I wanted a few more handmade trees to go with the ones I made last week, so I decided to use some of the one material I have coming out of my ears – burlap. I have an absolute crap-ton of the stuff left over from my cousin’s wedding shower, and it’s too late to return any of it (not that I even know where the receipt is…). I saw some burlap trees for sale a couple weeks ago and, as usual, I knew I could make them myself. I am thrilled with how they turned out, and am even happier with how easy they were to make.
Foam cones (any size will do, but I used 15″x4″ cones here)
Two-inch burlap ribbon
Dressmaker pins
Twine
Jingle bells
Small tree toppers (optional)
Scissors
To make the wrapped trees:
Start by pinning down the end of the burlap to the bottom of the tree.
Wrap the burlap around the tree. You’ll see as you go that to keep the burlap tight, you’ll have to fold and tuck it in places. Use a pin to keep the folds in place.
Continue wrapping, tucking, and pinning all the way up to the top of the cone.
Use several pins to secure the end of the burlap ribbon once you’ve reached the top.
Next, string the jingle bells on the twine.
Pin one end of the twine to the bottom of the cone, then start wrapping the twine around the tree in whatever direction you’d like.
Pin the twine in place as you go – I slid a bell over each pin to hide it.
Once you’ve wrapped the twine all the way around the tree, pin the other end in place on the bottom of the cone, then snip any excess twine.
For the ruffled trees:
Start the ruffled tree the same way you started the wrap tree, by pinning one end of the burlap ribbon to the foam cone. Using your fingers, make small folds in the burlap, pinning the closest parts to the foam.
Do this until you’ve created an entire row along the bottom of the tree, then cut the end of the burlap ribbon.
Repeat this all the way up the cone until you’ve completely covered it. It’s a bit tedious but the results are worth it.
Annabel thought the ruffled tree was too plain, so we found a plastic tree topper at Target and pressed it into the top of the foam cone.
I love how they look with the trees I made last week! I need to make one more tree…I like things in odd numbers.
Any questions, let me know. Have fun!
Jess says:
LOVE these ones! If you need one more, make a sequin tree! Pick your colored sequin of choice (or choose a mix) and pin them on to the cone… The pins fit right in the middle of the sequin. I saw a few sequin-ball ornaments at a boutique this year and plan on making a bunch– I am sure Annie will love the sparkles!
Stacey says:
These are super cute! I’m not crafty and have no interest in making them, but if I lived closer I’d pay you to make me some
Happy Thanksgiving!
Karen says:
Very pretty but I would need tree toppers for all of them. I guess I like things with a top. lol.
Denise says:
The red and burlap trees really play nicely off each other. Burlap and glitter….who knew?
JT says:
I can’t handle glitter and your last tutorial is not going to change my mind! So I’m loving the burlap ones.
Erin says:
Super cute!
Kristen says:
Heather, I just sent you an email with pictures of a tree I found for you to make. These are super cute and the one I found should fit right in!