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I have tree skirts out the whazoo... seriously. Probably because every other year or so I decide to change the direction of my Christmas decor drastically. I'm talking from hot pink and black to gold and brown  to silver and blue. 

Every year, though, I get really upset because my stupid tree skirt gets covered with cat hair every day from my kitties playing and sleeping under the tree. That's when it is still under the tree, of course. There are other times I find it halfway across the room and left in a state that is obvious one of my feline friends just had a tussle with it.

Last year I had a really nice brown skirt that buttoned up the back. Figuring it would stay on well I purchased it evn though it was out of my normal price range for such things. It was gorgeous, though.

Imagine my surprise when I would find my tree to be horizontal. However, the skirt was always still attached. As it turns out one of the babies was fond of grabbing the skirt and running. 

So this year I decided it was time for a total change of pace. I purchased a moving box, got a little bit crafty and said saigonara to tree skirts. 

For this project you will need: 

• Yard stick (around $1 at hardware stores)
• Cardboard moving box (available at hardware stores)
• Marker
• X-acto or utility knife
• Packing tape
• Wrapping Paper
• Scotch tape
• Scissors

First put the bottom portion of your tree in its base. There is no need to fluff it out or anything yet. 

Take your yard stick and measure the dimensions of base. Mine was a perfect 15 inch square. Also measure the distance from the floor to where you would want your box to hit underneath the branches. My perfect height was 10 inches.

Next, locate a box that will work or purchase a moving box to simplify things. I found 14 inch square and 18 inch square boxes. I went 18 since 14 would have been too small.

Take your box and tape the top shut. Draw out an "X" from each corner to find the center of the box. 

Measure the pole for your tree. Mine was 1.5 inches. Measure and draw a circle in the center of your box and use your knife to cut out.

Insert your tree into the hole you just cut to ensure that it will fit. If it is a bit tight trim around the circle a bit until it fits snugly but easily.

Flip your box over so that the taped up top is on the floor. Earlier I measured the perfect height for my box and found it was 10 inches. Take your yardstick and set flush with the floor against your box. Measure out the height you want on both edges of the side you are working on. Use your yardstick to connect the dots and draw a line. Continue for all 4 sides.

Now, if you have cats, dogs or children that may walk into your box unexpectedly, it is a good time to close up the bottom. Take your knife and yardstick and cut the box along the line you drew on the sides.

Turn the box on its side and check that your tree and base will fit inside.

Turn over and ensure that your box sits on the floor rather than hovering just above it. If this try didn't work out, use the other side of the box and give it another go!

Next remove your tree and wrap your box like you will the gifts this year. Cut an "X" shape in the wrapping over the hole. Insert the tree, turn on its side and put your base together inside of the box.

Now you can put together the rest of your tree and get it fluffed and ready to decorate!

Stop by tomorrow. We're taking a break from the Christmas craze and getting down with a blinged out Shoesday! Hope your week starts off with a bang!