Graduation Money Tree

It's almost that time of year again.. Open houses and graduations to attend are just a couple of weeks away. Do you have anything planned for your favorite Class of 2012 grad? Why not make a money tree instead of the trusty card with a check or couple of bills in it.. AND you'll look pretty cool to all of the other attendees too.

When I graduated high school an aunt of mine made me a money tree that was similar to this one and it was the talk of the party. I was so touched that she would take the time to make me such a great gift. I fell in love with the idea and I always knew I would make one someday.

So while talking with some friends who have a special open house to go to this year, I offered to make them a money tree as a gift for the guest of honor. I'm really happy with the way it came out too!

I used an old formula can painted black for the pot. (you gotta love a reuse!) I found a nice branch in my yard and cemented it into the can with some Quickcrete. (I used about a 5 to 1 ratio crete to water) 

Then to add an extra "money" touch I filled the top of the can with change.. This grad will have to work for his money.

The tree has a total of 50 one dollar bills hung on it. I folded them to look like little bows by folding the bill in half vertically, then folding it in half twice more horizontally. I tied ribbon around the middle and then fanned the sides out.

Then of course I tied all of the ribbons onto the branches. This could easily be made on a smaller scale for less money or on a much larger scale by using a high value bill. Wouldn't it be great to get a money tree covered in 50 five dollar bills??

I hope my friends and their special graduate like the money tree. I sure had fun making it!