Manniquin Christmas Tree: A Woodland Fairy

Last year, I posted about the Christmas Tree that I made using a mannequin. 

  Well, she's changing into a Woodland Fairy Christmas Tree.   


First, I started with the evergreen base that has tiny twinkle lights woven into the evergreens.






I made an apron of sorts with ribbons. Then I hand sewed silk ferns onto the ribbon bands. There are 4 different shades of ferns.

This shows the fern and ribbon apron being added to the skirt of the Christmas tree.

Remember that the evergreen base is peeking through the ferns and ribbons. I tested it, and the lights still shine through both layers.

Now to add the beautiful top. It's made with a camouflage fabric that features the woodlands trees and foliage.  Then an overlay of golden tulle softens the overall appearance.  Sandwiched between the layers are golden trim,  burlap ribbons, and preserved spanish moss. 

Next, comes the cummerbund made from Birch bark with applied moss. 

It adds that bit of elegance.  Of course the cummerbund is accented with a burlap flower, pine cones and evergreen branches.  No lady should have such a beautiful gown without a bit of jewels.

And a bit of flounce in the rear of the garment to add more whimsy and elegance.

 Isn't she a fantasy come to life...I really don't want to send her back to my client. Perhaps, I just have to enjoy our creative adventure together and send her on her way.

Smiles,

Deborah

Evergreen Branches Filled Planters for M y Front Porch

Today, I've been creating some evergreen planters for my front porch for Christmas.  I use the earth from my summer planters as the base for the evergreen branches. I made them in the garage today and will be watering them until the weather is cold enough for the earth in the planters to freeze. Usually I am running outside in the cold from pine tree to pine tree cutting and gathering my greens.

I just love using things in nature from my yard to make my evergreen pots. I used four different kinds of evergreens.  I will probably add a few large red and green plastic ornaments to give them a bit more color.  Last year I found these sparkly red cardinals on clips and I add two to each planter.  You can't really see them in these pictures, but I also wired pine cones to wood shim sticks and inserted them into the greens also. 

 

I make two planters for my front porch as I like symmetry. 

 

Deborah