the kids’ christmas tree
December 6th, 2011
Instead of one big tree last year, we had two little trees: one for the living room and one for the kids room. They loved falling asleep by the tree glowing with twinkle lights (and I did too). But this year the baby moved in and now there are three kids sleeping in this little room. So instead of a real tree, I went to Kinko’s printed one out.
I found a copyright free image of a tree on pinterest and emailed it to kinko’s (I know it’s fedex now, but it’ll always be kinkos to me). They printed out a 36 x48 black and white copy on their plotter (i.e. big ass printer). It cost me all of 9 bucks! It turned out even better than I had hoped, which I was kind of disappointed about.
See I wanted something super low quality and grainy–when I tried to explain this to my local print shop, they could not understand it (hence kinkos). I think the image I used was too big. Next time I’ll blow up something smaller. Or blow an image up even bigger! I think this print would make a pretty fantastic temporary tree. Say, if you are going to grandma’s for christmas and don’t want to spend 50 bucks on a real tree.
We put the tree up yesterday and the kids and I colored it. Today we’re planning on making ornaments. I think I’ll let the kids go crazy with construction paper, then tape them to the tree. I’ll be sure to take a picture when it’s done. I’m guessing you won’t be able to see the tree anymore.
**oh while I was in the kids’ room the light was good, so I took a bunch of photos. The room isn’t done, done, but it’s as done as it’s going to be for a while. So would you like the big before/after thing now or should I wait until January?
Great idea! That always gets me, though: trying to explain the print shop that I really really do want a ‘low-quality’ print.
Huh, I didn’t even know you could email things to Kinkos to have them print it…I learned something new today!
I love this idea…what a perfect solution!
I got crazy high tech and did it in their shop on my phone!
that last shot is so cool – can’t wait to see the whole room!
I think that is a super good solution – we don’t bother with a second tree, but my kids would love it, i’m sure!
It’s beautiful! I’m totally sharing this.
hey! We cracked open the first jar of peach jam I made from your book this morning! It tasted like summer.
I just discovered your canning book… I now know what I am asking for Christmas!
i love it.
that is one super cool idea – yeah for you
Now now now, pleAZZZZZZZZZZZZZZE… Okay yes we would LOVE to see the bedroom now! Can you tell I am so excited to see it?
And thank you! Now we are getting a tree for the boys’ room! They are more than old enough but this year space is at a premium! I think I’ll even have one done for the craft/guest/music room and string real lights up on it! :)
I’d love to see the before and after as your project progresses! Your blog is one of my favorites! Something about your cozy, creative, home is so inspiring to me!
Can’t wait to see the finished tree!
Hey Seester-On the subject of Christmas cookies, what sugar cookie recipe do you use?
I forget every year. This is a pretty bomb ass post about sugar cookies, though:
http://www.crumblycookie.net/2010/03/04/roll-out-sugar-cookie-comparison/
Love the tree. When my husband was younger one year his mom couldn’t afford a tree so they made a life sized tree out of paper and hung it on the living room wall. Kind of sad, but also really pretty cool.
This looks SO cool!
Really great idea ;o)
Nownownownownownownownow! I’m channeling my…well, all of my kids :D
I saw a glimpse of the cloud border on the top bunk and I’m SMITTEN! I want the whole room now!
now, now, now, now, now, now, now, now nownownownownownow…….!
no patience
but i’ll wait if i have to
;o)
Absolutely lovely!
this tree idea is brilliant! i may have to try it.
and i’m be curious to see what the kids’ room looks like, especially since i’ve been seeing your stream of inspiration on Pinterest!
What a great idea! I hope you can figure out how to get some lights on that paper tree. Maybe from behind!
this is an awesome idea! love it. maybe next year…
I really like your blog, I’ll def come back for more :)
Quick question; where did you buy the straws to make your himmeli? I’m making them out of sodacanstraws now….hehehe
I got them from an online shop: imagine childhood. They are called swedish straws. Here’s the link: http://store.imaginechildhood.com/swedishstraws.aspx
When I saw the tree, it totally made me think of Bob Ross. In case there is any doubt, that’s a compliment. Great idea, and I dig the idea of adding lights like a previous commenter mentioned. Looking forward to seeing what your kids come up with!
I love this idea, and also the thought of you trying to explain why you’d want low print quality. Thx for the last post, too. I especially liked the “phoning it in” category. Just my speed.
I LOVE this idea…so much that I just printed my own tree at our kinkos and hung it above our mantle. :)
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I just sent mine to Kinkos and picking it up tomorrow!! I’ve been looking for something to spruce up my guest room for the holidays…what a great idea!!!! Thanks for sharing!!
Love this! I just sent one off to be printed for our landing. Do you know that you can do engineering prints at Staples? I got the 36×48 for $4.99! They’ll ship it for free if you want, but I’m going to pop over to pick it up.
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