Crafting Tip of the Week #158- Baby Bottle Brushes Not Just for Baby Bottles Anymore!

Hello Crafty Friends!

I bet you're wondering what I am alluding to with that off the wall post title.
Has it got your wheels turning?
Any guesses?
I suppose I shouldn't make you wait any longer then.
You know how a couple of Fridays ago I shared those adorable "Woodlands" ornaments from Tim Holtz?
Well, I got to thinking.
Couldn't I find a way to make that adorable Christmas tree myself?
Well, I sure did.
Here's what you'll need:
*Baby Bottle Brushes (You can find them at the Dollar Store)
*Wood cubes or circles for your base( Any local craft store carries them & some dollar stores too)
*Glue Gun/E6000 (A strong adhesive)
*Wire Cutter/ Scissors may due in a pinch
*Sharp Scissors for cutting the bristles
*Glitter/Mica Flakes
*Spray Adhesive
*Optional (spray paint, spray inks, mini misters with your own concoction of color to add to your tree)
 Since the bottle brushes come in white already it lends itself to a white Christmas feel . The inks would be if you wanted to add color or give it a vintage look.

Basically, you cut the brush portion of the bottle brush off its' base using a wire cutter. Then cut the brush in half or to whatever size tree you want. Then you cut bristles on the right & left at an angle, creating that tree shape. After that you adhere the bottom of the tree to your wood base piece.
If you want it raw that is all you do.
If you want to add color to the bristle brush &/or base, I suggest coloring, inking or painting them first. Then after they dry you can assemble them.
They should look like this:

I decided to use empty spools of thread I bought at my local scrapbooking store and I adhered card stock. I also used spray glitter on the trees after spray painting them an ivory color.
It is difficult to see how adorable they are  in person.

You can easily add little beads, tiny garland made from jewelry findings or petite tinsel. The possibilities are many. You have to try it out.

Have a great week.