A Christmas Tree Topper

The topper used on the Christmas tree seems to be the most special thing about the tree. Each year, different members of the family want to be the one that gets to place the angel, bow or star on the top of the tree – but only one person can do it each year.

The biggest mistake that people make when either making or purchasing a Christmas tree topper is that they often make or purchase one that is too heavy for the top branch of the tree. This causes the branch to bend sideways, and often the topper falls off.

For this reason, the Christmas tree topper has to be big enough to warrant gracing the top of the tree, yet light enough to actually stay up there without requiring you to have a degree in engineering. Keep this in mind when shopping for materials for your tree topper.

Alternatives for your special Christmas Tree Topper...

A Christmas Tree Bow:

This is a very easy tree topper. It does not cost a lot of money and it looks terrific. Use the directions for the Christmas Bows to make your bow topper, but make sure that it is a really big bow, with long flowing ribbons that will hang down the tree for added effect. Use felt ribbon.

You can secure the bow to the tree with a wire loop on the back of the center of the bow. This is ideal for trees that sit in the corner of the room, where the back of the bow won’t be seen.

Be sure to decorate the bow with items of your choice for the center of the bow, and with glitter glue along the edges of the bow and ribbon.


A Christmas Tree Angel:

There are a variety of options for making a Christmas Tree Angel. They can be very simple, or very complex and detailed.

The important thing to remember is that the body of the angel is basically set on the top tree branch. You may need to use some discretely placed wire to secure the angel to the top of the tree.

Here are directions for a classic Angel Christmas Tree Topper. Remember that this is your angel, and you can make her look however you want. The directions below will help you to form the basics of the Christmas Tree Angel.

Materials:

· 2 of either 8 inch or up to 16 inch doilies – depends on how big you want your angel to be. Fold the doilies in half, and this will give you some idea as to the length of your angel.
· White netting or lace (for wings)
· Spray Starch
· 6 inch Foam cone
· 1.5 inch Angel Doll Head – choose one that has a neck and shoulders
· 2 of 1.5 inch doll arms
· Gold glitter glue
· Ring or gold pipe cleaner (for halo)
· Toothpicks
· Craft Glue
· Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks

Directions:

Cut a one inch hole in the center of both doilies. Put toothpicks in the top of the foam cone and attach the angel head to the cone by placing it over the toothpicks. Push it down until the head meets the foam.

2. Slip one doily over the angels head. Smear craft glue along the edge of the hole, and press it firmly around the shoulder of the angel doll head.

3. Arrange the folds of the lace doily so that they look nice and full. When you have it like you want it, spray it well with the spray starch. You will want to use a lot of starch – it needs to be nice and stiff.

4. Once the first doily has completely dried, repeat step 2 with the second doily. Again, make sure that the dress looks really full and that the folds fall nicely.

5. Cut the material that you have chosen for the wings into the shape of a butterfly. Spray with the spray starch and allow it to dry.

6. Attach the wings to the back of the angel with hot glue or thread. You can also use an additional doily for this, and just fold and shape it until it looks like wings. Use pins to secure it in position, spray it, and then attach the wings to the angel when they are dry.

7. Remove the angel from the foam cone. Work the arms through the body of
the angel so that they are positioned properly. Glue or tack them in place, from
the inside.

8. Finally, use the glitter glue to decorate your angel tree topper as you see fit. If the dress isn’t stiff enough to support itself on the tree, you can spray it with more starch.