Friday, July 17, 2009

Questions on Tree Decorating

Some of you may be getting very tired of "grandparent stories", so for one post I will change gears. I have had so much response on what I do for a living through email and the blog.....Holiday Decorating....I have done this for 16 years, so I have experienced every problem possible.

I think I will open this post up for questions about the subject, also let you tell me what you would be interested in as I approach the season. In about a month I will begin the "getting ready" stage.....and with the weather 105 degrees, that is a bit depressing. As in walk in Hobby Lobby, I want to SCREAM!

I will be glad to give you tips and illustrations of my work and even give you some ideas of how you can have a NEW LOOK. Every year, there seems to be something special that is "in"!

I oversee every job, but as my age becomes a larger number every year, I let the younger girls climb the 12 foot ladders...

So ask away and I will try and answer any questions you have.

57 comments:

Holly said...

I love Hobby Lobby!!!! What's your fav theme for a tree?

Kari said...

Can't wait to see your work :o) and hear your advice.

Love Being A Nonny said...

I want to know what is *in* this year.

koreen (aka: winn) said...

How did you make your business grow?
How do you stay on top of what's "in"?

As much as I love pictures of kiddles, I really wnat to hear about the holiday decorating too. =)

Jenny @ flutterbyechronicles said...

Yeah your going to talk about Christmas :) Although it is my fav holiday I to want to scream when I walk in a craft store and see Christmas stuff in the middle of the year.

What do you use as tree toppers?

Jill said...

I would love to see some pictures and get some new ideas!

grammy said...

I think pictures would be great. I hate to put the stuff away after Christmas. Any advice on how to be more organized with that. Seems like a great job. I don't know of anyone around here that does that.

Diana Lesjak said...

I could always use some help when it comes to decorating!! My family room has a 24 foot ceiling and my tree is only 8 ft (Problem #1) So I usually put it in a corner where the kitchen ceiling meets the family room. The kitchen ceiling is normal height so this seems to work. Any other ideas on solving this problem without getting a taller tree?

Courtney said...

First of all I love hearing about your grandchildren. Which leads to my second question, How is little Grayson doing since he has been home? I would love to know the most unique tree you have done.

Debbie Petras said...

I don't have a question but just wanted to say that I look forward to reading your tips on decorating for Christmas. It's kind of hard to get my head wrapped around it with triple digits in Phoenix. But Christmas is such a wonderful time of year. And I enjoy decorating my home.

Mandy said...

I just want to see pics of your work! :)

Holly said...

Our tree doesn't really have a theme. Is that OK? It's sort of a conglomeration of the years. Should I try and tie it together somehow? What would you suggest?

Ashley Beth said...

What a fun job to have! I'll admit that there are some years I get so overwhelmed at the idea of getting creative with my tree that I just don't put it up! Not this year though, we have 2 boys who are sure to be delighted by the beauty this year (hopefully!)

I just hopped over to your blog after reading your comment on mine. I noticed that we follow several of the same blogs. We are probably thinking about and praying for the same groups of folks often! God stretches His workers out all over this great world to care for others!
Be blessed today! :)

Unknown said...

How did you get started in the business? Did you have to get a business license? Where does your clientele come from? Word of mouth?

I have a tree where my daughters have made ornaments for it every since they were babies. I don't want to get rid of any of those ornaments, yet, the tree is loaded. How should I incorporate their memory ornaments while not having so many of them on the tree?

Just Call Me Grammy said...

Can't wait to see some pictures. Do you do only house interiors or some exteriors as well. We took the front porch rail off and are going to leave it that way, so I need a whole new look for my front door/porch.

P.S. I never get tired of the grammy stuff, but this will be fun too!

Jenilee said...

What a FUN job!!! Decorating is not my gifting or would just have to give that a try. :) I love Christmas... thanks for visiting our family blog and awake. enjoy your sink verses! God Bless!

Anonymous said...

What are some of the big "don'ts" of tree and holiday decorating? I'm thrilled that you are willing to share this with us. Thanks!

Audra Laney said...

I'd love to see your Christmas decor involving stair banisters and easy DIY front door wreaths!

thanks for visiting my blog! I'll be back to visit yours as well!

Unknown said...

I would love to know more about how you work with your clients.

Do they give you free range?

Is it just the tree - or the whole house?

Do you always work with their existing decorations, or start with new stuff?

What is your fave tree of all time?

Do you still enjoy your own tree decorating, or is that like more work?!!!

I could go on with these questions all day, so I better stop now.

Really looking forward to this (can you tell?!!!)

Love from N Ireland. (where we don't have Hobby Lobby :( )

South Family said...

white lights or colored lights?

