Sunday 25 December 2011

Oh Christmas Tree (s)


Merry Christmas to all!! This is a rather long post today but I thought that I would share a few trees with you today instead of a card seeing that it is Christmas day. I was hoping to show you all the different trees that I have decorated through the years, but unfortunately I was only able to locate a few pictures. I guess I will just have to bore you with those! The first picture is of a tree that I did for my daughter when she was about five years old. She loved Sesame Street, in fact, she wanted her room decorated with Burt and Ernie so I thought I would show you how serious she was about her two boys (and the cookie monster) first, then the tree!  This was my daughter's room when she was a little girl.  I love this picture as I truly believe it is the only time I ever captured her room on film while it was tidy! LOL

Here is her Christmas tree, her very own Sesame Street themed tree (I bet you have never seen one of those before!) LOL  This photo and the other two pictures above and below this one, by the way is a picture of the pictures because I couldn't get my scanner to work so it is a bit grainy.  This tree was probably the fattest real tree I have ever seen as it was only about 4 ft. tall!  It had multi coloured lights on it so it was very fun when lit up too!  All the kids in the neighbourhood really liked this tree.

 This next tree was my Victorian themed tree, my very first tree I had at my own place some thirty odd years ago.  I made all the ornaments on the tree except the tree topper, the birds and the beaded pearl garland.  I took a class in doll painting and made the Victorian dolls that hung on it.  There were potpourri balls and scented sachet ribbon hearts, lace fans, velvet hats, hand painted swans, floral nosegays and a few more things I can hardly remember now.  The very centre tree trunk was wrapped with white lights very tightly then dried baby's breath was put over them so when lit, they illuminated the centre of the tree softly.  You can actually see it towards the bottom of the tree in this picture, but you may not realise what it was.  The tree was all done in cream, dusty rose and burgundy.
The pic to the left is of my Christmas tree today (at least one of them).  It is all done in  copper and gold.  I know it is an unusual choice for a Christmas tree, but I really do like it.  When I moved here, my other half had only a few ornaments and one of them was this copper and gold velvety ornament with a sort of harlequin pattern on it.  You can see it in the close up below to the left side of the tree.  I really liked this ornament so I decided to go from there and this is where it ended up!  I added a few things every year to it, but I think it is full up now.  I do like my trees busy and full of stuff (kind of like my cards!)


 Finally, this is my little silver and white tree.  We wanted the house to look festive when the kids came home for Christmas so I found a small artificial tree for the dining room.  It is a very narrow tree so it easily fits in the corner.  I wanted something totally different so I chose a more classic colour for this one.  I had a white snow flocked tree when I lived in California and this reminds me of the feel of that one.  There are lots of big silver bows and icicles on this tree and it has little bits of silver branches sticking out from it.
I love decorating trees so this is one of the Christmas traditions that really gets me in the festive spirit.  Even though this has been a difficult time for me, I am really glad that I put the trees up.  I am also very thankful for the wonderful emails, comments, cards, flowers and general support and love that I have felt from all of you through this time.  Keeping my blog up has actually been a godsend for me, so thank you for taking the time each day to come by and visit.  You are all very remarkable and I am so blessed to be part of this crafting family we have here in the UK.  Thank you for taking time out during your Christmas day to spend a few minutes with me here.  Merry Christmas, Sue x


67 comments:

Jan.moogie said...

Merry Christmas to you and your family and may next year be happier and full of what you wish for.
Hugs and Love xxx

Maryann Laursen said...

WAUW these trees are really gorgeous Sue, and I too am glade, you took the time to do this, even we all kknow, what a hard time, you´ve had, but I truely believe, that it´s important also to do some happy things anyway, and I´m very sure, that would be your dad´s wish too, and it´s a good way to remember some of all the goodtimes, you´ve had with him throug christmastime too.
I just love your daughters "special" tree, it sooo reminds me of one my kids decoratedfor me many years ago, when I was in hospital and just came home for christmas. They had also wanted to help me and decorated a very special tree for me that year, and need I say it w were using that year? Unfortunately I didn´t have a camera back then, so don´t have a picture of it, cause it would be sooo fun today, when they´re all grown ups with their own kids.
Well enough of this, Have a very merry christmas and a wonderful new year Sue, and I for one so look forward to see all your wonderful creations through 2012 and get all your wonderful inspiration always. Thanks sooo much for all your wonderful shares throug the ear.

mags said...

