Hi, Hiya, helloooooo! This weekend brought the peeking in of Christmas crafting in my world. I awoke on Saturday, and all I could think about was fluffy white Christmas trees. Then I thought, cotton balls! Yes yes, that's it...
I can't think of anything more soothing than cotton balls :)
Throw in buttons and glitter, and I don't know about you, but that gets me smiling...
The little cardboard house in the photo above is one I made a few years back (2007), and shared my tutorial at the Inspired Room (in case you feel the itch to make one of your own).
You can also use this tutorial and printable downlaod to make tiny houses...
The elves and I have had quite the last few days. You won't believe this, another water fiasco, only this time at the city house. Let's just say, it was real world majorly rotten. I won't bore you with details. It's over, and we are happy as clams now :)
Also, we are so super delighted to have Mister Lovee back from his week away on business in New Orleans. There is nothing better than having your loves under one roof.
With that, on Saturday, I filled my candy jars with old fashioned candy, and lost myself in happy crafting.
It all began with a cereal box.
A cereal box that was on its way to becoming, cotton ball trees.
I cut my box open, and cut the front and back pieces into sloppy squares.
I had two pieces, which meant, two trees were in store.
Then I simply rolled the cardboard in the shape of cones, and used hot glue to seal the last bit.
I used some left over cardboard, to roll the hot glue piece into, so that I would not burn myself.
Then, easy as that, I had my tree.
Btw, it was easier to roll the cardboard with the shiny side out, so I went with it...
Then, I turned my cone upside down, and trimmed what would be the bottom, to be relatively even.
So, one box, equalled two trees.
Then, I simply used hot glue to apple row by row of cotton balls.
Bottom to top...
Make sure to squeeze tight with both hands, after you apply each row.
For the top, I shaped a cotton ball like a Hershey's Kiss.
And also, hot glued it on.
Then I squeezed my tree more, so that as the glue cooled, I made sure the cotton balls were firmly attached.
Once I felt that the tree was completed and sturdy, I chose two methods for decor. (I have bunches of ideas for decorating these, and can't wait to make more).
I chose to make one coated in super sparkly glitter, and the other dotted with vintage buttons.
For the glittery tree, I simply dunked a paintbrush in craft glue, and quite quickly dobbed it on, so as not to let the cotton balls pull off.
Then I sprinkled it heavily with glitter, and let it dry.
While it was drying, I took my other tree and put a button in the center of every cotton ball. It looks so charming in person.
You can use anything really, to decorate your tree. I am going to work on a super Victorian one next. I want to hot glue old pieces of broken jewelry to the center of each cotton ball, and incorporate some lace and tiny pearl strands.
Mister Lovee is in love with the glittery one...
It is so simple and Winter Wonerlandy, isn't it?
Since I am on a cotton ball kick, I think I will make some more cotton ball garlands I shared last year, too...
While I wait like a hawk for UPS to bring some holiday love to share. I can't wait much longer :), I am so excited!
In other real world tid-bits, I went on a cleaning frenzy last week, took all my curtains down, washed everything, dusted, and pulled all my holiday decor goodies out. I fell down the holiday rabbit hole friends :)
I am all in love with Thanksgiving making, and Christmas making. Are you?
It's still warm here, btw :)
One pecan tree has a few yellow leaves, and yet, my crochet hook is calling for winter wears.
Anyhow...
I have to go to the post, but I will be back soon.
