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Twiggy Christmas Trees in July!

July 29, 2011 by Michele

I wish you a Merry Christmas in July!
Sing it with me!
I wish you a Merry Christmas in July!
Are you singing?
I wish you a Merry Christmas in July!
I can’t hear youuuuu!
And a Happy New… um… cough…er… DAYYYY!!!…
Lovely. Very nice.
 
Let’s make some trees, man.

Tutorial: Twiggy Christmas Trees

You will need:
  • a few twigs
  • handsaw
  • drill with small bit
  • ribbon
  • scissors
  • large needle
  • sandpaper
  • liquid acrylic paints (optional)
1. Using the handsaw, cut your twigs into progressively smaller pieces. No need to be exact. Trust yourself and just wing it. Also cut several stubby bead-like pieces for the branch spacers.
2. Place them as in Photo #2 to make sure they all look good together. Trim any pieces that may be too long.
3. With the drill, drill holes into the centers of the twigs. Try to find the center of balance of each piece before you drill to ensure that both sides are balanced. For the bottom-most trunk piece, drill a hole down into the heart of the piece.
4. Sand all the ends with fine sandpaper.
5. Cut a piece of ribbon that is 1-1/2 times the height of your tree. Thread the ribbon into your needle. Starting with the bottom trunk, thread the ribbon through all the tree pieces leaving a tail hanging out the bottom.
6. Back at the top, turn that needle around and head back down the top three pieces leaving a loop at the top.
7. Making sure you have a nice long loop at the top, pull the end of the ribbon out between the third and fourth pieces and tie a knot as in Photo #7. Trim the excess ribbon end at the knot.
8. Nudge all wooden pieces together, slipping the knot inside one of the pieces to hide it. Make a large knot at the bottom end. Trim the excess ribbon.
9. (Optional) If you’re a fan of colour, beautify your trees with paint! Before assembling your tree (which starts at #5 by the way), paint all the twiggy pieces using liquid acrylic paints. I chose to go nuts with the stripes and polkadots but you can paint yours however you like. Get creative and make them one-of-a-kind spectacular!
See? Here’s the pretty polkadotted one!

But you may like it “au naturel” if that’s the sort of thing you go for…

Me?… I’ll take one of each please!

Merry Christmas in July! So glad you could celebrate with me. Now have yourself a restful weekend!
Edited to Add: Visit Be Different Act Normal today! I have the distinct pleasure of guest-posting. Thanks so much for having me Lori!

Filed Under: Christmas crafts, Christmas crafts, miscellaneous, nature and wood crafts, reuse, Tutorials Tagged With: Christmas ornament, Christmas tree, diy, tutorial, twigs, wood crafts

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Laina @ Vibrant Serenity says

    July 29, 2011 at 10:43 am

    I love them! I am definitely going to have to borrow your idea! Thanks for sharing!

  2. Wipso says

    July 29, 2011 at 10:48 am

    Those are so pretty Michele. Fab idea.
    A x

  3. Laura says

    July 29, 2011 at 10:49 am

    Love it! How do you hold the spacer pieces & drill w/p getting your fingers?

  4. Little Treasures says

    July 29, 2011 at 11:27 am

    Oh Michele these are soooo cute!!!
    I have collected quite a number of sticks on the beach now can't wait to make something. Will definitely try this!

  5. Amy says

    July 29, 2011 at 11:31 am

    Yes, one of each for me too. Those are great. I love Christmas decorations in particular that use natural materials. Merry Christmas in July to you too!

  6. Notjustnat says

    July 29, 2011 at 12:37 pm

    How cute! Merry Christmas in July to you and yours. Such a lovely idea for a tree – Hugs Nat

  7. Michele Pacey says

    July 29, 2011 at 1:30 pm

    Hi Laura,

    I just took it easy and went real slow. However, now that I think about it, you could drill all your holes into a larger twig before cutting, and then cut the spacers from there. That would be much safer, hee hee!

    Great question! Have a lovely day!

  8. Rescued Goods says

    July 29, 2011 at 1:51 pm

    These are really pretty. What a great gift!
    Vanessa

  9. janmadeit says

    July 29, 2011 at 2:08 pm

    My backyard is always littered with twigs so I have plenty of raw materials to make lots of these. I can't wait to make some. And the cool thing is you can make them any size. Little tiny for a tree ornament, but a larger one would look great on a door if you want something besides the traditional wreath.
    Thanks!

  10. Amy at Ameroonie Designs says

    July 29, 2011 at 3:01 pm

    These would make great ornaments on a woodsy tree! I love the look of them- both ways!
    xoxo,
    Amy

  11. nicolette says

    July 29, 2011 at 3:42 pm

    All I want for Christmas is a Twiggy Tree!

    • david says

      November 21, 2012 at 9:45 am

      i like it

    • pattie hartmann says

      July 2, 2014 at 1:20 am

      super cute idea! Xmas presents anyone?!?!?!

