Ok, we have a fun little craft for you guys, complete with an easy how-to, and some festive photos.
But first of all, we finally got our tree decorated this weekend…
We’ve shared a bunch of different trees with you guys over the years, and each year it has been fun to switch a few things up with a new “theme” like classic silver and white, citrus inspired lemons and real dried oranges, pastel pink and soft green with silver bows, crafty paint strip ornaments and ribbons, and a fun white to pink to to red gradient tree from last year.
But this year there was a new theme in town: family. We just wanted to fill our tree with meaningful ornaments. Things that were one of a kind, homemade, personalized, given to us by someone special, and otherwise memorable to us. It was actually the first year that we had enough to fill a big tree (we usually relegate them to a smaller tabletop tree), which was good timing since we have a big girl around who’s really into helping these days.
And since handmade ornaments were a big part of the mix, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to try my hand at making three dozen new ones, all with a woodsy yet colorful spin.
The first step was trudging around outside looking for a fallen branch that was about 3″ in diameter. After finding it and yelling “eureka” (true story) I brought it into the garage and fired up the miter saw (picture me grinning like a fool while whispering “don’t cut your fingers off”). It was actually pretty simple to keep the blade straight and make a bunch of vertical cuts, so I was able to slice the whole branch up to make nearly three dozen little round slices.
One half of the branch was a little more gnarled on the inside than the other, so it was funny that around half of them had cool weathered holes in the middle while the others were smoother and less holey. The next step was letting them sit/dry out for a while (I actually made these slices about two weeks ago) because I didn’t want to paint or seal damp wood for fear that it would become a crumbly rotten mess. So if you don’t have time to do that, maybe try hunting down pre-cut wood slices, or see if there’s some method for speed-drying them (maybe sitting them in a box of rice or something?).
Late last week I couldn’t stand waiting anymore, so I sanded them all just to make them extra smooth, and finally broke out three paint pens. I tried my hand at three different designs. We’ll call the one on the left “arrow” (I started by drawing the one in the middle and then just added two others flanking it). The one in the middle can be called “fraction” (I just made a wide-ish pizza slice on each one and colored it in). And the one on the right can go by “dipped” (I experimented with thinner or thicker “dippings” on different angles, just to change things up).
I really liked the idea of letting a lot of the wood grain show through (as opposed to painting or coloring the entire front) but the little pop of color is really fun – and super simple. As for the exact paint pens I used, I had luck with a red and green Sharpie paint pen, and a turquoise Elmer’s Painters pen (they’re a few bucks each at places like Michael’s or JoAnn).
About twenty minutes later, I had this collection of lovelies.
Then I took them outside and said “remember when you guys lived out here?” and gave them a good spray coat of Aileen’s Gloss Finish Sealer (on the front and the sides, and later on the back when they were dry). Sealing wood slices can help to keep them from flaking and it also gives them a nice little polished look, which is a cool juxtaposition to their rugged edges and gnarled centers.
After they had fully dried for 24 hours out in the garage, I brought them back in and drilled tiny pilot holes into the top of each one (I strategically chose what part should be the top so all the arrows would be straight, but some of the fractions and dipped ones would be slightly off-kilter since I liked the interest that those angles would bring to the tree). Then it was as simple as sticking eye-hooks into each of those pre-drilled pilot holes at the top and screwing them by hand.
I already had some old metal ornament hooks to slip through those eye-hooks, so that was all they needed to finally find their way onto the tree.
I think the red ones are my favorite. They really pop with the green background. And the total cost for three dozen wood slice ornaments = $11, which breaks down to around 30 cents each (that total includes all three paint pens, the spray sealer, and the eye hooks). Psst- You can check out a bunch of other wood slice ornaments here.
These new guys are in good company with a bunch of other ornaments that we’ve made over the years (like the green zebra you can see in the top right of that shot above) so that gives us the warm fuzzies. In fact, it’s probably a good time to toss out some links to those other homemade ornaments:
- Here are some faux antler ornaments along with a bunch of colorful “ceramic” animals (and some swirl-painted glass bulbs) from 2011
- Here are a few “snow” covered and feather filled glass ornaments from 2008
- Here are some real dried orange slice ornamets from 2009
- Here are a few baby’s first Christmas ornaments from 2010 (with Clara’s silhouette and hand prints on them)
Oh and a bunch of people saw a peek at the tree on Instagram and Facebook before it was decorated, noticed that it was new, and asked if it was real and where we got it (we got it up about a week before we added ornaments and just gazed at it naked for a while. The tree was naked. We were fully clothed. Except for Burger).
