Sunday, November 17, 2013

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


































Sharing at:
http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/
http://betweennapsontheporch.net/

7 comments:

  1. Hi lovely lady.
    I am new on your Beautiful blog. I love all your great Ideas for this Gorgeous Christmas Tree so sweet. I am your newest follower on your blog now. I hope you can come over and join my Tablescapes and also hoping you have a wonderful week with your family.

    Diane

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  2. Your french tree is adorable. I love all of your paper ornaments. Happy Holidays!
    Patty at Home and Lifestyle Design

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  3. How lovely , I was thinking of a new theme this year, you have given me the inspiration to start some paper gluing, Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your weekend. Best wishes Barbara

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  4. How Pretty! I love the Frenchy vibe to your holiday tree....the toile bird ornament is my favorite! How creatively you made use of the books pages and the burlap covered tin can lids...so innovative and looks so pretty! Thanks for the inspiration and for visiting me. Happily following you back through GFC. Happy Thanksgiving! Hugs, Poppy

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