Succulents & Spruce Christmas Tree {Dream Tree Challenge}

DIYShowOff: Michaels Dream Tree Challenge Reveal

Why yes, I do realize the calendar has just flipped to November. And in real life, it’s a few weeks too early to be decorating for Christmas however it’s not too early to be collecting holiday ideas and inspiration! I’m excited to be a part of the Michaels’ Makers blog team, the 3rd annual Dream Tree Challenge and the #tagatree campaign, I present my “Succulents & Spruce” themed Christmas tree…

Succulents & Spruce Christmas Tree @diyshowoff - #michaelsmaker dream tree challenge

Michaels provided me with a beautiful pre-lit 7 ft. artificial pine and a gift card for decorating to participate in the dream tree challenge to kick off the decorating season in the DIY Show Off house. After I finished decorating it, I decided I wanted to remove the area rug…but moving the 9×12 monster size out from under a decorated 7 ft. tree is another challenge for another day. 

Succulents & Spruce Christmas Tree @diyshowoff - #michaelsmaker dream tree challenge

Materials I used: (Find materials and decor that you feel fit a succulent & spruce/enchanted evergreen theme at Michaels) 

Free Shipping on $50+ at Michaels

  • 7 1/2 foot pre-lit Willow Pine Christmas tree
  • succulent garlands
  • packs of matte orange Christmas bulb ornaments
  • grapevine orbs 
  • mini mossy fairy/gnome houses
  • lighted grapevine star tree topper
  • assorted pheasant feathers
  • large pinecones
  • glittery floral pics in copper
  • assorted floral pics: one with mini pinecones on branches, one with gold berries, gold/green ferns, gold glittery spiral branches, etc. 
  • clip on burlap poinsettias 
  • assorted potted succulents – for the ones hanging on the tree, be sure to use hot glue to ensure succulents are extra secure in foam base/pot as well as to adhere an ornament hanger to the pot so that rather than set on it’s base, it hangs like an ornament. 
  • burlap table runner for use as a tree skirt
  • birch wood slices for displaying succulents under the tree

Succulents & Spruce Christmas Tree @diyshowoff - #michaelsmaker dream tree challenge Succulents & Spruce Christmas Tree @diyshowoff - #michaelsmaker dream tree challenge Succulents & Spruce Christmas Tree @diyshowoff - #michaelsmaker dream tree challenge  Succulents & Spruce Christmas Tree @diyshowoff - #michaelsmaker dream tree challenge Succulents & Spruce Christmas Tree @diyshowoff - #michaelsmaker dream tree challenge Succulents & Spruce Christmas Tree @diyshowoff - #michaelsmaker dream tree challenge Succulents & Spruce Christmas Tree @diyshowoff - #michaelsmaker dream tree challenge Succulents & Spruce Christmas Tree @diyshowoff - #michaelsmaker dream tree challenge Succulents & Spruce Christmas Tree @diyshowoff - #michaelsmaker dream tree challenge Succulents & Spruce Christmas Tree @diyshowoff - #michaelsmaker dream tree challenge

We do decorate a Christmas tree in our living room with a more traditional (red & gold) look. I really enjoyed creating some a little whimsical and fun for the dining room.Succulents & Spruce Christmas Tree @diyshowoff - #michaelsmaker dream tree challenge Succulents & Spruce Christmas Tree @diyshowoff - #michaelsmaker dream tree challenge Succulents & Spruce Christmas Tree @diyshowoff - #michaelsmaker dream tree challenge Succulents & Spruce Christmas Tree @diyshowoff - #michaelsmaker dream tree challenge Succulents & Spruce Christmas Tree @diyshowoff - #michaelsmaker dream tree challenge Succulents & Spruce Christmas Tree @diyshowoff - #michaelsmaker dream tree challenge Succulents & Spruce Christmas Tree @diyshowoff - #michaelsmaker dream tree challenge Succulents & Spruce Christmas Tree @diyshowoff - #michaelsmaker dream tree challengeSucculents & Spruce Christmas Tree

My steps: Assemble the tree (seriously easy as 1-2-3…it’s labeled). The order I decorate: garland (in a diagonal spiral pattern on the tree). I used three. Next I tuck in floral pic items such as branches, ferns, etc. (decorative items with stems). Then I add succulents and ornaments, placing mossy fairy houses into bare spaces. Tuck in pheasant feathers. Top the tree with more floral pics and grapevine star. I laid out a burlap table runner in a circular pattern under the tree and added some potted succulents, some on birch wood slices to add height. You may acquire a supervisor…

DIYShowOff Dream Tree Challenge Christmas Tree - succulents & spruce/enchanted evergreen #michaelsmakers

The gallery wall of empty frames in my dining room was the perfect back drop for a shimmery succulent wreath and a few strategically placed succulents to add to the enchanted forest theme. 

Succulents & Spruce Christmas Tree @diyshowoff - #michaelsmaker dream tree challengeSucculents & Spruce Christmas Tree @diyshowoff - #michaelsmaker dream tree challenge

I love it! My girls love it! Mr. DIY prefers traditional {I guess it’s good we usually have more than 1 Christmas tree}. What do you think?

