Posted by Donna:About eleven or twelve years ago, my aunt showed me her tree skirt that she had painted. Each year, she would paint a picture that would depict the major things that had taken place within her immediate family. I just loved it. She had started this before her children were married. It told, through pictures, so many things about her family and the major events that had occured--from marriages to grandchildren being born.
That inspired me to make a tree skirt for both of my girls. I started theirs in 2000. Of course, that year, there wasn't a lot on it. The angel on the left--- which had "Merry Christmas from Mom and Dad---- the wreath that said either Moore Christmas Memories or Waugh Christmas Memories---- the Precious Moments boy and girl showing the date when each daughter married--- a house representing the first family owned home---and the Precious Moments children representing the number each had at the time---were all that I had painted on it. Ten years later the tree skirts are full of so many memories. Hopefully, I can have enough room to continue painting on it for at least ten more years.
After Christmas is over, the girls give me back their tree skirts and I keep them here at the house for "safe keeping." In November, I talk to each daughter and they tell me the special "memories" they want painted on their skirt. It's so much fun to look at the skirts each year and relive the memories. Just a few months ago, Kimberly told me out of everything she has, her Christmas Memories skirt is her most special.
As you can tell, I am not an accomplished artist. These skirts have a very home-made look to them; but, that's what I first loved about my aunt's. Homemade gifts have always been my favorite. If I took away everything in my home that had been given to me, I wouldn't have much left in my house.
To make the skirts, I used a white heavy material. I can't remember if it was broadcloth; but, it was something very similar. I made them with a 52" diameter. After getting the skirt cut out and the slit cut, I took it to a friend of mine and she serged it for me. I glued red rickrack on one and green on the other. I always add a medium to my paints and heat set them after they've dried. Both daughters have taken very good care of the skirts; so, they've stayed very clean.
This has been such a fun thing for me to do for the girls.
I would love to hear about the special projects any of you all do. It's so much fun to get new ideas.
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5 comments:
This is such a cute idea. We get an ornament for our tree each year that is about something special that happened that year. Last year it was an Elvis ornament because my kids made me listen to "You Ain't Nothin' But a Hound dog" every day on the way to work in Tipton.
I love your idea. That would be such a fun collection of memories.
Thanks for sharing.
A friend of mine has being doing her family's handprints every year on her tree skirt. She said she finally quit doing hers and her husband's; but, continue to do her two girls.
So this year did you get a Disney World ornament??? I was planning on getting Mickey bell ornaments last year because a friend had one, but when I saw the Mickey snowmen, I changed my mind (so cute!)
That is so great of you to do that! Especially since young mothers don't have the time to keep up with stuff like that! It will also be special since you painted it!
It has been fun. As I said earlier, I love homemade gifts. They become even more special as the years go by.
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