noelle o designs

creativity + sewing + upcycling inspiration

craft, holiday

jeweled Christmas tree

One might remember that last February as I was finally ready to make my jeweled Christmas tree, I got impatient or silly or whatever you want to call it and made this heart instead. Well, I finally got around to making that tree this February.
I’ve had this frame forever- I got it at Hobby Lobby years ago when I began dreaming up this project. It was super on sale- I think I bought it for $9.99. You can’t tell from the backside in this picture but it’s thick and gaudy- the gaudier the better for this project. I cut a piece of masonite to fit inside the frame and built the tree on. The material had to be thick enough to support the weight of all sparkly gems.
I used a sponge brush to cover the masonite with a thin coat of fabric glue, then pressed on the velvet fabric for the background. I lightly drew the outline of the tree onto the velvet with chalk, any lines left visible rub off easily in the end. I prearranged the jewels on an extra piece of velvet, in the exact shape I was after.
All of the pieces are glued on with a hot glue gun. I tried to use a little glue as possible so it wouldn’t be blobby and visible. I started with the edges and worked my way in, gluing the biggest jewels down first.
I have been collecting all the costume jewelry for years. This project can get very expensive if you’re not careful. I found a few lots on ebay, a few are family heirlooms and I’ve done lots of digging in local antique shops for cheap broken and mismatched earrings and brooches.
I wanted the tree to look as solid as possible so I filled in the little gaps with tiny jewels and pearls.
A kind blogger friend gave me this bee (it was a belt buckle) and the 2 tiny bees (cuff links?) that are hidden in the mix at the last Beehive Bazaar– Midge, you are so sweet and thoughtful; what a treat to have a few bees to put in the mix!
I can’t believe this tree is finally finished. I feel like I’ve really accomplished something this week- and it’s only Monday! It’s going to be like the best Christmas present ever when I get to put my jeweled tree up this December.

3 Comments

  1. Metalworx Design

    February 11, 2009 at 12:35 am

    It turned out so cute, I knew you would find something fabulous to do with them.

  2. steph

    February 10, 2009 at 6:27 pm

    I love the jeweled decor!

  3. VaLene

    February 11, 2009 at 5:56 pm

    That is the prettiest tree I’ve ever seen. I love the heart too.

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