Helloo!! I just got this from my Mum, and this is very good information for women, and anyone who lives with a woman.... or knows a woman (okay, it;s good information for everyone...!) There are quite a few medical situations where there is a lot of information for men, and how men react or show signs of certain medical conditions, but sometimes not so much info about some medical situations for women. Please pass this along, too, so we can all share this information, which may save the lives of many, many women. (I didn't write this, but I looove nurses, and they're a great source of information :)
Long Live The Ladies!!
NURSE'S HEART ATTACK EXPERIENCE
I am an ER nurse and this is the best description of this event that I have ever heard. Please read, pay attention, and send it on!
FEMALE HEART ATTACKS
I was aware that female heart attacks are different, but this is the best description I've ever read.
Women and heart attacks (Myocardial infarction). Did you know that women rarely have the same dramatic symptoms that men have when experiencing heart attack.. you know, the sudden stabbing pain in the chest, the cold sweat, grabbing the chest & dropping to the floor that we see in the movies. Here is the story of one woman's experience with a heart attack.
'I had a heart attack at about 10:30 PM with NO prior exertion, NO prior emotional trauma that one would suspect might have brought it on. I was sitting all snugly & warm on a cold evening, with my purring cat in my lap, reading an interesting story my friend had sent me, and actually thinking, 'A-A-h, this is the life, all cozy and warm in my soft, cushy Lazy Boy with my feet propped up.
A moment later, I felt that awful sensation of indigestion, when you've been in a hurry and grabbed a bite of sandwich and washed it down with a dash of water, and that hurried bite seems to feel like you've swallowed a golf ball going down the esophagus in slow motion and it is most uncomfortable. You realize you shouldn't have gulped it down so fast and needed to chew it more thoroughly and this time drink a glass of water to hasten its progress down to the stomach. This was my initial sensation--the only trouble was that I hadn't taken a bite of anything since about 5:00 p.m.
After it seemed to subside, the next sensation was like little squeezing motions that seemed to be racing up my SPINE (hind-sight, it was probably my aorta spasms), gaining speed as they continued racing up and under my sternum (breast bone, where one presses rhythmically when administering CPR).
This fascinating process continued on into my throat and branched out into both jaws. 'AHA!! NOW I stopped puzzling about what was happening -- we all have read and/or heard about pain in the jaws being one of the signals of an MI happening, haven't we? I said aloud to myself and the cat, Dear God, I think I'm having a heart attack!
I lowered the foot rest dumping the cat from my lap, started to take a step and fell on the floor instead. I thought to myself, If this is a heart attack, I shouldn't be walking into the next room where the phone is or anywhere else... but, on the other hand, if I don't, nobody will know that I need help, and if I wait any longer I may not be able to get up in a moment.
I pulled myself up with the arms of the chair, walked slowly into the next room and dialed the Paramedics... I told her I thought I was having a heart attack due to the pressure building under the sternum and radiating into my jaws. I didn't feel hysterical or afraid, just stating the facts. She said she was sending the Paramedics over immediately, asked if the front door was near to me, and if so, to un-bolt the door and then lie down on the floor where they could see me when they came in.
I unlocked the door and then laid down on the floor as instructed and lost consciousness, as I don't remember the medics coming in, their examination, lifting me onto a gurney or getting me into their ambulance, or hearing the call they made to St. Jude ER on the way, but I did briefly awaken when we arrived and saw that the radiologist was already there in his surgical blues and cap, helping the medics pull my stretcher out of the ambulance. He was bending over me asking questions (probably something like 'Have you taken any medications?') but I couldn't make my mind interpret what he was saying, or form an answer, and nodded off again, not waking up until the Cardiologist and partner had already threaded the teeny angiogram balloon up my femoral artery into the aorta and into my heart where they installed 2 side by side stints to hold open my right coronary artery.
I know it sounds like all my thinking and actions at home must have taken at least 20-30 minutes before calling the paramedics, but actually it took perhaps 4-5 minutes before the call, and both the fire station and St Jude are only minutes away from my home, and my Cardiologist was already to go to the OR in his scrubs and get going on restarting my heart (which had stopped somewhere between my arrival and the procedure) and installing the stints.
Why have I written all of this to you with so much detail? Because I want all of you who are so important in my life to know what I learned first hand.
