Tree “Earrings”

Don’t you think your trees that you decorate for the winter holidays would love a little bling during the warmer months, too? Okay, maybe not.  But wouldn’t you love to see a little glitter and shine as you walk to your front door?  I sure do enjoy it (not to mention the hooligans’ reactions…they pronounced them “super cool”).

You’ll need just a few supplies:

• Jewels and a butterfly to dangle (mine were in a box for $1 at Michaels)
• 8 gauge copper wire (in the jewelry section)
• Thin wire
• Needle nose pliers

1. Cut a piece of the thick copper wire about 1 yard long.  Make a loop at one end for hanging the earring.

2. Start wrapping wire around the pebbles, making a sort of “x” that will securely hold the pebble.  You can do spirals or whatever you’d like, too…as long as the wind won’t blow it out.  Leave about 3” or 4” between pebbles.  Continue until you’re about 6” from the end of the thick wire.

3. Make a loop to attach the butterfly:  Cut about 6” of thin wire, loop it through the butterfly, and twist it securely. Cut off one end.  With the other end, make a loop, then wrap it around the base of the loop two or three times to form the loop. Cut off any excess.

4. Wind the end of the thick wire around a pen, loosely, to make a spiral. Thread the butterfly onto it.

5. Hang it in your tree and enjoy it!

I made three from the one box of jewels and butterflies and one package of thick wire…less than $5 in all, and I spent about thirty minutes for the three.  I saw similar ones at a craft show last summer for around $15 each. Really. They were a bit more artsy, but the same concept…and these are much more affordable.