DIY Christmas Tree Brush: A Sparkling Festive Craft

Updated at: 18/03/2025

The twinkling lights, the comforting scent of pine, the joyous atmosphere – Christmas is a time for celebration and creating cherished memories. This year, ditch the traditional tree and embrace a unique, handcrafted decoration that's both stunning and surprisingly simple to make: a DIY Christmas tree brush! This sparkling festive craft is perfect for adding a touch of whimsical elegance to your holiday décor, whether adorning your mantelpiece, nestled amongst gifts, or hanging proudly on your tree. It's a delightful project that's equally suitable for experienced crafters and enthusiastic beginners.

Forget expensive, store-bought ornaments; this project allows you to personalize your Christmas decorations and unleash your creativity. Using readily available materials, you can create a charming tree brush in a variety of colours and styles to match your individual festive aesthetic. Ready to transform humble materials into a sparkling masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and begin crafting your own DIY Christmas tree brush!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Small piece of heart felt (green)
  • Tree pattern (drawn on paper)
  • Gel pen
  • Hard metal wire
  • Double thread
  • Various crystals
  • Beads
  • Pearls
  • Glue
  • Scissors
Safety Guidelines
  • Always supervise children when using hot glue guns and sharp tools like scissors or wire cutters. Burns and cuts are possible.
  • Ensure adequate ventilation when working with spray paint to avoid inhaling harmful fumes. Work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors.
  • Use caution when handling the finished brush, as the bristles may be somewhat stiff or sharp. Avoid poking or prodding eyes or sensitive areas.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Felt

    • Trace the tree pattern onto the felt using a gel pen.

  2. Sew the Outline

    • Sew the hard metal wire along the traced lines using double thread. Secure the thread frequently, especially at the beginning.
    • Secure the thread at several points, making sure the thread is hidden between the wire.
    • Continue sewing around the outline, bending the wire as needed to create the tree shape. Skip the lower part for now.
    • Secure the wire, cut, and add a new thread.
    Secure the wire, cut, and add a new thread.Secure the wire, cut, and add a new thread.Secure the wire, cut, and add a new thread.
    Sew the Outline

  3. Sew the Fold

    • Sew on a thicker metal wire to the fold, hiding the previous threads.
    • Secure the thicker wire and repeat along the fold.

  4. Decorate with Crystals

    • Decorate the Christmas tree with crystals of various shapes and colors.
    • Begin with larger crystals, then add smaller ones. Use double thread to secure the larger crystals, passing through twice.
    • Add crystal chains to the sides using glue to hold them in place before sewing.
    • Add green crystals, using double thread and passing through twice to secure.
    Add green crystals, using double thread and passing through twice to secure.Add green crystals, using double thread and passing through twice to secure.Add green crystals, using double thread and passing through twice to secure.Add green crystals, using double thread and passing through twice to secure.Add green crystals, using double thread and passing through twice to secure.Add green crystals, using double thread and passing through twice to secure.
    Decorate with Crystals
    • Add brown and gold crystals to the center, then fill small gaps with seed beads.
    • Continue adding smaller crystals, and freshwater pearls.
    • Fill in remaining gaps with seed beads.
    Fill in remaining gaps with seed beads.Fill in remaining gaps with seed beads.Fill in remaining gaps with seed beads.Fill in remaining gaps with seed beads.Fill in remaining gaps with seed beads.Fill in remaining gaps with seed beads.
    Decorate with Crystals

  5. Finish the Edges

    • Finish the edges with short pieces of single thread.
    Finish the edges with short pieces of single thread.Finish the edges with short pieces of single thread.
    Finish the Edges

  6. Cut Out the Tree

    • Carefully cut out the Christmas tree, leaving a 1mm border of felt.
    Carefully cut out the Christmas tree, leaving a 1mm border of felt.Carefully cut out the Christmas tree, leaving a 1mm border of felt.Carefully cut out the Christmas tree, leaving a 1mm border of felt.
    Cut Out the Tree

Read more: DIY Wonky House Brooches: The Fastest & Easiest Method

Tips

  • Secure your thread frequently, especially when working with the metal wire, to ensure a strong and lasting brush.
  • Use glue to temporarily hold crystal chains in place before sewing for easier placement and secure stitching.
  • Vary the size and color of crystals to create visual interest and depth in the design.
  • Improvise! Experiment with different materials and placements to create a unique Christmas tree brush.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Bristle Distribution

Reason: Applying the bristles inconsistently can lead to a lopsided or patchy-looking tree brush.
Solution: Ensure even spacing and density when gluing or tying the bristles to the base.

2. Using Incorrect Glue or Wire

Reason: Using a glue that's too weak or wire that's too thin can result in bristles falling off or the brush becoming flimsy.
Solution: Select a strong adhesive suitable for the materials used and sturdy wire that can securely hold the bristles.

FAQs

What kind of paint should I use for the Christmas tree brush?
Acrylic paints work best for this project. They dry quickly, are readily available in various colours, and adhere well to the brush bristles. For added sparkle, consider using glitter acrylics or adding glitter to your chosen paint.