These DIY Small Wooden Christmas Trees are so easy to make and cost less than $30 for all three! You’ll have them put together in no time! Here’s how!
I love how these driftwood Christmas trees are full of texture and interest. They are also a little on the whimsical side but can be used for beachy Christmas decor or farmhouse rustic Christmas decor.
Each tree took about 30 minutes, but they sure pack a punch!
My favorite thing about wooden Christmas trees as decor is that you can use them all winter long in your decor. They aren’t just for Christmas!
You could even stain the driftwood to make a weathered wood Christmas tree, or get oval wood slices that have bark left on them for a more rustic feel.
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Here are some more oval wood slices that I found around the web! I tried to find wood slices that are small like these driftwood slices used on these Christmas trees. ( I haven’t bought any of these, but they look like great substitutes!)
- Unfinished Wood Slices
- Wood Log Slices
- Pine Tree Slices (they look very similar to the ones I used)
- Half Cut Oval Wood Slices
- You could also use tiny little branches from your yard to create a fun rustic look!
Seriously, there are so many options with these small wooden Christmas trees!
Tips for Making Small Wooden Christmas Trees
Choosing Foam Cones
I added the base to these trees to make the 6″ Christmas trees different heights. The different heights are more pleasing in any decor!
If I were to do these again, I would purchase 3 different sizes of foam cones instead of 2. A 6″, 9″ and a 12″ cone. Then I wouldn’t add the little dowels and wood slices.
How to Place the Driftwood Chips
The bottom row of the driftwood chips was laid opposite of the rest of the chips. If you look closely, the beveled edge is hidden on the bottom row, but on the edge shows on the bottom of the chips on the rest of the rows. This helps the driftwood Christmas tree limbs lay better.
Optional Christmas Tree Base
The little base with the dowels and the wood slices are totally optional! I love the driftwood trees without them, and with them! I needed a way to make my trees different heights, so I added the bases.
Large Wood Slices Vs. Small Wood Slices
There are large wood slices and small wood slices available in-store and online. I grabbed both because that’s all they had in store. I mostly used the small wood slices, but I used some large wood slices on the top of the tallest Christmas tree. If you look closely, you’ll see some wood slices that are longer. You could use the long ones or the shorter ones! I really like the look of the shorter ones.
Driftwood Christmas Trees
These DIY Small Wooden Christmas Trees are so easy to make and cost less than $30 for all three! You'll have them put together in no time! Here's how!
Materials
Tools
- Hot Glue Gun
- Paint Brush
- Small Saw (optional)
- 1/2" Drill Bit and Drill (optional)
Instructions
- Paint the foam cone with black or brown paint. The type of paint isn't very important. We just want the cone to be a dark color to blend in with the wood. Let the paint dry completely.
- Glue the driftwood chips onto the base of the foam cone, keeping the center of the chip with the edge of the base of the cone. Space the driftwood chips evenly so you don't have a gap when you get back to the first piece of driftwood.
- Layer the next row of driftwood over the bottom layer. Build the layers all the way up to the top of the Christmas tree. Place a broken piece of driftwood in the top of the foam to help support the top row of driftwood chips.
- (Optional) Cut the wooden dowels in short lengths (no more than 6" long).
- Drill holes into the wood slices with a 1/2" drill bit, or whatever size your dowel is.
- Glue your dowel into the wood slice, then glue your wood slices together. Push the wood dowel into the bottom center of the foam cone. Make sure it's as straight as possible and then glue it into place.
- Enjoy your new driftwood Christmas trees!!
Notes
I used 3.5 bags of the driftwood chips for my 3 small wood Christmas trees.
I recommend using 6", 9" and 12" foam cones if you don't want to have a base on the Christmas trees. I used (2) 6" cones and (1) 12" cone.
Place these wooden Christmas trees on your TV Stand, as a centerpiece on your dining table, on your fireplace mantle, or on a shelf in your home. they can be placed in your living room, kitchen, bedroom or seriously anywhere in your home!
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Thanks for this project! I LOVE it! I made five. 4 are 9″ foam, and 1- is 12″. I found 1 1/2″ – 2″ oval slices w/bark edges on Amazon. It took about 38 to 40 slices for one 9″ foam cone. My discs do have tiny holes drilled into top for ornaments. Most i could cover up, but some show. I’ll find some embellishments to glue over those. These are just adorable, and fun to make…well except for the inevitable hot glue drip burns. I must learn to be more careful. ?
Thank you Natalie for this adorable project. I shared your post to FB. I made my trees a bit differently, but totally based on your inspiring idea. I used the slices with bark edges and added embellishments. So many possibilities. Cant wait to make some Christmas themed ones. It would have never occurred to me to do this without your post. I can’t wait to show mine off as a centerpiece. So, thank you again for this idea.
I’m so glad you made your own! Thank you so much for sharing!
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