Hello friends…I hope you’re having a great weekend.
Halloween is now behind us and as the calendar turns over a new month, Christmas will be here before we know it. I don’t mean to send you into a panic, but there are only 7 more Sundays until the holidays. So today – along with my Michaels Makers friends – we are sharing various and hopefully inspiring Christmas tree ideas as part of this year’s Dream Tree Challenge.
The name Dream Tree Challenge has a special meaning to me as I have been following the Michael’s Dream Tree Challenge for years and this year, I am privileged to be part of it. Words cannot express how grateful I am as this is indeed a dream come true for me. But without further adieu, I present to you…
The Preppy Tree, inspired by tartans and plaids.
This year, I have been trying to step out of my comfort zone and intentionally steer away from things that I see are trending. Though not always easy to do, it’s teaching me a lesson in bravery. I’ve always prided myself in being different and embracing those little quirks that may enable me to stand out.
So for my tree, I used a lot of color and pattern. Red tartan is beautifully classic, but I decided to also incorporate various colors and types of plaids to create a cohesive yet contrasting effect. Does that make sense? I guess it’s like leopard print and tartan; two very distinct patterns that come together in a beautiful contrasting, yet classic way.
I also incorporated a little bit of black and white, and of course, fur. I love these faux fur bins from Michaels.
Here is fun trick – I would normally use real greenery within the tree but Michaels has an array of realistic looking branches. I like to use these to fill in any gaps in the tree and it makes the tree look a little more realistic and expensive.
I have been collecting tartan wrapping paper for a while, but because I love it so much, I’ve been reluctant to use it. Have you ever done that, or is just me? I also do that with beautiful ribbon. Ack.
A few pheasant feathers in bunches here and there, to add a different texture.
I made these tiny taxidermy antlers from clay and glued them onto wooden ornaments, which I had covered with plaid fabric. I will have a full tutorial at a later date.
Here’s a super easy way to make your present look beautiful.
These little frames are the ones you see in the dollar bins at Michaels. I simply placed some wrapping paper inside and voila!
Every year, I like to create new ornaments for our tree. These are the little things that make your home special.
There are very few things as beautiful as the glow of a Christmas tree…
…as there is a warmth and lovely feeling to it.
As we enter this busy season, I want to encourage you to take a minute and pause to reflect what the true meaning of the season is. And the reasons why we
put so much love and care to into our homes and gatherings. It really is about LOVE.
Thank you so much for stopping by today…I hope I have offered a little inspiration to create something different and unique.
Make sure you visit Michaels’ blog, The Glue String, to see the other 49 Michaels Makers’ dream holiday trees that were created this year. They will blow you away.
And from now through November 14, you can get FREE shipping on all Christmas trees that are 6ft or taller on Michaels.com. And as you’re prepping for your holiday decor, you can also check out some of the ornament projects and tutorials available on Michaels.com.
Here are some of my other trees from previous years.
Beyond beautiful! I love all the colors and of course all the plaid. The last picture of your dog is precious!
Shelley
Its beautiful Lucy!! Your always do an amazing job.I cant wait to check out the others. Yea Christmas!!!
Absolutely beautiful!! You’ve inspired me! I’m definitely going to buys some plaid ribbon and I love those navy blue Christmas balls. Thanks!
I love your tree! Yes, I also collect wrapping paper 😉 I know exactly what you mean! From tree to trimmings, its all so pretty!
Debbie
Lucy,
I am in love with this tree. I would of never thought to bring in the blue and you’re right it makes the tree very special and unique. I am tweaking one of my trees this year and doing tartan and buffalo check so I was so happy to see your theme. I’m definitely inspired!
Jenn
I love it!!
Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com
So beautiful! Looks so cozy!
One little thing….. Too many ads! So hard to get past them all!
I am going to say something nobody will like. While it’s very creative and pretty, I’m not a fan of plaid or tartan anything. I know Target is all plaid in their commercials as that is the latest thing I guess but not for me. We have Christmas decorations that are older then I am! They belonged to my grandparents and my parents. My mom’s mom died in 1962 and my mom’s dad died in the early 70’s. I think my dad’s family was to poor to do Christmas. Either that or they didn’t save anything from them as we only have from my mom’s side. My mom is 88 and dad is 91. I love anything Christmas and we have 3 boxes of ornaments and Christmas things for the house plus a few other boxes of one big or breakable thing. Sometimes it looks like something threw up on our house but that’s the way I like it, the more the better. Since everything is downstairs in our basement and I’m the only one who can use the stairs anymore I’m in charge of Christmas, at least bringing everything up anyway. My nephew brings up the new tree since our old one that we had since the 70’s fell over. Can you believe not one ornament broke? When we got the new tree I made sure it was easy for me to carry up the stairs and when my nephew goes to college I will be doing it. I can’t wait to see everyone’s tree and as always, you did a really nice job, it’s just not my style. I wish you could see my tree. We will be putting it up in Nov. or maybe early Dec. Something always happens that delays putting it up then we just hate to take it all down because it looks so pretty.
Oh yeah, we too save wrapping paper. We have a whole bag of pieces of wrapping paper like for small packages or pieces we can piece together to make one big piece. You mean everyone doesn’t do that? LOL
Is the tartan ribbon or fabric? I really like this tree. It’s unique and creative!
Swooning! I love these plaids, a favorite for Christmas always! Linda
I love it, absolutely beautiful! Would you mind providing the source for that adorable reindeer pillow?
There’s not a chance you’d tell us where you got some of the ribbons and wrapping papers, is there? I’ve been trying to add to my tartan ribbon stash for years and I know they’re hard to find!
I love this so much–I’ve been staring at it daily since you shared it on FB!
Oh WOW!!!!! My first visit to your blog, via Pinterest, and I am blown away by all of your trees!! I couldn’t choose a favourite! I so admire your talent in curating such beautiful displays. I’ve never been able to make my tree look so wonderful, but I think I’ll try padding it out with twigs, feathers, or dusters (genius!) as you have done. Thank you for the inspiration!! Vikki (a Brit living in Australia – I still decorate with winter scenes even though it is summer!). 😉
The tree looks good. I am drawn to the black plaid with white with red. Love that plaid. I think it is on the present.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Have a great day!
Hi there, I came across your 2015 Christmas tree on pinterest and I’m absolutely obsessed! I want to try and re-create a version of it because it’s so beautiful and unique but I can’t seem to find any of the mini gold frames anywhere (including Michael’s). Any idea on where I would be able to find some?
The photos are so beautiful and the fonts too! I love visiting your website!
Do u have other ribbon on line that I can buy and where do I find it? I wanna make it for unblocked games 76. I think it will be great.