Holiday DIY: 5 trees 5 ways

Create your own very merry holiday decor with a just few things from the craft cupboard. These five gorgeous, fun, and easy-to-decorate DIY Christmas trees will delight kids and Santa alike throughout the holiday season.

A version of this article appeared in our December 2013 issue with the headline “Five fab trees,” pp. 105-109.

Add a splash of holiday cheer to any room with this tabletop tree, decked out with graphic patterns and bold neon hues.

Where to buy?
Miniature tree, $25, bouclair.com
Shatter-proof ornaments, $15 (50-pack), bouclair.com
Chalkboard paint, $30 per quart, benjaminmoore.ca
Pink tutu, $22, target.ca
Wrapper paper, $1 to $5, target.ca

Make your own salt-dough ornaments with this easy recipe!

1. Preheat oven to 250°F. 2. Mix 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup salt and 1/2 cup water. Knead together on a floured surface. 3. Roll out dough to an 1/2-in. thickness. 4. Use a cookie cutter to create shapes and a straw to poke holes for hanging. 5. Place on a baking sheet and bake for approx. 2 hours. 6. Allow to cool thoroughly before painting.

Chalkboard paint gives salt-dough ornaments a trendy twist. They become the perfect canvas on which to write your child's name, doodle a picture or use as a gift tag.

Plain plastic ornaments get a modern makeover with the help of a permanent marker.

Whether you have little ones at home, or you feel like a kid yourself at Christmas, this whimsical tree explodes with exciting colours and quirky character that your kids can take full credit for.

Where to buy?
Vegas tree, $149, urbanbarn.com
Lucille Ball ornament, $5, urbanbarn.com
Marble ball, $7, urbanbarn.com
Dino accent table, $199, urbanbarn.com
Wrapping paper, $3, target.ca

Trim a piece of your child's artwork and a piece of foam core into star shapes. Glue them together and then glue onto a wooden dowel.

Give plastic toys a quick and colourful makeover with a fresh coat of spray paint. Attach screw-in eye hooks to the back and hang on your tree.

These bulbs will always shine bright (no electricity needed). Cut bulb shapes out of sparkly craft paper, attach an alligator clip to the top of each, and then remove the silver prongs. Tie bulbs onto a length of black yarn.

Here's how to put broken crayons to good use: Break them into tiny pieces, sprinkle inside the bottom of clear glass balls, then heat the outside with a hair dryer. When the crayons start to melt, swish around to create cool designs.

Get cozy with this woodland-inspired look. Traditional tartans, natural wood and charming forest creatures create the feel of a rustic retreat that is sure to warm your home. Watch our potato stamp Christmas ornament tutorial>

Where to buy?
Sylvania twinkling northwood pine tree, $168, walmart.ca
Plaid throw, $25, walmart.ca
Lucille Ball ornament, $5, urbanbarn.com
Owl ornament, $8, urbanbarn.com
Wrapping paper, $1 per roll, dollarama.ca
Mittens, $1 per pair, dollarama.ca

This crafty pair of papier mâché antlers puts a new spin on the traditional tree topper. Create the shape with wire coat hangers, wrap with cotton batten and masking tape, then apply strips of newspaper dipped in a flour and water paste mixture. Let dry. Finish off with a coat of brown craft paint.

A garland made of baby mittens, clothespins and string makes a great place to stash holiday treats.

Create your own gift wrap with brown craft paper and stamps or stencils. Add a sprig of cedar to give a fresh, festive scent.

The holidays are the perfect time to celebrate loved ones, past and present. This look mixes nostalgic heirlooms such as vintage photos and inherited jewellery with elegant lacework and pearls.

Where to buy?
Pre-lit Colorado pine tree, $49, walmart.ca
Gold ball ornament, $17 (50-pack), walmart.ca
Snugle bear, $20, indigo.ca

Create layers of petals by curling the pages of an old, unused book. Attach together with tape and embellish by gluing wooden buttons in the centre.

Transform current family photos into vintage-looking mementos. Print in sepia tone, then transfer images onto unprimed canvas using Mod Podge fabric transfer glue. Frame with small embroidery hoops.

Turn plastic ornaments into sentimental showstoppers by adding hand-me-down jewellery with a strand of ribbon.

Wondering what to do with your collection of buttons? String them together to make a unique garland.

Celebrate the holidays in grand style with a feathered tree adorned with glittery gold baubles and shimmering mercury glass, and dripping with glamorous crystals. Watch our glitter ball ornament tutorial>

Where to buy?
Feathered tree, $200, bouclair.com
Star ornaments, $4 each, bouclair.com
Marble ball ornament, $7, urbanbarn.com
Faux fur throw, $99, urbanbarn.com
Ribbon, $3, walmart.ca
Cast-iron urn, $60, homedepot.com

A monogram makes a chic statement at the top of your tree. Find a large wooden letter at the craft store and attach it to a wooden dowel with permanent adhesive. Cover with craft glue and coat with glitter.

Trendy bunting flags become a dazzling garland. Cut the shapes out of sparkly craft paper and attach with tape to a string of ribbon.

The best Christmas tree farms across Canada>
Bundle up your crew and pick the perfect holiday tree. We’ve rounded up family-favourite tree farms across Canada.