Looking for something rustic for a Christmas tree skirt

Question

Going outside the box this year for various reasons and will be making an alternative Christmas tree (aka Festivus bush) from tree branches. I'll anchor three lengthy birch tree branches (obtained 4 free from local tree-trimmer) within a 12-inch-tall terra-cotta flue pipe, attach white LED lights to main stems with green twist-ties, and hang light-weight ornaments and other meaningful found objects from the branches. Suggestions needed for something totally rustic with which to skirt the "tree" and cover the upright flue-pipe holder -- e.g., burlap? brown paper? off-white fabric? or ?????

All suggestions welcomed -- thanks in advance!

Haysha S. · Answer

I love the burlap Idea. Maybe a grain-sack?

Mirrigan Dennis · Answer

Can you get pine cones paint them in xmas colours and stick them to flu pipe with hot glue

Janet Pizaro · Answer

An old laundry basket turned upside down or a old metal bucket turn upside down and the place the tree inside.

Shawna Bailey · Answer

Ha! wouldn't a single pole be more in the festivus spirit? lol.

You can use a bucket and weigh it down with rocks, you'll need some weight to keep your bush upright.

Rachel Metz · Answer

For a rustic skirt on a client's house I just did, I went to JoAnn's and got a bunch of burlap. I bunched it up and then added these rustic grapevine spheres! Or you can get a basket (wicker or whatever you want) cut out the bottom and slice it down the back to wrap it around for easy access to water. You don't have to cut it but it's an option if you can't lift up the tree. ❤️

Mirrigan Dennis · Answer

well use the burlap with the pine cones around the bottom of the burlap to stop it getting trodden on or stick cones to the burlap

AJ · Answer

My thanks to all who responded to my original query. Think I've solved the issue with a couple of alternatives (neither one very rustic but definitely in keeping with the current snow-covered landscape here in the southeastern Washington shrub-steppe country):

* a vintage white mohair stole, 2 ft x 6 ft, rediscovered yesterday in the wardrobe with winter sweaters

or

* a package of Snow Drift Christmas Drape (aka 'Original Buffalo Snow') measuring 32 in. x 40 in., snagged at a local Big Lots on sale for $1.87 -- :-).

After the 'tree' is assembled, will try out both and then decide which looks best with the background wall (unfinished cedar boards).

If this insane idea turns out, I may even post a photo or two as a postscript to my query.

Thanks to all again for your suggestions!!

Candy Walsh · Answer

I know Christmas is past, but I like a plaid blanket in Christmasy colors bunched up around the bottom.

Candy Walsh · Answer

Thank you and to you as well! I pray that 2017 starts off better and healthier than 2016 ended for you. But I can completely understand:)

Looking for something rustic for a Christmas tree skirt

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