My older boys have a special miniature Christmas tree in their room. It's decorated with ornaments loving made out of candy (thanks to Martha for the inspiration). Naturally I wanted little Brooks to have his own special tree in his room. When I pulled out what I had up in his room last Christmas I was horrified. I couldn't believe 'that' was the best I could come up with. Sure he was only 4 months at the time and I had just started back at work, but it still didn't seem like a valid excuse. After I was done chiding myself for last year's disgraceful attempt I stripped down the tree to nothing. But then I couldn't think of anything cool to do for his tree, but I put up his miniature tree anyway hoping for some inspiration. It sat there for a while as an empty slate waiting for me to do something. I finally wrapped the felted ball garland we used in our Christmas card photo shoot around the tree, but it was still very, very lacking. Maybe next year, I thought. Then one night I got the idea to use one of his toys to make ornaments for his tree. It was perfect--easy and simple, but still meaningful since the toy used to belong to his brothers and therefore practically vintage (*wink*--does 10 years count as vintage?).
Here is the toy (from Pottery Barn Kids) prior to any alterations. I am not even sure what it is called.
After dismantling the toy I settled in with some freshly baked chocolate chip cookies (can't stop baking) and ribbon to tie through the blocks. Viola! Done!
Here is the tree. I never got around to making a proper tree skirt for it. This picture was taken just before I packed it up till next year. I hope I don't take it out of the box next year and give myself three lashings for another poor attempt. It could still use a little something, but at least little Brooks seemed to like it (or he was just happy to finally get grabby with it).
Happy Holidays!
-K
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