Anyway, back to where we got the tree. It was a hand-me-down from my mom (the box is long gone and we didn’t see any brand markings on it though – so if anyone has something similar and knows the brand we’d love that info to pass along) and we’re completely enamored with it. In fact, we’ve already donated our old tree, which we faithfully enjoyed since 2008. It’s hard to tell in photos, but this one is pretty real looking and sort of droopy-in-a-good-way (it’s feathery on the ends, which makes for a nice effect). Especially all lit up in that bay window of ours. Just ignore the blue trim – I’m waiting for Santa to come paint that for me.
But back to the decorating process. It was the first year that Clara had a real active interest in helping us the entire time, and she was even able to hang the breakable ornaments since she’s a careful steady-handed gal (zero ornaments were harmed in the making of this tree, although I did have about five mini-heart attacks, but I was so glad I let the bean do her thing in the end).
It pretty much worked out to be broken down into three rough zones. Clara took the bottom, I took the middle, and John got the top thanks to his long legs and added wingspan.
As for what went where, it was really just a free-for-all. I placed all of the ornaments out on a little white pedestal table off to the side of the tree, and we all just took turns grabbing whichever one caught our eye. We taught Clara just to do one per branch, but that was really the only direction we gave her – along with “don’t forget the sides and the back.” As we hung them, Clara would ask us where each one came from, so we had fun telling her about one that came from our honeymoon, one that we got in Hawaii with her, a few that were made by readers and given to us last year during our book tour, some that we had made in past years, some that were given to us by family members, etc.
I worried I’d forget a bunch of their origins, but when the entire table had been cleared and the whole tree was full, I don’t think there was a single ornament origin that we couldn’t recall. It’s funny how that stuff sticks with you.
And someone was VERY PROUD of herself.
Here she is posing in front of “her tree.”
And here’s the tree at night in all of its reflecting-in-the-bay-windows glory. The funny thing is that the old owners of the house must have put their tree right in this spot when they lived here. I never would have known that except when we moved in and I redid the floors, I remember finding a bunch of faux pine needles in that corner when I swept things up.
Oh and here’s the 411 on those festive reindeer – they were such an easy project back in 2011. And the tree skirt is just two faux sheepskin rugs from Ikea that we steal from other places in the house and shove under there each December.
So there you have it. A tree without a theme, except for a sweet memorable/handmade hodge-podge. Complete with a tiny tin hamburger.
What are your trees looking like this year? Any fun themes or color schemes? Do you go real or faux with them? Did anyone else make any ornaments? I’d love to get Clara in on the fun next year, so I’m already thinking about some baked ones (either clay or even gingerbread ones) that we could seal/paint/hang together. Could be fun…
Psst – You can peruse a ton of other holiday projects right here.
Update – Wanna know where we got something in our house or what paint color we used? Just click on this button:
Update Number 2: Plus you can check out all of our favorite holiday decor finds here – many of which are under $15!
Erin {Home Everyday} says
We have put up multiple trees in our house since we moved in here, and my favorite is always our family tree. I love breaking out the family ornaments every year and the kids love to see them too. This year my husband’s first Christmas ornament is sitting right next to the kids’ and it just makes my heart melt!
Liz says
Looks lovely guys.
I really need a change with xmas decorations but, not willing to go out and buy so much stuff to just try and find a spot for it all later. Oh the dilemmas…!!!
My life!
From one of your SW Ontario Fans.
Liz
Nikki says
Love the tree! Our tree “theme” every year is just like this. Our tree is full of special ornaments. I’ve never done a real theme, but I love it! Its so fun telling your child the significance behind each ornament. ( :
Lynn says
Ours too. We’ve never had a theme, just meaningful ornaments.
