 Chic from last year.
That white stuff is glass angel hair. It’s magical! If you place it around the lights on your tree, the lights appear to glow much brighter. Very cool effect. Just a caution… it’s wonderful stuff but not toddler friendly.
I just liked this little guy’s scruffy hat and torn pants. Heck… this looks like me! I need to go find a plaid jacket to seal the deal. 🙂
Wait a minute…
mom…
me…
We look so much alike it always catches me off guard. 🙂
Special reminders of my mom are everywhere on this tree. I love the paint spots found on her glasses. 🙂 Everything is sacred, friends. Everything.
Blog friend treasures dot the tree here and there as well. One of Denise’s (Living Life Creatively) infamous birds and Missy’s (The Little Green Bean) labels both have very special places.
And that concludes the tour of my funny little Whoville Junk Memory Christmas tree. 🙂
Whaddaya think, Grinch?
Shucks. 🙂
Stay tuned for a full upstairs reveal next week!
What’s the theme for your tree this year?
Trying anything original out?
~ Other 2010 Christmas posts ~
A Christmas crafting post by a non crafter type (me)
Dealing with the loss of my mom this season
A tutorial on making a cool old gate for the fireplace mantel
Your tree is so much fun! I love the license plate, tree star topper, and momentos from your mom…so thoughtful. May the great memories of your mom be with you during this Christmas season to help you through it.
Susan : )
How fun. That tree is sooo you. I love the “mom” ornaments.
It is really creative!
I absolutely looove your style!!! So different, unique, and I keep hanging for what is coming next!
Tara
~A Mustard Seed Dream
That tree is just beautiful Donna! I love that everything has special meaning and that your mom can be a part of it all! 🙂
I love it! It’s so fun and quirky. 🙂
That tree is exactly what I thought it would be. I think it’s fabulous. It caught me off guard to see your mom’s glasses on the tree – I also put my dad’s on mine! And I put his ‘snips’ (scissors he used to cut wire at work) on my tree too.
I think you should package and sell those jar lid ornaments. They’re great!
You did a great job. Now I’m excited to see your upstairs!
Your tree is so You. I love it! I love all the special touches you have added that remind you of your loved ones.
-Danielle
This is just too cute! I LOVE it!!
Oh, my.. I LOVE IT. The colors, the quirk the everything. Love love love.
xo
This has got to be one of THE COOLEST trees I have ever seen! It’s rustic and beautiful and quirky and AWESOME! Love it! Great job!!
Awe, I love it! I wanna real tree. =) Love it, so original, I’ve never seen anything like it.
Love it!!! It’s perfect-o!!!
gorgeous tree and i love your mom’s glasses on there. how perfect!
I love it and it is ALL you. It is perfection! Love mom’s glasses on there and the angel too.
Two things:
1. Love the eye glasees!!!!
2. The galvanized bucket is exactly what we used growing up. My mom still does. This is very nostalgic for me.
I just LOVE this! The ornaments, the galvanized bucket. Just perfect! So clever!
It is just so YOU. I would definitely pick it out in a line-up. 🙂 I love your creativity. The extra touches (watch,glasses) make it extra special.
What a great tree – I love it. I never would have thought to put on old glasses or a watch but they are perfect touches.
Congrats on your blog article in Romantic Homes. I just got it today and saw you in there!!
That is the Junkiest Tree Ever!!!! I love it! Just goes to show, anything can be put in a tree!
Congrats on the article in Romantic Home too!
Jody
I adore this! I showed it to My Guy and he really likes it too!
That is the neatest little tree! Just goes to show ya that everything looks beautiful on a Christmas Tree… The added memories of your Mom are so special. I love it!
Donna, As soon as I saw the thumbnail at Thrifty Decor Chick, I knew it was you. SO well done, really sticking with who you are, such a great reflection of not only your style, but also who you are as a person. And, to top it off you made me laugh several times – Thanks! Have a great one, Laura
This tree is so you! It is so personal and unique. What does lego man think of it? This makes my sock monkey tree look like nothing. I’m off to Florida to take care of my folks, so no other tree for me this year. Maybe I can find some of their old ornaments to bring back memories for them. I am bringing some of Miss Mustard Seeds ornaments with me. When were you going to tell us about being in the magazine? Ann
All that rusty junk on your tree makes my heart go pitter patter. I just love it!!!
I KNEW this was going to be your tree before I even clicked on it. I love it!! Love the glasses. Love everything.
Angie
PS When I was really little, we lived on the third floor of my grandfather’s big old Victorian house. There were lots of little kids around. We always wanted to play in the water from the outdoor faucet. The handle was removeable and was kept on a hook way above our heads. These little handles bring back lots of memories. In the same time period, we used to take outdoor baths in a galvanized tub just like yours. Every one in our family had their picture taken in that tub. Ann
Donna,oh it’s just a perfect tree for you! Love the sweet shape of it & all the extra special rusty ornaments. That topper is something else! Good for you for going with what you love, cause it sure looks great. Rustic & a bit old-fashioned, I love it. And I love that rusty old tub it’s in too. Perfect tree holder! You did great!
