got the tree up this weekend, it turned out to be quite a project. we bought a tree that still wrapped up, so it would be easier to get it up the stairs. we figured we could live with it if it wasn't straight or had a weird shape (dr. seuss trees are always fun & funky). it would just be a surprise... well we didn't think it would be pretty much all dried up on the inside. zach spent 2 hours pruning it, and had to saw off at least a foot, all on the living room carpet-what a mess. it did end up looking great, but it was way too much work. we will always remember our first tree together. note to self: always open & check out the tree before you bring it home.
once that was all done, we got to the fun part. i haven't had a christmas tree since 1997, so i was really looking forward to decorating it. our tree is mostly filled with old vintage shiny bright ornaments. my mom, sister and i have been collecting these at rummage & estate sales for the past few years. it's fun to see how different each box is (plus i have a few from my grandmas tree, and some other special ones). back in oct, i also found some clear glass ornaments for 10 cents each at a garage sale. they have a flat surface on either side, perfect for rub-ons. i cleaned them a bit first to make it easier for the rub-ons to adhere to. they went on better on the flat surface, it was a little harder to wrap around the side. (you have to rub lightly, since the glass is so delicate & thin) some designs went on easier than others. on a few i also used ranger alcohol inks. this was a great way to add some color and layers to the ornaments, i used a piece of foam to apply it with, (and of course i couldn't resist a little glitter). i think i'll still add more to the tree just not sure what it needs. i only have one piece of vintage gold garland on it right now....any suggestions?
sorry for the blurry picture, just happens sometimes. we also tried to make a hand-blown glass tree topper last night. it turned out kinda funky, can't wait to pick it up tonight.
I love your tree so pretty and colorful!
Happy Holidays!
Posted by: RahelG | December 04, 2007 at 03:04 PM
love the ornaments with the thin layer of glitter. totally posh funky
Posted by: miss moxie | December 04, 2007 at 03:26 PM
What a beautiful tree! I collect glass ornaments...both vintage and new. And, I find that the perfect touch that goes well with the vintage glass look is that silver tinsel. It has become harder to find the last couple of years, but Target carries packages of it for pretty cheap. Just a thought! It's already such a gorgeous tree!
Posted by: Holly Hanks | December 04, 2007 at 05:12 PM
your tree looks fabulous!
all the Hambly touches are so perfect...
Posted by: jamie K | December 04, 2007 at 05:45 PM
Silver tinsel would be the magical touch.
Posted by: Wendy Jo | December 04, 2007 at 07:25 PM
Gorgeous tree! Come by the Christmas store on Saturday and I'll help you pick out some cool stuff. We have shiny brite garland and lights and ornaments that would be perfect. We also have really fun bubble lights and vintage ornaments too. I really like how you added the rub ons!
Posted by: Michelle Jacquemet | December 04, 2007 at 11:39 PM
Love the tree ,, and the ornaments are totally fab! Awesome idea!!
Posted by: Toni | December 04, 2007 at 11:46 PM
love your tree! the hambly ornaments are so much fun!!! also, LOVE that jamaica is the guest. she rocks it and can't wait to see her designs!
Posted by: Breanne Crawford | December 05, 2007 at 04:42 AM
LOVE the tree!!! Holy RUBS! great!!!
Can't wait to see Jamaica's stuff!
Posted by: Amber Ulmer | December 05, 2007 at 09:18 AM
Looks beautiful. Loved it!
Posted by: Anilu Magloire | December 05, 2007 at 09:19 AM
These are so gorgeous! I love glass ornaments and these are so hot! Thanks!
Posted by: Meredith Taylor | December 07, 2007 at 03:16 PM
Love the ornaments....I've got to make some for my PINK tree in my scraproom.
Posted by: Frankie Hebert | December 10, 2007 at 03:29 PM
What a super cool idea!!!
Posted by: Kim Sonksen | December 10, 2007 at 03:48 PM
love the hambly ornaments! looks great :)
Posted by: Krista Lund | December 10, 2007 at 04:36 PM
I did some glass ornaments too! aren't they gorgeous? We always string popcorn and cranberries (be sure to string them frozen so you don't stain the rugs and your clothes). When children were young, we strung brightly colored wooden beads on sparkly yarn for lots of color.
Suzanne G in NC
Posted by: Suzanne G | December 10, 2007 at 05:00 PM
Very cute. Might have to make some myself.
Posted by: tonya | December 11, 2007 at 01:27 AM
These came out so cute Allison!
Posted by: rebecca harper | December 11, 2007 at 10:34 AM
Beautiful tree! I love making homemade ornaments, I'll have to try your rub-ons this year!
Sue
Posted by: Sue Selover | December 11, 2007 at 01:15 PM
Beautiful tree. Great idea using the rub ons. I'll be stealing this idea!
Posted by: Peggie | December 11, 2007 at 03:20 PM
Super funky idea!
Love it...the baubles are so cool!
xx
Posted by: willowthewysp | December 12, 2007 at 11:00 PM
Love the ornaments great idea, Please include me in your December giveaway drawing!
thanks
Pam in ca
Posted by: pam allen | December 13, 2007 at 02:36 PM
I love the ornaments, great job!
Posted by: Sarah | December 16, 2007 at 08:37 PM
Woww !! oh myyyy !! that is one fabulous xmas tree there !! looooove it !! just so magical ! and cool xmas ornaments ...with the glitter !! of course you've got to use glitter !! :)
Posted by: Brigitte | December 17, 2007 at 05:50 PM