Sunburst Tree Topper

Oh my I have been busy!  The old blog has been on autopilot.

I thought that I would check in and offer a little tutorial.  I want to show you how I made the sunburst tree topper that I made for my sisters Christmas tree.

So here is what I used:
2 packages of 100ct. bamboo skewers
3" mirror disk
brown spray paint
white school glue
fine brown glitter (I used Martha Stewart brand)
hot glue lots of hot glue
beaded strand
brown grosgrain ribbon

Here is what I did:
I made two tiers for points.  For the shorter tier I started with a 4 inch skewer and then cut two at 3 1/2 inch for either side of the 4 inch one.  I kept trimming skewers in 1/2 increments down to two and a half inches.  I glued down the 4 inch skewers then I glued down 2 1/2 inch skewers and then filled in between.  I found that this helps to keep the skewers spaced well.

Then I started to make the second tier.  I cut the long skewers to 8 inches down to 6 inches in 1/2 increments.  I glued down the 8 inchers behind the 2 1/2 ones, that way the long rays alternate.  Clear as mud right? 

So after the epic hot gluing I was pretty happy!  I then taped off the mirror part and spray painted it brown.  This took several coats.  Then I decided to add some beads around the mirror.  All I had available was a strand of bright red Christmas garland....?  where did those come from?  So I primed and spray painted that too, this didn't go very well.  When I painted it the red kept coming through.  Eventually I just moved on.

So I glued the beads down around the mirror.  They look good right?  Then I thought that it wouldn't be Christmas without glitter right?  So I thinned down some white glue with water and with a paint brush I brushed the glue on.  Then bring on the glitter.  Is there anything more fulfilling than glittering?  Well maybe but it definitely ranks!!

Finally I glued two strips of grosgrain ribbon to the back so that I could tie it to the top of the tree.

Ultimately I am on fire with how it turned out.  My only regret is that I didn't make one for my self, though it is always an option.

So glad that you came by to take a look!  Feel free to leave me a comment, it makes me feel all glittery!

Sunny