French Foyer Christmas Tree

Our French Foyer Christmas Tree is the first thing people see

when they walk into our home during the holidays.  

The inspiration for this tree came to me two years ago, 

when I was clearing out our bookshelves and came 

across an old book that was too weathered and tattered

to keep.  I couldn't get myself to toss it into 

 a wastebasket- so, the idea came to me...

"Why not salvage the pages by reusing them in a sentimental way?"

The idea of creating paper ornaments for a French inspired tree was born, and I got down to work
on the design right away. Three years later, this beautiful tree will once again grace our foyer during the holidays, and I cannot wait to open the bins that contain each and every handmade paper ornament that now holds a sentimental place in my heart, as I created each and every single one by hand.

Here is a glimpse of the some of the beautiful paper ornaments that hang on the tree...

Using a combination of French inspired paper, hemp twin, and pages

from my vintage book, I was able to create these lovely ornaments 

for our French Inspired Foyer Christmas Tree...

 The burlap holiday ribbon was wrapped around the tree as a "garland"...

I used holiday stamps to embellish some of the smaller paper ornaments
in order to give them a festive holiday touch...

Message Ornament...

Using chipboard letters and burlap, I used 

ordinary tin can lids to spell out a holiday message on the tree...

Strips of book pages filled pretty glass globes that caught the

reflection of the holiday lights just beautifully.

After perusing one of Martha Stewart's dove design holiday layouts, 

I gave it a shot, and tried my hand at creating this three dimensional cardstock

and book page dove.  Not as pretty as Martha's, but this adorable little 

dove was just right for my tree.

The creativity seemed to flow from ornament to ornament.  

These adorable pieces just came naturally one at a time.

Various art techniques which I learned as a kid

came in quite handy and naturally while designing my tree... 

Check out my accordion folding skills in these sweet ornaments!

A Christmas birdie made from Black and white polka dot cardstock
 and French toile fabric perched itself on one of the branches.

Every tree needs a topper, and this paper angel was one of my favorite creations.

And here is my French Inspired tree with it's beautiful handmade paper ornaments, 
 that will once again grace our home's foyer this holiday.

Have a happy week!
Xx,
Betty


































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