A few of my favorite things...and on a budget too!

Here's the finished tree in all its glory (hehe)! Interesting tree topper, I know, but I totally LOVE it on my tree! Since I am fairly new to the whole decor bloggin world I have just been discovering some other great blogs to check out. While doing so I found some "tree party's" where you can upload photos of your decorated Christmas tree for others to see and in turn check out others...what a great idea, huh? Well, you guessed it...I uploaded this baby on http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/ and on http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com So what are you waiting for...go get yours uploaded and check out all the great ideas and inspiration out there :)!

As I mentioned before, I was desperate this year to change up our tree decor but with a very limited budget had to be very creative in doing so. I chose to use a black and white scheme and used picture frames as ornaments to hang on the tree. I started hunting the thrift stores in late October for the frames and luckily for me there were plenty to choose from ranging in price from 10 cents to one dollar. I used black and white spray paint as well as acryllic paint to coordinate them all. I just love how they all turned out and that EVERYTHING on my tree is refurbished in one way or another! Oh, and I almost forgot...the tree also came from a thrift store this year ($25.00, lights included)!

I picked up this old wooden frame for a $1.00 and spray painted it black. It is a gorgeous frame and I have a feeling I will be using it year round. Also, above the frame is a little glass ornament. I picked up a bag of these at Michaels a couple of years ago for around $5.00 and have been using them on the tree and elsewhere ever since. They came in various sizes and shapes which I also love. Oh...I almost forgot the rag garland...don't you just love it on the tree? I must admit that was a bit tedious to make but I am so glad I did!

Here is one of my favorite new creations...I tore strips of cotton fabric (an old sheet will do) and fastened them over the outside of some old ornaments then glued down a tack on top with some string for hanging. I love the "old" feel these give as well as how they tie in with the rag garland wrapped around the tree. I also ended up using some torn sheet strips as garland around the tree.

I hope this gives you all a little inspiration in decorating your tree this year...it's nice to know that you can still have something pretty in your home and not have to spend much! Happy decorating!