1. Be aware that something very different is happening in your body, not the usual men's symptoms but inexplicable things happening (until my sternum and jaws got into the act). It is said that many more women than men die of their first (and last) MI because they didn't know they were having one and commonly mistake it as indigestion, take some Maalox or other anti-heartburn preparation and go to bed, hoping they'll feel better in the morning when they wake up... which doesn't happen. My female friends, your symptoms might not be exactly like mine, so I advise you to call the Paramedics if ANYTHING is unpleasantly happening that you've not felt before. It is better to have a 'false alarm' visitation than to risk your life guessing what it might be!
2. Note that I said 'Call the Paramedics.' And if you can take an aspirin. Ladies, TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!
Do NOT try to drive yourself to the ER - you are a hazard to others on the road.
Do NOT have your panicked husband who will be speeding and looking anxiously at what's happening with you instead of the road.
Do NOT call your doctor -- he doesn't know where you live and if it's at night you won't reach him anyway, and if it's daytime, his assistants (or answering service) will tell you to call the Paramedics. He doesn't carry the equipment in his car that you need to be saved! The Paramedics do, principally OXYGEN that you need ASAP. Your Dr will be notified later.
3. Don't assume it couldn't be a heart attack because you have a normal cholesterol count. Research has discovered that a cholesterol elevated reading is rarely the cause of an MI (unless it's unbelievably high and/or accompanied by high blood pressure). MIs are usually caused by long-term stress and inflammation in the body, which dumps all sorts of deadly hormones into your system to sludge things up in there. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know the better chance we could survive.
A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this mail sends it to 10 people, you can be sure that we'll save at least one life.
*Please be a true friend and send this article to all your friends (male & female) who you care about!*
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011
Wait, Don't Throw Out Those Leftover Cranberries or Leftover Turkey... or Pineapple! #Leftovers
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What to Do With Your Leftover Cranberries - or Pineapple!
Hahaha! Nooo, don't throw out your leftover cranberries or pineapple, just yet... you can make a lovely Cranberry Bread, or my new favorite, Cranberry Pineapple Pie.... dang, I don't have pictures of the Pineapple Pie, on account o' I was gonna make it, yesterday, but I accidentally bought FIVE pies... ugh, what was I thinking??? They looked sooooo good in the store! lol! Now they're all in the fridge... I baked the blueberry pie and the apple pie, (the secret to making a store-bought fruit pie more 'home-made' is to liberally sprinkle the top with sugar before you pop it in the oven...), and had one piece, last night, only because there it was, all uneaten, 'n all, and I had already baked them, so felt obligated to at least have one piece.... and then, this morning, I had one piece of the lemon pie... well, most of it... I think I would like it better frozen... when there's room in the freezer, I'll pop it in there, will be more like an ice cream dessert, and then I won't feel any pressure to eat it... it's funny, everything appeals to us in the store, then by the time we get home, the appeal is gone (odd, I've had some marriages like that, too! hahahahahahaha! Okay, some dates, too.... hahaha! Otay, you got me, those jokes are just for me, and, yes, I am laughing pretty hard, sitting here at the computer!! hahahaha! Happier to be Single on the Holiday of Stress, than with a crazy screamer or nutjob... no matter how good their hair is! hahaha! Oh, man... so silly!
Soooo, if you don't want to waste your leftover cranberries (or whole cans of cranberries... or if you see them on a great Boxing Day or After-Christmas Sale, and canny resist stocking up..), and you're not all pie-d out, like me, you can easily make a lovely pie with your cranberries and pineapple...
Cranberry Pineapple Pear Pie... the pears are optional, but pretty! lol!
Use the Easy Schmeasy Pie Crust... low in fat and very good for a low cholesterol diet, or anyone who wants a healthier version of a pie that tastes deeelicious!)
Yes, this is the beginning of your Super-Easy Pie Crust! Look ma, no Lard!
