I know what you’re about to say…”What?! It’s not time for Christmas decorations!” Well, I received an email from Michaels asking if I’d like to participate in the Michaels Dream Tree Challenge. If you saw last year’s contestants and the resulting dream trees , you’ll completely understand why I was excited to be asked to join in this year. Plus, I’ve been working feverishly on the Très Frugal month of DIY Gift Ideas and having some Christmas décor set up has put me in the mood (and provides for a festive backdrop for photography!)

Once I received my pre-lit tree and the gift card to pay for my tree decorations, I hit up my local Michaels retail store. I really had no idea what theme I wanted to create, but I did know I wanted to be frugal and make my gift card stretch as far as possible.

As luck would have it, there were lots of Fall berries on clearance. Can you tell the difference between fall red berries and Christmas red berries? 

Yup, me either! So, I snatched up as many red berry sprays as my cart would hold! At 60-70% off they were a steal!

Then I found myself wandering down the feather boa aisle and my theme took shape. I bought several white boas and thought it would be fun to have a Feathered Nest theme for my tree.

The next aisle had several small unfinished birdhouses for $1 each. I loaded up on them, other unfinished ornaments, chalkboard tags, and a can of black chalkboard paint. I also picked up two white paint pens to decorate the painted ornaments.

What’s a feathered nest without birds? I found several clip on birds throughout Michael’s. Some were with the wedding favors, others were with the silk flowers and still more were on the endcaps.

I also scored some birch logs on clearance and cut them in half, drilled holes in them and added screw eyes and a branch perch for a little au naturel birdhouse.

To continue the bird theme, I found some wooden eggs that I spatter painted and added screw eyes for hanging.

The only item I splurge on were some pinecone and pine bough garlands for $16.99 each. In hindsight, I probably could have done without them. But, I like the extra texture they provide.

To cover the base of the tree, I spray painted leftover radiator screens gold, Then used foil duct tape and burlap ribbon to hold it in a circular shape.

Finally, a Christmas tree isn’t complete without a tree topper. I found an unfinished birdhouse for $4.99 that looks like a chapel.  I’ll have a tutorial to show you how I created the topper soon.

I love my feathered nest tree. It has an angelic feel with the feathered boas. And at night…I can almost hear angels singing…or is that birds singing?

Are you feeling that holiday spirit? I am and am ready to deck the rest of our house with holiday trimmings.

Disclosure:This is a sponsored post for Michaels® Arts & Craft Stores. I was provided with a complimentary pre-lit Christmas tree and a gift card to spend at Michaels. I was not told what to buy. I was not told what to write.