October 28, 2009

The other hat

One of the hats I wear is Co-President of our local Garden Club. Every year, our club donates a decorated Christmas tree to raise money for Hospice. I was asked to design the tree this year. I said I would do it, if I could design it using recycled, upcycled ornaments....to prove that one doesn't have to buy new. 

With a theme of Garden Memories in mind, I've been on the hunt for vintage costume jewelry insect pins.  We attached them to recycled coiled copper wire to look as if the bugs are flying off the branches.

We had a work party at my house with us all bringing loose beads and wire that we had on hand to create these dragonflies...

and scraps of fabric to make fabric flowers...


A few more ideas are in the works....
I think this will be a beautiful tree!

12 comments:

shibori girl said...

Oh, these dragonflies are FAB! Would you be interested in sharing the instructions? I'd love to make some (you do know I have tons of loose beads, right? ;) )

Kate

Unknown said...

What a great idea! I wish I had some bugs to send to you! I can't wait to see the finished product!

High Desert Diva said...

Kate,

Wish I had a tutorial, but we literally "winged" it!
Cut a piece of wire, twisted one end to keep the beads on and started....twisted wire into loops around middle, added black wire feet....sorry its not more specific!

Renegade Behavior said...

Super cute bugs!

Amanda at 32˙North said...

You are one busy elf! Awesome dragonflies and bug theme idea.

T.Allen said...

Excellent, I can't wait to see the big reveal...

A Wild Thing said...

The lil' GREEN elf is full of creativity. You never cease to amaze me with your style...love the bug ideas!!!

I saw the most wonderful iron garden ornaments the other day and thought of Mark, they were flying pheasants...WAY COOL!!! If I remember, I'll take a pic and send...

Hey Trux...
Love,
Scratchy

Golden West said...

Your finished tree is going to be a show stopper!

Yoli said...

Beautiful and touching. I worked for hospice for 6 years. It changed me, it made me appreciate life in a way that I could not comprehend before.

So you are the president of the garden club? Can you tell me how to keep my gardenias alive and blooming?

High Desert Diva said...

Sorry Yoli,

I'm actually not much of a gardner. There's some irony here...

Check with master gardeners in your area....they should be able to help.

picciolo said...

what a great idea, I can't wait to see the finished tree
: )

Victoria said...

very fun!