  12. Saraccino says

    July 29, 2011 at 4:06 pm

    Mh… I am also thinking about christmas… and a lot of my friends did too… we think this may be due to the really cold summer in germany this year… and that it is strange how our brains start their first chrsitmas thoughts as soon as it gets grey, rainy and colder 😉

    I absolutely love your trees! I am alredy thinking about making some tiny ones for ornaments or to use as gift tags 🙂

  13. Mami Made It says

    July 29, 2011 at 4:21 pm

    What a lovely crafty idea!
    Just on my way out to look for some twigs.
    Love to do this with my girlie.

  14. Terri says

    July 29, 2011 at 4:22 pm

    Merry Christmas in July to you, too! These must be in the homes of the previously introduced twig people… (which BTW I saw on One Pretty Thing and on Craft Magazine!!!! Way to go M.

  15. Poppyprint says

    July 29, 2011 at 4:31 pm

    How fun, Michele! This is a great holiday craft. Hey just wondering if there is a reason the divider guys are drilled through the heart and middle sideways? I like the look of the holes in the center of each – is it for added je ne c'est Quoi?

  16. Jill says

    July 29, 2011 at 4:48 pm

    I am absolutely, positootly in love with the polka dotted tree, although I'm a little reluctant to even begin entertaining the idea of Christmas! 🙂 new follower here! going to pin your tree on pinterest!
    http://pinterest.com/thingswithwings

    come visit us sometime!
    http://thingswithwingsartjournal.blogspot.com

    good job!

  17. CREATIVE MIND says

    July 29, 2011 at 4:58 pm

    how cute, love this idea, really drilling the tiny branch is a Question but thanks for asking Laura & your reply!! good 🙂

  18. Melissa says

    July 29, 2011 at 8:22 pm

    Sweetness and so – not just Christmas…

  19. chris says

    July 29, 2011 at 9:48 pm

    These are fabulous! I love how you come up with ways to make beautiful decor from simple items.

  20. Michelle L. says

    July 30, 2011 at 2:18 am

    These are so glorious and sweet! Love them both ways!

  21. CraftCrave says

    July 30, 2011 at 4:50 am

    Just a quick note to let you know that a link to this post will be placed on CraftCrave today [30 Jul 01:00am GMT]. Thanks, Maria

  22. ANNE FARRELL says

    July 30, 2011 at 5:06 am

    Cute. The painted one looks aboriginal inspired!

  23. Catherine says

    July 30, 2011 at 5:19 am

    Really love these!! Have bookmarked this for later use! Thanks again for a great idea and tutorial!

  24. liniecat says

    July 30, 2011 at 2:54 pm

    Priceless! Wonderful lol

  25. DM says

    July 30, 2011 at 5:18 pm

    Very funny! I will certainly make some, for Christmas in December 🙂

  26. Zakka Life says

    July 31, 2011 at 11:20 pm

    Ooo, I really like the painted twiggy tree. So pretty.

  27. Eileen says

    August 1, 2011 at 12:44 am

    Wow! I sooooo don't need a new project but I sooooooooo have to make a bunch of these. Told hubby about them as we drove home from church today. Said I needed twigs as soon as possible so really hoping he'll help out in that and the cutting since i'm a super chicken with all power tools except my little dremel drill! Thanks for this really adorable ornament

  28. Gwen @ Gwenny Penny says

    August 1, 2011 at 1:29 am

    Adorable, Michele 🙂 I love the polka dots. I can imagine these in several different sizes displayed together. Great project!

  29. Leah says

    August 1, 2011 at 4:27 pm

    Great project – I'm collecting holiday ideas this summer, so it's perfect 🙂 And I have a big pile of sticks from some recent landscaping work….

  30. Johanne says

    August 1, 2011 at 5:17 pm

    Love the idea. Will need to buy a small bit for my drill. Perfect to let the kids decorate.

  31. PEACHES says

    August 2, 2011 at 11:46 am

    Yeep!!!! These are amazing!!!! What a great idea. I'm crazy about the polka dots, but I'm thinking of a dozen people I know who would love the earthy/twiggy one for their front door. This could also be so cool on a giant basis too. My head is swirling, and not just with Xmas Carols (they'll be stuck in there the rest of the week, btw!)

  32. Nunurina says

    August 3, 2011 at 11:53 am

    lovely idea!!!!

  33. Joli Jewels says

    September 23, 2011 at 12:36 am

    This idea is definitely going in my book of things to do,I love it.I think tiny ones would be lovely to use as gift tie ons in place of bows,how unique and sooo crafty.

  34. Amanda says

    September 27, 2011 at 11:29 am

    What a great project! 🙂 I've featured this post on Craft Gossip here:
    http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/twiggy-christmas-trees/

    If you would like a "featured by" button, you can grab one here:
    http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/grab-a-craft-gossip-button/

  35. Sewandthecity says

    September 27, 2011 at 6:21 pm

    Lovely! I especially heart the spotty one! Will try and make some with my daughter.

  36. Melissa @ The Chocolate Muffin Tree says

    November 20, 2011 at 4:55 am

    These are so beautiful! You are so inspirational!

