While ever-greens and pines make the traditional Christmas tree, it's easy to knock up a beautiful Christmas centrepiece in a couple of hours and with just a few bits and pieces.
Bring together:
- A mid-sized branch with smaller off-shooting branches
- sand paper
- spray-paint in the colour of choice
- clear-drying craft glue
- glitter, ribbon and other crafty items
- a large, decorative pot
- plaster of Paris
- small Christmas baubles
Directions:
- From the branch, trim any smaller branches that are likely to get in the way of furniture, day-to-day living or that may pose a danger to young children.
- Sand back rough bark from the branch so that it is smooth all over.
- Spray paint the branch, taking care to get paint coverage in all nooks and crannies. Leave to dry.
- Once the paint has dried, cover the branch in craft glue and glitter, or tightly wrap ribbon around the branch.
- Mix plaster of Paris as directed on pack and half fill the decorative pot. Leave to semi-harden.
- Before the plaster of Paris dries too hard, position branch in the pot.
- Top up plaster of Paris to three-quarters full. Leave overnight to dry.
- Scatter small Christmes baubles around the base of the tree.
- Position in desired area and admire.
NB: The plaster of Paris will expand as it dries so take care not to over fill the pot.
Decorating a DIY Christmas Tree
Because these trees are so stunning prior to being decorated, it's important to remember that less is best. These trees look amazing decorated in the same colour as they are painted or in a single clashing colour. Use the same baubles on the tree as those scattered around the base or hang something a little different such as christmas cards, family photos, festive ribbon, popcorn garlands or candy canes.
Wrapping small fairy lights around the branches will add a fairytale glow to the tree that looks magical.
To Camouflage Christmas Lights
- Before spray-painting the tree, wrap a string of fairy lights around the branch and fix in place with nail in fasteners. Be sure to start above the place that will be buried in plaster of Paris.
- Cover all bulbs with masking tape to protect from paint splatters.
- Ensure the electrical plug is out of harm's way and continue from step 3, above.
Finishing Touches for Festive Flair
To tie this beautiful tree in with the rest of the home, make smaller versions in prettily-wrapped glass jars, wrap gifts in contrasting colours and add some Christmas cheer to every room in the house in the form of strategically placed decorations and coloured homewares.
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