Wrapping Paper Christmas Tree Topiaries

Are you dying to know how I turned my wrapping paper into, what I like to call, Christmas Tree Topiaries?? Well, you've come to the right place, because I'm about to show you! 

But first...

Does anyone else pick out their wrapping paper first, before you even take the Christmas boxes out of the attic?? Then you may be my soul sister, because wrapping paper is one of my great loves.

Last year my Christmas themed was called A Holly Jolly Christmas** and I used red/white houndstooth and green/white polka dot plus a red, green and white floraly-stripey print. I loved it for it's unabashed festivity. 

(**Is it weird that I name my Christmas themes? Are you kind of embarrassed for me?)

(Well, look away, then, because I'm about to unload a bit more Christmas dork over here)

This year's theme is called Mod Lodge.  And, it'll be heavy on red plaid, natural textures and woodgrain. Because, I'm kind of into wood grain right now. 

Whew, that was a (needlessly?) long intro to this craft. 

Basically, I wanted to make some simple, low-cost decor for my front entry table. And, probably a future mantel. 

I came up with the idea to make wrapping paper Christmas tree cones and that evolved into the topiaries.

The hardest part of this project was making a good cone template. I googled this and looked at several dozen templates before finally free-handing my own. It's kind of like a large piece of pie with an added "love tag", which is what I call the flap that holds the ends together. It's a little trial and error, but once you get a good template cut from a sturdy paper (I chose poster board), keep it! 

I wanted my cones to be slightly different sizes, so I simply cut two of the cones a bit larger than my template. Just wing it. That's my motto.

Once you have your wrapping paper cut into a pie with a love tag, roll it into a cone and close it up using glue or double sided tape. Ta-da. SO simple!

Now, for the topiary stands.

Are you ready for this?

They started as:

Various candle sticks and a vase. I placed the cones on top of these items.That's it! No glueing, welding, sewing or sweating. Just placing. And, walking away.

EASY. Dontcha just love easy?

Did you notice my framed Christmas tree art? Well, I'm so glad you did because that tutorial is coming tomorrow. Here's a teaser: It's also easy. In fact, I did BOTH of these projects in one (short!) nap by lil' punkin. 

See you tomorrow! 

Oh! And, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!