a tree of sticks

This year we hit upon a tree dilemma. While our plastic white tree has served us well, and no doubt will again, we wondered just how safe it was to have around a crawling little one with curious fingers and a tendency to pull herself up on certain things.

Keen to avoid a tree and ornament catastrophe, and ever the practical problem solver, the hubby promised that he would find an alternative.

So we found ourselves on the weekend gathering sticks, pinecones and branches at The Shed. Though the land is filled predominantly with eucalypts, there is old schoolhouse foundations on the site and they are surrounded by a very old group of pine trees. It has been my christmas go-to site for years. It is a pinecone and mossy branch treasure trove.

When we got home we propped the sticks in my yarn basket (still with the yarn in it) , which Daniel tied with a little more wool to hold in place. A piece of scrap fabric popped over the top and it was ready to go.

 

This stick tree kind of lent itself well to the handmade touches this year. Most of my usual glass baubles were just a bit too big (though Luca did sneak his in there).

Some made by me, some by the kids, with a little op shop Santa thrown in and a few vintage glass ornaments from Etsy last year.

In fact I put most of our decorations back in their wrapping this year. For some reason,  we were inclined to have a simpler, pared down version of christmas. Just some special little decorations that felt like they meant something to us. With a little nature thrown in. A few jugfulls of pine branches for that christmas tree scent. A bowl of pinecones. Just simple stuff.


Wishing you all a wonderful and calm Friday in the midst of this busy season.