I know it is too close to Christmas for you to rush out and make a DIY Ornament Tree but you will definitely want to save this project for next year. Seeing this now will also allow you to plan ahead when you see those after-Christmas decoration sales or see the piles of discarded ornaments at the thrift store in the weeks to come. So let’s dive into a fun Christmas DIY that will hopefully be in your future.
I was inspired to do this project after seeing a very cute but little and very expensive ornament tree at Micheal’s. Even at half price, it was $45 and only stood 22″ tall that’s when I figured I could make this even bigger and better for less than the $90 retail price. Plus I could make it in a color combination that exactly matched my decor. (Wink, Wink, Remember those Nutcrackers I shared a few weeks ago?)
Materials
Materials on this list contain affiliate links
- Plastic Urn Planter
- (2) Tomato Cages
- Gold Spray Paint (or whatever color you like)
- Tree Topper
- Christmas Lights
- Zip Ties
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Shatterproof Ornaments 6 in“, 4.7″ in and 1.8″, 2.25″, 1″
- Tinsel Garland
Planter and Frame
I began this project with a pair of Plastic Urn Planter I stumbled upon at the hardware store. Transforming these simple plastic planters into elegant festive bases was the goal. To achieve this, I started by applying two coats of Rust-Oleum Fusion Gold Spray Paint, known for its excellent adhesion to plastic.
For the structural foundation, I opted for two 42-inch Tomato Cages. Utilizing two cages allowed me to create six vertical supports by rotating one atop the other. The secure connection was achieved using Zip Ties, ensuring a sturdy frame.
To gather the six vertical supports at the top, I incorporated a Christmas Tree Topper. My choice featured a cup-like base, making easy attachment by filling it with hot glue and sliding it over the metal cage. While I opted for a lighted tree topper, an unlit star or other-shaped tree topper would work equally well. If choosing illumination, the next step would be to wrap the cage with Christmas Lights, leaving the plug conveniently accessible at the back for later connection.
At this stage, the cages rest within the plastic urns without any form of attachment. While it’s possible to secure them together, I’ve left mine separate for the sake of easier storage and disassembly. If placing the DIY Ornament Tree in an area susceptible to wind, such as an unsheltered porch, consider adding a sandbag or similar weight to stabilize the urns, given their relatively light nature. My sheltered porch allows me to forgo this step, but it’s a practical consideration for outdoor settings with potential gusts.
Attaching the Ornaments
Now, let’s add some ornaments! Lots and lots of ornaments in all different sizes from very large to very small. You can buy these new but I strongly recommend checking your local thrift stores like I did. They often have whole bags of shatterproof ornaments for just a few dollars which you can supplement with those you buy new.
Begin by removing the ornament’s hanger piece, then drill a hole crossways through the top to seamlessly thread a zip tie.
Placing my tomato cage into the urn, I discovered that the second ring of the cage provided a perfect attachment point for the initial row of ornaments so that’s where I started. This row took nine, 6-inch ornaments to encircle the cage. Each was secured individually with a zip tie. Moving upward, the next row featured 4½-inch ornaments. While larger ornaments aren’t mandatory, I found that using smaller ones would have required far more ornament, and I preferred the visual effect of decreasing ornament sizes as the cage tapered.
Progress up the tree by continuing this pattern, reducing the size of the ornaments with each row. For smaller ornaments, consider incorporating two or three rows before transitioning to the next size down. You will also want to switch to hot glue at the top of the cage since the area will become too tight to use zip ties.
Finishing Touches
After completing the rows of ornaments throughout the entire cage, it’s time to refine the look by filling in the gaps. For this, employ smaller ornaments and fluffy Tinsel Garland. Start by applying hot glue to secure the tinsel in the smallest gaps. In areas with slightly larger openings, strategically place ornaments to add dimension and continuity to your DIY Ornament Tree.
This attention to detail not only enhances the visual appeal but also creates a cohesive and polished finish.
Completed Ornament Tree
Now complete my version of the ornament tree stands 54″ tall, more than twice the height of the inspiration version, and because many of the ornaments were thrifted it cost only a fraction of the cost. And because I added a lighting element my DIY Ornament tree looks good day or night.
Give this DIY Ornament Tree a shot next Christmas for a bigger and better porch display on a budget. Have fun crafting and enjoy your uniquely personalized holiday decor!
