As I mentioned with my recent pumpkin post, it’s kind of been a struggle to stay motivated creatively (let alone inspired to blog!). However, despite all the continued craziness that is our world right now, I feel like it’s important to not forget traditions. So, I was determined to continue my own annual tradition of doing a fun theme for my tree.
The first thing that jumped out at me was seeing the Fall / Winter 2021 campaign imagery for Anna Sui. I’ve always been a fan of Anna Sui’s work, especially how she always stays true to her aesthetic. There was something I found so magical about the Fall 21 campaign, with the stars and the fun colors. I thought it could be so fun to try to translate that into a tree theme.
Seeing it then got me thinking about the iconic artist, Peter Max, and all of his groovy illustrations.
Which then got me randomly remembering Interplanet Janet. If you are not familiar with Interplanet Janet, then you’re either too old or too young, lol. When I was a kid, I grew up watching SchoolHouse Rock cartoons that would come on in between the Saturday Morning cartoons. They were fun educational cartoons that taught kids about all sorts of topics, from science to politics, and even basic grammar (this was another favorite one.) They always did it through a fun and catchy song, and Interplanet Janet was one that is forever burned into my head. See below:
The nostalgia of Interplanet Janet sold me that this was what I needed for this year’s tree. So, I set about creating and finding decorations to fit the theme: Interplanet Cosmic Christmas!
I made the “Saturn” planet ornaments using iridescent balls and cut some rings out of glittery craft foam.
I also tried playing around with some air-dry clay to create some Peter Max-inspired clouds. It was a welcome feeling to play around with cookie cutters and get my hands dirty.
I then found some Bowie-inspired glass ornaments, striped ribbon, funky metallic pom poms, and a bunch of stars and “planet” looking balls
I decided to re-use my red tree from 2019 (and 2018) and Internet Cosmic Christmas was achieved.
My favorite part about this tree is that I was actually able to find an actual Interplanet Janet toy on eBay… Apparently in the early 2000s, there was a series of SchoolHouse Rock kids meal toys from Subway.
Who better to top off my tree than with Interplanet Janet?!
For a tablescape, I put together some cosmic-y alien-y vases I had and added ornaments and a fun metal star sculpture from Target.
And for gift wrapping, I coordinated the colors and added leftover ornaments, pompoms, gold wire star garland, and some ribbon for trim.
Happy Interplanet Cosmic Christmas!
Whatever way you are spending your holiday this year, I hope you have a safe, happy and relaxing one!