Craft Lab: the flocked tree

I've always wanted a flocked tree, like the ones we had when I was a kid. The kind they spray on at the tree lot. I researched and decided to go with the homemade version this year. All you need to make snowy flocking is ivory soap bars, liquid starch and hot water and vanilla.

I made 4 batches total.

2/3 c liquid starch
2 cups of Ivory Soap bars grated
1/4 cup hot water
1 tablespoon vanilla

I had the kiddies grate the bars of ivory soap. In an electric mixer, combine, starch and soap flakes. After the soap is dissolved, it will become light and fluffy. Then, I added the water and vanilla. The vanilla was for the smell.

I wanted the tree to be thick with snow. We basically just rubbed big handfuls of the soapy whip cream like mixture all over the branches. The kids did most of the work and made a nice mess too. But the mess was easy to clean up. They had a blast! I'm going to let the tree sit for a few days, and let the flocking dry. I can't wait to put the decorations up.

my PEACE tree

Here's a quick shot of my peace tree. I hung all the new peace signs I acquired this year. I pulled out some vintage Avon white ornaments and hung them up as well as mini disco balls and pretty glittered butterflys. This tree makes my happy every time I look at it.

Our tree. I got a really short one and put it on top of the kiddie's play table. The tree looks really tall. We added LED lights this year, love them. I'm feeling comfortably unstressed this year. WOW! I still have a bunch of little things to do:

1. Deliver neighbor's holiday cards
2. Wrap a few more gifts
3. Buy brother-in- law his gift. I still have no ideas. I have until the 26th, so no stress right?
4. Plan meals:crockpot for Christmas day, tacos for the 26th celebration. Easy!
5. Sew new socks on the kiddies stockings
6. Head to Trader Joes for all the yummy meals I have planned
   

After listing my stuff I really feel like I'm forgetting stuff. Oh well!