 Beaded mini-tree | 
03-17-2008, 12:08 PM
#61 (permalink)
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Hi
What you are decribing is the beaded mini-tree. The kits, if you can find them, are produced by West trim. When they first came out 20 years ago, you made everything by hand, including stringing the seed beads for the branches, the ornaments etc. Now you can buy the ornaments, decorations and the stuff for under the tree pre-made. Some are very nice. But I found that I like the homemade ornaments et al better. Beads from old costume jewelry from family members, pierced earrings from the kids/grandkids that they either lost one or out grew etc. all make meaningful ornaments. Small dollhouse toys, charms, even those "polly pocket" toys make for great stuff under the tree. Makes the tree beautiful and all the more meaningful.
Ebay is your best bet. I see kits and instructions and premade stuff on there all the time. (At least get the preloaded seedbead wires. Saves a huge amount of time. You still must twist them into shape though.) Michels still carries a few of the mini-tree items. BUT be very carful not to confuse them with other "so called mini tree" items. Those items are too big for the seedbead trees and are meant for the mini-artifical tree type minitrees. The wood bases, glass domes and even the minitree lights can easily be found at craft stores like Michels or Franks or Pat Catans etc. I have made 4 trees so far. They take a bit of work but they are beautiful. My next one will be a white one with only glass and gold ornaments. (Yes! You can do "theme trees"!)
Best wishes! | 
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