Coastal Christmas Tree

I think I’m in love! I’m in love with my Coastal Christmas Tree! I wish you all could see it up close because pictures never seem to do Christmas trees justice. The family room holds the traditional family tree, all adorn with the kids’ popsicle stick creations and those special ornaments passed down through the years. The foyer is where mama’s new tree resides, my Coastal Christmas Tree!

The tree is decked out in finger starfish, shells, burlap loops, capiz, coral, and my Glass Float Ornaments (click the link to be taken to the posts). A few mercury glass and frosty white glass ornaments add some extra sparkle.

Remember the Capiz Shell Christmas Trees I made for my mom? Well I had several left over, so I added a ribbon loop to the large, 3 inch capiz shells. The capiz shell garland, used for the smaller Capiz Tree, was cut into sections and hooked with a wire. I call them “Capizsicles”. The are so luminescent in the tree lights! And are just stunning at night! 

 

When I posted the Coastal Holiday Wreath tutorial, the wreath had 2 white twig/coral picks added. They of  course were artificial, but reminded me of real coral. Where could I find real coral? Well, we’ve had such gorgeous weather here the last few weeks and did some beachcombing Thanksgiving weekend at mom’s home. My kids and sisters (Home Stories A 2 Z & Little Page Turners) helped collect driftwood, shells, and horseshoe crab shells, which I wanted to make ornaments out of but my sisters thought they’d look a little creepy.

The real jackpot was the coral! The beach was covered with bright purple Whip Coral! I knew exactly what I’d be using it for, the tree! So I did what all normal people do… I picked up as much of the stinky, rotting, now-I-smell-like-dead-fish, purple branches as I could manage! 

The coral is beautiful and so bright but purple just isn’t in my Christmas color scheme. So after they dried in the sun for a few days and their smell faded (a bit), I coated several pieces of the coral in many coats of white spray paint. The coral is so porous they sucked up layer upon layer of paint. The paint masked the stink though!! Then they received a coat of spray adhesive and were sprinkled with Epsom salt. They are now white and sparkly, like newly dusted snow! Isn’t it pretty?

Branches of the tree were inserted into sea shells and starfish sit perched on the pine boughs. No ribbon or hooks needed! And loops of burlap garland were tucked in the tree for added softness and texture and to coordinate with the burlap ruffled tree skirt. 

My real glass float, which is over one foot wide rests in a galvanized bucket filled with fish netting, shell garland, sea shells from our collection, and a present.

I find my self standing in the foyer, just staring at the tree. Crazy I know, but I love all the natural elements, varying textures, colors, the twinkly lights and the homemade ornaments. Christmas is such magical time of year! I hope you enjoyed my Coastal Christmas Tree!

*Click to learn how to make the No-Sew Burlap Ruffled Tree Skirt *

Kim

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