My Nutcracker tree...

Could you hear my big sigh? I am so pleased today as I can share a major UFO that I finished this week. In December, I showed you a sweet little pink feather tree that I found on eBay. I had an idea for it as soon as I saw it online. Excitedly, I ordered the tree and waited for it to arrive. Here is the result of my idea...a Nutcracker tree...

*Click on the photos to enlarge them*


The first step was done back in December when I took a bowl of (fake) snow from my Christmas village and some spray glue outside to give the tree a snowy look. What a mess that makes. I can still see fake snow in our garden. *grins*

I have always loved this magical Christmas story which had been turned into a ballet that is every child's holiday fantasy. The music seems to transport me into the living room of the Stahlbaum house on Christmas eve. I watch with goose pimples as the Christmas tree grows and am transported to that enchanted forest where snowflakes dance and sweets come to life to entertain us.

But look! Here is Clara's godfather Drosselmeyer with a very special gift for her this Christmas eve. A nutcracker!

Clara is thrilled with her new toy.

Oh no! Who is this? The Mouse King has come come to fight the Nutcracker.

But the Nutcracker Prince still reigns. The Mouse King is defeated and the Prince takes Clara off to the Land of Sweets...

I filled my tree with sweets made of wool felt. It has been great fun coming up with various ideas for candy. What Christmas could be complete without ribbon candy. This beautiful decorative candy is a joy to see and I can remember my mother having it in a bowl on the table during the holidays.

Jos asked if I was going to make Dutch 'spekjes' which are a marshmallow candy here in Holland. I made them especially for him.

Care for a little raspberry ice cream cone? I have pistachio too if you prefer?

Or perhaps you would rather have a peppermint twist?

Wrapped candy gives you a surprise as to what is inside...

Taffy rolls are almost too pretty to eat!

I hope you enjoyed visiting my Land of Sweets. I will be keeping this tree out year round in my quilt studio to enjoy being a child each time I see it!