Easy Schmeasy Pie Crust: This is the easiest pie crust, ever -- make it right in the pie plate, no rolling, just mix and press with your fingers.... and it's excellent for a low cholesterol diet... very low in fat and sugar, so great for diabetics, too... I love it because it's fast and easy (much like myself! An old joke, but a good one! lol!), delicious, and no lard -- ick!! The trick is to mix the milk with the oil -- I just shake it in a jar, or put the milk and oil in a glass, cover with plastic wrap, shake shake shake! Fun to make with the kids, too!http://buildyourownhousebodylife.blogspot.com/2010/10/easy-schmeasy-pie-crust.html
1 can cranberries, or whatever you have left of your cranberries
1 can crushed pineapple, slightly drained (okay to leave some liquid)
1or 2 tsp of Vanilla (really, I always put in extra Vanilla -- I loove it! lol!)
1 cup sugar
(Oh, if you don't have pineapple, try using a cup of raisins... will taste like Cherry Pie... no kidding! Cranberries + Raisins = Cherry! Little trick of nature, right there! lol!)
Put in a large microwave bowl, and microwave for about 5 minutes... just to heat it up, melt the sugar, you know...
Stir together:
1 or 2 tbsp Cinnamon (because cinnamon is very good for you... moderates your blood sugar 'n whatnot :)
Dash of Salt
3 tbsp of flour (or corn starch)
Stir the dry ingredients into the cranberry/pineapple mixture, then pour into the pie shell.
If you happen to have pears, (pear halves, but but if you have pear slices, just arrange them neatly in a circle, unless you prefer a more relaxed look! lol!), arrange them in a circle... looks pretty :)
I like a Crumb Topping for pies, partly because it's waaay easier, but also because it's considerably less pie crust, so a healthier pie... the other day, when I was making shortbread, it occurred to me to reserve some of the shortbread dough (I wrap it in 'shortbread logs' in plastic wrap, leave in the fridge for whenever I might have a shortbread shortage! hahaha! Like I would ever have a shortbread shortage! hahaha! Seems like I make it every other day, these days!) Anyway... take a little of the shortbread dough and add more icing sugar/flour to make it lightly crumbly, then sprinkle that on the pie. You can do just an inch around the edge, then a section in the middle, or roll out the shortbread dough and cut shapes to place on top of the pie... or you can use my regular Crumb Topping... will have to get the link for you... it's the topping I put on the Peach Pie, which is craaazy delicious...
You technically don't need any pie crust for this pie, since it looks really pretty with the pears arranged around the top, so it's just a matter of personal choice...
Bake at 350 for aboout 45 minutes... the usual. Let cool... enjoy!
OR, you could put the leftover cranberries in Cranberry Bread... just like the Banana Bread, only you use Cranberries, instead. I generally use the whole can of Cranberries, especially if I've found them on sale, somewhere... this is really lovely bread, and you can make it like a coffee cake in a square 8" X 8" pan, or in a 9" X 13" pan (will take very little time to cook in a larger pan), or you can make it in a loaf pan...
Go ahead and throw in the pineapple, if you have it, and some nuts, if you like them.... chocolate chips are great, too, since chocolate cranberry is a great combo, right? (Also, Cranberry/Vodka! lol!)
I'll get the link and put it up for you... :)
http://buildyourownhousebodylife.blogspot.com/2011/12/perfect-banana-bread-every-time-banana.html
Easy and Delicious Banana Bread
(adapted for Cranberry Bread : )
Stir together in a large bowl:
1 1/2 cups of Flour
1 cup Sugar
1 tsp. Baking Soda
2 tbsp. Cinnamon
1 can Cranberries
1 Egg
1 tsp. Vanilla
1/3 cup melted margarine (melt 30 seconds in the microwave)
If you have some nuts, raisins, and/or chocolate, toss them in, too... will be delicious! : )
Oh, don't forget to Sprinkle the Cranberry Bread with LOTS of sugar (well, not a craaazy amount of sugar, but a good liberal sprinkling will give any Fruit Bread a nice crispy crust... you'll love it!), to give it a really nice finish.. will be waaay more delicious, and if you are going for more of a 'Coffee Cake', add the Crumb Topping, and that will be absolutely lovely, too : )
Bake at 350 Degrees F. for 15 - 45 minutes, depending on pan size you use (remember to grease the pan, and/or use parchment paper so it won't burn or stick to the pan... : )
Creamy Delicious Peach Pie (the Crumb Topping is on this Peach Pie...!)
