My Favorite Jeweled Christmas Tree

Every year I look forward to pulling out my elegant vintage jewelry Christmas Tree. This is by far my favorite Christmas decoration and takes the place of honor in the center of my mantle above the fireplace. I did not make this myself, but have long wanted to create something like this so I can have another, or give one as a gift. It's made of of sparkling bits of vintage jewelry, mismatched rhinestone earrings, brooches, beads and bobbles all laid out against a base of black velvet and surrounded by a beautiful gilt golden frame.


So this weekend I was at an estate sale, which are few and far between this time of year. What do I find amongst a pile of knitting and craft pamphlets but this beauty!  The Hazel Pearson handicrafts catalogue dates to 1973 and this is the guest artist Bobi Hall on the cover.


Seriously though, the pamphlet is fantabulous. It is filled with step by step instructions on how to make a tree such as this. It even includes the original pattern. And it goes so far as to give other ideas on forms other than a Christmas tree, like a topiary. The topiary tree adapts very well to a theme too, like owls or birds and can be displayed year round instead of just at the holidays. So over the coming months I'm going to be putting aside all the bits and bobbles that I have stashed away so I can create such a treasure.

Wish me luck, and thank you Bobi for the inspiration I needed!