Dollar store challenges are always so much fun. It’s like problem-solving to me… I wander around the store and find something to inspire me. Thankfully there is a Dollar Tree close to my house; I often get home and think of how something else can be used. For today’s Dollar Store Challenge, I’m sharing my White Christmas Tree Wall Hanging.
White Christmas
Due to allergies, we have always had artificial Christmas trees. White Christmas trees have always intrigued me. Years ago I remember thinking if it’s going to look fake, it might as well be as fake as possible!
Maybe this rainbow tree is actually the fakest looking tree…
When I was selecting a new Christmas tree last year, I was very drawn to the flocked trees. The girls liked green the most. Since I wasn’t sure if I’d get tired of the flocking, I went with traditional green, per their request.
So, when I was in Dollar Tree snagging more styrofoam pumpkins and the Christmas boxes were being unpacked, I decided to snag 2 of their little white Christmas trees.
Why 2? First, because they are only $1 each. Second, because they look like they are only worth $1. Even though I didn’t have any idea what I would do with them at the time, I knew I needed to combine the two trees for a fuller look.
Wall Tree
In this house, a tall skinny tree is a perfect fit. In our last house, I often didn’t use the backside of the branches in order to fit the tree better.
Looking back, we barely had room for a Christmas tree in our first apartments together. Once the tree was up, there was very little room to move around!
Now with more room to decorate, I still like to have room to move around easily. A wall tree would not only be great for a small space but helps fulfill the kids’ requests for more than one Christmas tree!
So, here’s what you need to make a rustic White Christmas wall tree: 2 trees, 1 piece of foam core, a few pipe cleaners, scraps of burlap and wood plank contact paper.
The pipe cleaners and burlap I had on hand already. Dollar Tree does have wood-look contact paper, but I used what I had leftover from other projects.
To start, I cut the foam core in half and covered it with the contact paper. Stacking both pieces together, the contact paper wrapped around the edges holds them together nicely.
Next, it’s time to open up one of the white Christmas trees. Lay it flat and open the tree up with a flat back. Using a pair of wire cutters I snipped off the top of the tree.
Then I cut most of the longer branches off of my second tree. Using all of these pieces, I filled in the tree along the center pole.
White plastic isn’t my idea of a good base for the tree, but it’s easily covered with some burlap and twine. I also used a brown pipe cleaner to make the tree trunk.
Mounted Tree
Once I was happy with my tree, it was time to mount it to my foam core back. I really love how some foam core and wood look contact paper can make a quick and easy pallet sign. Bonus, it’s super light.
Obviously some projects would require a heavier board to mount it to, but these trees are so light the foam core and contact paper are perfect.
Placing my tree where I wanted it on the board, I pressed a tiny screwdriver into the foam core on either side of the center pole. Making holes in 4 different places, near the top, at the trunk and two places in between.
Using the same screwdriver, push through all the holes. Feed the pipe cleaner through one side. Place the tree back in place. Feed the pipe cleaner through the other side. Twist tight on the backside.
Using white pipe cleaners on the tree and a brown one at the trunk make them practically invisible from the front side.
White Christmas Wall Tree
It’s so lightweight a few command strips and my white Christmas wall tree can hang anywhere I want!
Personally, I like the simplicity of the white Christmas tree against the wood back. But little decorations could easily be hung on the tree. I also considered using my Cricut to add “Merry Christmas” or “Welcome” above the tree.
Dollar Store Challenge
Time to see what everyone else has made for the Dollar Store Challenge!
Meet this month's co-hosts!
Across the Blvd | Purple Hues & Me
This Autoimmune Life | Our Unschooling Journey
Domestic Deadline | Sew Crafty Crochet
Stone Cottage Adventures | Sum of Their Stories | Two Chicks & a Mom
12 Comments