Time of the year to get creative!
I find that celebrating Christmas with handmade decorations always feels better than buying them; it adds more meaning to the season, makes us appreciate what nature can give, and reminds us to be thankful for what is freely given to us.
So, I decided to create a Christmas tree from scratch with no money spent, just time. Although it took almost my whole day, the activity itself was a gift, and after finishing the tree, having mulled wine, while pouring rain outside, it nourished my spirit.
I used my 4-year-old Christmas tree trunk that had been sitting outdoors.
Every year, I usually cut or buy a pine and recycle it, but this year I wanted to use the old pine trunk as a base, kind of like making a wreath but a tree. I had an idea in mind, though I wasn't sure if it would work.
So, first, I went to the nearby woodland and looked for a big fir tree. I collected a load of fir stems with needles.
I thought I would use fir this time, as the needles are soft which make it easy to assemble and to decorate without damaging my skin.
The weather was cooperating as it had been warmer than usual so I decided to craft the tree outside.
Yes, I have this helper. :)
I attached bunches of stems to the old trunk and secured them well with green garden wire.
I was impressed with how nicely it came together, it actually looked nicer than my previous real tree. This way, I avoided cutting a tree or spending £60 for a tree of this size.
Now that I had the tree, I thought of decorating it with all-natural items instead of shiny store-bought ornaments, to make it more nature-themed.
So, more foraging, let's see what's just around ...
First, I collected some twigs and made little wreaths on the spot.
I used willow from a nearby tree and some other flexible twigs that worked well for small wreaths.
Then, there was a Tibetan cherry tree that produces lots of beautiful ribbons.
This is one of my favourite trees, I am always impressed by the ribbons it produces.
It peels just like unwinding a ribbon.
It is quite fun to do, but I don't overdo it.
They will go nicely on my little wreaths.
Beside the cherry tree was a silver birch and its trunk sheds layers of papery bark.
I collected a few pieces. As this papery outer layer is a protection, we should not overharvest it; if possible, just pick the ones already peeled off.
I also gathered some tree ivy, like its glossy leaves and clusters of green-and-white flowers,
Then a cypress with beautiful pollen.
Some holly with its glossy leaves and vibrant red berries.
Hawthorn berries.
Crab apples, this tree is full of fruits that were so heavy the stems were breaking.
Finally, I picked up a few pine cones from a large Scots pine, all found on the ground.
Here's what I gathered.
Back home, it was time to craft.
I made several small wreaths decorated with cherry bark ribbons.
and even created a letter-scroll decoration from birch bark.
Everything was then attached to my handmade Christmas tree.
The cherry tree ribbons created a glow near the Christmas lights, an unexpected bonus!
I was very pleased with the result: completely natural.
Did you know that fir and other conifers release terpenes, which help promote relaxation? That’s one of the reasons I prefer fresh trees.
Sitting beside it with homemade wine, enjoying the uplifting scent.
Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas,
Mariah 💕🎄