Special thoughts on not having your mom this year. xoxo
26 Ann, re: the magazine, hard to talk about something I can’t even show anyone! I was indeed featured in Romantic Homes magazine in the blog blub section. VERY exciting! But I was hanging in there for a good picture… thanks for noticing!
Lego man resisted a Funky Junk tree. For about 5 minutes. Then he forgot about it. 🙂
Thanks everyone!
Donna
Your tree is so unique! The creativity and imagination out there never ceases to amaze me. I chose a monochromatic theme for my tree this year, and it is beautiful. But it’s SO much fun seeing how others intepret the holidays. Quirky is right, but lovely. Happy holidays! 🙂
I love how you see things. So unique.
I LOVE this tree. Right down to the bucket it’s in. 🙂
Donna-
What a wonderful tribute to your Mom this Christmas–and of course only a true EVERGREEN- to represent the ETERNITY of it all, the true meaning of Christmas that is Christ!
Merry Christmas, Donna.
That’s gotta be the most original tree I have ever seen ~ I love it!
We’re not getting a tree this year (due to a new “wild & crazy” rescue kitty that we adore!) but, I’ll have to remember this idea for next year — I just love unique ideas like this!
Thanks for sharing!
i just love your tree! it’s wonderfully different. i did notice your Handstamped Stampin’ Up! tag from a friend! I’m an inactive demonstrator so I love it when i spot SU! paraphenalia. Merry Christmas!
that tree is so YOU!! looks fantastic!! i always pick the “unpicked” ugly tree at the tree farm!
I adore a tree like this…skimpy with lots of open spaces…kind of a yellow green….it’s my favorite kind….lots of space for ornaments. And look how great it looks decorated….”all it needed was a little love”.
So you and yet very beautiful…who says junk is not for Christmas?
Donna, that tree is so you! And you know I mean that in the best possible way. One of the things I love about you, besides your creativity, fabulous style and generous spirit, is that you really seem to know who you are. You are real and genuine. And that comes through in everything you do! And I totally love that tree!!!
Ha! The time I took to read your post was perfect with the song! Your tree is fabulous, Donna! I know what you mean about treasuring things from your mama. At my house you’ll find pieces of my dad’s scratch paper used as bookmarks. Even if he didn’t have cool architectural penmanship…they would be special to me!
God Bless you and your family this Christmas!
: )
Julie M.
That has to be the cutest tree I have ever seen! Great job!
As always…..AMAZING!
Donna-your tree is too fab for words but I’ll try…the star is awesome…only you could think of using a blade for a star! Too Cool!
Everything on that tree is cool for that matter! I love it! Your Mom’s glasses makeit so special! Great sled!
Tammy 🙂
JUNK WILD
Speechless! You are truly one of a kind!
I LOVE IT! You’ve got a gift with the junk, girlie!
I love this! Very creative and love that homespun look!!
Sherri:)
So, so cute! I loved (and laughed) at the pic of your peace sign in the ornament! My favoites “ornaments” are the watch and the glasses! Precious and Priceless!
I love love love your tree!! And you are so right…no tree skirt needed there for sure!! Love the bucket!
And you are right! You and your mom look so much alike!!! Too cute!!
And your tree topper is the bomb!!
Love how your roll girl!!!
Hugs
SueAnn
I love, love, love your tree!! 🙂 Nice!
Your tree is wonderful! Just perfect!
i think its funky junkie grand!!!
I LOVE those tap handle ornaments! Genius!
I love the license plates and everything else!
Your tree speaks to my heart. I love the quirkiness of it and all of your wonderful junky and beauteous ornaments.
Thank you for the inspiration that you are.
Love and hugs ~ FlowerLady
If ever there were a perfect Christmas tree… you nailed it! Awesome!
wow….that was awesome.
Fantastic Donna! Wonderful and unexpected elements! Great job~Can’t wait to see more!
LOVE it, music and all!!! I can’t wait to send my friend, Pam, to your site, she is going to flip.
Luv it. Merry Christmas.
Luv. It. Perfection.
Really unique decor. I love it!
Love it… you have such a gift for turning castaways into treasure! Come on over and link up to my holiday link party–love to include it! http://verymerryvintagestyle.blogspot.com/2010/12/something-old-something-new.html
Mary
It’s junque perfection with such a great story. I love it.
I heart your tree!!
YEA! I am touched that the cultivator stars I sent you made it to the top of your tree! Looks great! Thanks so much for including me in your blog! I appreciate it! ~Iris~
LOVE IT! Anything else just would not have been “you”! Michelle
Aww! I am LOVE! It speaks from the heart…. <3
I LOVE it!
