From Dress Form to Christmas Tree! Part 1
Today I am sharing how to use a metal dress form to create a Nutcracker Ballet inspired Christmas tree. You may be surprised to learn where I found the materials...
Beautiful decor doesn't have to be expensive! For starters, several years ago I found the dress form, 50% off at my favorite local thrift store. I named her Juliet and we have been posting together ever since. This holiday season, I decided to recreate her as an alternative Christmas tree. I have seen many variations; from massive garden sculptures made with fresh greenery, to elaborately dressed mannequins. However, I haven't seen one created with a metal form or ballet inspired decorations as I envisioned. Juliet just wanted to be a ballerina so I started gathering supplies to create my vision.
I found the glittery silver garland for $10 a strand at Big Lots to craft the skirt. By participating in their rewards program, I receive coupons via email. Depending on the amount of the purchase the discount can be as much as $15 off $60. I started threading the garland through the spaces in the dress form. Here's how it looks after the first garland...
To give the skirt a fuller effect, I cut each garland in half weaving them in out of the form's lines. I used four total; eight pieces. For the most part, the garland laid nicely. In a few areas, I used jewelry wire to secure it.
Once I was pleased with the look of the skirt, I added lights. I used 3 smaller 50 light strands to avoid having cords that were too long and easily tangled. Over the years, I have found Home Depot to have the best quality lights for the price. Now I was ready for the bodice--I used tulle from Dollar Tree.
I laced it in and out of the top and then wrapped it completely around the whole bodice, adding another strand of lights. At the waist, I wrapped opalescent chenille tinsel from Walmart and some pink edged trim I had on hand to form a sash. On the top of the bodice, I added a 1/2 yard of tutu worthy floral trim I found at my local craft store. Last, Juliet was crowned with a tiara--now she looked exactly as I had envisioned!
Now for the ornaments!
The faux pearls draped around her skirt, and most of the ornaments including the Sugar Plum Fairy, Nutcrackers, Christmas tree and bottle brush trees were thrifted! I'll be sharing more details in Part 2 soon! Continue to my blog and don't miss a thing!
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