Succulents & Spruce Christmas Tree @diyshowoff - #michaelsmaker dream tree challenge

Last year’s DIYShowOff Dream Tree

ombre christmas tree decor

See MORE beautiful Christmas trees by visiting these awesome blog friends beginning at 9 a.m. Nov. 1st:


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Michaels has a lot of fun things going on this month:

  • Stop by Michaels’ blog, The Glue String, to see the full Dream Tree Challenge and all of the fabulous trees that were created this year by the Michaels Makers
  • To kick off the holiday season, make sure and check out of Michaels’ Make it Merry  inspiration book or all kinds of holiday tips and projects.
    • Head into Michaels Nov. 2 through Nov. 8 for the Make It Merry Tree Event  – 50% off all trees 6 ft. or taller!!!

Make it Merry at Michaels

As a member of the Michaels’ Makers team, I receive a gift card to complete and share fun craft challenges.

Roeshel #MichaelsMakers

Easy Ornament Craft – Pipecleaner Christmas Tree Bells

Christmas is nearly here! These DIY pipe cleaner Christmas tree bells are super easy and a fun last minute craft…with a rich velvet-y look and real ringing bells. They’d be so cute in a variety of colors to coordinate with any Christmas theme. 

easy DIY pipe cleaner Christmas tree bell ornament tutorial

Pipe Cleaner Christmas Tree Bell Ornament Materials:

  • pipe cleaners
  • mini Styrofoam cones 
  • small bells
  • hot glue
  • mini star tree topper ornaments (or thrifty costume jewelry)
  • fishing line/ornament hooks
  • optional: straight pins with color/ball heads, ribbon, embellishments – be creative!
  • optional: Krylon Glitter Blast

Tutorial:

Starting near the bottom of the cone, I simply pushed in my pipe cleaner and spiraled around the cone, again tucking the pipe cleaner’s end into the Styrofoam. Repeat as needed. I used three colors to create an ombrè effect. I even braided a few different colors for a different look. I didn’t, but you can use hot glue as needed. DIY pipe cleaner Christmas tree bell ornament tutorial

Add a smidge of hot glue to the top of a bell and insert into the bottom center of the Styrofoam cone to create a ‘bell’ tree trunk.PipeCleaner Christmas Bell Ornament

Embellish: using hot glue or straight pins, add a tree topper or pipe cleaner monogram.

DIY Christmas Ornament

Spritz with Krylon Glitter blast for a little sparkle. 

Easy. Simple. Pretty. Fun. DIY Christmas Ornament CraftThen..frame your creation with a pretty Christmas ornament frame.Christmas ornament frame

Create a matching (no sew) ruffled tree skirt.

DIY Ruffled Tree Skirt Tutorial

no sew ruffled tree skirt tutorial

See more inspiration at Holiday DIY/Decor Favorites from Christmas Past.

 

Christmas Tree Link Party & Contest

O’Christmas tree, O’Christmas tree….I’ve just finished decorating 3 or 4. If you celebrate Christmas, more than likely you decorate an evergreen tree (real or artificial) with ornaments, lights, garland, odds and ends, handmade or store-bought. It’s a Christmas tradition in our home. Throughout the day, the Christmas tree stops me in my tracks. It’s a moment when I’m reminded to Rejoice! I’m celebrating the birth of my savior. 

When the days are short and evening arrives early, there’s just something happy about twinkly lights on a Christmas tree that lifts my spirits and warms my heart this time of year. 

Christmas Tree Contest

I love so many different styles and our home reflects my indecision…I mean: appreciation for a variety of decorating styles. Here is a look at the trees in the DIY Show Off home:

Traditional with red and gold in the living room:

Red and Gold Christmas Tree

{Christmas Home Tour}

Fun ombrè in the family room:

eclectic colorful Christmas

artificial Christmas tree trunk cover tutorial at diyshowoff.comDIYShowOff ombre Christmas treeno sew ruffled ombre tree skirt

And vintage, natural and burlap in the dining room:

rustic vintage Christmas tree

Tomato cage Christmas tree in the sitting room:

tomato cage Christmas tree

 

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. WINNER OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE CONTEST IS Mechelle’s Christmas Tree with over 700 likes! Congratulations, Mechelle! Mechelle's Christmas Tree

How to show off your Christmas tree: 

Share your Christmas tree photos/blog posts by linking up. CHRISTMAS TREES ONLY PLEASE! Show it off in the party below by adding your picture and linking to your permalink blog post. You must include this backlink: http://wp.me/p3Su5W-3dv in your post to enter or here’s a convenient html code to add to the end of your blog post:

DIYShowOff

Christmas tree with the most “likes” on the linky party below wins a $100 either via PayPal or in the form of a Visa gift card for some after-Christmas sales shopping or for a first DIY project of 2014. 

Contest starts now and ends December 25th at midnight EST. Winner will be announced shortly after. In the event of a tie, another blog post will be written and DIY Show Off readers will choose the winning tree. DIY Show Off may choose the final winner if necessary. Links not Christmas tree related will be deleted. Open to US and Canadian residents 18+ only.

Non-bloggers may submit a photo to thediyshowoff@gmail.com with “Christmas Tree” in the subject line {DIY Show Off will link your photo and reply with your entry #}. Please also leave a comment below so I know to look for your entry in my spam folder. 

Please include the button with a link back at the bottom of your post to share the party and Christmas tree trimming inspiration with others. Thanks!



Follow DIY Show Off’s board Christmas Tree Inspiration on Pinterest.