DIY Olive Tree
Make a realistic olive tree using real branches, a drill, and olive stems. Easy tutorial with inexpensive supplies!
Here's the final product! (basket from @poteydotcom)
Arrange branches into the vase and stabilize with your choice of filler. I initially used cut up foam and balled up newspaper, but it didn't support the base of the tree enough. I found that an old black tshirt worked best - it can be easily shaped around the base to keep the tree upright. I'd recommend a dark colored filler, so it wouldn't stand out in the vase.
I didn't like the shape of the branches - it was leaning pretty heavily to one side and took up a lot of space, so I snapped off a part and tied it back on the main trunk with twine. This was an annoying step, so I recommend finding a branch that is already in the configuration you like.
Use wire cutter to cut up the faux olive stems into smaller parts. Carefully drill holes into the branches (not your finger) and stick the stems into them. Eyeball this part, I tried to space them out in a realistic fashion, based off photos of real olive trees. I also put faux moss into the vase to cover up the old tshirt used as filler.
I've styled it using different baskets and burlap bags.
Enjoyed the project?
Suggested materials:
- Olive stems (Amazon.com)
- Wire cutter
- Branches (backyard/random tree)
- Drill and drill bits
- Vase/crock
- Newspaper, old tshirt, or other vase filler
- Moss (to cover the vase filler)
- Basket (for a finished look)
Comments
Join the conversation
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Jennifer Howard| Cottage On Bunker Hill on Apr 28, 2020
I love this idea!!
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Janet Bias on Dec 13, 2020
Oh I’m doing this!! Thanks for sharing!! So cute cute CUTE!!
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Van|percivalinbloom on Dec 13, 2020
That's awesome! It's my favorite project, have fun 🙂
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
I am wanting to make something similar to create a “Bouganvillea Tree. Would it withstand outdoor elements?