HOW ONE TREE CAN HAVE THREE LOOKS

One of my favorite ways to decorate is using small tabletop faux trees because they are easy to find, can be displayed just about anywhere, and are easy to decorate.

I found this tree at Hobby Lobby during their fifty percent off sale, but I have seen them at Michaels, HomeGoods, and TJMaxx stores.

This tree came wrapped in burlap which is beautiful but if you want to step it up a notch, here are three different ideas to change the feel of the decor.

Supplies:

• Faux Tabletop Tree
• Mod Podge
• Aleene Tacky Spray Adhesive
• Glitter
• Red Berries
• White Pails – Similar Pails…..first check your Dollar Store.
• Any container will work.
• Crinkle Paper or Spanish Moss
• Ribbon
• Cotton Buds or Pines Cones
• Glue Gun
• Scissors

I added the supply list above, but the challenge is to use what you have, be creative, and recycle what you already own.

I started out with one faux tree and three Dollar Store white plastic buckets that I had leftover from another project.

Next, gather embellishments, such as berries, bells, ribbon, glitter, old papers, ornaments, and faux branches. I have a Christmas tub…ok maybe a few tubs just filled with an assortment of decorations that I use year after year.

Next, I start putting ideas together. Sometimes, I have a particular idea in mind, but usually, I pick out what speaks to me and what I like and put it together.

Farmhouse Style

My first bucket idea I made with berries, ribbon and a hot glue gun.

I love the look of red berries, and the ones from the Dollar Store are great. They come on a sprig with leaves and are easy to dismantle, and they look realistic enough for this project.

• Separate the berries into small clusters; it is easier to glue around the rim when separated.
• Place a small amount of hot glue to the bucket’s rim and hold the berries for a few seconds to make sure they attach to the plastic. I used low temp glue for this project.
• Place the faux tree into the bucket with the burlap.
• If the tree seems wobbly, crumple, and place paper between the tree and the bucket for stability. This will help the tree stand straight, and you will need less decorative filling on top.
• Next, place a decorative topping. I used brown crinkled paper, but brown Spanish moss or raffia would also work.
• Lastly, I made a simple bow and hot glued it to the sides.

Gold and Glitter Style

My next idea is gold and all that glitters. I wasn’t sure if Dollar Store plastic buckets could pull it off, but I think it totally worked.

• First, I sprayed it with tacky spray adhesive then added the glitter. In a couple of places, the white showed through, so I resprayed it with the adhesive and added more glitter.
• Adding a coat of Mod Podge and allowing it to dry will help seal in the glitter, so it doesn’t fall off when handling. I have also heard spraying it with hairspray will help with this. Just make sure to spray these products in a well-ventilated room or, better yet, outside.

Next, I gathered embellishments….

I used the same process as the above….

I strung a couple of bells and tied them around the middle of the bow for added interest.

RUSTIC CHARM

I wanted this tree to capture the rustic charm that is so popular. I just happened to have a box of cotton buds that I picked up last Christmas and thought this was a good time to use them.

Again it was the same concept…

• I wanted to add embellishment to the bucket, so I decoupaged it using Mod Podge and ripping sheet music into small pieces. Again, it is easier if you use small pieces going around a circular object…it helps prevent buckling.
• I then added the ribbon on the sides. I put the ribbon on the sides because it hid the part of the bucket where the handle attached, but looking back, that area wasn’t prominent, and the ribbon could have been added anywhere…..

The ideas are numerous! Just don’t think about it too much; use what you have, but have fun doing it.

If you would like a more suggestions check out these floral designs,

Sweet Little Topiary, Old Vases for an Elegant Centerpiece and Eucalyptus Topiary….

Let me know in the comments what ideas you came up with.

Disclaimer: On my blog at Designgarnish, I may sometimes use affiliate links, which means a small commission is earned if you purchase via the link. The price you pay will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link.