A Tree Grows in G * l * t *

After visiting a few beads stores (Bohemian Crystal, Berger Beads, and Beads and More) in Downtown LA, a few storefronts away Emrah and I picked up this miniature manzanita tree, which rests atop the dresser and holds my strings of beads, reindeer headband, and new deco-style feather headband.

Originally, I had wanted to paint the tree gold and hang strings of origami cranes from the branches, or wrap copper wire around the branches with crystal flower "buds" on them.

However, I really like the natural coloring of the branches, and it's a convenient and decorative way to store my beads, jewelry, and hair accessories.  A few weeks ago I had purchased a fuschia cymbidium orchid plant from TJ's to brighten up the drab bathroom, but Downtown LA flower stores sell gorgeous orchid plants for cheaper.

Here is a close-up of a flower I made last year with thick stainless steel wire and a few beads I re-used from a hair vine I made.  If I make more flowers, I'll use copper wire from the hardware store.