The Stages of a Tree, Some Great ORNAMENTS and a GIVEAWAY

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

THIS is a TREE!...A NAKED ONE....A LOOK I AM VERY FAMILIAR WITH. Now I am ready to CREATE some MAGIC....
A look at the TREE, as it begins to take shape!
This tree is NOT finished. Still needs lots of sticks and stems to give it another dimension...hopefully that will come this weekend.
Just a look at all the colors I MIX to tie the tree together. DO NOT BE AFRAID OF COLOR...THIS IS A CENTERPIECE, MINUS a CANDLE (it did have one) that I used on my tables at Bunco last night, trying to mix fall and Christmas....as I have a few trees up! Now I will add some glitz of reds and golds to make it become Christmas!
A close up look at all the textures I use and as you can see I cram the ornaments in to create a FULL look. Remember, wire or somehow secure the ornament to the branch...NO DROP.....Look at both these pictures up close...you will see I mix many different shapes, sizes, textures and colors....

Now I am adding some berries, some leaves, some stems, all at random places...DO NOT try to get things PERFECT...I hear people say they are afraid of putting two of the same color ornaments next to each other...I may put 6 of the same color ....IT DOES NOT MATTER with the finished look. I PROMISE. When finished, this tree will have more than 2,000 things on it... I am hoping to finish it this weekend and get started on my Disney tree.

I told you I would share some great ornament buys at Hobby Lobby...All these were half price and GREAT BUYS. If you live in my town few would be left. If I find a great filler, I buy all of them and then ask them to look in the back to see if they have more.
I made these with the tree lit, so the quality is not the greatest....I will do better next time. Below, are some of my favorite finds. They have several shades of red and green and then a raised texture that adds yet another look. These were 1.00 as they were 1.99, regular price...SUPER good buy!
I love this iced berry ornament. It was 2.50...another good buy!
If you collect nativity ornaments, this one was 2.50 and really beautiful. I am going to add these to several homes this year. It actually gave me an idea to do an entire tree of different nativity ornaments. I probably have 30 different nativity ornaments, but am thinking I could find many more....I think it would be a neat tree.
And just because I do not want you to think I totally leave FALL out.....This is a little fall arrangement in my kitchen that I love!
OK, you know NO POST is complete without a GIVEAWAY!
This one is going to be a SURPRISE, as I have worked on trees for 12 hours today and am too tired to get up and make a picture.....All I can tell you is it will be a HOLIDAY TREAT to add to your HOME!
The boys are spending the weekend while their Mom and Dad attend an LSU game. ALL comments from this week will be entered, ending on Sunday evening. Parker or Jack will draw on Sunday night. A comment is ALL it takes....Nothing hard, you don't have to follow, you don't have to post about it, and you do not have to send anyone to the blog. You are welcome to do any of those things, but it is NOT necessary for entering the GIVEAWAY.
Have a wonderful weekend. I will be having sleep overs with my best little buddies and working on trees and wreaths every chance I get. I actually START decorating homes next Tuesday. Did I really say that? Where has this month gone?

97 comments:

West Side of Straight said...

Your trees are so beautiful. Do your fingers get sore from tieing & twisting ornaments, etc. to the branches? Thanks for your helpful hints. Hope you pick my name for the giveaway!

Lynn said...

Wow! I don't think I have ever seen a tree with such a variety of color and texture! I'd be one of those people thinking I shouldn't put two of the same color together :-) Guess I need to get over that!!

Grandma Cyndi said...

What a ton of work goes into each tree, you are amazing!

Linda said...

I LOVE the look of your tree, so much eye candy! Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!

As time consumming as it sounds, I'm going to try and follow your recommendation this year of using wire to put the ornaments on the tree. Wish me luck!

The Stiffs said...

Beautiful tree. I'm glad I stumbled over here.

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Tree decorating is hard, fun work, and very rewarding when finished. 2000 ornaments, wow.

I love that Nativity ornament and think a tree decorated in different ones would be lovely. I love setting up our Nativity scene every year.