Leftover Turkey: Oh, and just in case you still have some turkey in your fridge, have you had it with a yummy Campbell's Mushroom Soup 'Gravy' (just heat up the soup plus a wee bit of milk!), delicious with potatoes (also left over?? lol!), rice or pasta - yummy, one way or another!
And then there's always my favourite, favourite toasted turkey sandwiches! Add in any leftover Stuffing - yum! Simple and delicious! lol!
Fantastic Deals on All SORTS of Lovely Things, Just for You!
What to Do With Your Leftover Cranberries - or Pineapple!
Hahaha! Nooo, don't throw out your leftover cranberries or pineapple, just yet... you can make a lovely Cranberry Bread, or my new favorite, Cranberry Pineapple Pie.... dang, I don't have pictures of the Pineapple Pie, on account o' I was gonna make it, yesterday, but I accidentally bought FIVE pies... ugh, what was I thinking??? They looked sooooo good in the store! lol! Now they're all in the fridge... I baked the blueberry pie and the apple pie, (the secret to making a store-bought fruit pie more 'home-made' is to liberally sprinkle the top with sugar before you pop it in the oven...), and had one piece, last night, only because there it was, all uneaten, 'n all, and I had already baked them, so felt obligated to at least have one piece.... and then, this morning, I had one piece of the lemon pie... well, most of it... I think I would like it better frozen... when there's room in the freezer, I'll pop it in there, will be more like an ice cream dessert, and then I won't feel any pressure to eat it... it's funny, everything appeals to us in the store, then by the time we get home, the appeal is gone (odd, I've had some marriages like that, too! hahahahahahaha! Okay, some dates, too.... hahaha! Otay, you got me, those jokes are just for me, and, yes, I am laughing pretty hard, sitting here at the computer!! hahahaha! Happier to be Single on the Holiday of Stress, than with a crazy screamer or nutjob... no matter how good their hair is! hahaha! Oh, man... so silly!
Soooo, if you don't want to waste your leftover cranberries (or whole cans of cranberries... or if you see them on a great Boxing Day or After-Christmas Sale, and canny resist stocking up..), and you're not all pie-d out, like me, you can easily make a lovely pie with your cranberries and pineapple...
Cranberry Pineapple Pear Pie... the pears are optional, but pretty! lol!
Use the Easy Schmeasy Pie Crust... low in fat and very good for a low cholesterol diet, or anyone who wants a healthier version of a pie that tastes deeelicious!)
Yes, this is the beginning of your Super-Easy Pie Crust! Look ma, no Lard! Easy Schmeasy Pie Crust: This is the easiest pie crust, ever -- make it right in the pie plate, no rolling, just mix and press with your fingers.... and it's excellent for a low cholesterol diet... very low in fat and sugar, so great for diabetics, too... I love it because it's fast and easy (much like myself! An old joke, but a good one! lol!), delicious, and no lard -- ick!! The trick is to mix the milk with the oil -- I just shake it in a jar, or put the milk and oil in a glass, cover with plastic wrap, shake shake shake! Fun to make with the kids, too!http://buildyourownhousebodylife.blogspot.com/2010/10/easy-schmeasy-pie-crust.html
1 can cranberries, or whatever you have left of your cranberries
1 can crushed pineapple, slightly drained (okay to leave some liquid)
1or 2 tsp of Vanilla (really, I always put in extra Vanilla -- I loove it! lol!)
1 cup sugar
(Oh, if you don't have pineapple, try using a cup of raisins... will taste like Cherry Pie... no kidding! Cranberries + Raisins = Cherry! Little trick of nature, right there! lol!)
Put in a large microwave bowl, and microwave for about 5 minutes... just to heat it up, melt the sugar, you know...
Stir together:
1 or 2 tbsp Cinnamon (because cinnamon is very good for you... moderates your blood sugar 'n whatnot :)
Dash of Salt
3 tbsp of flour (or corn starch)
Stir the dry ingredients into the cranberry/pineapple mixture, then pour into the pie shell.