I grew up with both. When I was younger my parents would put colored lights on our tree that blinked and then when we were older they put white lights on the tree. I have a little girl so I think it would be fun to do the colored lights but the hubby doesn't agree so much! What to do?!?!

Linda said...

We don't have a Hobby Lobby but have been in the ones in Florida and Georgia. They are great stores and I always want to buy everything!! LOL
Do you enjoy decorating your own home after all those other ones?
I always admire the theme trees, but with my vintage decorations, many that are family heirlooms, I end up doing the same thing every year. What can I do to change it up?

Queen Diva said...

Thanks for visiting my blog through the hop! I can't wait to see some of your work - I'm not a very good decorator myself. BTW, I live about 2 hours east of you, in Bastrop! So nice to meet you!

Leigh Anne said...

I've been accused of making way to big a deal about decorating for Christmas. The kids say they never got to decorate the tree because it had to be done in a certain order. I'm not that bad anymore. Will love to hear your ideas!

jenmom said...

Hey Teresa! Thanks for your visit to my blog, Mother of Three! Are you Teresa Powel? I've been seeing your pics of the new grandson on Facebook! Also, did you send money to help someone attend the Siesta Fiesta in San Antonio last summer? I'll be following your blog now! Good to meet you!
Jennifer
jenmom1707@yahoo.com

Mimmy said...

Christmas is my favorite holiday. Like many others I am sure, we will be cutting way back this year. Hopefully, I'm going to create something special for my grandchildren that will be very creative and fun for all of them.

I can't wait to see the pictures of your work. They are sure to be fabulous if we can assume that your trees are as beautiful and creative as is your blog site. Stay off of ladders and take care of yourself.
w
God Bless,
Mimmy

P.S. Grandma stories are always appropriate. With 12 grandchildren they have to be.

Anonymous said...

Looking forward to hearing about your decorating!

My problem is fitting it all in, not only for the Christmas season, but in the cupboards durint the rest of the year.

Judy B

Beth in NC said...

Oh wow, I can't EVEN think about a Christmas tree yet. I look forward to seeing your decorations though!

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Teresa,

Many thanks for visiting my blog today.
I am not wanting Christmas to come yet for a while - the year seems to be going too fast already.

I do look forward to seeing your decorated tree though.

Hugs
Carolyn

Jill said...

So excited you found my blog because that means now I have found yours!!!! Can't wait to follow yours and get lots of new ideas!

Amanda@Imperfectly Beautiful said...

Ooohhhhh...can't wait to see some pics of your work! Seriously, I think that would be one of my dream jobs...how fun.

I used to be very traditional in my holiday decorating,but the last fews years I've had lots of fun with more of a whimsical theme! I am absolutely addicted to that big mesh stuff that you can mold it's shape...can't remember it's name.

I love all the questions so far, and can only think of one myself. What is the "in" look this year?

Rebecca said...

I'm flattered that you "hopped" to my blog. We have many things in common. I, too, married a football coach. He no longer coaches, but coached H.S. first, then was an assistant at Sterling College in KS. We've been married a few months more than you. I love my 8 grandchildren. AND I was born on Christmas Day! We have a 10'x14' cabin out back deocrated for Christmas year 'round. It is a get-away and extra bedroom. Now, when I get more time (like after church today) I will spend a little more time "with you". Did you see my other blog? The Gates' Post? It is full of grandchildren stuff which leaks into the other 3, too :)

A happy heart at home said...

Hi! I'm glad you found my blog. I'm enjoying reading yours. Your job sounds very interesting. I'd like to read more about it.

~Susan

Mommy to those Special Ks said...

Thanks for stopping by my blogs! I've been reading back some and so glad to hear Grayson is home and doing well! It's so scary to have your baby (even your grandbaby) in the hospital and not know what the future holds! You have 5 beautiful grandsons!!! I look forward to following along on your adventures with them... and maybe seeing a little pink in there someday?! :)
Renee

Unknown said...

Hi Teresa,
Thanks for dropping by my blog. You have such a nice one. Looking forward to your advice on trees. Have a blessed Sunday!

Nancy

Toknowhim said...

THanks for stopping by to say hi... BLessings to you!!!

Shannon said...

That sounds so fun! I can't wait to hear what you have to say. What trend do you see this year?

SmilingSally said...

I've never been in a Hobby Lobby as there was never one close to where I live. Therefore, I'm always jealous of you Bloggers who go.

jlo said...

So excited to read your tips. Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Pom Pom said...

Pictures! Pictures! And I was thinking about leaving my tree "thingless" this year - just lights and bows. I may have to reconsider!

