From Discarded to Dazzling - The Peacock Tree is Born

A DIY Peacock Christmas Tree

'Tis the season for twinkling lights, festive ornaments, and the warm glow of holiday cheer. Last year, amidst the jolly atmosphere of Christmas, a simple conversation at a friend's house sparked the transformation of what would become a cherished addition to our Christmas holiday traditions .. The DIY Peacock Tree.

At our friends home, post Christmas 2022 - Tree soon to be thrown out

While casually enjoying the Christmas season .. At a good friend's home, the mention of a retired pre-lit Christmas tree caught my attention. A tall, skinny silhouette with a story to tell .. most of its once-bright bulbs had burned out. Seizing the opportunity, I inquired if I could adopt this discarded beauty and give it a new lease on life.

Fast forward .. To a regular cold day in January at our front door, and there it was, my soon-to-be DIY project with a note declaring it was now all mine. I had a year to transform this neglected tree into a shining spectacle for the following Christmas. Time flew by, and before I knew it, the festive season was upon us once more, and I hadn't done a single thing with the tree.

Facing the challenge head-on .. I made the bold decision not to replace all the bulbs. Instead, I opted for a more hands-on approach: I cut and unclipped every strand of lights from the tree. It was a task that demanded patience, untangling skills, and a fair share of sore fingers. But 2-3 hours later, undeterred, I pressed on with our vision of a radiant, rejuvenated Christmas decoration.

Not bad for a few hours work. What was I thinking?! I re-fluffed branches as well

My fingers were SO sore

500 bulbs seems like a lot, but I had to stretch them not to come up short

The new lights starting to go on. Then my iPhone updated and erased the finished lights photos I took .. grrrr!

To replace the worn-out lights .. I invested in a shiny new set of 500 LED lights. The package said "Warm LED" lights, but turns out they are just as bright white as some other LED's I've seen. Still, with the backbone of the tree revamped, my wife and I set out on a joyful shopping spree for ornaments. Our goal was not just to salvage a discarded tree but to create something unique that would stand out among our more traditional holiday décor items.

A selection of the ornaments we picked out - A mix of glass, deco plastic, and real feathers

The tree is still a work in progress .. But almost there. Even though her soft green bows hold roughly 30 different types of ornate ornaments and sparkling garnishes, it is still missing something. During our holiday shopping adventure, we searched for, but could not find the appropriate garland. We were hoping to find something beaded and keeping with the same color theme of blues, plums, and teals. We are also on the hunt for the perfect tree topper. We're not sure what that is yet, but I am confident we will find something perfect.

The final result exceeded our expectations. The 'Peacock Tree' emerged as a symbol of beauty and resilience, with its design inspired by the elegance of peacock feathers. It became the fourteenth member of our Christmas tree collection, each one holding its own special place in our hearts.

The transformation from a abandoned, worn out tree to a dazzling Peacock Tree required effort, determination, and a touch of creativity. As we bask in its radiant glow this Christmas season, we are reminded that sometimes, the most beautiful things come from the unlikeliest sources. Our DIY journey with the 7.5ft Peacock Tree is a testament to the joy of turning the old into something new.

A celebration of the Christmas spirit that thrives on love, creativity, and the joy of giving new life to the overlooked.

In The Quiet Cocoon of Winter's Embrace ...

A tired and burnt-out Christmas tree languished, its weary branches drooping with the weight of festive seasons past. With a determined spirit and a touch of artistry, the weary guardian of Yuletide memories underwent a magnificent metamorphosis. The scorched vestiges of old lights were tenderly removed, making room for a rebirth adorned in resplendent peacock hues. A symphony of new lights danced upon the resurrected evergreen, casting a spell that transcended time. Unique decorations, like vibrant plumage, adorned each limb, a testament to the resilience found in the heart of holiday magic. In the end, the once-fatigued tree stood tall, a phoenix reborn in peacock splendor, its branches now a tribute to the beauty that arises from the ashes of worn-out traditions.

Thank you for swinging by my blog and checking out the post. Have a great day!

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