Beanie Baby Tree

When Collin was born, I had this great idea for his jungle-themed room: A Beanie Baby Tree! I was an avid Beanie Baby collector back in the day and have quite a few. They were sitting on his dresser in a big clump. That is when I decided something had to be done with them.
My mom made us a pole for our stuffed animals when we were young so I with a different take on that idea, I came up with this one!
I would of course like to be the only person to have one of these since it's so unique, but I get so many compliments on it that I thought I would share it with everyone. It is really cheap to make. I think the most expensive part was the pipe itself. I made the whole thing for under $35!!
Here is a quick 'How To':
Things you will need: These things can all be found at Lowe's or Home Depot besides the plants

*Large diameter ribbed PVC piped (measure floor to ceiling, allowing 3 inches or so for palm fronds/foliage) The ribs make it look like a palm tree. You can use smooth as well.
*Hooks to hang animals from
*Brown spray paint
*Drill with small bit
*Artificial plant styrofoam cube to fit in pipe at top
*Artificial plant leaves, palm fronds, etc

1. Drill holes in PVC pipe however far apart you want them. I believe we did 6 rows of ten.

2. After you drill holes how you want them, it's time to spray paint!! Take it outside and paint it with 2 coats!

3. After the pain is dry, bring it in and insert your hooks. Make sure they are all facing upward as to hang animals from.

4. Insert styrofoam cube into top of tree. It should fit tightly so it doesn't slide down the pipe when you stick the plants in it. I would push it down 4 inches or so.

5. Insert plant stems into cube. Stand tree up where you are going to put it. If your tree does not stand on it's own or if you cut it a little too short for it to wedge between floor and ceiling, you can secure a hook and eye to the back of the tree and the wall to allow it to stand. My tree was a little too short for our new house so the tree stands on an old book we don't read and I bought brown fabric and messy put it around base so it looks like dirt. So cute!!
6. Arrange the leaves/palm fronds the way you like them AFTER you stand it up and get it in place. I even bought a piece of artificial ivy to wrap around top under palm fronds and put the Beanie Baby Parrot in it!
NOTE: The Christmas lights are part of his room, not a part of the tree. : )


The hooks for the animals

The Beanies

The top with the palm fronds. The first leaves I had were from the dollar store. Then I found the Palm Fronds at World Market just a month ago. I was so excited!

The finished product!! Fun stuff!