How to Build an Ornament Tree
If you're looking for an alternative to a Christmas tree or want a smaller tree for your table centerpiece or front porch decor, make an ornament tree. Big or small, ornament trees have a very festive appearance and make an eye-catching decoration. They are composed entirely of ornaments; there are no branches protruding or pine needles to vacuum after the holiday. They can be stored and re-used year after year.
Things You'll Need
- Armature
- Tree topper
- Dowel
- Glass or plastic ball ornaments
- Hot glue gun
Instructions
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1
Start with a cone-shaped armature, such as a piece of Styrofoam, rolled cardboard or chicken-wire form. It must be sturdy. Cover wire armatures with newspaper and tape, plastic wrap or cellophane so you will have a larger surface to work with.
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2
Top the tree, if desired. Affix a dowel to the top with tape or stick it into the Styrofoam cone top. Clip the tree topper to the dowel or slide it over the dowel.
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3
Collect an assortment of glass or plastic ornament balls.
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Begin gluing the balls on the armature with a hot glue gun, starting from the bottom and working your way to the top. Use larger balls to cover the armature first. Go back and fill in spaces with smaller balls. Continue until no balls can be seen.
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Tips & Warnings
Light your ornament tree if your ornaments are translucent. Use a wire armature wrapped with cellophane and clear packing tape or clear plastic wrap. Set a small ornament tree on top of a small craft bulb, such as those used to light Christmas villages. Set a full-sized ornament tree on top of a lamp with a low-watt bulb. Your tree will glow.
