diy branch christmas tree...how to

I'd mentioned to a friend that I was on the look-out for a big branch to use as our

Christmas tree in case she happened to run across one in her travels. The next day I pulled
 into our driveway to find a perfect ten foot tree branch leaning against our house! As luck
 would have it my 'cute' friend spied a city worker with a truck full of branches he'd

 trimmed, she managed to strike up a conversation, talk him into cutting one the perfect

 size, and help her wrestle it into her car! I owe her BIG!  

Actually, it was *almost* perfect.

I had envisioned a more wispy, airy, tumbleweed look to our tree, and came up with the

simple solution to add additional branches to achieve the look. 

       BEFORE                                                   AFTER

 

1) Cut your main branch to the desired length, then plant in a bucket of kitty litter. The kitty litter is heavy enough to keep it in place, but still allow for a bit of adjusting to straighten. Make sure your bucket fits inside the pot/basket you'll be using to display it.

2)  I cut branches from shrubs in my yard to use as the filler - mine are 20 - 24" in length. Gather up a good pile. I didn't pay much attention to the diameter (we'll get to that). 

3) Drill holes completely through the branch, at random spots throughout the length of the branch. Insert the smaller branches perpendicular to the main branch. I pushed them all the way through to the opposite side, extending an inch or so, you won't even notice once it's finished. Repeat, continuing to add branches until you get the desired fullness. If the diameter of a branch was too big I trimmed the end with pruners until it fit through the hole.

4)  I'm sorry I was a bad blogger and skipped a photo of the next step, which is optional, but I stood on a ladder and spray painted it white. I used about 4 - 5 cans of cheap ($1) white spray paint, following the instructions for time between coats.  That's it!

I did this similar branch tree last year, which was super easy, no drilling, just plop your branches in a bucket.  

Don't forget we're at the end of the 12 Days of Christmas Tour of Homes. 
Yesterday my friend, Andrea @ Oak Ridge Revival, was shared her beautiful home, she also shares my Craigslist and thrifting addiction, and has a fun idea for trees for her kiddos. 

If you missed it here's a peek, click here to check out her home. 

Day 12 - Today is Stacey @  Steward of Design here's a preview of her awesome mantel she shared a couple weeks ago, I'm anxious to see what else she's been up to. Go here to check it out.