Crafting with Tree Branches

Crafting with tree branches are a great way to incorporate natural elements into your home decor. Using minimal materials and the directions below, you will be able to craft beautiful arrangements to accent your home. Crafting with tree branches may be inexpensive, but the results will look like high end purchases.

Blossom Tree
This tree is crafted with tissue blossoms. You can make your blossoms any color you like to fit in with your home decor. Just try to keep them as realistic as possible.

Materials:

Tissue paper (any colors)
pencil
scissors
flower crafting stamens
brown floral tape
tree branches
hot glue gun
a vase

Directions:

Begin by cutting a strip of tissue paper that measures 1.5" wide X 4.5" long for each blossom. Fold the tissue strips (accordion style). Vary the shapes and size of the blossoms by folding some of them with 3 or 4 panels and some with 5 or 6 panels.

Using the pencil, draw a rounded shape along the top of the folded paper, this is to shape the petals. Cut along the line. Now, unfold the paper and insert 3 or 4 flower stamens into the center. Wrap the paper around the stamens with the rounded petal shapes on top, pinching the paper around the base as you shape the blossom. Cut a 1" piece of the brown floral tape and use it to wrap the base of the blossom.

Trim the stem, and gently spread and shape the petals of the blossom. Now hot glue the blossoms to the tree branches in clusters, with the larger blossoms on the bottom, work your way towards the top with the smaller blossoms. Arrange your blossom tree branches into an appropriate size vase to accommodate the size of your tree branches. Now display and enjoy your newly crafted blossom tree!

Butterfly Tree
This is a fun and whimsical tree created with feather butterflies. You can use a variety of colored butterflies or just use one or two different colors.

Materials:

Tree branches
feather butterflies (available in craft stores)
craft wire
tissue blossoms (see above) or small silk flowers
hot glue gun
a vase

Directions:

Attach the butterflies by wrapping the wire tightly around the tree branches. Hot glue a few flower blossoms to the tree branches. Arrange your butterfly tree branches into an appropriate size vase to accommodate the size of your tree branches. Now display and enjoy your newly crafted butterfly tree!

Tips: Check out the yard for any fallen tree branches. Remove any stems and trim the limbs if necessary.

Hints:To give your tree branches a sleek look, scrape off all of the tree bark and sand smooth if necessary. Spray paint the tree branches. The best colors to paint the tree branches are: white, black, silver or gold.