(click on photos to enlarge)
I decided to put up my old tree again this year. Its an artificial tree I purchased for $10. at an after Christmas sale many years ago, (love those bargains). Its held up well, so I continue to use it year after year. Its kinda like a pair of old jeans… comfortable, well worn, and fits perfectly. Also, like an old friend that comes to visit… A little more aged and wrinkled each year but once the make-up and jewelry goes on… its still a knock out. So why change?
I’m continuing my black and white Damask theme on my tree, adding to decorations I already have. I stenciled shiny photo paper with 7 or 8 Damask patterns and cut them out and added red tassel cords to hang. Smaller patterns were stenciled on white ornaments. I also added black/white stripe ornaments, large tassels, clear glass ornaments and others to the mix. I cut some fading Hydrangea flowers from my yard and added those to the tree, for a natural element. I’ve kept it, and the room, fairly simply, no garlands, ribbons or tinsel, just ornaments and lights. I like the contrast of the ornaments against the green tree. Simple, understated, uncluttered.
Yes, you can take stenciling or painting even further… stencil white wrapping paper, paper bags, ribbon, cards, etc. They help tie in the theme and colors a little more and look fun under the tree.
Happy decorating! Its great to open up all those dusty boxes full of happy memories we hang on our trees, and reflect upon Christmases past.
1. Cathy,
Absolutely Gorgeous! I love the decorations! My heavens, all of the time that it took to make all of these decorations, is remarkable and quite creative.
Thank you for sharing. Just think how many people will be inspired to go out and get a stencil set so that they can make these gorgeous designs. We appreciate this. Great holiday prep!
by Betty — 11/27/07 at 10:12 am #
2. Bravo Cathy!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your home looks gorgeous! Everything is so “put-to-gether” I love your tree, I would never change….very classy and traditional yet with a twist!
Congratulations!!!
Merry Christmas !
alli
by Alli — 11/27/07 at 10:16 am #
3. Can you tell me where to get the damask stencils? I love them and owld like to use them on my wrapping too.
Thanks
Beth
by Beth — 11/27/07 at 10:38 am #
4. Cathy, Wow, I love it! You have done iti again Girl! I am soooo impressed you have left me speechless, and we all know that doesn’t happen very often!! LOL Merry Christmas! Deb
by Deb — 11/27/07 at 12:12 pm #
5. Thanks so much Betty, Alli, and Deb,
All this stenciling has been fun, but quite addicting , so, I think after the Holidays I’ll check myself into rehab and follow up with S.A….(Stencilers Anonymous)… Thats after I get treated for Carpel Tunnel Syndrome and my drinking problem…(diet Coke, to stay up late to stencil more).. ..
Its been fun, but i’ve got to get some other work done.
I love seeing everyones Christmas posts. They all look so festive and fun. More to come I’m sure.
Enjoy all the decorating, its only once a year…thank goodness.
Cathy
by Cathy — 11/27/07 at 4:54 pm #
6. Hi Beth,
You can find stencils at most craft stores or on line. I did write back to you in my Part 2, Christmas Decorations post about The Stencil Book you asked about. Hope you can find some in your area. But watch out,
you’ll be joining me in Rehab once you get started….LOL….
by Cathy — 11/27/07 at 5:02 pm #
7. Amazing….girl…when do you sleep?
by Julie — 11/27/07 at 9:05 pm #
8. Cathy,
The decorations are great ~~ love the black & white. Another idea for tree decoration: Buy clear glass Xmas balls & black and white craft paint. Put a little white paint in the ball, swirl a little then empty it out of the ball. The same with the black in the same ball. Will give a marble look.
Love the ideas from everyone.
Millie
by Millie — 11/30/07 at 1:23 am #
9. Hi Millie,
What a great idea… I’m out the door to get clear ornaments, I have the paint. Can’t wait to try it. I’ll let you know how it turns out.
by Cathy — 11/30/07 at 2:02 pm #
10. I just keep coming back to these site for a “spark” of Christmas cheer.
What a wonderful…dreamy place.
by Julie — 12/2/07 at 5:03 pm #
11. Another clear ball ornament idea…
curl around a pencil strip of black and white patterned scrapbook paper about 1 inch wide and 2 inches long …roll tight and drop down into ball use a chopstick to get desired effect but back on the cap….cool>
by Julie — 12/2/07 at 5:06 pm #
12. Come back all you want Julie, we love to hear from you. Tell us some more great ideas you’ve done for Christmas. Love to hear.
L.Y. C.
by Cathy — 12/3/07 at 1:17 pm #
13. Julie,
Love the scrapebook paper curls inside a clear glass ornament idea. You can really customize your tree and decorations that way. I’ll have to try the black and white ones for my tree this year. Great idea !!
L.Y.C.
by Cathy — 12/3/07 at 1:25 pm #