Merry Christmas Sue to you and your family.
Mags
x

Linda (Lindyloo) said...

Happy Holidays to you my new dear friend. It has cheered my heart greatly to know that you have found some blessing in the reading of emails and comments left for you.
Your trees are so pretty and I think your daughter must have been the proudest little one around when she saw the beautiful tree created for her. How very special. Christmas trees really are quite magical aren't they; when finished they turn a room into something so completely wonderful and full of expectation.
I hope you enjoy every minute spent with your children today. Take comfort from them, they are your blessing.
HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE
Love Linda xx

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas Sue you are the same as me with your trees I too love trimming my tree and this year it is white and silver. I love your daughters special tree and it took me back to when my sons (I had 3) were little and they wanted a 'spaceman' tree lol surprisingly it looked great when we finished it. Although it will be difficult for you, enjoy your day
Heather x

Hope and Chances said...

Stunning trees, I adore how you've got so many ornaments and how they complement each other. Wishing you a happy Christmas and a very creative New Year. xx

melanie said...

Merry christmas to you and your family. melanie

Jenny L said...

Hi Sue. Merry Christmas to you and your family, and also to all blog friends. Hope everyone has a great day. My sisters tree this year is also fantastic. Have taken pics as you mentioned it a while ago. Lots of love to all. Jenny L

hazel young said...

love the trees sue espcially the copper one, you certsinly have the knack of decorating trees as much as you do your cards. Love your daughters bedroom she was a lucky girl. my boys had exactly the same toy kitchen too. Merry christmas hazel x

Anne RD said...

Thank you for sharing your Christmas trees with us. Happy Christmas, looking forward to seeing you back in the New Year. Anne x

Shelley said...

Beautiful trees, just like your cards. Although it's a sad time for you, hope you have a wonderful day. x

Craftypurpledragon said...

Have a wonderful festive time. Love and light to you and yours. I hope that everyone has a happy and prosperous 2012.
Suz xx

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas Sue x and all the blog worshipers, hope everyone has a wonderful day and lots of lovely pressies, Sue I love your trees, you are so blessed with creativity, love to you Helen O xxx

Cumbrianlass said...

A merry Christmas to all.
I do like the copper tree, wish I had your talent
for all things crafty.
All the best
Janet xxx

Maria Moorhouse said...

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas Sue, I know you are missing a family VIP this Christmas but I hope the newest family VIP will bring you much joy, laughter and little sticky handprints!!!
Thank you so much for your blog-its the only one I visit every day.
With love and a hug
Maria, Stevie,Amber-may. xxx

marg said...

Hello Sue
Just spoken to my Daughter in Australia before I read your Blog !
Lovely Trees Sue !
I hope today goes well and you recall happy memories.
LoveMarg

fluffycat said...

Thanks for posting your trees, Sue, they are are lovely and must take you ages to do. I particularly like the Victorian one. Turkey is in the oven & vegetables prepared so I have a quiet half-hour to myself before it's present time! Have a good day.
Frances

CraftyJo said...

Merry Christmas Sue, your trees are all lovely (esp the Sesame Street one :) )

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue

thinking about u this chritmas, hope u enjoy. Can u do scrap book pages, be wonderful to cellabrate your dad with a double page spread of all the good times u had with him( or even a book). Bet it wouldn't be big enough.

My pick of the trees would be Victorian one. Something about it I love. Sesame is very good too, as Christmas is all about the children.

Have wonderful day everyone
Born again Spellbinder
Nadine
x
nzillingworth@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue
forgot the hug, its always needed.
Nadine x

Mandy Makes and Mends said...

Love the trees sue......me I put the lights on mine then let my 4 year olds loose on it ......poke like a dogs dinner but I don't change a thing .....it's what it's all about after all.....merry Christmas to and yours from me and mine x

Jackie D said...

Hi Sue and everyone out there who is on their own particularly today like me but at least I can come on the computer without feeling guilty and share the day with you.
I love all the trees and I have lots of "things" from around the world to remind me of different places I have been but painting Victorian dolls...is there no end to your talents???
I hope you are enjoying a peaceful day with the family.
Love from Jackie D

Debbie said...

