Decorate a Mini-Tree with Vintage Earrings
Mini trees for the holidays are a popular option for small spaces and small children. Instead of using expensive store bought or easily broken glass ornaments, try this fun trick of using old clip-on earrings instead. Kids love to decorate their own tree, and with clip-on earring backs, it's easy for them to do themselves.
It's true that fine vintage costume jewelry is a hot item these days and can be relatively expensive. But for this tree, you need the cheap stuff: big, chunky earrings, the gaudier the better. Anything small or delicate will get lost.
This huge red and gold beauty is actually plastic, but it's one of the best ornaments on the tree because it shows up so well. Thrift shops, eBay or even junk jewelry from grandma is a great source.
Choose a palette of colors and metal finishes just as you would choose ornaments for a full-size tree. My son chose these earrings; red and gold, with hints of blue, but any colors will work. I'd choose silver, pink and turquoise for myself.
We finished the tree with a $2 manufactured tree-topper. It seemed a little plain, so wee added the red gingham ribbon bow for extra color. We also wound the ribbon around the tree for a garland along with gold-colored plastic beads. Our beads were made for the purpose, but given more time I would have used some old necklaces or mardis gras beads from a thrift store instead.
Our little tree has a place of honor on my son's desk. He loves it. But I think he's most proud because he chose all the ornaments and did all the decorating by himself. Of course, I'm proud, too.
If you try our earring trick for a mini-tree in your home, let me know! I'd love to see.
Happy Holidays!
P.S. For more great Christmas ideas, check out our Christmas Ideas!
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Comments (16)
melissa @ the inspired room:
cindy~my romantic home:
Laurel Plum:
Heather:
Emily@remodelingthislife:
maya @ springtree road:
Anonymous:
angelina:
Mo:
laura @ the shorehouse:
Maureen Bond:
Yolanda Elizabet:
Jerri:
Hadley:
Kasey:
Arleen @ Seasons for All at Home:
Great idea, super cute!!! :-D
Melissa
Posted by melissa @ the inspired room | December 11, 2008 8:37 PM
Posted on December 11, 2008 20:37
Thank you so much for your nice comment you just left me. I just had to let you know that YOU inspire me!!! You are amazing at decorating your home!
Posted by cindy~my romantic home | December 11, 2008 9:04 PM
Posted on December 11, 2008 21:04
How cute! You are so clever!
Posted by Laurel Plum | December 11, 2008 9:13 PM
Posted on December 11, 2008 21:13
Hi! I am a new to your blog! It is SO great. I love this idea. I will have to use it next year for my nieces.
Heather
Posted by Heather | December 11, 2008 9:13 PM
Posted on December 11, 2008 21:13
So much cuteness, I love it!!
Posted by Emily@remodelingthislife | December 12, 2008 8:12 AM
Posted on December 12, 2008 08:12
wow! what a great idea! good job. :)
Posted by maya @ springtree road | December 12, 2008 9:10 PM
Posted on December 12, 2008 21:10
What a beautiful and creative idea!!! I adore mini Christmas trees. Hugs, Cynthia
Posted by Anonymous | December 13, 2008 5:38 AM
Posted on December 13, 2008 05:38
That is such a great idea!
Posted by angelina | December 13, 2008 8:42 AM
Posted on December 13, 2008 08:42
What a great idea!
Posted by Mo | December 13, 2008 3:01 PM
Posted on December 13, 2008 15:01
Fantastic idea!! I also have my grandma's old assorted brooches and pins and this would be a fabulous way to display them.
Posted by laura @ the shorehouse | December 14, 2008 11:16 PM
Posted on December 14, 2008 23:16
What great idea to use ear-rings for mini trees. I'll try that this year.
Thank you for sharing.
Posted by Maureen Bond | December 16, 2008 2:19 AM
Posted on December 16, 2008 02:19
What a fun idea Angela, now I'll have to dig in my treasure trove to see what I can find to decorate a mini tree like that.
Posted by Yolanda Elizabet | December 16, 2008 6:13 AM
Posted on December 16, 2008 06:13
what a cute idea!
Posted by Jerri | December 17, 2008 2:52 AM
Posted on December 17, 2008 02:52
What a great idea! I'll have to be on the lookout for some vintage jewelry!
Posted by Hadley | December 18, 2008 10:37 AM
Posted on December 18, 2008 10:37
I really like that idea. I have some family earrings that have been passed. I should do that next year.
Posted by Kasey | December 18, 2008 7:20 PM
Posted on December 18, 2008 19:20
What a GREAT idea! I'll definitely remember to use earrings on a small tree next year. Thanks so very much, and Happy Holidays! ~Arleen
Posted by Arleen @ Seasons for All at Home | December 19, 2008 12:41 AM
Posted on December 19, 2008 00:41