🌲 The Inspiration for a Bejeweled DIY Christmas Project

Last November, my S.O. took me to the Greenbrier Resort in Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Known as America’s Resort, the Greenbrier sits nestled in the Allegheny Mountains and has welcomed guests since 1778. Its reputation as a five‑star destination is matched by its timeless elegance—lavish ballrooms, sweeping verandas, and Dorothy Draper’s iconic interior design that bursts with bold colors and patterns. Walking through its halls feels like stepping into a living museum of American hospitality, where presidents, royalty, and celebrities have all stayed. There is even a Hallmark-style movie set at the Greenbrier called “Christmas at the Greenbrier” that you can watch in their theater or rent when you get home. The resort offers a daily calendar of events reminiscent of Dirty Dancing, with music, singing, classes, excursions, and fine dining that make every moment feel curated. Beyond its beauty, the Greenbrier holds a fascinating secret: beneath its grounds lies a massive Cold War bunker built to shelter the U.S. Congress in case of emergency. Touring the bunker, hearing the story of its construction, and imagining the secrecy surrounding it added a layer of awe to the experience. And of course, during the holiday season, the resort is meticulously decorated—towering Christmas trees, sparkling lights, and festive displays that transform the entire property into a winter wonderland.

On our way there, we stopped in some of the quaint little towns nearby, where I noticed sparkling picture frames with bejeweled Christmas trees set inside. They were stunning, but the price tags made me pause—not because they weren’t worth it, but because I thought, I can make that myself. I have always thought of myself as a Martha Stewart (minus the jail time). After our incredible weekend, I set out to recreate these little works of art. I picked up inexpensive holiday frames from a craft store, ordered a bulk lot of junk jewelry online, and gathered decorative paper and glue. With my daughter and S.O. at the table beside me, we cut the paper to size, removed the hardware from the jewelry, and began arranging the pieces freehand into the shape of a Christmas tree. Overlapping the jewelry gave the design depth and sparkle, and once we were satisfied, we glued everything in place. It felt like decorating a gingerbread house—layered, playful, and full of laughter. After drying overnight, the jeweled frames became dazzling decorations, heartfelt gifts, and even embellishments for wrapped presents. More than anything, the joy of creating them together turned this DIY project into a cherished holiday memory.