Thursday, March 21, 2013

Pussy Willow Easter Tree



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First of all, I want to send a big Thank you! to all my friends for your support regarding new ways of managing blogs - thanks a million! Next, I wanna tell you that even though work has been strangling me, Bloglovin has helped me take a peek at your projects :) And third, it just so happened that yesterday I woke up with the urge to make a DIY Easter tree... so here it is! 



Perhaps it was the frustration of not being able to do anything for the home, lately (due to my real job deadlines, as I keep telling you). Or maybe it was my subconscious mind whispering in my head, because I already had these wonderful pussy willow branches on my kitchen counter. Either way, I woke up at 6.45 AM determined to do something. At 7.45 AM, the pussy willow Easter tree was already done!



Dear ladies, I am officially in love! The Easter tree is not among our local traditions, but I've tried my hand at them before (while supervising decorations for commercial venues in my city).  I was first against this foreign custom, but the beauty of these trees conquered me, eventually. So I made up my own version, using what I already had in hand: the willow branches and origami paper. 



The willow is the star of my tree, so soft and fuzzy and cute! Decorating the DIY Easter tree with Easter eggs was a classic choice, but I went with it because I was in a hurry. Choosing paper eggs instead of 3-dimensional ones (real or fake) was also great for my (extremely) limited time. But I would have chosen paper eggs anyway, because they are more subtle, more playful and they also take up less space in the arrangement. 



It is a pleasure to look at and it gives a peaceful feeling to the whole living room. I actually spent more time taking photos of my humble Easter tree, than making it! My inspiration was this blue ceramic pitcher, with a round belly. Its happy color is perfect for Spring and it lifts up my spirits. All I had to do was to find origami paper in matching colors - an array of pale blue, turquoise and lime green. 



Just like I said before, this little project takes 15 minutes to make, so I feel bound to share this very simple DIY Easter tree tutorial:
1. Choose your materials: twigs, branches of any kind, origami paper, scissors, pen, paper glue and thread. I used pussy willow branches because they are so soft and fuzzy.. Make sure the origami paper comes in subdued colors - you don't want to eclipse the natural beauty of the twigs!
2. Cut strips of paper of the same size. The more patterns, the better! The paper eggs you're gonna make will be more attractive if they have different a pattern on each side.
3. Take a blank sheet of paper. Use the paper glue to line the origami strips of paper next to each other, on both sides of the blank.



4. Now you have a patterned canvas. Make sure that the strips on the front and back correspond in position.
5. Draw the egg shape of your choice on each strip of paper. If you're not very artistic, just make an oval.
6. Cut the final paper eggs. Throw the branches in a vase. Hang the paper eggs by a thread.



Hooraaay! The Easter tree has been featured at A Jennuine Life, Suzy's Sitcom, Alderberry Hill and A Glimpse Inside. You've really made my day, thank you for the wonderful surprise! 

A Jennuine Life Thrifty to Nifty Thursdays Feature Suzys Artsy Craftsy Sitcom featured button 


83 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thank you so much for the sweet comment, Ginny!

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  2. I did not know the Easter tree! It's so spring! I know you like the color turquoise, and is the best choice because it reminds the sky of Indian Spring! Thanks for the tutorial also.

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    1. Thank you very much, Serena! The sky of Indian Spring - oh what a beautiful image for my dreams!

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  3. LOVE it! I have always been fond of Pussy Willows - they are so lovely and soft :) Very creative. Thanks for sharing.

    Hugs to you,
    Stephanie

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    1. Thank you very much, Stephanie, you always find the sweetest words for my little projects and you make me smile with gratitude and encouragement every single time!

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  4. Thanks, so much for joining us last week on All Things Thursday Link Ups!! It is so fun to bring the outdoors in, I know my readers would love them, too! Feel free to join us again at allthingswithpurpose.com.

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  5. I have never heard of an Easter tree before! You make your home look so bright and cozy, I love envy thing you do!