Gorgeous trees Sue.You have a nice time with your family.Thinking of you.Love Debbie x

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas to you and your family Sue. Love the trees, i like the bronze one with the harlequin babble on it. Hope you have a Special day. Yvonne xx P.S. Merry Christmas to all the bloggers.

cazlan said...

beautiful trees Sue, surprising what memories certain baubles can recall. i have special baubles celebrating both of my childrens 1st christmases, and even though they are in their 40's now they always look for 'their' bauble when they come on christmas day. best wishes for 2012 - and thank you for all your inspiration during this past year. god bless.

Patricia said...

Great trees and a beautiful little room I love them all.
Have a wonderfull day,
MERRY CHRISTMAS

Patricia

Ann Woods said...

Beautiful trees Sue, I hope that you too have a good Christmas with family and friends, and may the New Year be happier and healther for all your Family. Thanks for the cards this year, I look forward to seeing and enjoying next years'publications. <3

uniqui said...

Talented even down to the christmas trees,I think your blog is an inspiration to us all,heres to a joyful 2012.
Happy Crafting
Jacqueline

Craftychris said...

Fabulous trees! Have a fabulous Christmas and thank you for all your lovely posts. xx

Rhonda Miller said...

Wow, those are some fun Christmas trees. I love the Muppet characters. TFS.
Merry Christmas!!

lilygee said...

Dear Sue and blog friends, What a very interesting post and as usual Sue, your desire to make others happy and your unique creativity shines through this post - thank you for sharing so much with us throughout the year and thank you for helping me get through this Christmas whilst my partner has been ill in hospital. Whilst you are grieving you are still giving so generously and this has helped me personally to feel your positivity when I am feeling negative. Thankfully my partner has begun to recover and I am hoping this is not just temporary. A Happy Holiday to all of my blog friends and to you dear Sue - hope you all have a relaxing and peaceful time over the holiday period and may all your dreams and wishes happen in 2012.
lots of love lilygee xxx

Tracy Heaton said...

Lovely trees Sue, thanks for sharing them with us.
Hope you're having a great day
Tracy x

Anonymous said...

happy christmas Sue, thanks for all your inspiration throughout the year xx

millie

lockedinmycraftroom said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Clai01 said...

It's a Pleasure to spend a few minutes every day on your blog Sue , not just today looking at your christmas trees , but every day seeing your cards too, i love to see what you create!
thanks for sharing it.

lockedinmycraftroom said...

Merry Christmas Sue, looking forward to reading your next post.

Chris x

Kate's Cards said...

Merry Christmas Sue!!!!

KimberleyG said...

When I was younger, I collected Muppet toys that came with Happy Meals at McDonalds. It ended up being quite the collection. Later, when my sister's kids were small, I tied strings to them and gave them to her to decorate the tree Christmas eve. It was a great surprise for the kids when they woke up Christmas morning.

KimberleyG said...

Oops, I pushed the publish button too fast.

I hope you are having a fabulous Christmas with friends and family.

Luanne said...

Hi Sue, Your Christmas trees are gorgeous! Love all the ornaments on your tree very very festive tree. Thanks! for sharing.

Luanne
craftersreference.blogspot.com

di said...

Season greeting. Hope you have had a peaceful day with time to reflect. Your tree's are fab I leave mine to my 13year old!!!! I think it's fab her chance to get involved.

Vicki Sharkey said...

What lovely trees you have! My thoughts are with you and your family and hope that you have had a lovely day.
Santa hubby was very kind and bought me your DVD but I haven't had chance to put it on yet. Shall wait for a quite moment, whenever that will be LOL.
As others have said, can't wait to see what amazing things you post every day! Thanks for all your inspiration.
Vicki

dutchess said...

I hope that today has been a lovely family day for you, knowing that you will be thinking of your Dad....hope your family are all with you.thanks for sharing your trees... they are such fun to do....are really kick start the festive season..we are all stuffed full and watching the tv.....take care margaret

PaulineC said...

You obviously have a real flare for decorating trees as well as cards. They are beautiful Sue. Thanks very much for all the sharing of your inspiration. Have a happy Christmas.

Inkypinkycraft said...

Beautiful trees, happy Christmas.trace x

Tracey said...

Hi Sue
Sorry its a bit late but i hope you have had a really lovely day. Happy Christmas to you and your family. Thank you for sharing your memories, your a wonderful woman.
Love Tracey xx

Christine said...

