2019

Kokedama Christmas Tree...

For something completely untraditional,
a kokedama tree is a perfect choice for Christmas.

Kokedama in English literally means moss-covered ball.

And this is the technique used to create Kokedama.

The idea originated in Japan.

It's a combination of nearai (meaning no pot) and the kusamono planting style.

(The tree used here is Robina pseudoacacia 'Lace Lady')

To create your own Kokedama

You will need:

A sludge mix of potting mix and water.

Soaked sphagnum moss.

A Plant That has been removed from it's pot.

Then:

Loosen and trim the root ball.

Covered it in the wet mix, and then in a thick layer of sphagnum moss.

Wind natural rope fibre around the ball until the moss is mostly covered.

tie a knot.

Wind rope around and around...

Until the moss is mostly covered and it is firm.

Soak root ball in a container of water until the air bubbles stop.

(this is also how you water Kokedama plants once established.

Drain off excess water.

Place on a waterproof tray.

Pot plants are great fun to kokedama.

Here is one we made using 'Rhipsalis Cereuscula'.

A kokedama plant will last 2 to 3 years.
It's a great diy to create.
Fun, and a unique gift too.

Kokedama is a great way to create a modern Christmas tree statement as we have done.
The tree we made this year will move outdoors onto the deck once the Christmas season is over, so we can still enjoy it.

#kokedama #diyplanters

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FINE ART AMERICA

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SAATCHI ART

My New Art & Photography Website...

So excited to reveal my new website video has officially launched
on Facebook via my website designer Katie Ayres...

https://www.facebook.com/katie.ayres2/videos/10215719392438120/

New Zealand Contemporary Artists

For a more in-depth view, and to find out about me and my work,
please stop by for a visit here at:

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#newzealandcontemporaryartist #newzealandphotographer

White Forest Christmas Tree...❥

This years Christmas Tree is all about critters!

Forest critters to be precise!

I found these super cute animal ornaments at a Christmas Store.

They are seriously TOO CUTE!

I could not resist them, and they became the theme of the tree.

Last year the tree was beach-inspired...

(find out about it HERE)

It was big and was my favourite tree yet.

Until now...

Until The White Forest Christmas Tree was created.

With all, it's cute 'Lil critters.

And my white and silver decorations

and a little bit of Christmas bling.

And now I think this is my favourite tree design.

I'm just hoping Arabella

...doesn't want to eat my new friends!

#Christmasdecor

The Thankful Heart Tree...

Christmas is coming with leaps and bounds...

But before Christmas is Thanksgiving.

This DIY Thankful Heart Tree is an easy-to-create decoration for the Thanksgiving holiday and can remain on display throughout the Christmas season too.

The hearts are created using book page strips, that are stapled to shape.

The hanger is stapled on too.

A super fun activity for the kids to make.

And while you are folding and stapling your hearts, it's a good time to talk about gratefulness and what you are thankful for.

My tree is displayed on an upcycled trolley table.

You can find out how I did this HERE.

When the time you choose to decorate your home decor for Christmas add your favourite Christmas things to compliment the Thankful Heart Tree.
I've added a Santa figurine to the vignette.

And a Christmas votive candle too.

The Christmas theme cushion on the chair is pretty cool too...

One side of the cushion on the tree is gold, and the other is silver. I'm enjoying the gold side today!

To make the Thankful Heart Tree:

You will need a vase and container to place it in or a tin bucket vessel.

Florist foam.

A branch.

An old book.

Stapler.

Twine.

Fabric or lace to cover the foam.

Cut the book pages into strips. You need two strips per heart.

Hold as shown.

Staple.

Cut a length of twine.

Knot and place in the heart.

Staple.

Or you could use a dob of hot glue if you prefer.

Place the florist foam in your vessel.

Place the branches into it.

Tie a twine bow on it.

Place the fabric or lace on top of the foam to disguise it.

Hang your hearts on the tree.

Place in your Thanksgiving vignette.

Then change it up to keep for the Christmas decor.

#bookpagehearts #diyChristmas

Snow Fudge with Cranberries...

SNOW FUDGE WITH CRANBERRIES

Now that is what I call the taste of Christmas!

And talking about NOW - it is the perfect time of year to make fudge.

(Actually when is not a good time of year to make fudge?)

This fudge has a completely KISS status!
(KISS = keep it simple stupid)
It is SO EASY to whip up.
Sets QUICKLY.
And a go-to recipe for Christmas 'Bring A Plate' functions and parties.

In fact a go-to recipe for any party in any season!

All you do is:
Prepare a slice tray by lining it with baking paper
Place 3 x 290-gram packets of white chocolate
(I used Nestle White Chocolate Melts)
into a microwave-proof bowl
(I used glass)
Add 1 x 395 gram tin of condensed milk.
Mix.
Microwave for one minute.
Remove from microwave and stir smooth.
Microwave another 20 seconds if a little more melt time is required.
Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla bean extract with seeds.
And 150 grams of dried cranberries.

Mix quickly and put into slice tray.
Refrigerate till set.
Cut into pieces when set.
Store in an airtight container.

This Fudge is superb for gifting as it is not sticky.
Therefore you can put in little cello bags or decorated boxes to give.
Homemade always hits the heart with those feel good vibes more than a storebought gift!