Madeline @ Create.Bake.Celebrate says
We get real trees each year & they always slice off the end before tying it to the car. This year I asked if I can have it and I’m going to turn it into an ornament! Good to know a good way to hang them!
We’ve been doing a lot of wrapping & decorating!
http://createbakecelebrate.blogspot.com/2013/12/projects-white-wrapping-paper-decorated.html
N Shirley says
It looks beautiful! I like “family trees” best! Clara is such a good helper and I can’t believe how grown up she suddenly looks!
Jen @ simple classic home says
Homemade decorations are my favorite. That’s all my mom hung on the tree when we were kids, and your post brings back so many memories of decorating the tree with my family :)It’s nice to see a tree that’s not entirely decorated with newly purchased ornaments.
Thanks for sharing!
stephanie @ Housewife Mama says
We had a lot of homemade ones growing up too with 5 of us kids!
Martha says
Gotta say, this is my favorite tree of yours :-) And even though there isn’t a “theme,” I think it looks wonderfully cohesive.
Jordan says
I love it! And I’m a bit jealous, as our tree is still sitting naked in the living room!
And I also think I spotted the crochet snowflake I sent with the Children’s Hospital Christmas card for you all – I’m so happy to be a little part of your tree this year!
Finally, I love the wooden ornament idea – we do our own version of this. Since we get a real tree each year, we shave off a little of the trunk which I then paint the year on. It’s a sweet little memento of the Christmases my husband and I have spent together :)
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, I’m so glad you spotted it! Clara loves that one so much! And the stuff you sent along for the hospital is so sweet! We’re headed over there in a few hours to install more stuff, and can’t wait to see what they think of all the LOVE that was sent their way!
xo
s
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
How beautiful that looks in front of the windows with all of the lights reflecting back!
(I’m pretty sure you have a theme this year…love!)
Contact the schmaltz police…guilty!
YoungHouseLove says
Ha! The schmaltz police made me laugh out loud.
xo
s
Bethany says
Looks pretty!
Last year after your book signing in DC, my friends and I all bought matching YHL inspired ornaments at West Elm. Of course I had to instagram the occasion. :) http://instagram.com/p/hrDnlPB1pt/
YoungHouseLove says
Aw I love that! Thanks for coming out to see us Bethany! That ornament is awesometown.
xo
s
Leah says
ha! I have some West Elm ornaments from the YHL signing too :-) I couldn’t resist.
YoungHouseLove says
I love it!
xo
s
Christine says
Sweet. I love it. our little tree is not fancy, but there is a lot of love in our ornaments. :)
Janelle @ Two Cups of Happy says
Growing up our tree was always full of handmade & gifted ornaments from family & friends. So naturally, I love yours! One of my favorite parts of Christmas was decorating the tree as a family & telling stories about each ornament. Our apartment is too small for one right now, but maybe we’ll get a mini-one next year! I’ve also seen cool ideas for “alternative” trees on Apartment Therapy for those in the same situation.
Kim says
A family tree is the best kind. We decorated Sunday and it was so much fun watching my 8 year old son rediscover the ornaments. I, however, have forgotten some of the origins, but he hasn’t (or is good at making them up)
YoungHouseLove says
So funny!
xo
s
Stefanie says
LOVE this. Don’t get me wrong your other trees have been beautiful but I’ve always found it a bit impersonal to not have all the ornaments that mean something the main focus of your big tree. This gives me the warm fuzzy Christmas feeling!
Plus now that Clara is in school you will have so many handmade ornaments coming home for many years to come!
Haley says
agreed on the personal ornaments. I never even knew people had themed trees until last year.
Katie {deranchification} says
Love love love the tree in that window! Finally got ours up, but it’s still naked – hopefully we can get it dressed soon!