Sorry to be late posting Sue, your trees are as beautiful as all your cards. You have a talent for colour matching. Thanks for sharing your home's with us and a Merry Christmas to you.
You are so inspirational and your blog a pleasure to visit.
Hugs
Christine xx

Barbara Phillips said...

What beautiful trees you have Sue, I especially like the white one, mine is very similar. Hope you have a lovely christmas with family and friends.

Anonymous said...

I love your trees Sue, you have a true talent for decor. I love your little girls room too, how cute. I hope you have had a wonderful day, with your family around you. I know what is like to deal with a loss at Christmas, my family have lost several members during the festive period and even as the years go by, its still hard not to shed a tear or two. So here's send you and yours, a big warm huggle.

Hugs and kisses,
Dawn x

Redanne said...

I do not have a favourite tree of yours because they are all beautiful. I like a busy tree too so yours really appeal to me. Thank you for taking the time to share these with us, as it must be really difficult for you. You are an amazing lady which is why you have so many followers. Hope you have had a wonderful day. Regards, Anne Rx

Yorkie girl said...

Love your trees Sue busy and beautifull like there creator hope you had a fantastic Xmas even though it is a difficult time keep crafting and inspiring others wIth your work
Theresa x

Sue Parish said...

Hi Sue, Wow - what wonderful trees! (and your daughters super bedroom too - what a lucky little girl!). Thankyou for sharing, gazing at the photo's was a lovely end to my day. Hope you and your family have had a better day than might have been expected in the circumstances and wish you all happier times in 2012. Sue x

Sue H said...

Hi Sue
Thank you for sharing your trees, they are all lovely. Putting the tree up has always been the real start of christmas for me.
I am glad your blogg has brought you some solice Sue, but I hope the new year will be kinder to you and yours.

Rufus said...

Sue, your Christmas trees are as gorgeous as your cards! I'll bet that your little girl was the envy of the neighborhood for that room and esp. her very own tree! Thank you for sharing your Christmas trees with us. I'm glad that you put them up, hope that you are too. Merry Christmas to you and yours, may 2012 be kind to you.
Thinking of you,
R/

Vee Cassidy said...

Dear Sue
Christmas Greetngs to you and yours. Thank you for sharing your trees. I cannot imagine how your wee girl reacted to the lovely Sesame Street tree coming down! It is the kind of thing a child would want all year round. This years' trees are both very beautiful and I think that your secret is that you make everything with love to make other people happy and that informs your talents. However, you made a big mistake in the post for the lovely Victorian tree as you said it was your first tree after you moved out OVER THIRTY YEARS AGO only way this works is if you moved out when you were about three!
Thinking of you, love, Vee xx

gwen70 said...

beautiful trees Sue. Hope you and yours have a lovely Christmas

Unknown said...

Lovely set of trees. Thanks for sharing the photos of them. Hope you had a lovely Christmas Day. Love, Julia xxx

lorraine (classylady) said...

All gorgeous trees, did not expect anything else though... such talent. Hope your day was happy and peaceful

luv
lorraine
xx

Fiona said...

That's serious tree decoration!

yorkshiresue said...

Thanks Sue for sharing the pics of your lovely trees. Your talent spills into your tree dressing!
Hope you found time over the festive season for a few private moments
Best Wishes for 2012
Sue
X

Carole Z said...

Thank you for sharing the photos of your beautiful trees with us Sue...I hope Christmas Day was happy and peaceful. I am sure you were all able to think of happy Christmas days spent with your dad. I still always take time over the holidays to think back, even though I lost my dad when I was in my 20's and my mum 4 years ago. The lovely memories never leave us..all the best to you and yours Sue, Carole Z xx

Vie Carter said...

Best wishes to you and your family Sue

Love Vie
x

violetclouds said...

I am in awe of the work you put in to your victorian tree. I love the other trees too, and it really does illustrate how limiting the colour palette when doing xmas decorations really does make it look elegant. Though of course, for sesame street its gotta be more fun.

wishing you good health in 2012

Crafty Loops said...

Wow these are all beautiful trees Sue. I love the Sesame street tree, so lovely. Lee x

Carol S. said...

Love your trees Sue. I call mine 'Pizza' trees - loads of different toppings!!Lol! Have a restful time with your family. Hugs, Carol S.xx

Sandra Riley said...

your trees are beautiful Sue, just like your cards! hope you are getting through this tough time ok x
huge hugs xx
sandra riley x

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