Thursday, December 11, 2014

Holly Leaf Christmas Tree Skirt DIY







In keeping with my tradition of making a Christmas tree skirt every year, this year I was inspired by the tree skirt I found online at Pier1. 
I already had crushed velvet fabric (although not in the color pictured) I picked up last year to make velvet pumpkins.  That didn't happen so the fabric came in handy this year using it for my skirt. The tree skirt was quite easy to make and is really a no-sew except for the silver bells I tacked on the hollies. I chose to use wide metallic ribbon instead of fabric for the holly.  It was much cheaper and thicker than fabric and was available in the regular ribbon section at Hobby Lobby @50% off that day.


Materials used:
  • 1 1/2 yds of crushed panne velvet (JoAnn)
  • 2 rolls (18ft each) of 4" wide silver metallic ribbon (Hobby Lobby)
  • 1 pkg Wonder-Under paper backed fusible web (JoAnn)
  • Bells
  • Holly pattern
  • Scissors
  • Iron
To get started,  I made a plain round skirt using the same easy and quick technique as before with my snowflake treeskirt  and my poinsettia treeskirt so I'm not going into any details here.

The  crushed velvet fabric doesn't fray so I didn't finish the back closing edges (keeping with the no-sew) and the round edges were covered and sealed by fusing on the holly leaves.






Next, I drew a very large holly leaf pattern on cardstock and cutout.  Then, I followed the directions for pressing wonder-under onto the ribbon, and after

drew 33 hollies on the paper backing. Each leaf was approximately 9 1/2 inches long and I was able to make 21 from a 18 feet roll of ribbon and 12 from the second roll.  




Once I had most of the hollies cut out from the first ribbon roll, I started ironing the leaves on the edge following the fusible web directions and the pattern of leaf placement of the skirt from Pier1. During the process of fusing the fabric onto the velvet, I added a line crease while the fabric was warm (using the back of an xacto knife) in the center of the leaf for a more dimensional look.  


(Sorry, it's been raining and gloomy for a few days so the coloring in the photos is a bit off)


And finally, I added three silver bells to the grouped leaves.






The skirt looks so glamorous at night under the lit white tree with the purple ornaments.



I can't decide which one I like the best of the three Christmas treeskirts I've made so far.   I do know Pier1 also has a matching mantel scarf - maybe I'll just start another tradition. Stay tuned!

Take a little time to enjoy
and
Happy Holiday Crafting!










23 comments:

  1. You make the most beautiful Christmas tree skirts! I still remember your white poinsettia one! Love the little jingle bells too!

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  2. Wow Gail! That is absolutely gorgeous! You have such a great eye for the details like those sweet little jingle bells. They finish it off just perfectly. I still remember your poinsettia tree skirt too... it's one of my absolute favourite Christmas projects ever.

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  3. G'day Thx for stopping by and sharing this at our #SayGdayParty Pinned
    Please make sure to return if you haven't already say G'day to the hosts and someone at the party! Cheers!
    Joanne @ What's On The List

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  4. Your tree skirt is beautiful. I love that holly leaf trim!

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  5. Beautiful! And you made it seem so easy to do... hmm, there may be a new tree skirt and mantle scarf in my future!

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  6. Beautiful. I love the color and pardon me for saying so but your tree skirt looks better than the inspiration tree skirt!!!

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  7. Oh Gail, this is really beautiful. I love it in purple with the metallic leaves.

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  8. Absolutely beautiful. I plan on making a skirt for mine, but at the rate I'm going it will be next year before I have time to do it!

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  9. Beautiful, Gail...I wish I were as talented as you!

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  10. So pretty! A very unique skirt and so pretty with the white tree.

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  11. This is my favourite tree skirt I've seen this year! I love how effective the holly is.

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  12. Beautiful as all things you make, Gail!
    I wish you a very Merry Christmas!
    Hugs from Portugal,
    Ana Love Craft
    www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com

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  13. Very pretty! I'm not usually a fan of purple hues but you manage to win me over every time with your projects :) So glad that you joined us at the Make it Monday Party! Hope to see you again next week.

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  14. What a beautiful and not too hard Christmas tree skirt! I might just give it a try this weekend. Thank you for sharing on the Oh My Heartsie Girls Wordless Wednesday.

    Wishing you an amazing Christmas week.
    xx
    Lysa ~ Co-Host OMHGWW

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  15. What a great tree skirt, I love your blog and all the purple. Thanks for sharing on Oh My Heartsie Girls WW
    Have a Merry Christmas!
    Karren~Host

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  16. I love the pretty colors, and it is a lovely design! Very elegant. Thanks for linking up to Snickerdoodle Sunday!

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  17. Your tree skirt is so beautiful. Love the use of the sparkling ribbon for the holly! Thank you for sharing at What We Accomplished Wednesdays. Have a merry Christmas season!

    Blessings, Deborah

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  18. Great job. Love the color.
    http://lorisartsyobsession.blogspot.com/

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  19. Gorgeous tree skirt what you shared at my last party, stop by and share another gorgeous project at Fabulous Friday Party.. Happy New Year Maria

    http://www.simplenaturedecorblog.com/fabulous-friday-party-happy-new-year/

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