Here it is not even Thanksgiving yet, and you've got me thinking about decorating for Christmas. :-)

Have a nice weekend ~ FlowerLady

Kelley said...

thank you for the opportunity! beautiful tree and arrangements.

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

You are working some tree magic Teresa! You have inspired me to load up on the ornaments. I'm always a little timid and feel that every ornament needs it's own space but your tree looks GREAT!
Hugs
Kim

Sandy aka Doris the Great said...

I will gladly leave a comment! You tree is lovely; it embodies the spirit of Christmas with the magic of God's goodness through His Son found in the sparkle and color and the abundance of His love found in the number of ornaments. Wow! It's lovely!

Mammy said...

I'm up early with Caden and thought I'd see if you posted anything last night. What a treat! I'll check this out carefully when he goes down for a nap....

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

See, now, I would have called it done. I need to see these filler pieces you use, so I'll watch for the next post. I am also going to find my wire and keep it where I know it is to wire the ornaments close to the branch. I'm sure that will help ~ I usually just hang them on the branch with those wire hooks. I usually do my tree the day after Thanksgiving, so I'm taking notes!

Cindy Lou said...

WOW!!! I can not believe the transformation of that tree! You did wonders with it!! I can't wait to put my tree up and get it decorated!! I know I can never make it look like that but I do love to decorate it!!! You are amazing!!

Amanda said...

i love the fall centerpiece and the tree is just beautiful!
amandaymilller@yahoo.com

Kaypt said...

I love what you do with your trees. I have never done a tree that way where everything is covered. It would take some getting used to on my part but worth a try.
Kay DeWitt

Brett and Jill said...

I love your stuff! This is our first Christmas in a house so I have lots of decorating to do.

Unknown said...

Beautiful as always!

Sheryl said...

can't you just put the whole tree into storage - it is the "take down" that i would hate!!! ha

truly beautiful as always. have a blast with your little guys.

~Shari said...

I love looking at your trees. This was a great post today. Watching the tree take shape.

I am pretty much a lurker. *waves*

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

That's a lot of work! Pretty amazing! I often have trouble leaving comments for some reason. Was able to today.

Blessings,
Sandi

Ms. Sarah said...

beautiful. christmas is my absolutly favorite holidays hands down. THough last years was not the same without my dad.

A Southern Rose said...

Your trees are beautiful. I love all of the colors. I love to put a lot of ornaments on my trees. The more the merrier!

Emily Shae said...

Wow! And I thought my tree was stuffed with gorgeous lights and ornaments...but I was wrong. That tree was so beautiful!!!!!
Thanks for following my blog and commenting!

Unknown said...

I love putting up my tree 24hrs before i decorate it...I love the simplicity of the green and white lights then we go to town... of course nothing as beautiful as your tree-gosh that tree is BEAUTIFUL!

We were at hobby lobby yesterday and they have some lovely ornaments at GREAT prices!

SarahAnne said...

Seriously, I agree with the other commentes - so pretty! I like me a pretty simple tree with the family ornaments collected over the years, but I so love your work! Now I think I need two trees.....

Michelle (She Looketh Well) said...

Hi there! Thanks for checking out my blog! Nice to meet you.

Anonymous said...

My father-in-law also decorates Christmas Trees. It is amazing how much time you put into it and how many ornaments and ribbons etc actually go onto a tree. But they always come out beautiful! I love your arrangements and trees. I always look forward to seeing more of your secrets :)

Andrea said...

Beautiful tree full of beautiful ornaments.

Blessings, andrea

MamaBear said...

I've really been enjoying your posts Teresa even though I don't comment very often. I'm super busy myself trying to get blog books done in time for client's who are giving them as gifts. I don't know how you have time to do it all!

Thanks for all your great advice! Enjoy your weekend!

Alphabet Soup Momma said...

You decorate beautifully! Oh my word can I take some tips from you. I am going to Death Valley this weekend for the first time. I am an Auburn fan and I am pretty sure that we will get beat this weekend but it will be fun nonetheless! LETS GO SEC!