If you happen to have pears, (pear halves, but but if you have pear slices, just arrange them neatly in a circle, unless you prefer a more relaxed look! lol!), arrange them in a circle... looks pretty :)
I like a Crumb Topping for pies, partly because it's waaay easier, but also because it's considerably less pie crust, so a healthier pie... the other day, when I was making shortbread, it occurred to me to reserve some of the shortbread dough (I wrap it in 'shortbread logs' in plastic wrap, leave in the fridge for whenever I might have a shortbread shortage! hahaha! Like I would ever have a shortbread shortage! hahaha! Seems like I make it every other day, these days!) Anyway... take a little of the shortbread dough and add more icing sugar/flour to make it lightly crumbly, then sprinkle that on the pie. You can do just an inch around the edge, then a section in the middle, or roll out the shortbread dough and cut shapes to place on top of the pie... or you can use my regular Crumb Topping... will have to get the link for you... it's the topping I put on the Peach Pie, which is craaazy delicious...
You technically don't need any pie crust for this pie, since it looks really pretty with the pears arranged around the top, so it's just a matter of personal choice...
Bake at 350 for aboout 45 minutes... the usual. Let cool... enjoy!
 |
| Yum!! This Cranberry Pineapple Walnut (okay, and chocolate! lol!) Bread was delicious -- I say 'was', because it goes really quickly, is soo yummy! And healthy, too! |
OR, you could put the leftover cranberries in Cranberry Bread... just like the Banana Bread, only you use Cranberries, instead. I generally use the whole can of Cranberries, especially if I've found them on sale, somewhere... this is really lovely bread, and you can make it like a coffee cake in a square 8" X 8" pan, or in a 9" X 13" pan (will take very little time to cook in a larger pan), or you can make it in a loaf pan...
Go ahead and throw in the pineapple, if you have it, and some nuts, if you like them.... chocolate chips are great, too, since chocolate cranberry is a great combo, right? (Also, Cranberry/Vodka! lol!)
I'll get the link and put it up for you... :)
Banana Bread Made Easy :) |
 |
| Everything you need for delicious Fruit Bread :) |
(adapted for Cranberry Bread : )
Stir together in a large bowl:
1 1/2 cups of Flour
1 cup Sugar
1 tsp. Baking Soda
2 tbsp. Cinnamon
1 can Cranberries
1 Egg
1 tsp. Vanilla
1/3 cup melted margarine (melt 30 seconds in the microwave)
If you have some nuts, raisins, and/or chocolate, toss them in, too... will be delicious! : )
Oh, don't forget to Sprinkle the Cranberry Bread with LOTS of sugar (well, not a craaazy amount of sugar, but a good liberal sprinkling will give any Fruit Bread a nice crispy crust... you'll love it!), to give it a really nice finish.. will be waaay more delicious, and if you are going for more of a 'Coffee Cake', add the Crumb Topping, and that will be absolutely lovely, too : )
Bake at 350 Degrees F. for 15 - 45 minutes, depending on pan size you use (remember to grease the pan, and/or use parchment paper so it won't burn or stick to the pan... : )
Leftover Turkey: Oh, and just in case you still have some turkey in your fridge, have you had it with a yummy Campbell's Mushroom Soup 'Gravy' (just heat up the soup plus a wee bit of milk!), delicious with potatoes (also left over?? lol!), rice or pasta - yummy, one way or another!
And then there's always my favourite, favourite toasted turkey sandwiches! Add in any leftover Stuffing - yum! Simple and delicious! lol!
Fantastic Deals on All SORTS of Lovely Things, Just for You!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Beautiful Wire Tree Sculptures You Can Make at Home : > #DIY #ArtsAndCrafts #CraftProjects #Crafts
All Sorts of Fantastic Deals for You!
Hello!! So here's my favourite thing to make, these days... I just looove making these lovely Wire Tree Sculptures. They're so pretty, and very therapeutic : ) lol! They're gorgeous around your own house, and they make great gifts, too!
I used to make these with my wonderful Special Ed Students in California, whom I miss very, very much, and they loved making them, too. I had a lesson plan, all very fancy, for the Tree Sculptures, but I couldn't find it in my files... will have to look through my other computer to see if I can find it for all the teachers out there in 'Netland (the internet! lol!), in case you'd like to try this with your own students. Children can easily make these trees with a little bit of adult help. I love the idea of children getting comfortable using real tools. In the States, you can easily find the wire at Home Depot... I used to find it at Home Depot, back by the bathrooms, in giant rolls, about $20 a roll... was a great price! Will swing by Home Depot next time I'm in the States, to pick up a serious supply of wire! lol!
