How to Make a Styrofoam Cone Ball Christmas Tree
Christmas crafts are a popular activity for adults and children alike. Using a Styrofoam cone, some ornaments and some basic craft materials, you can create a Christmas tree to decorate your home. By coordinating your supplies, you can design a tree that will fit into any room.
Things You'll Need
- Styrofoam cone
- Ball ornaments
- Paint, fabric or ribbon
- Craft glue
- Straight pins
- Yarn or thread
Instructions
-
-
1
Plan your design. Select the color scheme and basic style that you want to work with before you begin purchasing your materials.
-
2
Choose the Styrofoam cone. Cones come in many different sizes, from 6-inches tall to 24 inches, and can easily be purchased at your local craft store or online at Save on Crafts or Joann Fabric. Consider where you are going to place the finished tree when you are choosing the size. Cones are also available in white and green colors. Choose the color that works best for your design.
-
-
3
Choose the Christmas balls that you will be using. You will need to decide if you want them to be all the same color or varied. Size is important also. For a 24-inch cone, you will want to use ornaments that are about 1.5 to 3 inches. For a 6-inch cone, you will want to use miniature balls. You will need larger balls for the bottom of the tree gradually moving to smaller ones for the top. These can also be purchased at local craft stores, discount stores or online at sites such as Christmas Lights Etc. Be sure to purchase enough to cover your cone.
-
4
Paint the cone if you wish. Using acrylic, non-toxic paint, you can cover the white Styrofoam with glittery paint or a color that coordinates with your design. You may also cover the cone with fabric or ribbon. Just be sure to adhere it tightly to the cone to prevent any lumps from appearing. Use craft glue or straight pins to help.
-
5
Place the balls, beginning at the bottom of the cone. Place the balls as close together as possible, taking care to glue them carefully using hot glue or white craft glue. Be sure to hold them in place for a minute or two until the glue is sufficiently dry.
-
6
Continue placing the balls around the cone, following your desired pattern. Space the balls in a way that is pleasing to you, remembering not to leave too much empty space along the way. Keep gluing your balls until you reach the top of the tree.
-
7
Decorate the top of the tree either with another ball or with a star, angel or other Christmas ornament. Using a toothpick might help you secure the topper to the tree.
-
8
Look at your finished tree. If you see too many spaces between your balls, try curling ribbon to fit in the empty areas. You can also use yarn or thread to create a tinsel effect.
-
9
Allow your tree to dry for a couple of hours or even overnight to be sure all is secure. Then move it to where you wish to display it or give it as a unique gift.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
You can alternate jingle bells or sequins for the Christmas balls. Use straight pins rather than glue to attach them to the cone.
This project can also be completed as a wreath, using a Styrofoam wreath form instead of a cone.
Be careful if little ones are helping. Glass balls can break if they are pressed too tightly.
References
- Photo Credit christmas balls image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com