The Mini - Maker said...

I love that tree! It's beautiful! You're so sweet with all the giveaways... Thanks from all of us :)

Mrs. McFadden said...

your centerpiece is beautiful!! and your tree is amazing.

Janelle said...

Your tree is beautiful! I love decorating my tree!However, I have a 1 year old (as of today!!!) and I don't know what I can do for a tree since he is into EVERYTHING?! Any tips or ideas for a toddler safe tree?

Holly said...

Love the no drop tip.....I am really going to have to work on that this year. Your trees are wonderful.....I am just blown away by the quanity of items you can secure on them!! Again, Thanks for sharing!!!
~Holly

Jenna said...

That tree is spectacular!! Will you come to my house and decorate my tree this year?! Love your work and your blog!

grammy said...

Wow, that is beautiful and looks like sooo much work. Have fun with the kiddos.

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

2000 things on one tree? Wow!!! And I thought I put a lot of ornaments on my tree. This is my first time to your blog. But I will be back. Thanks for visiting my blog & commenting on my Halloween decor.

Southern Fried Gal said...

Beautiful transformation!

Kellie said...

Beautiful! I usually begin decorating the second week of November and I thought I was early!! Ha! You go girl!

Sherri Murphy said...

I love a tree so fully decorated. Beautiful!

Amy said...

The tree is beautiful! I cannot wait to see your Disney tree.
Blessings,
Amy

Tina said...

I would LOVE to see your entire house on Christmas day in it's FULL GLORY! It must be breathtaking.

Now I'm in the mood to decorate a Christmas tree. LOL

Unknown said...

You've totally put me in the christmas mood!!!

LOVE the tree!! So rich and warm!

Great job Teresa!!

Chantal

Nichole said...

I am so excited to decorate my tree this year using your tips!

As always, your work is gorgeous!

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Thank you for writing on my blog and inviting me here. Your tree is beautiful. I put up 4-5 trees every year but they don't look as fabulous as yours. Thanks for the great tips... I will use them. I am following you, hope to get more great Christmas ideas.
I celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and I see you do to.
Thanks,
Yvonne

ethelmaepotter! said...

Do you have your Christmas ornaments insured separately? I've been thinking about doing that, and I have nowhere NEAR the investment you have!
One of my favorite ornaments is one similar to your frosted berry cluster. It had quite a few broken "berries," which is why it was marked down to 19 cents! I removed the broken pieces, trimmed it a bit further, and now it looks just like a cluster of grapes!

Natasha in Oz said...

I am a Christmas "Nut" so I am so glad you came to visit my blog and invite me here! This is going to be a dream coming to visit you. Since we don't have Thanksgiving here in Australia I put my tree up in early November so I can't wait to use some of your ideas.Best wishes, NM.

Sarah @ Preaching In Pumps said...

I love it!! For some reason the red seemed to pop on the tree. Beautiful!!

trennia said...

Your tree is breath taking! Very elegant! I just love it!
Wanna come to my house and decorate?

Courtney said...

I love looking at your tress. Mine looks really skimpy compared to yours. I have my Christmas CD on and I am getting antsy for the Chirstmas season, but I am enjoying the beautiful fall we are having!

Bacardi Mama said...

Your tree is amazing. You have a very special talent for this. Now, I feel the need to go to Hobby Lobby.

the monkeys' mama said...

I am so impressed by all the work that you put into each tree. my mom works in an interior design store and their trees and floral arrangements for Christmas get placed in the store and homes next week, too! CRAZY!

nannykim at spindle cottage said...

Oh thanks for inviting me over!! THIS is a cooooooooooL blog!!! I love it. I will be intereted in following it and getting pointers etc!! Put me in for the giveaway drawing, kiddo!

nannykim from spindle cottage

Rebecca said...

Thank you so much for visiting my blog and leaving a sweet comment :) I just checked out both our yours and they are great as well! I will be checking back often!

Karen M said...

You are one talented lady! I'm very impressed with your work and your creativity!

Unknown said...

