Monday, December 13, 2010

Building Boxwood Trees: a tradition

Click to see Chrissy's tree shape
   Each year Nancy has the Beaders to her home to make boxwood trees for the season. I didn't realize I would blog on this so I don't have a full set of pictures, but I have enough information for you to "take off!"
Note Debbie's joy and Nancy's gold container, oasis, tape and position of boxwood twigs
Nita is making a smaller one for her mother's table, and Linda B. a fuller one




  To build a boxwood tree, soak an oasis in the sink until the green "brick" is filled with water. Place the oasis in a container that can hold water, where the tree can be carved and all secured like wrapping a present w string only with floral tape. The edges of the tree are shaped somewhat like a bloated tree, easily done with a carving knife. Next, the collected boxwood limbs are cut with pruning shears to various lengths and inserted in the oasis. The lower branches angle down, the midway branches go more horizontally and the upper branches shape up to a point at the top of the tree.
Enlarge all photos by clicking on them
   Then the fun continues as you see that everyone's tree already has a different personality. You will add bows and ornaments, even flowers, such as those on the my Costco purchase. I was baby sitting and would not get to make one this year. The ladies saw to it that four-year-old Erika did make a miniature tree in 30 minutes and decorate it before we had to leave to pick up Hannah at school.
  
     Get some friends to join you in the making and be sure to water your tree daily.  P.S. There are little floral spikes with wire that are handy for adding ornaments and bows....

4 comments:

  1. The boxwood trees are really beautiful. Now, to find some boxwood - I know there is plenty around town. Butch picked up the oranges and cloves and now all I need is the thin ribbon with the wire in the edges. Projects abound! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Linda, these trees are so lovely! Like Rosemary, though, I'd be interested in just where your group finds enough boxwood. I used to have boxwood shrubs in my front yard in our old house, but I don't here. I am thinking these would be such lovely gifts next year for our Supper Club people! But would making 6 or 7 by myself be a daunting task? Oh, and the rest of your followers need to be sure to click TWICE on Hannah's photo, to see how lovely, thick, and long her eyelashes are, as well as to fully appreciate how beautiful is her hair!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have boxwood growing in my back yard. Come on down -- or come UP, Alice, and help yourself. Such pretty "trees" they make. Thanks for the info and for the wonderful pictures (especially of Hannah ) ... another Merry Christmas idea.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yes, this sounds like a wonderful project. I smell boxwood all the time around Columbia. I'm sure I could collect some next year if I notice where to go. As beautiful as your tree is, Linda, it is upstaged by Hannah. That is a beautiful picture. Frame it.

    ReplyDelete