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

How fun!

Where and for whom do you do the Christmas decorating?

Amelia said...

Hello Teresa! I'm glad you stopped by my blog! I'm really enjoying yours...I'll be back for sure! I love Christmas...my favorite time of year for sure! I hope you have a great day! Smiles :0) !

Bacardi Mama said...

I'll never get tired hearing about your grandkids. There is nothing better than grandkids. I'd like to know about decorating on a budget. It just seems to cost more and more every year to get new things. I'd also love to see some pictures.

Gram said...

I never tire of the grandparent stories, so keep them coming also. I would like some ideas on centerpieces and decorating a stairway.

Buzzings of a Queen Bee! said...

Sounds like such an interesting job! Of course, I can understand why you wouldn't be in the mood these days. It seems like the decorations come out earlier every year!
Carrie

Maryann said...

Oh, I am so glad you are opening up this discussion!! My husband and I LOVE Christmas, but we live in a 1250 sq. ft. tri-level house with a 1 year old baby!! We have NO room, and I am always trying to come up with ways to decorate in our tiny house. We have a "slim" tree and I decorate our abundant amount of banisters, but I am tired of tinsel garland. Any suggestions??? Bless you!!

Daveda said...

Your job does sound fun. It's great to do something you love!

I am stopping by here off of last weeks blog hop. Though I would say hello. I can't wait to hear your decorating ideas!

Nice to "meet" you :)

Paula V said...

Indeed a very interesting profession. I'd never guess such business would be profitable.

Pauline Wiles said...

Hi, first time here, but I wanted to thank you for your helpful comment on Ballard Designs.

I'd love to know, what Christmas/Holiday item do you recommend that makes a big impact, but is easy and small to store afterward? I hate gathering more and more 'stuff' each year!

bj said...

O, I know what you mean about being afraid everyone is getting tired of grand stories...me, too..I have 10 of them to brag about and brag, I do. You can tell all the stories you want to...just as long as you listen to MINE, too. Hahaha...Ain't life grand..
Thanks for coming by...hope you will come again. I am signing up to follow you so I won't lose you...
xo bj

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

Christmas is a fav. of ours here too...I ordered another tree on the internet last year AFTER christmas and am so anxious to get it out of the box and Up. Last year was the year I totally organizrd all my bulbs and decorations in new boxes, ( another reason I can't wait)... Thank you for stopping by, please stop again. your Grandchildren are absolutely gorgeous Grammy...xoxo~Kathy~ @ Sweet Up-North Mornings...

ShanaM said...

I love Christmas

aguhmom said...

Dear Friend - and to those of you who have just gotten to know our "Grammy" - she will always be known to me as my amazingly talented friend/sister in Jesus; Teresa! Honey bun, you just share all your deepest most special decorating ideas; used to just come over & eyeball snoop. Now I have to rely on pictures or you just spillin the goods - so lets
hear 'em! hugs, patti
p.s. just got back from SouthernLiving at HOME convention;
a $500 August party gets you a free
Savannah Beverage Server that I know you are needing for that Bunko group of yours. DO a catalog party - hep a girlfriend
out!

Family American Style. said...

Hi, Tomorrow is the second post on “What would your children say?” “Wednesday” It’s going to be fun sharing all those wonderful adventures our children do and say. I can’t wait. If your child happens to have four legs and a tail, I’m real sure you have very funny adventures also. Please tell us all about them. Hope to see you tomorrow.

Anonymous said...

Hi Teresa, I love Hobby Lobby and I would live there if I could! LOL!!! I start decorating for christmas shortly before Thanksgiving and it usually takes me about a week to get everything up......Can't wait to show pictures and see everyone elses pics too. Hugs, Jennifer

Denise said...

Hey Teresa, thanks for visiting/commenting on my blog. It is always neat to go from blog to blog and meet new people! I will be back to yours too! Good luck "getting ready!"

Grami's girls said...

Teresa please tell them about your "Jesus" tree...it is the sweetest! Enjoying your blog...becky

Natalia said...

My husband and I have only been married for 1 year and we don't have many regular, year-round decorations for our house, much less any holiday decorations. Although we were both in school and not doing all that well financially, last Christmas I splurged and purchased a pre-lit X-mas tree (I grew up with fake trees and have no sentimental need to have a real tree) along with a few ornaments (I also had a couple ornaments that I had been given from previous years). I just didn't want to go through X-mas without a X-mas tree and I didn't want to just look at a bare green tree with white twinkle lights.

Sorry about this whole back story. The point is, the only holiday decorations we have is just that one Christmas tree. What is the best way to decorate an apartment when you don't have a ton of money to spend?