the (un)decorated tree

ALPINE MAGIC | The Decorated Tree's first tree, The Alpine Feather Tree is now for sale to the public. Sure to become your next family heirloom, you can purchase yours here.

I AM HAPPY to announce the first (and second) exclusively-marketed trees designed by yours truly at The Decorated Tree. I drew up the plans and the first trees that you see in this post were made-to-order by Dennis Bauer. The trees went live on the Hometraditions.com website just this weekend.

The front of the tag for the tree reads: THANK YOU for selecting The Decorated Tree’s Alpine Feather Tree. An artist’s unique vision and a craftman’s fine handiwork are united to create a museum-quality heirloom. Hometraditions is pleased to offer this feather tree designed by Darryl Moland, creator of The Decorated Tree blog. Each tree is handcrafted from real goose feathers by Dennis Bauer in Ohio, one of the best-known craftsmen stateside to uphold German tradition. www.hometraditions.com is proud to provide you with a fresh take on an old craft.—MANY HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

The back of the tag for the tree reads: EMBELLISH each season with The Decorated Tree—holiday fantasy intertwined with the rich symbolism of nature. A time-honored Yuletide ritual has become a modern tradition any time of year. This large (12"x 12") 144-page, hardbound and dust-jacketed coffee table book contains the best of the blog’s informative stories. Accompanied by 183 inspiring full-color images, this book will become your decorating resource for every holiday, every year.—CELEBRATING THE SEASONS 

FEATHER TREE TRADITION | The alternate version of The Alpine Feather tree is more traditional in shape. It is wider and features seven rows of snow-capped branches. You can purchase yours here.

HOMETRADITIONS.COM is known for their finely-crafted feather trees handmade by Dennis Bauer, who has also made many custom trees for the staff of Martha Stewart Living magazine, which are also available on the site. Ann Pummel, proprietor of Hometraditions contacted The Decorated Tree and in our conversations, we arrived at the idea that I could design a tree for them. I know all about decorating, but this was a first for me in thinking about an undecorated tree. For sure, I immediately knew I wanted a slender tree with a long trunk that would fit into a small space. I dubbed the tree "The Decorated Tree's Alpine Feather Tree." It was an amazing opportunity to have something made that I would like to see on the market. Now it is a reality—a dream come true—thanks to an amazing collaborationd between Ann Pummel, Dennis Bauer and I. Please place your orders early, as each tree is handcrafted individually by Dennis. Even though it's only September, the holiday season is closer than you think!

TAGGED AND READY | Your tree will arrive with this tag tied to its branches. You can see and order both versions here, available in your choice of two trunk colors. Whitewashing the trunk with thinned milk paint (instructions on the Hometraditions site) gives it a snowy effect. Order both versions here.

THE DECORATED VERSION of the slim profile tree at the top of this post will be featured in Matthew Mead's Christmas All Through the House. I can't reveal much about it until his publication hits the market, but let's just say the tree is transformed into a bright and modern take on an old tradition. I'm very excited about the unveiling of the final results in the magazine. A lot of collaboration between Matthew and I went into developing a plan for the overall color scheme and some of the details included in the story in which it is included.

YOU'LL HEAR MORE about Matthew's magazine/bookazine (two versions) on this site when it becomes available sometime in mid-to-late October on newsstands everywhere and on Amazon.com—so save the date! Right now Matthew has an amazing Halloween Spooktacular publication for sale. You'll also be able to check back on Matthew's site when it shifts gear as each holiday issue is published.

THE DECORATED TREE would also love to see how you decorate your tree purchased from Hometraditions. I plan to have my first decorating contest involving readers of this blog! Join me in the excitement of creating meaningful holiday decor for every season!

©2013 DARRYL MOLAND | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

tree design, photography and styling by Darryl Moland
handcrafted tree by Dennis Bauer
 for Hometraditions.com