Merry Maker Tree

It all started when I saw a package of Shiny Brite vintage reproduction ornaments on sale at Macy's. I've been desperately wanting to get my hands on some of the originals, but they're way out of my wallet's league. So I decided to get these instead as a treat, thinking that they would look cute on a miniature tree in my sewing room. But by the time I got them home, I found out that the ornaments were too large for the small silver tinsel tree I had bought for them. The girls helped me hang the Shiny Brites on our big family tree instead, and I was left wondering what to do with my lonely little sewing room tree.

Why not, I suddenly thought, have a Merry Maker Tree to match my creative space? It was such a fun challenge to come up with tiny decorations that fit the sewing theme.

Small white ric rac trim and a string of Lori Holt's colorful buttons strung on white Aurifil floss made perfect garlands.

I used a mix of Christmas and everyday prints in shades of pink, red, and green to sew a wide, handles-free Pixie Cup for the base of the tree which I filled with snowy white batting to cover up the trunk.

And a wooden spool of red and white baker's twine held in place with a single pin made the perfect tree topper.

Putting this tree together was such a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon, and it makes me smile every time I see it on the cabinet next to my great grandfather's old typewriter. I may add more decorations in the next week, or maybe not. We'll see. Taking time to do something just for the fun of it was good for my soul. It seems like the perfect way to celebrate Christmas.