Theresa M. says
We’ve never done a theme tree, ornaments of all types and styles are the most interesting and wonderful to look at. Your tree is beautiful. (And to this day, with a 21 and a 22 year old, I’m always saying. “Don’t forget the back!”)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha!
xo
s
Meredith says
What a beaut! Can I ask where you got your tree skirt from? I love it!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Meredith! It’s just two faux sheepskin rugs from Ikea a few years back (we steal them from other rooms in the house and toss them under there every December).
xo
s
Meggan says
Love it! You could have Clara do the ornaments where you put the little beads in the metal form and melt them in the oven! Can’t remember what they’re called, but she’d love that! I remember doing those as a child, and shrinkydinks :) A nostalgic tree. Happy Holidays :)
YoungHouseLove says
Great idea! I loved those as a kid too!
xo
s
Julie says
We always make ornaments for our tree. Our girls love making them and then when they start to fizzle out, we just make a new set! Last year we made cinnamon ornaments from this recipe:
http://www.katyelliott.com/blog/2011/12/cinnamon-applesauce-heart-ornaments.html
We have also made clothespin reindeer similar to this:
http://www.theseasonedmom.com/what-were-doing-making-clothespin-reindeer/
We just only do the head and add bows for girls so that we have both! Then we just slide the “antlers” around the branch!
Your tree looks great! I think the memories on our Christmas tree is my favorite part!! Merry Christmas!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the links Julie! Sounds fun!
xo
s
Lauren says
+1 for the cinnamon ornaments! I remember making them as a kid and my mom still breaks out that project for other littles that might be around at Christmas time.
Lauren@FilingJointly says
I third the cinnamon ornaments idea. We made them with my mom years and years ago and they continue to defy all ordinary laws of smell and still carry the best cinnamon scent ever.
It’s one of the smells I most associate with Christmas at this point.
Pamela says
Never heard of these applesauce/cinnamon ornaments before, but I’m definitely giving them a try. I have tiny gingerbread boy and girl cookie cutters, so those will be the shapes for me.
Heidi says
Your tree looks so beautiful!! We are going with a turqoise and red theme this year.
http://krusesworkshop.blogspot.com/2013/12/real-or-fake.html
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds so pretty!
xo
s
Natalie says
This is my favorite tree yet!
And “remember when you guys lived out here?” – you are hilarious! :)
Sarah In Illinois says
That cracked me up too!
Becca says
Love the tree! There is nothing better than taking a trip down memory lane with your loved ones as you put up all the old ornaments. Never gets old! :) So I noticed you guys never put a star or angel at the top – any reason why?
YoungHouseLove says
I think we’re still holding out for the perfect tree topper. Haven’t found it yet, but maybe this year after the holiday sales… we always have an eye out!
xo
s
Becca says
Some of them can be u-g-l-y for sure! And heavy. :)
Karen says
I have found a good stand-in for a tree topper (still looking for the “just right” one here too!) is a Santa hat! They are everywhere and cheap and the hat helps keep the top of the tree from looking naked!
YoungHouseLove says
Cute!
xo
s
betty says
“remember when you guys lived out here?” hahhahah I love this. tree looks great, guys!
Haley says
I loved that quote. Seriously LOLed at work.
Elizabeth P. says
So pretty!!! We wish we had a big window to put our tree in front of!! Where did you get those J/S/C/B ceramic ornaments that are in the last photo? They’re so cute!
YoungHouseLove says
They were from a local craft fair here in Richmond called Handmade Holiday (it’s actually coming up this weekend).
xo
s
Katie Z says
We always have a live tree – nothing better than the smell of evergreen throughout your house. Our tree this year is the biggest one we’ve ever had at nearly seven feet. It’s always decorated with a mix of hand-me-down ornaments from both sides of our family and ornaments we purchase ourselves, mostly while traveling. I love opening up the ornament box every year. It’s a fun walk down memory lane.
(We have the same little colorful Vespa ornament! Found it in the clearance bin at Target last year, and it reminded me of our vacation to Italy many moons ago. Love it!)
Emily says
The photo of the tree at night with the reflections in the bay window is absolutely gorgeous! It mesmerized me it’s so beautiful.
We, too, do a family tree filled with meaningful ornaments we’ve accumulated over the years. Every year we select two or three new ornaments that have special meaning for us and I get two of each. With a permanent marker or paint pen, I inscribe the year and sometimes put our names. My plan is that when our daughter grows up and leaves home, we’ll present her with a complete set of our family ornaments, yet we’ll still have ours to enjoy as well.
