I've been thinking, and thinking, and thinking about the "junk tree" itself. I've come up with lots of ways to build one, but none that will work with my ornaments. I decided I needed a fairly traditional tree, but modified. Sunday, at the auction they sold this all apart in a box.
I didn't even see it until they started to sell it. I AM NOT drawn to old artificial trees so wouldn't have noticed it even if I tripped on it! Well, they couldn't get a bid...then the light went on! So, I got it for $.25. I had nothing to lose. I'd try to modify it somehow.
So, I began to cut, and cut, and cut.... this was the small pile I had before I moved inside because those nasty little lace bugs were ruining my "beautiful post auction sitting outside cutting pine needles loving deconstructing time"! It took me almost three hours! UHG! Who'd have thought? I figured about 45 minutes. WRONG. My husband made us frozen corn dogs for dinner so I could keep cutting.
Now, the branches aren't in the correct rows because frankly at this point, I didn't care! But, I have to say, I love my deconstructed tree! The kids think it's rather ugly. I thought it was a little too green though, so yesterday I gave it a hit and miss spraying of brown spray paint.
Here it is toned down with brown paint and the branches needing even more arranging after being tipped over a few times. The branches will wait. I'm not positive I'll use it for my junk ornaments yet. We'll see how it works. I may just put it out "as is" (but with straightened branches!) and a few sparse decorations. My daughter suggested a bird's nest tucked inside. Sounds cute!
Yeah, so I was so excited about my prospective plan with my $.25 tree, when this one came up...up my hand went up too early at $1.00! It's a bit yellowed so won't work as is. Funny, how I like an aged look on just about everything, but, seriously, the yellowing is not appealing. What do you think? Give it a haircut too? I think some serious deconstruction is needed to save this one. Maybe make a wreath out of it...
I did take my shaved tree on a photo shoot and I think it was pretty photogenic~more on that later!
Have a great day!
Edited...If you'd like to see the tree decorated: Click here.
Posts
I like your deconstructed tree...it's perfect.
ReplyDeleteOh Jill! Your creativity and vision for the Christmas tree is just fantastic! Who'd a thunk?! With respect to the "overpriced" {!!} white tree go ahead and give it a trim if you think the family could handle frozen dogs again. Otherwise, I sure could see some acid stained pewtery colored glass bulbs sitting in clumps on a wreath you make from the branches {branches that get a paint job, of course}. Wire in some rusty old wire with some of your other rusted treasures....Endless possibilities. Can't wait to see where you go with this...! Xo, Sue
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting at Inspiration Studio on my guest blog. It was a scarey first post on a forum such as that, and people like you make me feel welcome, so thank you for that.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to have found your site, and when I have more time, I will spend more time checking it out, as it looks so cool.
Have a great day, and I do hope to meet you one day at JB. By vendor or by shopper, it doesn't matter to me. :)
Gretchen
http://mimitoriasdesigns.blogspot.com
I've been checking out vintage feather trees and modern ones that mimic the vintage. All were absolutely out of my price range. After seeing the above post I'm seriously considering deconstructing the artificial tree I already have. Not only do I need space between branches, I need a slim tree as I have downsized to a smaller senior apartment. Thanks for the idea!
DeleteCan't wait to see what develops with your tree! As a child we had a similar one and every year my mother would cut inch wide strips of crepe paper, unroll them and lay them three on top then sew down the middle. Afterwards she snipped along the sides and the wound the whole thing around and around the branches! every year the tree was a different colour depending on which paper was the cheapest, quite odd now when I think about it!! Margaret
ReplyDeleteOh, the possibilities! I have never thought of deconstructing a tree before (I dislike the fake ones too). Now you have me thinking. If I wasn't already following you, I would be again. Love this idea!
ReplyDeleteIt looks great Jill! I did one last year for our show and the ornaments showed up really well, but I didn't think I would ever get through either, at least you started early...I was down to the wire!
ReplyDeleteGreat job! I love it!
Lezlee
interesting! reminds me much of old feather trees :D how about white spray paint on the white one after you give it a crew cut?? maybe spattered with another rusty/cinnamon look and smell!
ReplyDeletemy friend gave me an old wire basket to do something with; it has twisted wire shapes like hearts and scrolls. the first thing i thought of was "now maybe i can make some junkle bells"!!
kudzu
jill.....i love love love the tree...........way cool..i dont think i would ever have thought to do that !! i also like the branches the way they are...mixed up and all..and not straight !!
ReplyDeleteno ideas for the white one though.....i too...am not into fake ones.....
you have a great eye ! and i want to go toyour auctions !!!
Uhmmm... I'm liking the trimmed up junk tree AS IS!!! With a bird's nest - most definitely! I can't wait to see what you do with the white one!!!
ReplyDeleteScore!!!
;-D robelyn
Robelyn just told me to check this out. And I LOVE it! ~Mindy
ReplyDeleteLet me tell you something. Three hours is nuthin'. Just sayin'. I'm going to blog you and your tree and me and my tree next week. If I finish my tree by then! ~Mindy
ReplyDelete@That is funny Mindy my friend! I got a mini tree from GW and cut it in "2 hours" omgosh! and my fingers got cramped but I love it. I'll let you know whenever I post pic of it. Its for my salon its gonna be a little nutty. :)This deconstruction is awesome!! I do want try it on a larger tree also.
ReplyDeletewhat about an electric razor for the trimming would that work , good idea here
ReplyDeletewould an electric razor work for the trimming , wonderful idea here
ReplyDeletewell show us the decorated version!
ReplyDeleteI added a link now to the post, great idea!
DeleteHere it is also: http://www.jillruth.com/search/label/junkle%20bells
Love the new look. I have one I'm going to do this with.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE how your mind works! This idea is brilliant!! Thank you so much for sharing with us! <3
ReplyDeleteThat is just gorgeous! I got a new sparse tree this year and now I wish I just kept my old one and had given it this trim. It is gorgeous. I like the white one (yellow isn't good) but I trust you will make it even prettier.
ReplyDelete