Framed Christmas Tree DIY

Just a little story about my family before the DIY….

My mom found a mason jar full of buttons that my grandmother kept. These were old buttons my grandmother removed from my grandfather’s shirts. She found these along with broken costume jewelry that she herself use to wear.

My mother asked me if I could use it for anything? I really had no use for them at the time. However, they brought back  childhood memories of my grandmother and I.

She would have me remove buttons from my grandfather shirts before we cut them up and turned them into quilts. She would keep the buttons handy always.  She never knew when she had to replace one off of Grandpa shirts.

They grew up in the times of the depression. So, they were taught that everything was useful. This might be where I got it from.

I knew that when I seen them laying around I wanted to do something special with them. I just had to put on my thinking cap.

I Started laying out different shapes and figures. I came up with this idea. It was nice to stroll down memory lane.

As I was placing each button, bead,a nd stone I was thinking of when Grandpa tore his shirt while fixing his car.

I thought about Grandma’s favorite necklace she would wear to church each Sunday. It brought tears of joy.

As I remembered how I spend my days with those I no longer have. That I will never forget. All from an old jar of junk to someone else but a treasure of sweet memories to me.

I tried several shapes that didn’t appeal to me. The last one I did was it. As I was forming into a tree. It made me think of not only Christmas tree. But a family tree of memories. One that I can keep up not just for the holidays but all year long.

 

Now, for the DIY:

What you will need

1. A picture frame

2. Paper, cardstock, or poster board for the back – cut to size for the picture frame

3. Lace or doily of somesort

4. Stones, buttons, or old jewelry

5. Hot glue and gun

First Start by making sure your frame is the color you want. If it is not, simply paint it the color you want! I went with an antique white. 

Next, cut your cardstock, posterboard, or paper to the exact size of your picture frame.

After that, you will cut your lace or doily to fit in that paper, cardstock, or posterboard. 

Glue it down so that it does not slide around in the frame.

Now for the fun part. Begin arranging your buttons, jewlery or stones into a pattern. I went with a tree, but you could do any shape that you want.

Once you have your shape ready, you can start to hot glue your items down. 

  

 

I found the perfect spot in my bedroom for it. Make these holidays more about the treasure of memories. Because that’s what you’ll have left when all the stuff is gone.

Keep in mind that you will not be able to keep your glass in the picture frame. Your jewelry or stones may not fit. Just remove the glass if necessary! 

I hope you all enjoyed my story and this simple, yet stunning DIY. I cannot wait to see what you all come up with! Make sure to post it in the crafting group so that I can see those amazing DIY’s you made your own!