YoungHouseLove says
I love that tradition Emily!
xo
s
heather says
LOVE this, Emily! What a great idea. My mom gave us each a bag of important ornaments. The ones we each made as kids, plus ones our grandparents and great-grandparents had made. Having a crocheted star from my great-grandfather that named me, and who I’m positive is my guardian angel, means the world to me.
katelyn says
These are my favorite kinds of Christmas trees. Beautiful job.
Amanda Taylor says
Eclectic trees are the best! I’ve always used some plain color balls to give mine a color scheme, but then it’s stuffed with all the ornaments I’ve received from family, friends, and of course myself. :)
Sarah says
I love the pictures of your lights and tree! Any tips on photo taking procedures for that all over beautiful twinkly effect? This is my favorite tree so far since it’s so fun to look at!:)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Sarah! We just used a tripod with our camera and shot in M mode (we’re finally learning how to shoot manual). The tripod helps to keep it steady and we just play around with different focus points and lighting until we like the effect. Good luck!
xo
s
Soffia says
Love it!
Plus, a new christmas carol for you guys:
Oh holey slice (of wood),
the Peteriks are caaaaalling,
they wanna do – a DIY with you :)
YoungHouseLove says
It’s a timeless ballad for the ages. I love it.
xo
s
Lisa says
So sweet, and such a stinkin beautiful spot to put your tree. Those wood ornaments look fantastic!
This year I was just a lil excited to be able to get our tree in the front window of our house. We do real trees, I love the smell, however I remember when growing up my mom had a pine spray that we would spray our faux tree with, lol.
http://lisadunkin.blogspot.com/2013/12/christmas-time-is-here.html
YoungHouseLove says
So funny!
xo
s
Mary | Lemon Grove Blog says
What a fun idea for the ornaments!! The tree looks great – very festive :D
Kara says
I totally thought your tree was real. It’s gorgeous!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Kara!
xo
s
Lisa @ Double Door Ranch says
Look at that sassy little girl with her tree! Such a cutie!
Our tree is always just a hodge podge of what we’ve collected throughout the years. Since we don’t have it up this year, we’re finding other places to stash our ornaments.
Last week we went to the Arboretum by our house for their holiday lights display. It was so cool!
http://doubledoorranch.com/2013/12/09/illumination/
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man, we’d love to go to ours this year! In years past it has been so much fun!
xo
s
Hope says
I think this is my favorite tree of yours so far! Every year we decorate our tree with a hodge-podge of ornaments and I’m so glad you love it as well! Xx
Lo says
Looks good! What do you do with the rest of the ornaments you made in the past?
YoungHouseLove says
They’re all on the tree! Anything homemade/handmade/one of a kind ended up on there. You can see them in some of the shots (a ceramic animal here, the Clara handprint/silhouette there, etc).
xo
s
Melissa N. says
Beautiful tree and photos! Any tips on how to photograph a Christmas tree? Your second to last photo is just lovely and I have tried in vain to get the clarity and fun “lit up” feel that you have so beautifully captured. I have a Canon EOS Rebel T3i… Thanks and happy holidays to you and yours!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Melissa! We just used a tripod with our camera and shot in M mode (we’re finally learning how to shoot manual). The tripod helps to keep it steady and we just play around with different focus points and lighting until we like the effect. Good luck!
xo
s
Tonya says
I love your family tree! We didn’t have a lot of money growing up so we always had handmade ornaments. Now my Mom loves to try out different ornament themes each Christmas, while I love doing our tree with the family ornaments. My mom gave all of us kids our ornaments from when we were younger and I love telling my kids about them :) Merry Christmas!
Julie says
Growing up, we always had mostly memorable/sentimental ornaments with a few fillers when necessary. We never had a theme, so that concept was foreign to me as I grew and encountered people who did that. Nothing wrong with it; it’s just not my style. Christmas is all about family and loved ones, so I think it’s fitting to decorate our tree as a tribute to that mentality. Ours looks a lot like yours — a loving hodge-podge of things that are important to us and bring smiles and happy memories (even the ceramic toilet ornament from my hubby’s childhood.)
Sarah R says
I agree totally with you!
