Wishing Trees and Free DIY Template

image via Here Comes the Blog

Wishing trees are a great way to add a unique touch to any event. Traditionally the

basic principle has been for guests to leave their "advice" for the newly married couple,

but are becoming more and more popular at all events. Birthday parties, baby showers,

etc. are all great reasons to leave well-wishes for the one you are celebrating.

The best part of about a wishing tree is that you can make a large or small one,

depending on the size of your guest list. We have even done them in complimenting

fabric covered boxes and done several in a row that make a beautiful tablescape as well

as serving as your wishing trees.

The ways to personalize them are what truly sets them apart from the traditional

guest book too - and here are some ideas to help you design your wishing tree to tie into

your motif, color palette or theme.

The Branches:

Although Manzanita branch is the most common, you can also use willow branch,

branches covered with cherry blossom, or magnolia branches

with beautiful pink or white saucer cup flowers.

Another tip: You can also spay paint the branches (white, silver, gold, black)

or leave them in their natural brown state - whatever works!

The Hanging Tags:

You can use the FREE DIY printables (see below) or use any shape hang-tag that

fits in with your theme; leaves, squares, or round shapes; as well as monogrammed,

or pre-printed card stock works well too.

The Embellishments:

Adorn your tree with butterflies, string beads, paper poms, real or silk flower,

hanging garland or crystals, ribbons, birds, tiny birdhouses, or anything else that

ties into your theme.

The Base:

If you have a smaller event and are just using a small branch, you can place it in a glass vessel with colored stones, or glass marbles in the base; or cover a box in fabric; or a plastic pot with coordinating scrapbook material. If you are using a box or plastic pot, you can always cover the base of the branches with fabric.

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You can download your FREE DIY Wedding Wishing Template from The Wedding

Chicks here. You will see a small hope on the right hand side of each card. Use a hole punch

and pull a piece of ribbon, raffia or twine through each wishing tag. Scatter across the table

or place them in a beautiful bowl for guests to write their wishes to you.

The Wedding Chicks also provided a great tutorial on how to make the wishing tree.

Instructions for creating a base for one Manzanita branch, 18" high. This is a really simple and fun project brought to you by bloomsandbranches.com.

Materials used in this demonstration:

One 5 x 5 block of foam

one plastic container (8" in diameter, 7" tall)

Plaster of Paris

Newspapers

Disposable container for mixing the plaster

The foam block and plaster of paris are easily obtained at a craft store. The plastic container can be purchased at Home Depot and is actually a plastic flower pot. You can pretty much use any type of cute pot or planter that matches your theme.

Step 1. After preparing your work area to protect from plaster mishaps, start by instering the base of your Manzanita tree into the block of foam. Use firm and steady pressure, being careful not to move the branch around. We don't want to make the hole in the foam oversized 2 or 3 inches ought to be enough. If something goes wrong, you can always turn the foam over and use the other side.

Step 2. Gently lift the and block and branch together, and place it into the container. Use gentle pressure to seat the block snugly down into the container, making sure it's level.

Step 3. You can fill the rest of the container with Plaster of Paris, however for this demonstration we rolled up small sections of newspaper and stuffed them neatly around the foam block, leaving about 2 inches of space to the top of the container.

Step 4. Mix your Plaster of Paris according to the instructions on the can. A heavier batch (not too soupy) is easier to work with, and sets faster. Pour the plaster into the container, spreading it evenly over the top of the foam block. Fill to within 1/2 inch of the top. Be advised that a glass container may be a problem, as this material can expand and heat up a bit and could break the glass.

Step 5. Set your tree out of the way for about 20 to 30 minutes while the plaster cures. After the plaster has cured, place other materials on top and around the base to conceal the plaster.

Thank you to The Wedding Chicks for the download and tutorial!

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And how adorable is this "Wishes" Banner to string across the front of your table?

Thanks to Style Me Pretty you can download your FREE DIY Wishes Banner!

Head over to the link at Style Me Pretty for all the supplies and instructions.

image via Style Me Pretty