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DIY Christmas - Rustic Trees

by Author Lisa L Wiedmeier
(IC: blogger)
$0.00
1 Hour
Easy
Let me start by telling you that they weren't supposed to look like this...nope, they were supposed to be bigger!
So I've been busy lately, really busy making Christmas gifts and rustic Christmas decor for the home. And let me tell you, you won't be disappointed! So get ready, cuz over the next three blog posts, I'm going to be posting some DIY Christmas projects that might just help you out in a pinch for those final gifts or decor of your own.
Pretty cute already, right? All it took was me seeing the pint-sized wonders, and I was all over it! I then hurriedly made my way out to the shed in search wood to use for the trunk and something to make a stand out of. It didn't take me long to find some old spindles from a deck removal we did a few years back and some smaller pieces to be used for the base.
Once I had everything I needed, we started the process of cutting the pallet wood using 45-degree angles.
The second cut was straight giving us the top of the tree.
For the second branch of the tree, we cut it at another 45-degree angle.
You keep repeating this process each time. The third branch is measured out at about 11-inhces and then cut at a 45-degree angle.
With the final cut coming in at 13-inches.
I then took the old deck spindle and measured it to about 19-inches, taking care that both ends were square.
Once all the branches are attached, it was time to add the base so it could rest on a table top or floor without falling over.
Resting it directly against the back of the floor stand wouldn't work, so we added a small spacer behind it to give us the right amount of clearance.
We went with an 11-inch base to give it the support it needs, so it won't easily topple over.
Now here's where your creativity shines. I decided to stain the entire tree because I wanted parts of the stain to show through when I rough sanded it a little at the end.
Add some green paint and let dry.
I used my Cameo Silhouette to make a stencil so I could paint words on the trees. Now, if you're good with painting free-hand letters, go for it! I don't do that well with it so I use the tools I have to make it look good.
Fresh cut trees is rocking the star. And He Is Born looks good with a little shimmering glitter. And The First Noel? Sparkle, sparkle, sparkle. I'm also thinking 'O Holy Night looks good in a little silver.
Enjoyed the project?

Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Published December 14th, 2016 7:51 PM
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2 of 23 comments
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Vicky Corey on Dec 24, 2016
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Lisa Battisti on Dec 01, 2017
Love it. And the stencils look great!! -
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