Sequin Tree

So I finally finished my first DIY Christmas decoration a few weeks ago that I started way back in October!!! It took entirely way too long, and I remember at some point telling the DH that this was the worst craft project ever (because of how long it was taking me). In the end, I think the time and very little $$ spent was well worth it!

It all started off with a styrofoam cone, straight pins, red sequins, and green glass beads. I did run out of straight pins (twice) which is probably the reason this project took 6 weeks to complete. Who knew I would use over 1500 straight pins to cover this small styrofoam cone!

The process was really quite simple. Take a straight pin, thread on one glass bead, one sequin, and stick the straight pin into the the cone. And then repeat about a million times. I made sure that each sequin I stuck into the tree slightly covered the sequin next to it, so that I wouldn't end up with the white styrofoam peaking through. Starting from the bottom, and going up helped ensure that I kept the sequins in a straight line making it easier to cover up all of the white styrofoam showing through. I guess I could have painted the cone red before I added the beads/sequins but in all honesty as soon as I brought home all the supplies for this project I was too eager to get it started and didn't even think about painting the cone!

Here is a picture of the tree almost completed. Once I got closer to the top of the cone, it became progressively more difficult to push each straight pin all the way into the cone because each pin was running into another pin already inserted into the cone. I would repeatedly have to stick the pin into the cone at different angles to get it to fit perfectly. I also decided to cover the top of the cone before I finished running my sequin rows all the way hoping that it would make covering the top easier.

Now my finished cone has a place of honor on our freshly decorated mantle! I love the way it sparkles and shines in the light, and matches my Christmas color theme of red and silver! Totally worth it!

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Christmas in October? You Bet!

I made my weekly trip to tar-zahy yesterday and picked up some extra Halloween Candy (because let's face it, I only buy the good stuff to pass out to trick-or-treaters which usually means we've gobbled it all up well before Halloween rolls around. oops!). While I was roaming around in the Halloween section I stumbled upon row after row after row of Christmas stuff. Seriously? Christmas stuff out in October? But then as I roamed a little more I actually started getting into the holiday spirit. Which is great considering I'm already starting making a few holiday decorations.

And then, BAM! This morning I get an e-mail from Shutterfly with an offer for 50 free Holiday Cards! YES PLEASE!!! Talk about an awesome early Christmas gift for me!!! I've used Shutterfly plenty of times in the past (wedding album(s)), but I've never bought any of their cards before. The photo books I've bought were awesome, so their cards must be awesome too right!?!

Considering last year I made all of our Christmas cards, I think I may have gotten a little too excited about not having to make them all again this year! So I started checking out what Shutterfly had to offer, and attempted to select my favorites. Impossible! I think I ended up with at least 30 favorite holiday cards, but I'll share just a few of them. Here's a link to their holiday cards and stationary if you'd like to browse through and pick out your favorites.

Get ready for TONS of pictures.

This one jumped right out at me. I love it for the non traditional holiday colors - it's so hip and modern!

[Hip and Happy]

Love the pastel ornaments. For some reason this one reminds me of a beautiful snow shower.

[Dazzle and Sparkle]

Here's a more traditional looking card. It's classic, and modern at the same time. And I love that it's a card so you have the option of writing a personalized note to the lucky recipient.

[Classic Mistletoe Frame]

This one might be my favorite. It's simple and clean. It includes the year, a simple sentiment, a large picture, and it comes in a folded card. Winner in my book!

[2010 Flourish Holiday]

But wait, there's more! Lets face it, the Holidays are always super busy, and sometimes sending out cards gets pushed back till the last minute. So why not send out New Years cards instead? Brilliant! I'm diggin this one - so bright and happy!

[Happy 2011 Damask New Year's]

Oh boy. The possibilities are endless - thanksgiving cards, thank you cards, wait - christmas gift tags!!! I must have spent an hour on Shutterfly's website this morning. I did notice that Shutterfly was having a sale - 25% off on cards when you buy 50 or more till 11/3. I'm always up for a good deal or discount!

Disclosure Statement:

This post is part of a series sponsored by Shutterfly. Participating bloggers are reviewing the new Shutterfly cards and sharing their favorites, and have been compensated with coupon codes for 50 free cards.