  37. JoChapeau says

    December 1, 2011 at 1:38 pm

    Ooh, what a lovely idea !!!

  38. Noreen says

    December 1, 2011 at 3:02 pm

    This is a great way to use some of those zillions of branches I'm always picking up in my yard! I love the rustic look. Thanks for the idea.

  39. Jessica @ My World - Made By Hand says

    December 1, 2011 at 4:43 pm

    Visiting from Totally Tutorials. I would be thrilled if you stopped by My World and linked this to my Christmas linky party.

    http://myworldmadebyhand.blogspot.com

  40. Maria Ferreira says

    December 2, 2011 at 9:58 am

    Adorei o texto e as árvores, obrigada.

  41. Janine says

    December 9, 2011 at 7:14 am

    super great, thank you for sharing with us. Best wishes from janine (germany)

  42. polikarp says

    December 9, 2011 at 9:50 am

    SUPER!!!!

  43. mameboubou says

    December 13, 2011 at 8:41 pm

    J adoooorrreee ce blog plein de créativité avec des petits bouts de rien! BRAVO!!!!

  44. Marlène klein Holkenborg says

    December 15, 2011 at 12:38 pm

    Yes SUPER
    I made this trees with my deafblind clients. See the results at my blog!

  45. The Rooster and The Hen says

    December 21, 2011 at 9:12 pm

    Awesome project! We'll be featuring this as part of our 12 days of unique Christmas decor tomorrow. Feel free to stop by to see it an grab a button. http://www.TheRoosterAndTheHen.com

  46. Anonymous says

    June 28, 2012 at 11:43 pm

    Really cute idea..I made something very similar w/my family this past Christmas. We had "old" cinnamon sticks that were not gonna cut it for baking purposes so we "re-purposed" them into mini wind chime-like ornaments..drilled holes, strung w/contrasting ribbbons & hung on the tree..super easy, & gave a "nature"-al look to our tree..fresh cinnamon too would be amazing during the holidays.. 🙂

  47. Anonymous says

    July 25, 2012 at 1:51 am

    And DONE! thanks for this made my july christmas eve very fun!

  48. Lily Horseman says

    August 4, 2012 at 5:18 pm

    Ace, I was just looking for Christmas ideas… in August. this one is perfect! thanks

  49. Peggy says

    November 26, 2012 at 9:07 pm

    Just stopping by to let you know I featured this project on my Christmas tree craft collection.
    Please grab a featured button from my side bar when you get a chance. Thanks
    http://diycraftyprojects.com/2012/11/50-diy-christmas-tree-craft-ideas-collection.html

  50. alex perez says

    November 26, 2012 at 10:09 pm

    que bello trabajo y tan original

  51. muddymonkeys.me says

    November 28, 2012 at 6:51 pm

    Terrific ornament! Share your ornament (or more) on our Linky List to get exposure for your own blog and share with your community. http://muddymonkeys.me/2012/11/28/wanted-homemade-christmas-ornaments-for-children-and-kids/

  52. Unknown says

    December 8, 2012 at 3:34 am

    Help! I'm in the process of making these adorable twiggy trees and I cannot for the life of me get the spacers cut! What tool did you use? Any tips or tricks? Thanks!

    • Michele Pacey says

      December 10, 2012 at 2:52 am

      Hi Unknown,

      As noted in the above tutorial, I used a small handsaw to cut everything including the spacers. I just stood on the twig which I'd laid down on my cement stoop with the end sticking out into the air and cut little bits off with the saw. That's it. Worked like a charm and very quick!

      Hope that helps!

      Merry Christmas!

    • Gail Workman says

      December 2, 2013 at 5:59 am

      I used a chop saw…and I still have all my fingers!

  53. Alessandra says

    December 12, 2012 at 2:17 pm

    wonderful …. I'll try…thanks :-))))

  54. Anonymous says

    December 13, 2012 at 6:05 pm

    I LOVE THIS!!!

  55. Anonymous says

    December 21, 2012 at 7:19 pm

    those are very pretty and i will love to try them and thanks for posting it

  56. Dordors world says

    July 10, 2013 at 4:50 am

    lol these are really cute. and I am more in the mood to make them than I usually am at crimbo. I think I would like to make loads to make a display. xx

  57. Antonella says

    October 17, 2013 at 1:33 pm

    Too cute, Love your pinspirational project! I have pinned this and also blogged it for my Walkabout Wednesday series. Twiggy Inspirations post here
    Hugs, Antonella 🙂

  58. Cathy Franks says

    November 10, 2013 at 1:53 pm

    I love it–Hope you don't mine–I always pick 5 different crafts every year at Christmas time to do with the grandkids–And this is going to be one of them–Ty for sharing this

  59. Danielle M says

    November 7, 2014 at 4:49 pm

    ça me paraît d'actualité, ça ! Je retrouve l'idée … Thanks , Michele!!!

  60. Unknown says

    October 18, 2015 at 2:14 pm

    I love your polka dotted one so much that I would like to reproduce it as big as a really Christmas tree but hanging from the ceiling! I might try soon!

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