What's not to love about a two and a half foot tall glittered Bazzill tree? I saw these on display last year at Recollections and I was dying to make my own. One of my students, Nadine T., had a couple of extra cones left from when she took the class offered by Recollections and she was generous in giving them to me.
I spent my weekend rolling torn paper and sticking to most everything I touched, but I did it!! I made my own tree (and now I can tuck the "Do It/Did It" card behind the Did It section)! I made some mistakes along the way, but I'm more than happy to show you how I built this monstrosity.
I started with the following:
- 20 sheets of Bazzill Avalanche White (I only used 16 sheets, but you'll want the extra)
- A couple of foam brushes
- Scissors
- Round pencil
- Matte Mod-Podge (or other liquid adhesive)
- Spray adhesive
- Contractor size garbage bag
- Lots & lots of irridescent glitter
- A deckle ruler
- One 2 1/2 foot papier mache cone (I'm hoping to have these in the Flea Market in a couple of weeks!)
I started by tearing all edges of one sheet of Bazzill cardstock. I use a deckle ruler, because I can't tear worth a darn! I just take a smidge off the sides. Then I use my ruler to tear the paper into 3 sections (each measuring near 4" x 12").
I then use the deckle edge to make 3" tears every 1.5" along the 12" side. Use your pencil to roll each torn piece around until tight.
Once each of the tears is rolled, glue the top panel to the base of your cone. Use your foam brush to apply the glue.
Continue tearing, rolling and using your Mod Podge to glue the paper to the base of the cone. Once you're finished, start another layer 1/2 an inch up. Keep going.
Keep going.
When you've completed four rows of the tree, change your measurements to 3.5" x 12" with tears every 1". Do this for five rows.
Right about now you're cursing me. And Nadine T. for giving me the damn cones in the first place. Take a deep breath, pour yourself a glass of wine & keep going.
Change your measurements to 3" x 12" with tears every 3/4". Keep working your way to the top. You may need to tear your 12" length down to 4 to 6" sections. As the cone gets smaller, it is harder to wrap the long strips around.
As you approach the top, change your measurements to 2.5" x 12" with tears every 3/4".
When you're about 8" from the top, change your measurements to 2" x 12" with tears every 1/2".
At the top, you'll use individual pieces of paper, measuring 2" x 1/2". You won't be able to work in sections. Each of your pieces must be individually applied.
When you're all done, set the tree down into a contractor size plastic garbage bag. Generously spray (you'll want to be outside for this!) your spray adhesive all over your tree. Shake your glitter all over your tree. Close the bag at the top & shake, shake, shake!
Ooh! Pretty!!
Now, here are my quick tips:
- Don't try to use Diamond Glaze to adhere the glitter. It is too heavy and will uncurl your paper.
- Diamond Dust is too heavy. I learned that the hard way.
- You can roll several sections of your paper at the same time.
- Use some scrap cardstock at the very top to form a mini cone to cover the tip. It really works better that way!
I've displayed my new sparkly tree on top of my tea cabinet in my dining room:
I made the letters last year (that's a whole 'nother nightmare!) using papier mache letters & Basic Grey (of course!).
Questions? E-mail me!
