Friday, December 2, 2011

DIY Winter / Holiday Forest

Hello friends...so glad to see you visit. 
What's more seasonal than a lovely green 
winter forest?
Well I am going to show you how to create your own indoor

Winter Forest
This project is so easy

You will need some Twinklets 
I bought mine at Michaels last year and I have barely put a dent in the jar
It goes a looong way!

Isn't it gorgeous and sparkly
Not a plastic
This stuff is real mini glass crystals.
Don't bother with the expense of German Glass Glitter
Diamond dust is just as pretty and so inexpensive!

I raided my local Dollar store and Walmart for all my small
vintage looking bottle brushes.
Again..very inexpensive.

Any water based white glue will work.
I have no idea why this glue I bought in Michaels is all in French???
FYI...
I'm actually holding the brush by my teeth to get this shot.
The things I do in the name of creativity...sheesh!

With any type of small brush, apply as much or as little glue
to the tips and if desired, the inner branches

While still wet, dust with Diamond Dust or any preferred glitter.
Above is a before and after tree
Easy..right?

A sampling of different glitters and thicknesses.

 I used Liquid Nails clear glue to adhere my tree to a thrift shop glass candlestick holder.
I let them dry overnight.
If you have a favorite glue that will bond on glass..go for it!

 Now using a palette knife or popsicle stick
apply a generous amount of Snowtex.
Pile it on like a snowbank.

it should look like this
cover any glue on the edges and pile it up onto the trunk

While still wet, hold over a bowl to catch the excess glitter and cover completely.
I like to use a disposable pie tin.
When I am finished, I crimp the pie tin a little and pour all the excess back into the jar.
You will be surprised how little you really use.

That's it!
Wasn't that easy?

I started looking around my home to see what else I could use to create even more 
interesting decorations.
What about a sweet vintage etched crystal aperitif glass.
Another Salvation Macy's find. 

Or maybe an odd teacup that is missing a saucer.
Thrift shop find also.

These little gems are in my shop !
Inexpensive little ceramic pieces
Really...the possibilities are endless.
I hope to have been inspired to create your own 
Winter Forest

I'm stocked and ready to sell some ASCP!!
For all my Virginia readers
If you are in the Warrenton area
Saturday, Dec. 3rd
Please do come say hello to me at 
Annual
Holiday Open House
I will be demonstrating 
and
also creating festive decorations from 
Antique Sheet Music


There will be lot's of food and drink
so after the
COME SEE ME!

Until next time...be kind and stay creative.

Sharing this week 
Hope Studios(see sidebar button)

14 comments:

Annette said...

Cute idea, Janet!

Kathleen Grace said...

I have become such a big fan of those little trees! I put a forest around something every year for Christmas. This year it's Earl's grandmothers cottage teapot on a shelf. It looks like it is sitting in a little forest. I'm all for more glitter:>)

Tammy at Tammy Loves Dishes said...

Great tip about the Diamond Dust; thanks for sharing. The little forest looks enchanting. I hope to try this if I can find some cute bottle brush trees.

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Oh honey how I wish I were going to there for your show in Warrenton. I would love it.
Your trees are just the cutest and I love how you showed us how to capture the same look.
Have fun this weekend and if you get a chance to come by please do I am having a long over due giveaway
Love ya
Maggie

Atelier Conti said...

You are really getting me into the Christmas spirit! I love your flocked tress. Mr. Snowman looks so cute peeking through his forest. Good luck with your open house and demonstration today! I wish I could be there.

Leigh Powell Hines said...

That's lovely! Happy Holidays!

Janae said...

neat idea! It looks so pretty! I love how you glued the crystal candle sticks on the bottom so clever!

Holly Loves Art said...

Hello and happy holidays!
This is just such a fun tutorial. You have such darling and clever ideas! Thank you for sharing!
Holly

Jennifer Juniper said...

I can just hear Secret Agent now, "Honey, where is my tea cup? Oh and why is there a lovely snowy tree growing out of my slippers??"

I love them, and the bottle brushes are so unexpected! I'm going to try the Snowtex today for my secret ornament you helped me with!

Unknown said...

Now this is just darling!!! This "Youngin" is LOVING this!!! Haha. I'm your newest follower and would love for you to follow me on your next visit!!!

Your newest bloggy friend,
Aimee from ItsOverflowing.com

the cape on the corner said...

holding the brush with your teeth, now that is dedication, lol. i love this, they are all so gorgeous and sparkly! great idea with the upside down wine glass, too.

Tonya said...

Thanks for explaining so well. I bought some German glass glitter and LOVE it, but if there is something just as good for less, I'll be so happy to find it! I trip to Michaels is now in my plans for this week! :) I made some trees up for my Christmas table as well. I love them and love learning new ways and styles to create! :)

Peggy said...

Just stopping by to let you know I featured this project on my Christmas tree craft collection.
Please grab a featured button from my side bar when you get a chance. Thanks
http://diycraftyprojects.com/2012/11/50-diy-christmas-tree-craft-ideas-collection.html

Rhonda's Originals said...

Love these trees! What wonderful little hostess or acquaintance gifts they would make. For a more expensive gift, how about putting them on the china cup that matches your friend's china pattern?