Monday, November 29, 2010

Twine Christmas Cone Trees

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Last Christmas I was going crazy over those cool cone-shaped trees that they sell a variety of at Target, but couldn’t bring myself to spend $40 for one. So I decided not to, I'd just make them! I went a little Christmas Cone Crazy making a bunch of different varieties, as you'll soon come to see.

I started off with the materials shown below. I initially mixed glue with water and used this to harden the twine, but it wasn’t quite strong enough to keep the shape that I was looking for.

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So I got some of this stuff to use instead, (I know, I know), and it works MUCH better.

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I wrapped the cones in parchment paper and secured it with pins, and then wrapped the soaked twine around the cone in a crisscrossing pattern, wringing it out a little at a time as I went. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you want to make sure that your cone is structurally sound, you'll need to do lots of crisscrossing. This ensures that each piece of twine has another piece to help support it.

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You'll also want to make sure that your bottom strands are straight all the way around the base, or your Christmas trees may end up with a little gangsta' lean going on.

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Once I was finished with the twine, I put green raffia in the stiffener and wrapped it around the cones as well, just for a little color and a different texture.

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Once all was dry (I usually left it overnight), I used a knife to separate the parchment paper from the cone, peeled the paper away from the twine and here is the end result!

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The best part about making trees this way is that you can make several trees using only one foam cone as the mold. I wanted to try out a few different things, so this let me experiment on the trees without “using up” one of the foam cones, since they are kind of expensive. I have a plain pair, and this pair that has just a few tiny berries hot glued on in various spots.

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Another set I spray painted white, sprayed with glitter, and then hot glued on these larger berries.

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This one I actually used the little cone for (I had two, so I was willing to lose one of them). I spray painted the cone and the twine separately, hot glued the twine onto the cone, and capped it with (of course) little berries.

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I even made one for some Valentines Day decor.

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What do you think? Not to shabby, right? I love these. I made tons of them all December long and then gave almost all of them away as gifts. Which means I get to try out some new options this year. :)

If you love these but don't feel like the hassle, I also have short and tall versions available in my etsy shop here.

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As always, I'll be linking to these lovely parties. Have a great week!!


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36 comments:

sohvi November 29, 2010 at 5:30 AM  

Oh so lovely! Turns me on the christmas mood. :)

Unknown November 29, 2010 at 7:20 AM  

they look soooo great! but you know what? it just reminded me how these were on my craft to-do list and now I'm running low on time! dang it. Next year!!

Tiffany November 29, 2010 at 7:48 AM  

Love all those trees! So pretty. Love all the little details especially the one with a couple flowers!

Jessica November 29, 2010 at 9:27 AM  

What a great idea Erin!

Gail November 29, 2010 at 11:45 AM  

Love all your trees! Thanks for sharing.

Enjoy your day.
Gail

The Single Nester November 29, 2010 at 12:41 PM  

Just gorgeous. I used fabric stiffener for a Halloween project and it didn't go so well.

Lelan @ Good Gravy! November 29, 2010 at 5:33 PM  

This is an amazing craft idea! I love how they turned out...now onto the hunt for fabric stiffener. :)

Anonymous November 29, 2010 at 9:45 PM  

Oh this is such a good idea! Come link up tomorrow @ Ladybug Blessings Handmade Tuesdays www.ladybug-blessings.com

The Autocrat: Haley November 29, 2010 at 10:39 PM  

OMG! So fabulous!! Need to go buy some stiffener!!

Anonymous November 30, 2010 at 1:33 AM  

Just made some, had all 'ingredients' except for the cones. I am letting them dry overnight and can't wait to see how they turn out :)

Kelly November 30, 2010 at 4:08 AM  

Ooo, I love these! I've seen lots of "cone" trees, but never with the cone removed! :) I found you through CRAFT....thanks for sharing!

Kelly

Sherri November 30, 2010 at 7:39 AM  

I made a Target 'knockoff' last year with pine cones. LOVE this one! It's simple and ADORABLE.