I like to use 20 Gage Wire, but if you can find 18 gauge wire, all the better, especially if you are planning to use the Wire Tree Sculpture as a Jewelry Tree, which I happen to love! : )
You will need:
15 - 10" wire pieces
15 - 15" wire pieces
15 - 20" wire pieces
1 - 24" piece of wire
You can add really long pieces of wire if you want a very tall tree... : )
Any Base you like... small mirrors (get them at the Dollar Store :), small tiles from the hardware store, driftwood, if you happen to live where you could find some (!), a larger rock, or beautiful larger gem stone (I have large pieces of Amethyst and Quartz... would look gorgeous... be creative, and you just need school glue, or a hot glue gun (I use school glue, because I am a teacher! lol!)
Gems or Beads
Silk Plants, Greenery, anything that looks pretty hanging on a Tree Sculpture! : )
Needlenose Pliers (they have a sharp bit at the base for cutting the wire, and use the pliers to shape the wire, especially for doing the small loop at the end of the wires if you're gluing the gems on them... :)
You know what I just remembered? When I was making these Tree Sculptures with my students, we used to push the tree 'roots' into flower pots filled with gravel, then put pretty tumbled rocks (we got them at Michael's), and we used to decorate the flower pots... lightly cover the whole flower pot with glue, then sprinkle with glitter... the tiny, really fine glitter, was the prettiest. We also put the trees in vases in different colors, then would match the vase color to the beads and silk plants we would add to them... really, the Tree Sculptures evolved into masterpieces, and amazed everybody... man, do I miss my lovely students!
This is a great exercise to teach measurement, and the kids love this... and so do their parents if you happen to be making this for gifts or to sell with your class, if they are learning how to start a small business (a great thing that every student should learn before they leave high school, so they'll always have something to fall back on, right??).
Carefully cut the wire pieces. Set aside 3 groups of 15 pieces. For smaller Tree Sculptures, use 10 pieces in each pile.
Arrange in a 'clump', like you are putting together a flower arrangement. Tap the bottom of the wire bunch on the table to make them even.
Cut one piece of wire about 24". Very carefully, wind the 24" wire around the base of the wire bunch, about 4" up from the bottom. Wrap this 24" piece of wire as tightly as you can, keeping it tight against the wires. You can squish the end bits of the wire with your pliers, to make it safe. (This is definitely an adult job... too hard for little fingers :)
If you want to put the loose 'gems' on the tree, it's easier if you turn a small loop at the top of each wire with your pliers before you put the tree into a bundle. (I had to learn that the hard way! lol!)
If you are putting beads on the end of each wire, you can easily bundle the wire, first, then glue them on, later, unless you are using very tiny beads in a pattern, then you can do it either way. Whatever works for you : )
Carefully pull each of the base of the wires out to form the 'roots'. I like to bend each one into 'waves... looks more like Tree Roots!
Then you're going to take your time, and wave each of the wires -- the wire will bend easily to your will... sorry, couldn't resist that last line... it might be the only thing that easily bends to your will! hahahaha! Not sure why that makes me laugh so much! lol!. If you are lucky enough to find the giant roll of wire at Home Depot (or any other construction store!), the wire may be cut very smoothly, so it will look like a perfect curve. If you work really carefully, you can maintain the curve, and this looks amazing, too :)
Just be as creative as you want to be -- these are gorgeous, and you'll be thrilled with your new creation!
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 |
| Green and Blue Wire Tree Sculpture -- see the little Four Leaf Clover?? |
I used to make these with my wonderful Special Ed Students in California, whom I miss very, very much, and they loved making them, too. I had a lesson plan, all very fancy, for the Tree Sculptures, but I couldn't find it in my files... will have to look through my other computer to see if I can find it for all the teachers out there in 'Netland (the internet! lol!), in case you'd like to try this with your own students. Children can easily make these trees with a little bit of adult help. I love the idea of children getting comfortable using real tools. In the States, you can easily find the wire at Home Depot... I used to find it at Home Depot, back by the bathrooms, in giant rolls, about $20 a roll... was a great price! Will swing by Home Depot next time I'm in the States, to pick up a serious supply of wire! lol!
 |
| My Purple Jewelry Tree |
 |
| Ah, well, I've slightly over-loaded this little Tree !! I'm very, very fond of shiny jewelry! |
You will need:
15 - 10" wire pieces
15 - 15" wire pieces
15 - 20" wire pieces
1 - 24" piece of wire
You can add really long pieces of wire if you want a very tall tree... : )
Any Base you like... small mirrors (get them at the Dollar Store :), small tiles from the hardware store, driftwood, if you happen to live where you could find some (!), a larger rock, or beautiful larger gem stone (I have large pieces of Amethyst and Quartz... would look gorgeous... be creative, and you just need school glue, or a hot glue gun (I use school glue, because I am a teacher! lol!)
