Sunday 14 December 2014

My Sparkly Wall Tree

I saw this idea while browsing the internet last year and it stuck with me. The essence of it is lights attached to the wall using the 3M command hook products to recreate a stylish Christmas Tree which takes up no floor space. I've not been sponsored or anything just inspired by the unconventional idea.
It is really hard to get a decent picture of it but it looks much better in real life, honestly!
The wall fixings were two medium command hooks, fourteen small hooks and two packets of decorator clips. The clear variety is the best with the clear tape but mine are a mixture as it is what I could get from Amazon or locally as one of my orders went astray. It took 400 soft glow LED lights, 75 teardrop fairy lights 12 baubles and a tree topper. The topper was a bit of a concern as we've always been in the fairy for the top of the tree camp but it needs something that is flat against the wall and can be attached somehow which was a bit of a challenge.
Firstly, the hooks were placed for the tree shape and I stuck with a height I could work at without using a ladder. It's such a novelty being in a house that doesn't have a 13FT ceiling and not having to clamber up a 7FT ladder to get to things! These lights are actually twinkly ones and I was a little sceptical they might leave the living room looking like a disco but they are very discrete.
Next the fairy lights were strung across diagonally. Instead of placing the hooks in advance I just decided to hook as I strung them. In the end it took 3 packets of 25 lights to my surprise, and annoyance, as I'd only bought two.
The baubles form the 'pot' at the bottom of the tree and are just a square shape. I was ONE decorator clip short so tried to use three along the bottom but it didn't look great. (the bottom of the tree shows why the clear hooks are better than the white tab ones.)
This is much better, I think. (I know it is squinty but I am trying to ignore it!)
The tree topper is still making me laugh. I have no idea where my deliberations over how to either buy or make a fairy turned into a.......ruddy great stag's head!

Its been named Big Eric after the stag in the Monarch of the Glen. I do believe the original met an inglorious end but mine has no chance or being eaten.
I do love it though and as the tree is non-conformist then its probably right the topper should be too. Big Eric has also been graced with two spare baubles as earrings
 So that is my main tree this year. I've loved the idea, had good fun creating, it has been fairly hassle free, the cats haven't mugged it and best of all there is no tinsel needing hovered up.

19 comments:

  1. I think it is brilliant!!!! I would love to do it myself and not put a tree up but I think I might be vetoed at my house.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  2. Brilliant idea... cat proof as you say!

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  3. It's very pretty! Cats are so funny! Our big cat climbed our tree years ago (we miss her!) and I thought only kittens tried it!
    God bless you as you celebrate Christmas!

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  4. It's very pretty! Cats are so funny! Our big cat climbed our tree years ago (we miss her!) and I thought only kittens tried it!
    God bless you as you celebrate Christmas!

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  5. In the words of the great Victor Meldrew "I don't bloody believe it"!!
    How fantastic! Were we separated at birth?
    Jane x

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  6. I admire your ingenuity and perseverance, what a great tree! Love Eric and his earrings.

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  7. I love the tree. Also the image of your cats "mugging" a conventional tree! Lol Do they hide in the shadows and jump out on the poor unsuspecting tree when it isn't looking?!!!!!! I saw a Christmas Tree last year made out of books with lights between the books and it looked stunning. Just haven't found a place to have a go at that yet though. Eric looks quite content at the top of the tree with his earrings! Hugs, Susie x

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    1. Yes! They do......I humbly submit the following evidence of a heinous case of tree mugging by the ginger fruitcake! http://pepsimaxaddict.blogspot.co.uk/2010/06/christmas-catch-up.html

      Sadly I don't have any photographic evidence of the other one making the tree do the salsa all during Christmas but trust me the crime did occur!

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  8. Everything about your tree is fabulous!! It is such a good idea and one that you will be repeating in future years I bet! xx

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  9. That looks fantastic! I might try that one day!

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  10. What a clever idea! Thanks to our cats we have foregone a tree this year - like several before - but we have Christmas twigs with sparkly lights and decorations instead. But Bib is showing some interest in that now. Sigh.

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  11. The tree looks really great and I love Big Eric.

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  12. I love it when people do their own original thing like you have! Your idea is so practical too - saving floor space and yet still so effective. Well done. Have a bright and sparkly Christmas!

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  13. I love your tree- it is really unusual and beautiful! And Eric is very bonny!x

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  14. Love your tree! I'm afraid my cat would still take a run at it; she loves to chew power cords. I haven't had a tree up for years and miss it.

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  15. Somehow the stag's head strikes just the right note. Perhaps it's because he's golden and therefore festive?

    I like the art deco-ish trunk too.

    A happy Christmas to you and yours! :)

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