Our DIY Budget Christmas Tree

I have been diligently working on saying goodbye to my purple ornaments and hello to rustic Christmas since early November (much to Todd's chagrin). I was almost done! And then the dog peed on my beautiful DIY Upcycled Ruffled Tree Skirt. Unfortunately, the base (the original tree skirt) is spot clean only. Wah.

(You can see the Rocking Zebra project here.)

So I decided to go ahead and take pictures. Dog pee and all. It was all I could do to not run from the smelly room, hence, the pitiful amount of photos. Hopefully you get the idea. Keep in mind that the tree isn't done yet! I still have some ornaments I want to make both this year and next year. (I have to pace myself.) I also want to add ribbon (around the tree and as a tree topper) and larger ornaments next year, when we get some more funds.

But for now, I'm pretty happy. :)

I started off with a fake, pre-lit tree that I got on sale when I had my first apartment a few years back. (Next year, I am SO having a real tree... even if it's just a baby one.)

I had every intention of upcycling my old purple and silver ornaments but I soon decided that I didn't have enough room on my tree and enough time. I was able to reuse a lot of other ornaments I already had though. Like these:

I also already had these dark brown balls. I switched out the maroon ribbon for some gold ribbon with metallic accents.

I added some lime green ball ornaments I got on 75% off (or more!) clearance last year after Christmas. I threaded some matching ribbon, which I already had, through the top for hanging.

I also got these brushed gold bells on clearance last year. I also happened to have matching ribbon! (That's where hoarding comes in handy.)

And you see that orange in the background behind the bell? Well, that was a previous project. You can read about my DIY Dried Orange Ornaments here.

Another ornament diy project were my DIY Salt Dough Stamped Ornaments. This is one treat my dog won't eat. He took a bite out of one and spit it right back out!

I also whipped up these DIY Glitter & Gold Pinecone Ornaments. I also bought the pinecones back on clearance after Christmas last year.

And the adorable birdhouses? I got those on sale after the seasonal fall items went on clearance. $ .75 each! I plan on adding some large felt birds next year...

And now- let's enjoy the pretty tree. :)

If you like my tree, please "like" on The DIY Showoff's Show Off Your Christmas Tree Contest. (It's #42!) The tree with the most "likes" will receive a Visa gift card! Thanks in advance! :)

linking up with

Show Off Your Christmas Tree Contest @ The DIY Showoff
Christmas Tree Party 2012 @ Thrifty Decor Chick

We Did It! Wednesday @ Sew Much Ado

Whatever Goes Wednesday @ Someday Crafts

Show and Tell @ SNAP

Look What I Made @ Creations by Kara

Wicked Awesome Wednesday @ Handy Man, Crafty Woman

Whimsy Wednesdays @ The NY Melrose Family

Printabelle Wonderful Wednesdays @ Printabelle

Hookin' Up with House of Hepworths every Thursday@ House of Hepworths

Freshly Featured Creative Juice Thursday @ Momnivore's Dilemma

Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage

A Crafty Soiree @ Yesterday on Tuesday

Show Off Your Stuff @ Fireflies and Jellybeans
Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest

I'm a Friday Fav @ Naptime Crafters

It's a Hodgepodge Friday @It's a Hodgepodge Life

Inspiration Friday @ At The Picket Fence

Tickled Pink @ 504 Main

Flaunt it Friday @ Blissful Bucket List

Kitchen Fun & Crafty Friday @ Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons