Simple Crafted Thread Trees!

I LOVE these trees.  Like really really love how they turned out!  No, this is not an original idea, I saw something similar on pinterest, but (not to brag too much…) I think mine are pretty awesome.  :)

Here is a quick tutorial on how to make them for yourself:

Step 1: Get some paper mache cones and crochet thread.  (Or any thread or yarn, but I really like crochet thread!)  Cut the cones down to varying sizes.

Step 2: Wrap cones with parchment paper and secure with pins.   Using fabric stiffener coat thread and wind it around your cones.  Let dry completely.

Tips for this step:

Make sure to get a few really good even rows around the bottom of the cone so it has a stable base once the paper mache cone is removed.

I used another container to wrap the thread around and apply the fabric stiffener so it didn’t get tangles in it.  This made it easy to wrap onto paper mache cone and off of container in one easy step without making too much of a mess.  My container cleaned up great with just some warm water.

Make sure to criss cross your thread over all parts of your cone!  This is important!!  I missed some criss-crossing on one side of my cone and this is what happened:

Oooops.  If this happens to you, you can put your tree back onto the cone and add some additional criss-cross supports!

Step 3: After your trees have dried, remove paper mache cone and parchment.  Mine came out super easy!  You will notice in the photo above that I had extra fabric stiffener that dried in between my threads.  To avoid this, make sure your strings don’t have any clumps of fabric stiffener on them.  However, I took a paint brush I had and brushed between the strings and most of these spots of excess glue came off easily with no harm to my trees.

And there you have the finished product!  A very simple Christmas Decoration that can sit on a mantle or in the window!  :)  You can add little ornaments (as long as they aren’t heavy).  And I thought about making little twine bows for the tops, but in the end I like them just how simple they are.  :)

Happy Christmas Decorating!

Sam