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    1. Really, Yelle? I'm really amazed you haven't seen an Easter tree before (I was under the impression that everybody has one in the States!), but I hope that you like it and you can also try a little tree project for spring yourself :)

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  6. Oh so pretty! I love pussy willow. All the colors go so well, you are a Master of color!

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    1. Thank you so, so much, Cristina, all your white rooms with blue accents have left their mark on my eye :)

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  7. Hi! We also hang Easter decorative eggs on pussy willow branches. They do not grow here, where I live, so I have to get them on the market. When I can't get some, I cut some wild branches with flowers on them, for example wild cherry or almond.
    I like your arrangment, it is so fresh looking!

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    1. Ana, when I'll have my own home with a small garden I wanna have a willow tree in the back of the house (they grow well in my city). Until then, I also bought the pussy willow branches from the market, too, from a very small and old lady :)

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  8. I love the idea and th colours you chose are so happy!

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    1. Thank you so much, Magali, the turquoise pitcher boost my energy and it inspired me to make the willow Easter tree!

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  9. These branches are so pretty! I so understand you, I always need even a small dose of decorating. I don't bother about easter decoration yet, orthodox Easter is very late this year, May 5th.

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    1. Tina, we also celebrate orthodox Easter on May 5th, just like you - and that's why I said I had "the urge" to make the Easter tree, it is not time yet, in my country :))))) Thank you so much for visiting!

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  10. I'm so glad you woke up with the urge to make one! It's beautiful! I love pussy willows...a sure sign of spring here!

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    1. Thank you, Danni, we celebrate Easter on the 5th of May but I'm surely glad I got to make the Easter tree so early this year!

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  11. Mehha Oh so cuteI love pussy willow. All the colors go so well, you are a Master of color!

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  12. Meeha..love the blue....it all looks sp beautiful...

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    1. Thank you so much, the blue colors are not very playful but they give the room a very peaceful feeling :)

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  13. Really so cute and beautiful eggs and photos! You always have your way to make things shine! Have a great weekend!

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    1. Thank you, Mette, the paper eggs were so easy to make, in a second my Easter tree was ready :)

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  14. What a lovely tree!! I love the colors you incorporated!
    Selene @ restorationbeauty.com

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    1. Thank you for the lovely comment, Selene, I'm so happy that you like my simple Easter tree!

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  15. LOVE THIS! Pinned it immediately! So happy to find you over at Polka Dot Pretties! XO ellie @ creative geekery blog

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for the lovely comment and for the pin, Ellie! I'm heading over to your blog right now!

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  16. Adorable tree! Pinning it to my Easter board!

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    1. Thank you so much for visiting and for the pin, Tonna, you're always a wonderful hostess!

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    2. Thank you, and thanks for linking @ Submarine Sunday! :-)

      Navy Wifey Peters

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  17. Tree is fabulous, it could be a nice decoration for any room!

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    1. Thank you very much, Krystie, this is my first Easter tree ever and I think that next year I shall try it again!

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  18. The colours complement each other perfectly. I really must try this this year, I don't usually decorate at all for Easter! Thanks for sharing. Chel

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    1. Thank you so much, Chel, the Easter tree will be my only Easter decoration but I think it is quite enough, with the blue vase and eggs!

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  19. That is so sweet!
    Visiting from Nifty Thrifty Things blog party.
    Anjana @ http://happyandharried.wordpress.com/

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    1. Anjana, thank you so much for visiting! I'm heading over to your blog right now!

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  20. really pretty and make me smile :-)
    Have a lovely week!

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    1. Thank you so much, the Easter tree brightens up the room just like in the pictures :)

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  21. This is really beautiful! I love all the vibrant blues! I found you at Making the World Cuter-- thanks for sharing!

