This holiday season has been a particularly crafty one at my house. With Christmas only a week away, I had one more great idea for a quick and easy holiday craft dancing around like sugarplums in my head, I just had to make one more retro crafty video to share with everyone.
This project was inspired by reader Lori’s fabulous vintage aluminum Evergleam Peacock tree. I was inspecting every shelf at the craft store looking for materials for a different project when I happened across silver, glittery pipe cleaners and mini ornaments — and it hit me like a tightly packed snowball: Why not make a mini peacock tree to display on the mantel with my putz house neighborhood?
If you have a few materials, about five minutes and are willing to risk cuteness overload — why not give this quick holiday Retro Crafty project a try?
Materials needed:
- Pipe cleaners — 10-15 depending on the size of your tree (I used silver sparkle)
- Mini ornaments or beads (I found mine at Michael’s)
- Wooden shish kebab skewer
- Base — I used a hunk of wood with a hole drilled in it, but you could use a piece of foam, some clay or whatever you have handy.
- Scissors
RetroSandie says
Very cute idea, Kate!!!! Once again, loved your video!! Hey, too bad they didn’t make GIANT chenille stems … then you could make a full sized tree!!! LOL Anyhoo, your mantel is perfectly wonderful!
tammyCA says
I’ve made pipe cleaner trees before but didn’t know about one-dimensional Peacock trees…very cute…and, way easier to pack away since they’re flat. 🙂 And, the mantle is picture perfect with the echo of colors.
Linda Blackmore says
These could also be very small to go with the adorable houses.
hannah says
Kate, you’re the best!!! I remember the days when I was as creative and busy with crafts as you. Sadly, that was before the INTERNET! lol
I didn’t know pipe cleaners came in silvery glitter styles. Where did you purchase them? This, is a project I just might tackle for next year. Easy little gifts too! Everyone at my work knows my style and MCM bent, so I think they’d dig getting their own little aluminum tree. Especially the people from my generation.
Thanks, Kate!
Kate says
Thanks Hannah!
I got my pipecleaners at Michael’s. They also had gold and I’m pretty sure they had a multi pack with gold, silver, green metallic, red metallic and blue metallic! 🙂
MarilynH says
I have a vintage aluminum? fuchsia and aqua wreath for sale in my Etsy store that would be perfect for a mid-century house.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/55537208/vintage-metallic-wreath-in-aqua-and
If this is not an acceptable post, I’m sorry, but this wreath is fantastic!
Annie B. says
Kate,
I adore the way you can take the simplest materials and make something so endearing and special. Your talents continue to amaze!
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Kate says
Aww thanks Annie B.
I have lots of fun dreaming up and making these retro crafty projects to share with you!
Happy Holidays!
Martha says
Kate,
You are so creative!!! Great little trees, perfect for other rooms in the house also.
Marta says
Oh, this is such a good idea for crafting with the G’kids! Thanks, Kate!
Chris says
What Jan said! Me too! I love it! I love it! And I love it some more! THis is just adorable!
Jan says
I love it! I love it! Keep it up with the really cool crafting!