Worn Well: Morticia would be Proud

Christmas at Well Worn came a little earlier than I had planned. I had taken some time off of work with the idea that I would decorate for Christmas the day following Thanksgiving. I'm one of those people who doesn't appreciate Christmas prior to Halloween.  I didn't know that the downtown Chico Christmas preview is the week before Thanksgiving. So I was told that all of the vendors in our antique mall decorate a few days before, in honor of the Christmas Preview. Since this is my first year as a vendor at the mall, it was a little surprise. I had intended to do an off white tree with hints of burlap and silver. Fortunately, I did a quick look around the store and someone else had done an artful job of decorating their booth with an off white tree with burlap and silver...whaaaa? Don't you hate it when you think you have a good idea only to find that someone else has the same good idea? What's worse, is when you see it and they probably did a better job executing the idea than you probably would have. Dratted "frolic girls". Kidding, I love their booth and creativity.

So, on to plan "B". I had a beautiful selection of french antique postcards that I wanted to use as ornaments on my tree.   Most were in warm tones of black and cream, so I thought they would look great on a off white tree. I still wanted to use the postcards, so now what? A black tree? Hmm. I don't know, I really like glitter, white, gold and a beautiful green tree. The thought brewed and stewed for a couple of days and I just decided to do it. Since I didn't have time to order a black tree, I went to our local Salvation Army and bought a fake tree. Next step, paint the thing. I would not advise that you paint a fake tree. It's a huge pain. When you are in the middle of the process and really wondering if it's a good idea, it's not helpful if your daughter comes home and states "that's festive". I was halfway in the middle of the black mess, very doubtful and wishing I could stop, but too committed to stop. Should you decide to paint a tree, put the first coat on with the cheapest Walmart flat paint, then follow with semi-gloss, shimmer or whichever type of paint you would like on top. If you try to paint with any of the less flat paints, it will just slide off of the branches. Don't ask me how I know.
The other problem with painting a fake tree is the smell. It's really stinky for a few days. I didn't put lights on my tree, I'm not sure if it's more flammable than a non-painted tree, I really don't want to know.

I also decorated the tree with dictionary page garlands and flowers.
I wanted a tree that was different and set the booth apart from the other vendors.
Here are a few pictures...what do you think?