Create a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree

Did you leave your tree shopping until the last minute? Doomed to the most pathetic tree left in the parking lot or worse still, to a mere branch of a tree? Ah, stop being glum. You are about to restore some hope to the world...

A Charlie Brown Christmas tree is a tree that is made from either what looks like the runt among all the Christmas trees in the lot or from broken parts of trees others have already taken away. It is a tree that still gets rescued, tended to, and cared for as if it matters... and all because it does matter. If you want this tree to be your tree, then it has every meaning you ascribe to it.

A fun project for the entire family, once completed you can display your Charlie Brown Christmas tree outdoors or in your home. It can be as small or large as you choose. Whatever you do, you have chosen to display the spirit of Christmas by creating something wonderful from something ordinary, all by giving it your loving attention.

Steps

Entire Tree

  1. Select your Charlie Brown Christmas tree. Choose the saddest, most unwanted tree in the Christmas tree lot. Alternatively, find a suitable large branch left behind on the ground from other trees already taken.
  2. Prepare the tree. Snip off all the leaves from your tree using the pruning shears or a pair of scissors. At your discretion, clip away any small or unwanted stray branches.
  3. Cover your work area with several layers of newspaper or other disposable covering. Place your tree on the work area.
  4. Spray-paint all the bare branches of the tree after reading the manufacturer’s instructions. Turn the tree as you go to avoid missing any areas. Allow the tree to thoroughly air dry.
  5. Place the tree in the plant container. Manipulate the tree in the soil to achieve the angle or uprightness you wish. Assure the tree is stable and that it will not tip over. Place a small wooden stick beside tree and tie the tree to the stick to insure the tree does not fall over.
  6. Trim the tree. You can use anything you wish, but attach your decorations or ornaments firmly to the tree branches with craft wire or tie them on with string.
  7. Place your Christmas tree anywhere it is viewable and enjoyed by everyone. If placing it outdoors, choose an area where any wind, snow, or rain will do little or no damage.

Centerpiece Version

  1. Use this technique to create a centerpiece by using just a branch.
  2. Choose a smaller limb or branch.
  3. Assemble it in a 6" (15cm) clay pot or a vase. Hold in place with scrunched up paper, sand, or soil.
    • Alternatively, place the branch on crossed wooden pieces made into a stand.
    • Build a mold out of modeling clay to hold the tree in place.
  4. Decorate the centerpiece with candy canes, a garland made of gumdrops, mini ornaments and homemade cookies. You can also add a single ornament, which is large and effective, such as a bauble.
  5. Add a bow to the container.
  6. Place on display.

Any Plant

  1. Requisition a plant that is in the house if you are too late to find a Christmas tree.
  2. Add baubles or decorations. Perhaps add a sign to denote its status.
  3. Place on display.

Tips

  • Use ornaments with little value and secure them tightly to tree in order for them not to fall off or blow away.
  • Avoid using glass ornamentation or any material that will shatter. Spray paint old plastic tree ornaments that have a chip. Tie brightly colored ribbons onto the branches. String a popcorn or cranberry garland. Add some small toys that will endure wind, rain, or snow. Wire a few pinecones onto the trunk. Add a small wind chime. Use your imagination.
  • If the tree is truly tiny, use this unique feature as its own display purpose. Simply pot it, decorate, and place in the appropriate indoor spot.

Warnings

  • Use spray paint according to the instructions.
  • Apply spray paint outdoors, away from automobiles, buildings and fences or any other object that may be affected by too much use of paint.
  • Protect your work area with layers of newspaper, flattened paper bags, flattened cardboard boxes or any other disposable product.
  • Use protective gear and clothing wear disposable gloves to protect your hands from paint and sharp tree branches. Wear protective face wear to reduce the risk of putting a tree branch into your eyes and wear a painter’s mask to avoid breathing in paint fumes.
  • Supervise children when creating this project.
  • Dispose of empty spray paint containers properly.
  • Store unused spray paint in an area out of the reach of small children and away from appliances such as washers, dryers, or water heaters.
  • Avoid using limbs or branches from plants that contain thorns or burrs.

Things You'll Need

  • A tree or shrub limb with many branches
  • Pruning shears or scissors
  • Spray paint – use any color you like: green, red, brown, or try gold, silver, or copper
  • A plant container
  • Playground sand
  • Safety gear
  • Non-breakable decorations

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