Yes, styrofoam tree shaped topiaryand spraypainted it gold. I bought a few when Frank's garden shoppes went out of business in NJ. I used glass balls (that had wires attached which I detatched) and hot glued them on. I also used some plastic garland to break up the balls. I put the garland on first, but I would suggest putting the garland on as you need it, this way you can adjust for the width of the rows of balls. Keep the balls tight together to avoid empty spaces. I spray painted a terra cotta planter and I made the wire bow myself. The whole thing probably took about 8 hours. Easy but time consuming due to each ball having to dry before you could continue. And the tree was constantly on its side in my hand. I would suggest plastic or unbreakable balls if you can find small ones for obvious reasons. (I have extras that I'll include in the gift) Thanks all!! Pam p.s. I also made some totems this summer that I'll have to get some pics of. I lurk around here alot, but will definitely try to participate more!!

......sorry, just trying to move this down the list since no response for so long.

Party...sorry you saw your tree skirts for less than you paid... I have to say, that whenever I've gone there after a holiday, they kept reducing items lower and lower each time I went.. I did buy a tree skirt - a white aplilique one, that was originally $9.99, for $1.99 and earlier in the week it was $4.99 and was Glad I didn't buy it then. I have to say though, even if you don't get prices as low as the store, you'll probably have better luck finding it online than in the store ...which is hit or miss after a holiday. Ladies ..have faith that one will be opening near you. If you have a BB&BY....most likely a CTS will soon follow! jane

Punk, for your Coolpix camera, you can go to Walmart, they sell a little "table top" tripod (very inexpensive. It's usually only 6-8 inches tall when the legs are not telescoped out, and maybe 20" high when the legs are fully extended (depends on the brand you get). Anyhoo, you just place it on the table top, dining table, coffee table..whatever is there that is sturdy and attach your camera and compose your shot then depress the button or use your self timer. It is great for traveling when you want a shot of you and your partner and want to be in the pic, but don't have anyone to take your photo, just place it on the table or maybe on the ledge of a short brick wall etc, what ever will give you the height you need and then set the timer and shoot away. I use my tripod for almost all of my tablesetting, anything indoors because of the low lighting and for the ease in setting up my shot, I just look thru the lens, and run back and forth tweeking my "look" until I like what I see. It gives me much more percentage of shots that I like. It beats handholding the camera, putting it down to tweak only to try to figure out exactly where you were standing before AND of course very importantly keeping the objects of your desire in focus. Oaky, if you are using a telephoto/zoom, you will especially need to use a tripod in low light situations, pull that baby out and learn to love it LOL