Before and After - Low Budget Christmas Tree

BEFORE


AFTER

This is a new tree for our home.  Well, new to us.  I bought it on Craig's List last summer.  
A new tree means new ornaments.  Which can get expensive.  Also, I prefer a Christmas tree which appears to have been 'made' over time - rather than purchased straight off the shelf in 2012.  The same for my home.  A 2012 decor will look like a 2012 decor in 2018.  A house 'collected' over time, however, will tend to look less dated.  

So, after buying the "new" tree this summer, I started pinning.....and pinning.. and then pinned some more. (see more of my Christmas craft ideas on my Pinterest board here).  And then I started crafting.  I found sheet music on Etsy (here) and made some ornaments. 




(I always try to use crosses and churches on my tree- that is what Christmas is about, isn't it?)



My husband found some cotton for me without too much complaining.  My daughter made the chain link garland from sheet music.  My goal was a blue/aqua tree for my gray living room.  (I pretty much just decided I needed to match my painting on the wall.)  

Tuelle is fairly inexpensive and goes a long way when wrapping a tree.  I tied a knot every 15", or so.

I also sewed with scrap material.....







I found that glitter and glue were my two closest friends.  I used old Christmas cards and edged them in glitter.....



I found these Joy ornaments at Walmart 10 in a pack for a $1.00.  Shhhh - please don't tell anyone they are from Walmart!





I discovered these cute little gift tags on Etsy here and had the shop owner make me an assortment so that I could use them on my tree....




The flock of paper doves are from  Paper Source - clearance section. 



I know that the sheet music fad will be a 'dated' thing before long, but those items didn't cost much and can easily be replaced in the upcoming years.  


Pretty for a low-budget tree, don't you think?  And "yes," that is a football on the sofa.

Enjoy your day!

Don't forget to enter my giveaway! 



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Comments

Unknown said…
Beautiful job!!!
And just love that you made your decorations - one of a kind pieces - looks like you've had them saved forever - precious!
XXX
Stacey said…
Your tree is beautiful. It really paid for you to plan ahead like that - which is something I never do. Note to self...:)
Lovely tree and like the idea that you added homemade decorations to it!
Unknown said…
very very pretty your tree turned out lovely great job
Unknown said…
Very pretty, Trish! You would never guess you achieved such a lovely look without spending a great deal.
Beautiful tree...and I love the sheet music decorations. Very clever.
Thanks for sharing.
Jennifer
Jamie Miles said…
"A 2012 decor will look like a 2012 decor in 2018."

You are most wise. I've got to come over and see all this on Friday.
I love a handmade Christmas. I have a box or two filled with ornaments from my kids that I treasure. Your handmade ornaments and decorations are a lovely touch to your tree and it inspires me to create more of my own this upcoming Christmas. As things in my house are so tight buying ornaments is out of the question. Thank you for sharing! God bless. Cathy
Maureen Wyatt said…
Your tree may be low budget but it's high style!
Jan said…
Very pretty! Music and music-themed ornamentation will never be outdated -- it is a universal constant that is as old as mankind is on Earth; there is the Music of the Spheres; the angelic music of the Heavenly Choir we're told of in various religious texts that is said to fills the Heaves with unending song and is the genesis of the creative process of everything, including stars, novas, planets, etc. Your tree is lovingly created and decorated, and that is timeless. Some things never go out of style :)
Unknown said…
SO pretty and such great ideas!! Thanks for the ideas! I love the glittered music sheets!
I absolutely love all the ornaments. I'm convinced that going inexpensive actually primes us to be more creative. Your tree is beautiful.

Thanks so much for linking up at I Gotta Create! <3 Christina
Annie said…
Your tree does not look like made in low budget, it is simply beautiful!
Anne Birdsong said…
Hi Trish, I’m Anne from Life on the Funny Farm (http://annesfunnyfarm.blogspot.com), and I’m visiting from Make It Pretty Monday.

This is so beautiful! My favorite is the music sheet chains. Brilliant. Stunning.

Anyway, thanks for posting this. If you’ve never visited yet, I hope you can pop by my blog sometime to say hi…
PJH Designs said…
Hi Trish, I love your tree. Now that is my kind of tree with all the handmade ornaments. You did a beautiful job for very little money. So glad you linked up at Transformed Tuesday. I can't wait to see what you've been up to this week. Hugs, Peggy
Unknown said…
This tree may be low budget but is high style! LOVE it! Thanks for sharing on the homemade holiday party.

Marilyn
4you-withlove.blogspot.com
Ruth said…
Your tree looks beautiful. I love all the ornaments you made and the thought that went into creating a beautifully unique tree.
Ruth
So pretty Trish and wow, what a lot of work! :)

Thanks so much for linking up last week at The Humble Brag!!

The Silhouette Cameo giveaway is still going strong and you can get MORE ENTRIES by signing up for link party email reminders, sharing the giveaway on FB with your readers, and linking up again. Hope to see you there tomorrow.
Unknown said…
Your tree looks beautiful! I love the hand made items because they mean so much more than store bought. (although my small tree has store bought). You did a fabulous job!
Kristen said…
love all the ornaments! Thank you so much for sharing this idea on Handmade Tuesdays @ Ladybug Blessings www.ladybug-blessings.com
thanks for linking to the Ornament Party on my blog Best wishes to you for a Happy christmas. Linda

http://twosucculentsisters.blogspot.com/