OMG do you do makeup and hair too? I NEED to look as good as that tree.

Gram said...

I love the look of your trees. I do like the nativity ornament. My sister collects nativities - she has over 300 not counting ornaments.

Terra Heck said...

What a creative skill you have! The tree is very pretty and so is the centerpiece.

Laura said...

Count me in with all the other people that are going to try tying ornaments to my tree this year! What a FABULOUS idea! I always find myself walking by the tree the turning the ornaments that have moved in the night . . . Can't wait!

Erin said...

You're getting me all excited for Christmas!

JoAnna said...

WOW!Your tree is BEAUTIFUL:)I am amazed @ having over 2000 things on there....Thanks for sharing. Please enter me into ur surprise giveaway:)
http://joannanherblogs.blogspot.com

Karen said...

I just found this wonderful blog of yours! I love the music, I have my own Faith, DGD who turned 5 this week! Thanks for including me in your giveaway drawing!

creative gal said...

I love your decorations!

Farming On Faith said...

Please count me in~ your decorating is just lovely! You are inspiring me~! I need to get a start for I will be leaving to go to WAshington to wait on my Boston's arrival!
Love & Prayers~
Carrie

The Feathered Nest said...

What a sweetie you are Teresa!! Thank you so much for asking me over...I would love to be entered into your giveaway! You are a Christmas decorating professional girl, I love your lush trees ~ have a wonderful weekend, xxoo, Dawn

4 Lettre Words said...

Lovely post...and blog! Just stopping by from the SSS '09 linky list. :o)

Have a great weekend!

Patricia @ ButterYum said...

Wowwee-wow-wow-wow... that's one of the most beautiful trees I've ever seen! I can't stop looking at all the sparkly shiny things! Is there such a thing as tree love at first sight?

:)
ButterYum

Jane In The Jungle said...

Love the Nativity ornament. And I'm going to our HL tomorrow!
If you get a chance come by the jungle, I've got new wreathes posted.

Mindy said...

Thanks so much for coming by and visiting my blog! Your tree is a sight to behold! I love all of the vivid colors! Thank you for offering a giveaway where a comment is all that is required. I will be doing some Scentsy giveaways soon! Have a wonderful day!

Kimi said...

Your trees are gorgeous! Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Kandie said...

Thanks for inviting me to your blog and for the sweet comments! Love your site and your amazing work!!!

Anita@Theycallmejammi said...

How much fun do you have? The tree is looking great. I have added myself as a follower and I'm going to go out and wander through some of your older posts. Thanks for you visit and your sweet words on my Halloween Witches table...please come back soon. I also appreciate your nudge about your giveaway and here I am. Hope to hear from you again soon.

Deborah Ann said...

WOW!!!!! That is the most beautiful Christmas tree I have ever seen! You are one talented lady!

Hey, stop in at Heavenly Humor for a quick read on how to improve your blog comments...it will make blogging so much easier...

Joyce said...

Peaking in today. What fun to make Christmas decorating your profession. Please enter me in the giveaway. Now go and have fun with with the kids and the sleepover. Isn't being a GM the best thing ever?
Joyce

Unknown said...

christmas is my favorite holiday-your creations are amazing! stopping in & visiting some of the SSS girls today!

April but some call me Prilyy said...

LUCKY 75 :) at least i hope so, ty for stopping by my blog and inviting me here! you have a wonderful gift for decorating and i love what you have done!

Unknown said...

Wow! Your tree is gorgeous!!! Thanks for sharing! And thanks for visiting my blog on the blog hop!
~Kimberly

Susie said...

Amazing tree! Any specific wire work better. Do you put multiple ornaments on the same branch? Thanks for sharing your talent with us!

The Retired One said...

I know you explained on another blogpost how to wire each ornament on the tree branches without hooks, but I don't quite know how you do this without a step by step pictures...because the top of each ornament has that loose metal piece with a loop that comes off the top of the ornaments if you aren't careful..how does it take the pressure of a wire? Or are you glueing that down first? Help?

LivingforGod said...

What a colorful tree! You have lots of ornaments :).