Lindsay Thomas November 30, 2010 at 8:53 AM  

VERY VERY Cool. Thanks for sharing!

Sarah Jones November 30, 2010 at 9:19 AM  

i was hoping this tutorial would appear at LTC this year, i fell in love with them last year and plan to make them this year!

Mama Peck November 30, 2010 at 4:20 PM  

LOVE these! Such a fun idea. Just a thought- I have made a lot of crocheted ornaments with fabric stiffener formed on Styrofoam bases that I first wrapped with plastic wrap. I wonder if the plastic wrap would be easier than using parchment paper? Anyway, thank you so much for sharing these- I can hardly wait to try them. I have just the place for mine! :)

Unknown November 30, 2010 at 4:33 PM  

These turned out awesome! Thank you for the tutorial... will be back if I decide to tackle these. So cute!

momof3girls November 30, 2010 at 7:25 PM  

I love the trees you made! Very cute

Pamela Michelle December 1, 2010 at 8:09 PM  

So cute! Love all your stuff!

Jami December 2, 2010 at 8:53 AM  

These are so pretty! I love the delicate, simple look of them!
I'd love for you to link this post up to my holiday linky party today! :)

Patrice December 3, 2010 at 6:57 AM  

I love the simple look, I bet they bring lots of Christmas cheer into your home!

Patrice December 3, 2010 at 6:57 AM  

I love the simple look, I bet they bring lots of Christmas cheer into your home!

AllieMakes! December 4, 2010 at 2:38 PM  

These are ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS! Marvelous! You should come link this up to my weekly Thursday Making It With Allie Link Party! I think it would make a Fabulous addition!
AllieMakes.Blogspot.com

Becca December 6, 2010 at 5:30 PM  

soooooooo cute!

Elizabeth December 6, 2010 at 8:09 PM  

Lovely! Way cuter than Targets! Would love for you to come visit me at Sew Chatty and link up to Made with Love Monday! http://sewchatty.blogspot.com

Kate Riley December 7, 2010 at 1:30 AM  

Wow! I haven't seen these at Target, but I love your version! So whimsical and airy, just absolutely lovely!
xo
Kate

steufel December 7, 2010 at 3:46 AM  

Wow, they are cute!

Kristan Anne December 7, 2010 at 8:09 AM  

How simply stunning! I saw these featured on Tatertots & Jello and rushed right over here to see them. Thanks for sharing.

I'm giggling like Beavis & Butthead at the glue name.

Rachael West December 7, 2010 at 8:18 AM  

Wow I'm totally inspired, I must go home a whip some up today :+)

Laurel @ Ducks in a Row December 7, 2010 at 3:02 PM  

It turned out fantastic - thanks for sharing!

Allison @ House of Hepworths December 8, 2010 at 10:01 PM  

I featured you today!

Hookin' Up with HoH #27

~Allison @ House of Hepworths

вεдτε December 11, 2010 at 6:08 PM  

So clever! I have tried this making balls with balloons, but this was new.
Thanks for sharing! I`ll put this on my "to-do" list

Solid Pine Furniture December 15, 2010 at 10:31 AM  

The finish product looks real to me, thank for the photos you have posted..

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Anonymous December 2, 2011 at 11:43 AM  

Okay seriously! I love these...LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these! I would so honored and thrilled if you would share this in my Christmas linky party. I just know that all my readers would dig it as much as I do.

Your newest follower,
Jessica
http://myworldmadebyhand.blogspot.com

SimplyDuB@Lish December 10, 2011 at 7:50 PM  

They look so fancy they definitely don't look as inexpensive as they really are... that is why they are the perfect xmas gift that i am going to make a whole bunch of lol thank you! A sincere thank you for posting these. I bought a bunch of little beads in different colors to make it look like xmas lights... hehe can't wait to start!!

brittanyhursen August 19, 2012 at 9:52 PM  

OOOh I want to make one and spray paint it black for halloween!! Could even had a base for a witch's hat!

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