How to Craft a Wire Christmas Tree
Chicken wire is a sturdy yet pliable material that can be bent and manipulated into the cone shape of a Christmas tree. Once you have the basic shape, tying fabric around each opening in the wire lets you customize the tree for a look from country to urban and anywhere in between. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Pot, bucket or small trash can for base
- Newspaper
- Dowel, 32 or 60 inches
- Drill
- Plaster of Paris
- Chicken wire, 19 gauge, 40 inches by 48 inches or 9 feet by 48 inches
- Twist ties
- Fabric
Instructions
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1
Decide what size tree you want to make. A table-top tree needs about 40 inches of chicken wire and an 8-inch clay pot. A full-size tree needs at least 9 feet of chicken wire and a five-gallon bucket or small trash can. Use a 32-inch dowel for the table-top size or a 60-inch dowel for a full-size tree.
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Fill the container that will be the base two-thirds full with crumpled newspaper. For a small tree, the clay pot is heavy enough and does not need additional weight for balance. For a full-sized tree, fill the bottom of the bucket or trash can with a layer of rocks, gravel, or sand, then top with newspaper to two-thirds full. Insert the dowel and top the container with enough plaster of Paris to create a smooth and sturdy surface around the dowel. Allow to set overnight.
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3
Bend and wrap the chicken wire into a tall, fairly narrow cone shape that fits over the dowel and the container. Use twist ties to secure the cone as you wrap it, overlapping the wire as you move from the top to the bottom. The cone will go all the way to the table top or floor, covering the container. The container will help the wire hold its shape. Shape the top of the wire around the dowel.
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Cut fabric into 2-inch-by-12-inch strips. You will need at least 10 yards for the full-size tree and 3 yards for the table top. Use a variety of shades of green for a traditional look. Mix several calico patterns for a county style tree. Metallic or rich fabrics, such as velvet, make for a luxurious tree.
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Tie the fabric strips around the chicken wire openings. Do not tie a piece in every hole. You want to make sure that the strips lie correctly and that there are enough strips to cover the wire completely. Too much fabric will make the tree fluffy. Decorate your tree with lights and ornaments are desired.
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