I have always done a traditional red and gold tree, but this year I was inspired by this soothing Ballard’s photo to go au natural.
I wanted to create a Christmas tree that paid homage to all the trends of 2010, and I wanted to do it for free! Here is the breakdown of how I pulled this off:
And now for the close-ups! I made these mini chalkboards ages ago as garden markers and basket tags. For a complete tutorial on how to make your own, click here. I used a chalkboard pen to write the words. So cute!
My snow-covered pinecone tutorial can be found here.
The gorgeous mercury glass ornaments were a gift from my TJ Maxx/Marshalls trip!
And if you somehow missed it, my wax paper faux capiz shell garland tutorial can be found here and was also featured on Apartment Therapy!
Thanks for letting me share my tree with you again!
….And my brick wall 
!
For more great trees, be sure to visit Sarah! For more great Christmas decor visit Julia!
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I love the balls wrapped in newspaper. Beautiful tree.
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Your tree is so beautiful!! I love all your ornaments and so creative and clever! I love your brick wall too!!! I need one in my home!
Beth, your tree is gorgeous and I love it with the brick wall in the background.
I love how we have such similar trees! Great minds girl, great minds.
Your garland is fab..fab..fab..
Gorgeous! I love it!
Your tree looks very elegant.I love it. Thanks for sharing. JB
What a magnificent tree. So beautiful in its simplicity. Love it!
*sigh* I still love it! Thanks for all the deets!
Oh, my gosh, it's GORgeous, Beth! I think I like your version even better than Ballards with the brick wall behind it. Thanks for joining my party and sharing it with us. Merry Christmas!
Beth I love what you have created! It is absolutely stunning!
Remember to come & enter my $200 Giveaway from Fifi Flowers!
Xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Love that brick wall. Your tree is beautiful. I love the little chalkboards.
Angie
You say Ballard Designs and I'm so there.
Your tree is gorgeous and you did an amazing job with your inspiration photo! The garland looks stunning..truly. It was worth the time. 
This tree is gorgeous! I love it! And that brick wall is TO DIE FOR!
There is just something so warm and inviting about exposed brick inside the home!
What a gorgeous tree! I love the natural style. And I've never seen the faux capiz garland thing but it looks awesome! I love capiz. My treetopper is made out of capiz.
oh i absolutely adore it ALL! the newspaper covered balls, the sea star topper, and the little twine-framed chalkboards are my favorite…AND the gorgeous garland!!
Gorg, Beth!! Seriously. It's be-a-utiful!! I'm thinking I want a second tree for next year…one a little more decor oriented. You've inspired me. I'll shop this year after Christmas, I think.
What a gorgeous tree! It's all so pretty and clever.
Wow! Simply beautiful! You have inspired me. Normally I go for the traditional red and green in a pier one style but this is gorgeous and looks like it can be done on a budget. It will have to wait until next year, we dont have a tree this year, movers come to pack us up and move us to Alaska on Tuesday…eek! Just means I have plently of time to make gorgeous ornaments and garland for next year
I like the simplicity of it, Beth! It does remind me of Ballard's! I kept mine fairly simple, as well, in comparison to some, but I like it this way. I'll have to post mine later as I forgot to take the pictures off the card last night!
Your tree is fabulous! Love the starfish on top and the chalkboard ornaments! I have some leftover chalkboard tags and may have to steal that look!
Jeanine
Your tree looks really lovely! You chose all the right little details – perfect finishing touches!
Enjoy the holidays with your pretty tree
Cheers
Emily
It's really lovely, Beth. Restful and soothing but still festive. Makes me want to curl up with a cup of cocoa and read a good Christmas book.
I love the garland made out of wax paper!
Beth it came out great. I did a post last week and that same tree was my inspiration this year (great minds think alike)lol I love your handmade ornaments and that fabulous garland I didnt do garland just the birds,pine cones and shimmery ornaments. Great Job! Gotta love Ballard!
I love the all natural tree! I think the birds nests and pinecones are my favorite touches on it!
Beautiful!! Love the garland.
I love the natural look of your tree. It's just beautiful!!!
amazing! I love it. Not traditional Christmas yet screams Christmas to me
My favorites are the wax paper garland and the mini chalkboards!! WOW!
That is just beautiful and prettier than the Ballard one! I know you love to look at it all lit up at night! Gorgeous!
Beautiful tree!
Simply beautiful! I love that garland… the perfect touch for your theme.
Literally one of THE prettiest Christmas trees I've EVER seen. I'm head over heels in love with it!!! Thanks for sharing it with us Beth!
Lay
I love the starfish clipped on with curtain rings. I'm doing one of my trees with starfish and was wondering how to hang them. Thanks for the tip!
Lovely tree!
Merry Christmas
Patty
nuestrasaventurasentexas.com
You did a great job of making a lovely, inexpensive, beautiful tree. I'm so impressed. and the wax paper garland is brilliant!! Merry Christmas!
Gorgeous tree! (:
um, the wax paper garland is genius! genius! looks sooo beautiful and that tree! amazing!!
I LOVE your chalkboard signs!! What a great way to list the blessings of the year for all to see
Absolutely STUNNING! And featured on Apartment Therapy! You. Go. Giril!