tree huggers

We were already tree-hugging types in our family, but now we can really get into it with our new plush trees.

These soft trees are so easy to make. Just sew up a cone shape leaving the bottom open, add stuffing (I also threw in some rice for weight), gather and cinch the bottom and hand sew a felt circle to cover. I think these would look great in patchwork or with applique or other embellishments, but I like mine as simple forms. (I'm also in an anti-embellishment phase after all those stockings). The ones above are made from vintage woolen fabrics in my favorite colors. They are kind of dorky and lumpy which makes them really endearing to me (maybe because I am kind of dorky and lumpy too). I liked them so much that I made this set in linen, leftover wool blanketing from the stockings, and a vintage folkloric print.

With kids, it's great to have holiday decorations that aren't of the "don't touch" variety. These are really durable and huggable. For more conical-shaped tree fun, check out the portable tree. It's what my kids got in stocking #3.

Comments

[Nichola]

These are fabulous! Maybe i should make some for my Mia, she managed to pull the Xmas tree over this morning!

[Dee]

What a great idea! I could whip some up tonight. So cute.

[Blair]

Thanks for the info on how to make these trees. They are so simple and sweet, made even better in the soft colors you chose. Have I told you how glad I am you're posting more often, I so enjoy each post. I'm off to decorate "the portable tree" with my kids.

[amanda]

I guess the "portable tree" will be in stocking #4 for us! Thanks! ;) I loooove your soft trees. And I hear ya on the holiday "don't touch" stuff....just an hour ago I opted to keep all my vintage fragile ornaments in the basement this year--saving everyone stress. ;)

[natasha]

the thing that is so cool about the trees, ok one of the things, is that it is something you could leave out all year. it doesn't necessarily say happy christmas!!!! but you could do so many different things with them. i have been trying to do abstract plush things that STAND UP and that is a step in the right direction. i love them. you are the boss!

[Em G.]

These are so amazing and adorable!

My gosh, you are such a talent!

[jenn]

those trees are just wonderful! I love soft Christmas things...and the portable tree is amazing!!! I just printed some for my kids...thanks so much for sharing the link!!

[lisa]

i love these all. what gems they are. oh man. and they look so good as a collection!

[laura r.]

fabulous!

[hannah]

they turned out wonderful!! dont worry, lumpy and dorky is the new sleek and cool this season...

[Joleen]

Love these!

[la p'tite mimi]

Hi

First, sorry for my english, I haven't practice since long time ago
Your blog is one of my favorite and I take a lot of ideas in it for christmas and also for my son, Jean, who's two. I do love your plush trees ansd speak all around about your idea of an avent calendar with activities to do every day (Jean does also love flying); many of my friend found it's a great idea.
So, thanks for your imagination and the joyfull of your children which become my daily joyfull on the web.

[Trish]

How wonderfully festive! And so simple! I always love everything you make! I can't wait to go home tonight and give this a try!

Did you use two triangle pieces for the pattern or just go with the rolled cone shape?

[Cori]

I love them. How fun.

[dcknits]

These are so sweet. Simple and chic!

When I was growing up, our neighbor made Santas in that exact shape with clay or porcelain faces stitched on...thanks for bringing back memories.

[Jenn]

Love your idea on the DIY paper portable tree. My girls had fun colouring, cutting and pasting the docorations onto the tree. We'll be hanging the trees in their room for a little xmas fun! ~ Jenn, Singapore

[scribblesnbits]

I realized I never commented on your lovely trees yesterday! These are also such a great way to use a fabric without actually having to cut it too much (something I find kind of painful to do with some fabrics that I know are vintage/hard to find).

[Lizette]

These are sooo cute. What a great idea! I might have to make one to take with us on our Xmas trip. I just sent Amanda a link to Keri Smith, how funny!

[Paisley]

Wow! These look great - and festive without being over the top.

[natascha]

These are adorable!! What a great idea!!

[joanna]

These are so sweet. Thanks for the directions. I just made some and am so happy with how they turned out.