I used to draw abstract patterns on mix tapes which looked interesting, but made it difficult to read the song titles and a bit difficult to enjoy the patterns. So I've decided to start doing small abstract drawings around the same scale.

I've also posted tiled versions of these two images and some new fractal images in my DeviantArt gallery.

When I moved to Canada I didn't bring my old, short, sparse artificial tree with me…and I never bought a replacement - until now. Behold my first Christmas tree in over 15 yrs.

I bought it after much research and considering environmentally friendly options. Here's the short list of what I learned about trying to find a "green" tree for Christmas:

• Live Trees are Best 

Buying a live tree is generally more environmentally friendly than artificial options. Planting it later is great, but even cut trees are better than artificial trees.

• Antiques are Next

Purchasing an antique aluminum tree or feather tree is probably the *most* environmentally friendly option in terms of artificial trees. It's not using new materials. Aluminum and feathers aren't particularly dangerous. The only downside is you can't add lights, but you can use a colour wheel to project light on aluminum trees.

• PE is Nice for New

A 100% Polyethylene (PE) tree is the next best option. The only issue is that it's kind of hard to find pure PE trees. Many manufacturers mix PE and PVC. Also, PE trees tend to be expensive ($450-$1000). The only exception I was able to find, is the one I bought. It's a cheap PE tree from Ikea ($35 CDN). It's not nearly as fluffy and nice as the expensive trees, but as an ornament holder - it will do just fine, at least for now.

• PVC is Common, not Good

Most artificial trees are made of PVC. As the tree ages, more PVC dust will be shed by the tree. Also, pretty much all lights & power cords are coated with PVC. So no lights on the tree for me this year.

tl;dr

Ikea offers nice, cheap PE trees if you're looking for an artificial tree that isn't made from PVC. Just don't put lights on it, because power cords are coated with PVC.

Oh, and aluminum trees are really pretty, if you have a bit more money and want to go with a used/antique option.