O’ Christmas tree

Was inspired from three different sources. The couple that I created this piece for are: great fans of scrabble; have a love decorating for the holidays; and performers by trade.

Knowing those three factors about this couple, I immediately knew the Lil’ Piece I wanted to create for them; a Scrabbled O’ Christmas tree. I had seen a somewhat similar idea of what I was planning for, a year or so before when scrolling through some of my inspirational outlets (Pinterest and Google Images 😊). I say similar since as with almost all of the pieces that I create my idea comes from a combination of several pieces.

I liked the original piece I found, but as inspiration. It had the letters laid out to spell out a line or two of the song O’ Christmas Tree in the shape of a tree. But I felt it needed a few additions and modifications to make it the perfect piece for this couple. I wanted to elaborate on the Christmas tree concept with working lights and wrapped presents under the tree as a part of the completed piece. I also wanted a slightly different wording. I choose to add more of the song, that to me told more of the story this couple tells with their everyday life. Adding these extra details also allowed my sons to be a part of the creating process, and to be included in making a gift for their grandparents.

I knew this needed 'the perfect' lights, and so again, I searched every source and resource I could think of till finally finding the perfect ones at Hobby Lobby. Although I can’t seem to find those specific lights any longer, but both Ebay and Amazon had LOOOTTTTSSS of great options of similar styles.

Now I have 'The Lights', the letters are on order from Ebay, and the background and frame fell into place with the assistance of my older son, 'Bubba'. I love getting help from either of my boys help on my projects, even when it’s a suggestion or holding a piece in place for moment. He looked at this project and instantly knew how to complete this look. He suggested a simple black frame and a single solid colored background to finish the piece and to coordinate with the rest of the art the couple always choose to display. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes or a new perspective can make a huge difference in the creating process. Bubba is great at giving me that one little piece of detail I was missing; or when I need a level. When I don’t have an actual level or a ruler, I know I can trust his eyes to be so close it’s within a millimeter.

As I mentioned before this couple are performers by trade, so they are very much into all thing’s music, but they also love symbolism and impressionistic concepts. Having a Christmas tree built of the words from a Christmas song, O Christmas Tree, for the art of a Christmas decoration piece just all made the most perfect sense. But then when you add that the couple love their Scrabblin’ time, using those letters to write the words of the song completed the whole concept.

I am ready to layout the letters and write the lines of the song, my younger son is impatiently waiting to get his turn in this project; he is all about anything to do with letters and or music. This is his skill set for sure and a perfect way to add his contribution to project.

my work in progress of Scrabble letters O'Christmas Tree

Now that he has helped me lay out the letters, it's time to glue everything in place. Halfway finished, and I am soooo very happy with the results I have so far. Time to build and decorate the presents, cut the frame.

The finished Lil' Piece is just how I imagined it, but slightly better for all the help I got from my boys; and just in time for this year’s Christmas displays to be going up and enjoyed for all the magic and joy that surrounds the season.