Original Wooden Christmas Trees
If you are looking for something different at Christmas, why not consider a Wooden Christmas tree? Although wooden Christmas decorations are well established, wooden Christmas trees are very rare, yet wood is an ideal material from which to make a tree – it is hardwearing and kind to the environment as it is biodegradable.
There are many mini wooden Christmas tree ornaments on offer such as hang-on-the-tree versions, but there seems to be few full-size versions on offer. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to make your very own wooden Christmas tree for a fraction of the cost of a real or artificial one. All you need are some scraps of wood (such as MDF), Christmas lights, wood adhesive and sandpaper (and the relevant tools).
1. Draw a Christmas tree shape onto your wood, including the star on top. The tree can be any size you wish.
2. Draw a square tree stand onto the wood – this should be roughly twice the size of the tree’s trunk.
3. Cut out all the pieces of wood needed and eliminate any rough edges using the sandpaper.
4. You need to cut a triangle from the wood, which will be needed to support the tree at the back – the triangle needs to be around 2 centimetres smaller than the stand, as it will be attached to this. It also needs to be around half the size of the tree itself to provide adequate support, and it needs to be cut at an angle of 85 degrees so that the tree leans back slightly.
5. Drill holes all over the tree and one in the star at the top – these will hold the fairy lights, and the drill bit used should ensure a snug fit.
6. Glue all the parts of the tree together using wood adhesive and leave to dry overnight.
7. Paint your tree in whatever colours you choose – several coats may be needed.
8. Once the paint is dry, insert the lights into the holes in the tree. Work from the top down, and glue may be used to hold the lights in place, if needed.
9. All that is left to do now is to plug in your tree and enjoy!
Whether you use it as your main tree or otherwise, your homemade wooden Christmas tree is highly original and will be sure to draw admiring glances.