Thanks for visiting my blog and for your lovely comment. Thanks also for letting me know about your giveaway.

Marigene said...

O.M.G. that is a beautiful tree! Stunning! I ♥ it! Would you come decorate one of mine? I can't wait to see other trees you have decorated. I think you have just found another follower! Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting.

Slice of Pie said...

Thanks so much for visiting my TT post ... and this Christmas site keeps me in the spirit! That tree is fantastic ... can't wait to see it with all the "sticks" ... thanks for sharing.

Tammy/Yesterday's Cottage said...

Hi!
Nice to meet you! Thank you so much for taking time to visit and leave your comments and the invitation to join your give-away.
You may just have the coolest job on the planet! What fun! I'm in awe of your talent. Your trees are works of art! I look forward to visiting again and again to get my always needed "Christmas fix".
Tammy

Jackie said...

Hey Teresa!
Wow!!! I love your decorations and your site!! Thanks so much for stopping by my new site - Fresh Oil Today - and leaving an encouraging comment! Your site is so inspiring! I pray you'll have supernatural strength to get all that decorating done and have time to enjoy!!
Merry Christmas and Sweet Blessings!
Jackie

Jane said...

Your trees and arrangements are gorgeous! Really "over the top"!I especially like the ornaments with the raised texture...and I LOVE your music!

Great business idea!!!
Jane (artfully graced)

Mimmy said...

Thank you so much for the wonderful Christmas post. Hopefully I will begin getting in the spirit soon. It's been heard for me this year because I know Christmas will be quite different for both financial and physical reasons. Somehow, I will still make Christmas, Christmas.

God Bless,
Mimmy

Diana Ferguson said...

Beautiful Tree!!!!!!!!!!! It is simply amazing.

Where do you put the tree in your home that has all the "oldies" on it? Just curious......

SusanD said...

I love the dressed up tree. Thanks for sharing the great buys at Hobby Lobby. I'll be sure to stop in there to see what's on sale. Blessings, SusanD

Cathy Cobblestone said...

First, let me say thank you for stopping by for a visit - it is much appreciated. Secondly, your tree is stunning - absolutely beautiful - 2,000 ornaments - AMAZING! Thanks for all the tips - I can't wait to see more ideas! Cathy

Nancy @ Live love laugh said...

Came by way of Live.Love.Eat and glad I did! I think your trees are beautiful!...and I thought I put a lot on my tree! None of mine even touch-so I guess not!
~Nancy

Coleene VanTilburg said...

I wish I could tie bows like that. Your trees are beautiful. If I told you we are big USC fans here in California...would we still be friends?

Gramma 2 Many said...

So I sat down tonight to do one of my favorite things. Blog Surf. One of the first blogs I went to I found your comment saying you like to blog surf. Had to come see who you were. What a treat!! I love your trees! Jack and Parker are pretty cute too:)
For sure, I will be back, but now I have to go surf some more before bedtime.

Anonymous said...

Have you already answered how long it takes to decorate one tree?

This is the first time I've ever been unhappy to live in the same town as you. Is there even any point in visiting our Hobby Lobby or have you already stripped them bare in the Christmas department? ;)

Acutescrubnurse said...

ok, you are really putting me into the Christmas Spirit....I wanna put my tree up NOW!! But, will wait for a few weeks.
I love reading your posts, keepem coming!!!!
Rita

Pam Burrow said...

I love it especially since Tuesday is "MY" day!! WooHoo!!

Pat@deepintheheart said...

Wow! I learned a lot that I'm going to do differently when I put up my tree. I'm starting to get excited about Christmas.

I also love the title of your blog. A baby did change everything, didn't it? A baby certainly changed everything for me!

Pat@deepintheheart said...

Wow! Your tree is beautiful. You have given me some ideas for decorating my tree this year.

I love the title of your blog. A baby did change everything, didn't it? I know the baby changed everything for me!

Channa, Oh its the Coachs Wife said...

OK, I know I am way behind but this tree inspires me! I want it!! My new goal