Christmas Ideas - Tree Toppers and Ornaments

TREE TOPPERS

Unique tree toppers can be created quickly, using a variety of items. For a tree topper that holds fond memories, search through old toys or Christmas decorations for items. For an elegant yet simple look, choose silk or dried greens, spraying them with metallic paint for added glitz. Or position a bow with streamers to the top of the tree, using a special ribbon to make the bow showy and glamorous. The traditional angle can be the crowning touch on a Christmas tree or the focal point on a mantel or side table. Made from crocheted doilies that are shaped with fabric stiffeners, you can make a delicate Victorian looking angle.

Here is a list of great tree toppers:

Twisted dried naturals, shooting out from the top of the tree, accent a contemporary decor.

Special toys or stuffed animals, secured with wire to the top of the tree, personalize a toy-theme tree.

Several stars, instead of the traditional single star, are secured to the upper branches of the tree.

Silk foliage add a dramatic touch to the treetop.

Cluster bows, wired back-to-back, make a quick tree topper3r. The steamers for the bows can be spiraled around the tree or tucked loosely into the branches.

Ornaments clustered on the treetop create a focal point.

A collection of Santas adds special chart to a Christmas tree.

A single nutcracker can be prominently displayed at the top of the tree.

ORNAMENTS

Victorian ornaments, such as paper fans and potpourri balls, bring a touch of nostalgia to the tree. Elegant paper fans made from bridal illusion and trimmed with embellishments and an romantic appeal.

Add a touch of glitz to your tree with a variety of golden and jewel-tone ornaments. Fill clear or luminescent balls with glittery tinsel. String clusters of small sleigh bells on wire and tie them with gold-trimmed bows. Or cover Styrofoam balls with fabric and trim them with braids to coordinate with the room decor.

Handcrafted snowmen are easily made by applying an artificial snow paste over a Styrofoam. Their fine features can be shaped from polymer clay, a modeling compound that can be oven baked. These tree ornaments an also be used to decorate packages and wreaths.

Bundles of cinnamon sticks, glued together and tied with ribbon, make quick, fragrant ornaments. Embellish the ribbon with a sprig of greenery.

Miniature dried rosebuds make delicate ornaments. Secure the rosebuds to a 2" Styrofoam ball. Leave space for pinning and gluing a ribbon hanger in place.

Paper twist and raffia make quick country ornaments. Wrap a 10" length of untwisted paper twist around a 2" Styrofoam ball, securing it with several pieces of raffia. Also secure raffia fro the hanger, using hot glue.

Cinnamon sticks and clothespins, paint like Santas for instance, are fun for all ages. Use nontoxic acrylic paints for the simple Santa faces; secure string or ribbon for hangers, using a drop of hot glue.

Clear plastic ball that snap together can be filled with cherished mementos to make special keepsake ornaments.

Small Santa sacks (cloth mini bags) filled with miniature toys make delightful ornaments.

Bundles of twigs, tied with jute or ribbon or raffia, make simple, rustic ornaments.
Embellish the ornament with greenery, berries and a small bird. Then spray it with an acrylic sealer.

Simple designs, applied with paint pens, can add extra sparkle to glass ornaments. Replace the wire hangers with bows of gold cording and ribbon.

TRIMMING THE TREE

Trimmings, such as garlands and bows, are available in an endless variety. These finishing touches unify the tree, even when several styles of ornaments are used together. Choose items that are in keeping with the color scheme and theme of the tree. Some trimmings work better for Victorian decorating styles, while others may be either whimsical, glitzy or rustic.

Wide ribbon can be wrapped loosely around the tree, spiraling from top to bottom.

Ornaments clustered in groups of three have more impace than single ornaments.

Streamers are made by wiring five strands of ribbon together, looping them at one end. Attach the wire to the top of the tree, letting the streamers fall freely, or tuck them lightly into the branches. Add dried fruits that are either purchased or made with a food dehydrator for the full country look.

Bows secured to branches with wire unify a tree with color and repetition.

Purchased trims, such as ruched paper or foil trim, can be strewn on branches as garland.

Tassels hung on the trips of branches have the look of traditional elegance.

Bridal illusions, English netting or other types of net can be tucked between branches or tied in the middle to give a bow affect, can fill in any bare areas.

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