A Real Money Tree - The Perfect Gift

What's the perfect gift for a new graduate, someone starting a new business, or a favorite niece? .... Money, right? Yes, but only if it is on a beautiful money tree. Money trees are a unique way to tell someone you care and give them what they really want at the same time. Let me show you how to wow them with the best present ever. And the best part is, you can make this gift yourself.

Things You'll Need:

A small decorative container
A plastic bowl
A plastic spoon
Plaster of Paris
Water
A small branch from a dogwood tree
1/8" ribbon
Thin wire
Needle nosed pliers
7 or more $1 , $5, or larger bills
Masking Tape
Loose Coins
Glass Beads (optional)

Prepare dogwood branch by cutting an x in the base of the branch (about 1/2" up). This will keep the branch firmly planted in the Plaster of Paris
Using your plastic spoon and bowl, mix water into Plaster of Paris until you have a smooth paste. The amount of Plaster of Paris and water needed depends on how big your decorative container is. Carefully spoon paste into decorative container.
"Plant" dogwood branch into decorative container by separating the dogwood base and gently pushing it into the plaster. Secure upright by taping around the base with masking tape. Set aside to dry.
Fold bill in half and then fold edge over and then back accordion style until the bill is completely folded (like an accordion).
Create a fan by folding the accordion in half sideways and securing with wire. This will be your money leaf. Repeat until you have enough leaves to cover your tree.
Next attach your leaves to the tree with the ribbon. You can decorate with beads for more "bling" or just tie with pretty bows.
Sprinkle the base with coins and you've got a beautiful money tree.