12/17/2022
For years our family has created nontraditional Christmas trees with items we have on hand, items that will be reused/repurposed after the holidays. This tradition has multiple goals: thinking outside the box each year for a new concept, family members utilizing individual strengths while working together towards a goal, and everyone insuring no items end up in a landfill.
This year’s tree focuses on family. The 7’ x 4’ backdrop banner displays extended family names dating back centuries, while the tree branches display pictures of our immediate family.
The tree topper includes a clock frame to reference the constant passage of time and how quickly it all flies by. The Scrabble pieces of “J,A,N,G” represent the first initial of each member of our family in chronological order. We jokingly call ourselves the “JANG Gang”.
The tree frame boards are repurposed boards from a prior project that I sanded, painted and stenciled. Old fur stripping was stained for the branches. The tree trunk is an old shelf piece covered with twine.
Clear balls are filled with screws to acknowledge that yes, we do have some screws loose! Also…there are actual nuts attached to some of the photos, ‘cuz every family tree has nuts and we are no exception!
After the holidays the green tree frame boards will be used to make planter boxes, the fur stripping for craft frame supports, the tree trunk is earmarked for a frame/photo backdrop, the family photos will be turned into coasters, Scrabble pieces will be returned to the game, clock frame piece will be returned to the Steampunk craft creation if came from, and the family name banner will be used as a backdrop for a new home décor installation piece I can’t wait to create and share. The screws get thrown back into the screw pile, and the clear balls packed up with Xmas décor until next year.