Need a Graduation Gift? Make a Money Tree

Hi, everyone. 
Here's a money tree idea to use for graduation, or any occasion when you want to give money, but would like to do something other than just putting money in a card. This would be great for teens.

I took one of these to a high school graduate's party, many years ago, and it was a big hit. 
Before I tell you how I made it, there's a poem (that I wrote) that goes along. :)
You can write it on a card and attach it to the pot, or one of the branches.
Here's the poem:  
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
They say money doesn't grow on trees,
but, I know that isn't true.
So, if you find yourself in need...
Just pick a "leaf" or two.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OK, here's how I made this "demo" tree. 
It has a patriotic theme since it's almost Memorial Day and I was in red, white and blue mode. 

1. Cut a branch the size you'd like, and remove the leaves. I cut a branch from an old azalea bush that needed pruning. I actually used two branches to make the tree fuller. You can also paint the branch if you want it a color.
2. Choose your container. Flower pots work great. If you have a container that isn't so pretty, you can cover it with burlap or wrapping paper. 
3. Put something heavy in the bottom...a rock or gravel. I used a piece of brick.  Then, put a chunk of styrofoam in and wedge it in tightly or hot glue it.
4. Stick the branch in the styrofoam and start decorating.

5. I covered the styrofoam with several coffee filters that I cut in "fringe", and a piece of garland from the DT, to give it a bit more color. 
 You could use any number of things to cover the base, depending on your theme...burlap, artificial moss, faux flowers...the possibilities are endless.

6. Tie the money to the tree branches. 
Ribbon in school colors is always fun for a graduation. 

You could also use jute twine, raffia, or pipe cleaners to attach the money.

I used red and white ribbon, because that's what I had in my stash...

...and cut stars from a DT garland. I attached them with a tiny dab of hot glue on the ribbon. If you add "embellishments", be sure not to glue them to the money, just to the ribbon or branch.
But, if you use larger ribbon, you really don't need to add anything else. 

And that's it! The amount of money and denominations depends on your pocket book. :)
There are so many themes you could use. Garden, beach, rock star, or just plain old "green".
If you make one, I'd LOVE to see how it turned out.
Hope y'all have a great Memorial Day.
xo Babs

Dwellings ~ Amaze Me Monday

 Karen's Upon the Hill ~ Something to Talk About  

Between Naps On The Porch ~ Metamorphosis Monday

The Dedicated House ~ Make It Pretty Monday

A Stroll Thru Life ~ Inspire Me Tuesday

Coastal Charm ~ Show and Share

Our Home Away From Home ~ Tuesdays at Our Home

Confessions of a Plate Addict ~ The Scoop

StoneGable~ The Scoop

Savvy Southern Style ~ Wow Us Wednesday

Ivy and Elephants ~ What's It Wednesday

Share Your Style ~ The Essence of Home

Share Your Style~  Uptown Acorn

A Delightsome Life ~ Home and Garden Thursday

Between Naps On The Porch ~ Tablescape Thursday

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson ~ Share Your Cup Thursday

Love of Family and Home~ Inspire Me, Please Weekend Blog Hop

My Turn for Us ~ Freedom Fridays Blog Hop

The Charm of Home ~ Home Sweet Home Friday

The Dedicated House ~ Anything Blue Friday

Rooted in Thyme~ Simple and Sweet Friday