    ~Abby =)

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  22. I love this! The color of the vase is so vibrant and fun and the pussy willows are a great idea. They are perfect for this look! Thanks so much for sharing a great post! I just pinned this :) Krista @ http://ahandfulofeverything.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you for the visit and for the pin, Krista! It was the little blue pitcher that inspired me to make the Easter tree :)

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  23. So pretty! Found you at Making the World Cuter Monday. Pinning to my Spring Decor board :)

    Kate@ http://www.eatingintheshowerblog.com

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    1. Thank you so much for the visit and for the pin, dear Kate! Heading over to your blog right now :)

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  24. Your Ester tree is very pretty. I really like the serene colors..... Happy and peaceful.....

    hugs x
    Crystelle
    Crystelle Boutique

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    1. Thank you, Crystelle, the pale blue Easter tree really make the room very peaceful!

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  25. Oh love it! I must go out and find some pussy willow before its too late - your Easter jug is just perfect Meeha!

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    1. Thank you very much, Ann! You are spot on, just as usual - it was the blue jug that inspired me for the Easter tree idea!

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  26. Very pretty! I'v never seen a pussy willow before, but it looks very nice in the blue vase. Thank you for sharing. Pinning!!!

    Linda @ MixedKreations.com/blog

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    1. Thank you so much for the pin, Linda, we always have the pussy willow branches to celebrate Easter!

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  27. i love this! i haven't decided on whether or not we will make an easter tree this year but now if i do i will be wishing for pussy willow branches!

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    1. Thank you, Christine, the pussy willow branches have great color and texture, you can simply use them with nothing else and they'll still look great!

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  28. What a fun project! I need to find some pretty paper to use for eggs! Cute arrangement! I like your style!

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    1. Thank you, I love to decorate with origami paper because the patterns and the colors are oh so pretty...

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  29. Replies
    1. Thank you so much for visiting, Brenda, it is a small decoration but with a big impact for the living room :)

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  30. I love festive look of your Easter tree, makes a holiday addition to your living room. Nice Work! ;o)

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    1. Thank you, Paula, the living room really looks different (and better!) because of the little Easter tree :)

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  31. I love this! It looks great!

    Stopping by from The Winthrop Chronicles. Have a fabulous week!

    Julie @ This Gal Cooks

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    1. Thanks, Julie, I'm heading over to your blog right now!

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  32. Your Easter tree is so cute, great vignette. Thanks for joining TTT and I hope you have a very Blessed Easter. Hugs, Marty

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    1. Thank you so much for visiting and for the lovely words, Marty!

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  33. What a cute tree. I love pussy willow and yours is adorable. Love the blue color.
    I am your newest follower.
    Have a great week,
    Bev
    @ Eclectic Red Barn

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    1. Thank you so much for the lovely words and for following, Bev, I'm heading over to your blog right now!

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  34. This is so pretty!

    http://www.curiositaellya.blogspot.com/

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  35. Oh I love this!! This would be so perfect on our dining room table. Seriously, it's so pretty.

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    1. Thanks a million, Rachel, you should try the Easter tree in your dining room, the visual effect is guaranteed :)

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  36. I have to do this great idea with the kids this week! Thanks for your great inspiraction :)

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    1. Thank you, Fanny - it is super-fun to make (and break!)

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  37. This is so cute and charming. Sadly, pussywillows, do not grow here (at least I've never seen them).

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    1. Thank you for visiting, Carol! You can try to make the Easter tree using any willow branches - they are flexible and bend in a very fashionable way :)

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  38. Very pretty! And such easy decor too!
    Thanks for linking up to this week's Catch a Glimpse party. I'll be featuring this tomorrow! Happy Easter!

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    1. Allison, thank you with all my heart, you've just made my day!

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  39. HAPPY EASTER!
    Thanks so much for linking to Make the Scene Monday @ Alderberry Hill. You are being featured later today!
    I hope you are having a wonderful Easter weekend, and join me this evening for Make the Scene Monday #68!

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  40. Everything is soooo pretty!!!

    Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer... From Dream To Reality last week!

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  41. Lovely easter tree! Beautiful mug! You are so clever og creative! :)
    Great pictures as always! If you want, you can participate my Give away! :)

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  42. Pussy willows are so pretty! I thought pussy willow lights might looks really pretty here too. I got mine from http://www.worldtohome.com/willow-branch-lights.aspx

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    ReplyDelete

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