Gems or Beads
Silk Plants, Greenery, anything that looks pretty hanging on a Tree Sculpture! : )
Needlenose Pliers (they have a sharp bit at the base for cutting the wire, and use the pliers to shape the wire, especially for doing the small loop at the end of the wires if you're gluing the gems on them... :)
You know what I just remembered? When I was making these Tree Sculptures with my students, we used to push the tree 'roots' into flower pots filled with gravel, then put pretty tumbled rocks (we got them at Michael's), and we used to decorate the flower pots... lightly cover the whole flower pot with glue, then sprinkle with glitter... the tiny, really fine glitter, was the prettiest. We also put the trees in vases in different colors, then would match the vase color to the beads and silk plants we would add to them... really, the Tree Sculptures evolved into masterpieces, and amazed everybody... man, do I miss my lovely students!
This is a great exercise to teach measurement, and the kids love this... and so do their parents if you happen to be making this for gifts or to sell with your class, if they are learning how to start a small business (a great thing that every student should learn before they leave high school, so they'll always have something to fall back on, right??).
Carefully cut the wire pieces. Set aside 3 groups of 15 pieces. For smaller Tree Sculptures, use 10 pieces in each pile.
Arrange in a 'clump', like you are putting together a flower arrangement. Tap the bottom of the wire bunch on the table to make them even.
Cut one piece of wire about 24". Very carefully, wind the 24" wire around the base of the wire bunch, about 4" up from the bottom. Wrap this 24" piece of wire as tightly as you can, keeping it tight against the wires. You can squish the end bits of the wire with your pliers, to make it safe. (This is definitely an adult job... too hard for little fingers :)
If you want to put the loose 'gems' on the tree, it's easier if you turn a small loop at the top of each wire with your pliers before you put the tree into a bundle. (I had to learn that the hard way! lol!)
If you are putting beads on the end of each wire, you can easily bundle the wire, first, then glue them on, later, unless you are using very tiny beads in a pattern, then you can do it either way. Whatever works for you : )
Carefully pull each of the base of the wires out to form the 'roots'. I like to bend each one into 'waves... looks more like Tree Roots!
Then you're going to take your time, and wave each of the wires -- the wire will bend easily to your will... sorry, couldn't resist that last line... it might be the only thing that easily bends to your will! hahahaha! Not sure why that makes me laugh so much! lol!. If you are lucky enough to find the giant roll of wire at Home Depot (or any other construction store!), the wire may be cut very smoothly, so it will look like a perfect curve. If you work really carefully, you can maintain the curve, and this looks amazing, too :)
Just be as creative as you want to be -- these are gorgeous, and you'll be thrilled with your new creation!
 |
| You can add Silk Flowers and hang little ornaments from each wire. |
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| Is this one easier to see? Hope so! |
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See the little lucky 4 leaf Clover in the middle of the tree? Man, I love 4 leaf clovers, and have an odd knack for finding them.. no matter where I am, I look down, and there's a 4 leaf clover! Must be because I love them soo much! lol! But I just cut a small circle out of the plastic packaging the wire came in... in Canada, I have only found my favorite 20 gage wire in very small rolls, 50 feet, maybe, and they come in a small package, I think in the Tools Aisle, at Home Depot, of course! lol! I love Home Depot!! But I just cut the small circle, and glued the 4 green leaf-shaped gems onto that, and when that had dried, I glued it to the wire ... you just make a little loop at the end of the wire with your needlenose pliers, then put the glue on the back of the plastic or 'gem'. You can make this a very, very fancy tree by using actual gems... order them through China, you'll get a better deal (!). I like DHGate, since they are so reliable :) Have fun with your tree!!
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