Who doesn’t love vintage toys? Especially at Christmas?

And, to celebrate all things vintage, these little gems have been taking their holiday places.

Gifts are wrapped in plaid fabric and tied with sparkling bows…

…. then nestled among the cherished old toys.

Everything has been really humming along.

Well, except for this little 19-inch wagon.

For some reason, it just didn’t seem to fit anywhere.

At my wits end, I lamented this woe to my sweet friend Laura, who, incidentally, is clear across the planet in New Zealand.  It sounds crazy, I know.  But, in what seemed like the twinkling of an eye,  she calmly responded, “Whoa, girl, you should totally put a little Christmas tree in that wagon.”

And, just like that…..  In less time than it takes for a message to fly across the world-wide-web, the brilliant Laura had struck decorating gold.

So, on the next day, the design and build got rolling.

And, by nightfall, the little vintage wagon had finally found its fit.

Here’s how it happened.

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Custom-Sized Christmas Tree

STEP-BY-STEP:

(1)  Determine the height and diameter for your tree.  This tree is approximately 27-inches from the bottom of the stand to the top of the greenery and about 15-inches in diameter.

(2)  Gather scrap wood, if you have it, or purchase 3 kinds of inexpensive wood.

*One furring strip, which comes in an 8-foot length and costs about $1.00.

*Wood for four “wings.”  I used leftover 1/4 inch plywood, but thin pine would also work.

*Quarter round molding

*Wood glue

*One wood screw

(3)  Have the wood pieces cut to size and assemble.

(4)  Have quarter round molding cut to size.  Four same-size pieces are needed.  One piece is glued to each side of the furring strip.

(5)  Have the tree’s “wings” cut to size and glue each wing to the furring strip and quarter round molding.  The frame will look rather crude, but will be covered with greenery, so not to worry.

Another view.  I know!  It looks like it was made at NASA, but just bear with me.

A closer look at how the quarter round and wings fit together.

(6)  Spray paint the entire frame.  I used black with a brown topcoat.

(7)  Then, starting from the bottom of the frame, wind a strand of plain garland to the top of the frame.  I didn’t use any adhesive, but I did twist some of the greenery pieces together so they would hang on to the frame.

A view of the stand and wrapped garland from the bottom.

(8)  Tie the tree to the wagon with twine and spritz it with spray-on snow.

Then place your beautiful creation in a favorite spot…..

…..to share with loved-ones during the holiday season.

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Thank you, Laura, for this terrific idea.

And, although we are physically many miles apart,

you’re an internet bestie that is close to my heart.

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And, as always, many thanks to all of you for stopping by.  It is such a joy to share projects and ideas.

#RadioFlyer #Wagon #Centerpiece #Christmas #christmastree