SWEET CHRISTMAS TOPIARY

It All Started with a Branch

It started with a faux branch I found with my Christmas decorations….you know the bin we all have! The branch had large sage-silver leaves, and I thought the large oval-shaped leaves would make a great looking small topiary tree.

I have decided anything can be done with a glue gun in hand and a few supplies.

This is what I used on this project:

• Faux Branch – This is a lambs ear branch, but any branch with larger leaves would work
• Small Cone
• Ribbon
• Wire Cutters or Scissors – These are the wire cutter I have. They are not necessary for this project, but they do come in handy and are on sale frequently….. don’t use a good pair of scissors
• Glue Gun – I used low-temperature glue

Assembling the tree…

This is fast paced rewarding project ….

• First, cut all the leaves off the branches.
• Each leaf had a thick piece of plastic on the back, this is where the leaf attached to the branch. I used my scissors and carefully cut this vertically. This flattened the leaf so it would lay flat.
• Start with attaching the larger leaves along the bottom of the cone overlapping the sides of each leaf.
• Let about 1/2 inch of the leaves overhang the bottom of the cone, once you have the entire bottom row attached
• Take your scissors and cut the leaves along the bottom of the cone evenly so that the cone will stand straight.
• Continue gluing each leaf, overlapping the sides until you reach the top.
• Try to arrange your rows so the largest leaves are on the bottom getting smaller as each row ascends.
• Stop when you reach the top.

• Next, picked the side that looks the most appealing.
• At this point, the tree can be personalized with embellishments. Choose the colors and adornments that compliment your holiday decor.
• Make a simple bow. I used a 5/8 inch wide white iridescent ribbon and hot glued it to the top. This will cover the last bit of cone that shows.
• Cut the ribbon tails on a slant for an added interest.

This quick inexpensive decoration would be a beautiful addition to any holiday decor.

You may also enjoy these faux trees.

Do you have a favorite decoration you enjoy making? Here are a couple of other suggestions for you. Old Vases for an Elegant Center Piece and Eucalyptus Topiary

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