Ellen Hite
That tree found the right home…. love every bit of it! 🙂
Once again your creative awesomeness shows no limits. I love the combo of the mason jar lids with the hose bib knobs! And the pieces with the personal memories make it even more special.
great creative tree
Your tree looks fantastic! A charlie Brown tree and I’m set for Christmas.
Your tree and all of the funky decorations are AWESOME! I love it!
I had a tree like that last year (the actual tree, not the decorations) and it lasted exactly 91 days. There was a 90 day return policy on it.
Still hurts, so no tree for us this year.
That is THE MOST creatively decorated tree I have EVER seen! Simply amazing….
Absolutely WONDERFUL. I too have paint specks on my specs.
I LOVE it!! It’s fabulous!! I put trees in each room of our house…all different themes. The one on my chest of drawers is blue and white with snowmen and santas and a big Abominable Snowman – the one from the cartoons. I must admit, it’s just my favorite tree – hence it’s on my side of the room!! Happy Holidays!
This is so unique! I love it!
Great Job.
Donna – wow what a wonderful hunk of junk! Your tree is beautiful – you have such a great eye for the crusty, rusty goodness that is all around us. Keep up the good work and thanks for the inspiration. Especially got me about your blogs on your mom these days. She is smiling – sorry this is a hard season for you. E
I adore your tree Donna and love how you incorporated the special items in it. I have a very traditional tree that is full of ornaments full of memories ~ I love every single one of them and we are bring it in tomorrow night to decorate over the week-end.
Love what you have done with the “Junk” you got from me. Can I write a post about your post and link my readers back to you?
I guess I better list some more license plates and faucet handles, huh? Joan@anythinggoeshere
Its Whovilleisious…its grinchworthy….its funkyjunkaliciuos! This tree is so cool and fun and donna. I’m glad to hear lego man was on board too. You are the MOST creative one I know in blogland and I love every freaking post you put up!!! Merry Xmas to you!!!
Peace to you too, Donna
Great shot with the reflection in the ornament- YOU are so creative. You know how I feel about your style – what can I say – It’s perfect.
My best- Diane
I love it. It is so much more personal being decorated non-traditionally! I think people should pay admittance to your funky junky home 🙂
This year I have our small three foot artificial tree in a crock pot, decorated simply with lights and nothing else. I am craving simplicity.
Your tree is as awesome and unique as you are! Thanks for sharing! (Love the bucket!)
Well, Donna – your darling little tree goes to show you that you can really decorate a tree with just about anything and make it look sweet!! Your mom decorations touched my heart, too. Love the tree in the fantastic bucket! 🙂
xoxo laurie
If I had to pick this tree out of a line-up… I could easily guess it was yours. 🙂 So many awesome details! The watch and glasses made me smile!
Fabulously Funky!
My favorite quirk…the license plates!
Rustic Merry Christmas 🙂
I love the MOM ornaments best…:)
I really really think we would be best of buds! Just love your quirky PERFECT tree. The reminders are so sweet and tender. I keep saying I am pulling the old sled out from the barn and clean it up…it’s just been SO cold this week. I always love my visit to your Junky pad. 😉
Well, I for one have just become your latest follower! And two… you’ve inspired me to CLEAN OUT MY JUNK DRAWERS and see what I can tie up with twine and hang from my TREE!!! Love it – SUPER ideas, can’t wait to see more. Stop by my blog sometime if you ever get a chance!
Michelle
Love your junk tree, Donna! It is so perfect, from the junkin’ tap parts to the special memories of your mom, you pulled off a unique beauty. Take care, sweet friend.
Coolest tree ever! I love how you showcase treasured items. I am using the burlap garland on my tree this year too! I think it must be popular because I went back for more and it was sold out!
Sarah
I LOVE this!! You have great style. The bucket at the bottom is the perfect touch!
I love your tree, Donna! My favorite? It’d be the star and your mom’s glasses. How wonderful on both of them! 🙂 – Karen
I love your tree so much that I want to re-do my tree! But, I won’t because I don’t have it in me….but I will certainly be thinking over the next year about doing it differently with things that mean the most to me.
Congrats on the Romantic Homes feature!
I almost choked at the glasses and the paint on them. So personal and lovely, Donna!
The touches on the tree are so special and meaningful! It’s a story tree!
I just LOVE everything you do!
xo
~Kolein
I love everything about your tree! Thanks for sharing!!
I don’t know what’s my favorite– that it’s in an old wash basin, the vintage glasses, license plate, faucet handles. SO cool. :o)
I like it because it is so unexpected!
Diane
What a perfectly charming tree!
SacredI had similar friends when my childhood friend of 34 years passed away. . . .
To die for!..Love the tree,I think it’s fabulous..xx
I love your tree’s random yet cohesive look. I’m a new follower =)
I love your whole tree, but my absolute favorites are the bucket and the STAR! What fun and so festive! I can’t wait to see what everyone else has to share…I like Christmas in July! Thanks for the change of pace. It’s fun!