Quick and Easy Holiday Fun.

I like to make things quick and easy. I am a Mural artist at DIANA'S Murals and More in NY area. This season I was asked to design a Christmas Tree for charity, Festival of Wreaths and Trees. I've never done that before but was always fascinated by people who do. I've loved Alice in Wonderland story ever since I read it as a child. When I watched the movie recently with my kids ages 10, 11, I was so inspired the ideas came flooding in. My kids helped me with this project making it memorable and fun for all. In a matter of hours I had designed and created hand made decorations for my project. Most items were recycled. I used sponges to make cakes, water bottles for potions, disposable spoons, plates and cups were sprinkled with glitter for the tea party. The result was stunning. I was so pleased with the finished look. I made a connection with Salvation Army and at the end of the festival donated the Tree to a family with three kids. Sharing the joy with others made my holiday more special. I would love to share with anyone how to make Holiday decorations quick and easy.
Best wishes for the Holidays!

The Tree that keeps on giving

A whimsical "Alice in Wonderland" themed Christmas tree was donated to a needy family by Huguenot artist Diana Sorkin and other members of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce.
Ms. Sorkin of Diana's Murals and More, Dianasmurals.com, designed the tree for a fund-raiser, "A Festival of Wreaths and Trees," earlier this month at Mount Manresa Jesuit Retreat House, Fort Wadsworth.
The trees were on display during a "Breakfast With Santa" event at Mount Manresa that Ms. Sorkin attended with her children, Ben, 11, and Rebecca, 10.
When the breakfast was over, Ms. Sorkin was told that she could keep the tree. However, Ms. Sorkin is Jewish and wanted to donate the tree to someone in need.
Ms. Sorkin discussed her dilemma with fellow Chamber member Christine Fiorenza of SI Parent magazine, who suggested that Ms. Sorkin contact the Salvation Army to find a needy family.
Another Chamber member, Faith Reel -- who just happens to be special events coordinator for the Salvation Army, arranged to have the tree given to a Staten Island single mother with three children.
Roy Rucci of Rucci Oil Company, a member of both the Chamber and the Salvation Army's advisory board, met Ms. Sorkin and Ms. Reel at Mount Manresa with three employees and a truck to transport the tree to the woman's home just a few days ago.
"The 7-foot tree had to be put onto a truck," Ms. Sorkin said. "It was an adventure getting it there but it definitely was worth it for the family because they were so happy."
Ms. Sorkin had never crafted a themed Christmas tree before, but had always wanted to because she admired what she saw in magazines and various real displays.
"I was watching an 'Alice in Wonderland' video with my kids," Ms. Sorkin said.
"I loved the story ever since I was a child. I thought it would be something magical and special and different for a tree."
To represent the tea party, Ms. Sorkin made cakes out of sponges and decorated disposable plates and spoons with glitter. She strung garlands from playing cards, painted the Cheshire Cat face with a wide grin on paper and further embellished the tree with silk roses painted white and red.

"What a nice feeling to work with fellow Chamber members on such a simple yet joy-invoking gesture," Ms. Faith described. "To think affiliation with the Chamber has brought together these four people to provide some Christmas cheer. From Festival to artist to needy family, this truly is a tree that keeps on giving."