Megan says
The husband and I do a family trees as well that we perch on a table so the cats can’t ruin it as easily. It’s only 3′ so our limited amount of ornaments fills it nicely. As for ornaments, my favorite ones right now are the Calvin & Hobbes snowmen that I made out of salt dough. Though this year, I’m planning on making some with my pets paw prints so they might win as new favorites. Or at least tie. I mean, it is Calvin & Hobbes.
YoungHouseLove says
I LOVE IT. C & H = the best.
xo
s
Megan says
There’s a documentary out right now called Dear Mr. Watterson. If anyone is a Calvin & Hobbes fan, find a way to watch it. It’s AMAZING and your heart will be overwhelmed with childhood nostalgia and fuzzy feelings.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s awesome! Thanks for the tip Megan!
xo
s
keisha says
Oh my word, that tree is beautiful. BEAUTIFUL. I had to do a double-take to see whether it was real or artificial. And I love that there is no topper. We use a tiny tin angel that was not made to be a topper, but our tree doesn’t seem to be able to support anything bigger. We’ve used it for years and it finishes everything off without being too much. I have actually been a teensy embarrassed we don’t “go big” on tree toppers, but I’ve really grown to appreciate it.
YoungHouseLove says
That sounds so sweet!
xo
s
Susan says
We do a ‘family’ tree every year. It’s fun to revisit the meaningful ornaments each time we decorate. I give my daughters an ornament or two every Christmas, and each year they love to hang ‘their’ special ornaments. I have a box for each daughter’s collection that I’ll give to them when they have their own trees. I’m sure Clara would cherish one of your tree branch ornaments when she has her own little family.
Merry Christmas, Petersiks!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so sweet Susan!
xo
s
Caitlin @ Hardly Housewives says
Looks so great! As much as I love looking at a highly stylized tree, I grew up with Christmas trees full of macaroni ornaments, Waterford crystal ornaments my dad gives to my mom every year, vacation ornaments, etc and love having the same meaningful ornaments hung year after year. There’s something so cozy about it.
stephanie @ Housewife Mama says
I used to love unpacking the same homemade ornaments every year. Rudolph missing an eye, the angel with the broken halo, etc.
Sarah R says
Well done guys!
I think that no theme is the best theme there is. I am a huge fan of sentimental ornaments.
Oh, and when are you going to make Clara’s present this year/ post it? I’m excited to see!
Sarah
YoungHouseLove says
We’re always down to the wire on those (usually the week before Christmas, haha!) but we’d love to get started! We were brainstorming things last night!
xo
s
Bonnie C says
Every vacation my souvenir is an ornament. It’s so fun to remember when and where we got each one.
YoungHouseLove says
Love that tradition!
xo
s
Kimberly | Turning It Home says
I think this may be the best tree yet! Personalized and carefree is the most memorable, don’t you think?
PS: Love the tree ring ornaments! I actually made painted tree rings for one of the Pinterest Challenges (http://www.turningithome.com/2013/02/pinterest-challenge-painted-tree-rings.html) and have them hanging on my wall but I LOVE the idea for them as ornaments!
YoungHouseLove says
So pretty Kimberly! I love them!
xo
s
Michelle H. says
Love it. I always think that theme trees look beautiful but more like something out of a magazine. They’re wonderful if you have the space for more than one tree, but the “family/memory” trees are always my favorite. Merry Christmas Petersiks!
Shayna says
I do my tree like this every year. My Mom started me off with a few from her tree/childhood and I add one each year that I think sums the year up. This year we are adding an ornament for our sweet Chihuahua Digby, who joined our family this year.
Reenie says
Very pretty!!
Bonnie C says
And I also give my two kids ornaments every year, and so I don’t mix them up, I hang lighted fake pine garland over their bedroom doors and hang their own ornaments there. It’ll make it so much easier when the move out and want their ornaments (They are 20 and 25). Looks really nice!
YoungHouseLove says
So sweet!
xo
s
keish says
Bonnie, that is a neat idea! I need to start something like that for my 6yo. He would love garland or mini-tree all his own to decorate with his own ornaments.
Jen says
When our second child was born we started taking pictures of the kids together and putting them in those ornament frames. Now eight years later and 5 kids I love putting up those ornaments and seeing how they grow each year. I imagine the day when all the kids are grown and gone and my husband and myself putting up all those years of picture ornaments.