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!
Great idea, super cute!!!
Melissa
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!
How cute! You are so clever!
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
So much cuteness, I love it!!
wow! what a great idea! good job.
What a beautiful and creative idea!!! I adore mini Christmas trees. Hugs, Cynthia
That is such a great idea!
What a great idea!
Fantastic idea!! I also have my grandma’s old assorted brooches and pins and this would be a fabulous way to display them.
What great idea to use ear-rings for mini trees. I’ll try that this year.
Thank you for sharing.
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.
what a cute idea!
What a great idea! I’ll have to be on the lookout for some vintage jewelry!
I really like that idea. I have some family earrings that have been passed. I should do that next year.
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
What a cute idea. I’ll have to start looking for vintage jewelry.
Barbara
Thanks, Barbara! I really love these, and I use them on my tree every year! ~Angela~