Realistic Slim Christmas Tree UpCycle

Do you get anxious when you think about all the work involved with Christmas?! What about dragging up that heavy tree and moving the furniture to make space?

Why have a Slimmer Skinny Christmas tree?

I know, this may not be everyone’s solution… Since I am a visual person I get very overwhelmed by all the Christmas colours and ‘stuff’! For that reason I like a more peaceful type of Christmas decor that is easy on the eyes. There’s already too much stress with the shopping, and cooking that I need all the peacefulness I can get.

The thought of a quiet Christmas tree farm or forest gives me a sweet vision; instant peace and relaxation. I remember trying to slide the tree box up the stairs as it was too heavy to carry and then having to assemble all the branches, add lighting and then hang the ‘thousands’ of ornaments! Perhaps I am just getting too old for this or let’s just say I’d rather have the simplicity of more realism.

Not every living room has so much space to spare or perhaps the apartment is small. You also need to be able to store the tree(s) somewhere as well so slim trees just make so much sense.

The ‘Fat’ Christmas tree;

Christmas trees take so much space in a room since they are so wide at the bottom. Adding the tree skirt and gifts makes it even larger, not to mention that there may be extra people too! I think the future will hold much more space-saving Christmas decor ideas.

It is (was) a perfectly fine tree but I have a much better vision for this one!

Depending on the old tree that you will use look at the way it is assembled. Some have a fairly strong wire branch. The individual branches may be wrapped with a string to combine onto the larger branches which allows disassembly. You may need a stronger wire clipper or cutter than needle nose pliers.

I cut all the branches off and got rid of the ‘chenille’ types of branches. The base may be reused but is probably too big.

The Difference for Realistic Christmas trees

I am a bit of a ‘snob’ when it comes to my faux Christmas tree types. Not all versions of faux pine, spruce and fir are the same. I always specifically look for the types that are actually molded from plastic. They keep their shape and are almost indistinguishable from real.

The type of trees that use more of a twisted type of needle system are similar to chenille pipe cleaners twisted on wire. This type of material tends to get crushed and does not look real at all. They may be lighter but will eventually look worn and tired.

The Wood tree parts:

The trees need some main trunks. You can use some dowels but for even more realism use real tree branches. Luckily we had just done some pruning of our birch trees but there many branches in the forest. Choose a thickness that is the right size dimension for the height you’d like. It doesn’t necessarily have to be perfectly straight as nature is not perfect. Make sure they are not too rotted though. The top will be added so keep that in mind for length.

I opted to make 3 skinny Christmas trees of varying heights. They are also often called pencil trees.

I’ll be honest, I did not have a specific plan for the placement of the branches. I figured I can add as I see fit. I know the top will be a few branches that are placed into a hole drilled into the top of the trunk stick. The individual branches can be cut to different sizes as well. The great thing is that each small branch has wire in it so it is very easy to form the tree.

A drill press can be used or make your Dremel into a workstation. The use of real branches makes all the difference though. Choose a size of drill bit that is amply large width for the size of branch wires.

You can drill right through to get 2 holes at once.

Adding the Branches:

Some of the multi-stem branches can be used as is or disassembled to be individual. The larger ones were used at the bottom of the tree and then worked my way up. It is quite a forgiving method since it looks real in any way.

The pine needles can be snipped off easily and shorter branches made. Hot glue makes this assembly amazingly fast and secure.

Keep turning the tree to see where it needs more filling in. These slim trees are do have fewer branches and do not need to have the trunk hidden since it looks so perfect. I was very pleasantly surprised how easy this was.

Make the Tree stand Base:

Even though these trees are slim, they still need to be stable. Many of the tree stand are made for a wide tree so you may need to craft your own. A plate could be used and drilled into the bottom of the trunk as an option.

Since I usually have fast setting (Rapidset Cementall) at hand I created the base with a easy pour of concrete. Using a plastic bucket lined with plastic I tape the tree stump level in place. To use less of the concrete mix I gathered some rocks from the garden. I dampened them and placed them around the stump.

Stir the concrete mix with water to a thick pourable consistency and then pour over the rocks into the bucket. Hmmm, you could add the rocks ‘after’ pouring as well, then they will no have concrete on them, funny how I think of this afterward!

Once it was cured (this mix cures in one hour) I pulled them out and the plastic pulls off. I love the natural way it looks! You could add some moss as well!

The concrete bases are perfect after I glued a piece of fleec to the bottom to protect the floor. The make a great sturdy base of the tree. The setup is as easy as just placing where needed.

Decorate or not:

I easily carried these up the stairs and placed them, ‘instant love! I can easily rearrange them, no worrying about space. No tree topper or decorating process, I’d rather spend time on other things…

My theme is very rustic and nature-based so I left them naked, like a Christmas tree farm. Simple ornaments could certainly be added since the wire branches are sturdy enough. The holiday decorator in me has chosen the important aspects, quality rather than quantity…

Lately I have fallen in love with the fairy type of lights. These LED lights are on a thin wire and can be ‘thrown’ on so easily without worrying about seeing wires as much. They have remotes with many timer and flashing sequence choices.

Oh how I wish all DIY projects were so easy and fun. I am happy to breathe a sigh of relief when I think about pulling out the Christmas stuff next year. I hope I’ve made it a bit easier for you as well.

Merry Christmas to you all and take some time for yourself.