DIY Crystal Tree

Hang crystal prisms from a tree branch to make a crystal tree.

Create your own crystal trees for your next event using decorative branches and sparkling prisms. Coordinate the crystal tree with the color scheme of the party or with the room's décor. For example, if your party theme is black and white, paint the branch black and use clear crystal prisms and crystal beads. If you are using colorful crystal prisms, paint the branch white or some other neutral color and use colorful crystal beads to anchor the branch in a clear vase. Look for crystal prisms in craft stores and from chandelier suppliers.

Things You'll Need

• Dried tree branch
• Spray paint
• Tall cylindrical vase
• Pruning shears
• Crystal beads
• Crystal prisms
• Fishing line
• Scissors
• One-part epoxy adhesive

Instructions

1. Locate a dried tree branch with multiple twigs that are at least 1/4-inch in diameter extending from a center trunk. Manzanita and willow branches work well for this project.

2. Remove any loose bark on the branch. Spray paint the branch to coordinate with the colors of your event or your room's décor. Let the paint dry. Apply a second and third coat as needed, letting the paint dry between coats.

3. Stand the painted branch in a tall cylindrical vase. Cut away small twigs along the base of the branch with pruning shears in order to fit the branch inside the vase, if necessary.

4. Fill the inside of the vase around the branch with crystal beads that coordinate with the colors of the crystal prisms you plan to hang on the tree.

5. Cut a 4-inch or longer strand of fishing line for every crystal prism you plan to hang. Fishing line or soft monofilament jewelry line works well as it does not interfere with the colors in the crystal tree. Adjust the length of the lines depending on the desired length of the crystal dangles.

6. Thread one crystal prism to the center of one line. Hold the ends of the line together. Tie the ends around one of the branches extending from the center tree trunk. Leave at least 1 inch of line between the branch and the top of the crystal prism so that the crystal will have movement.

7. Cut the excess lines extending from the knot. Position the knot against the top of the branch. Cover the knot resting on the tree branch with one-part epoxy adhesive to hold the crystal dangle in place.

8. Follow the same process to hang crystal prisms along the branches extending from the center trunk.

Tips & Warnings

• Glue a small flat-backed crystal bead over the knots along the branch for added color or design. You can also string beads on each line between the top of the crystal prism and the base of the branch.

References

• Cristalier: Wedding Tree

Resources

• Land of Odds: Crafter's Dilemma: What Glue Do I Use?