A Primitive Place
www.aprimitiveplace.org
Email: info@aprimitiveplace.org
Primitive & Colonial Inspired Homes
Simply Prim Projects
by Kris Thomas (simplyprim)
This page was last updated: February 1, 2010
Hello, Friends!
My name is Kris Thomas and I live in northeast Ohio.
I’ve been married to my best friend for almost 27 years. We have two daughters (24 and 21) and a son (18).
"How to make an Artificial Prim Tree" by Simply Prim 2010
"How to make an Artificial Prim Tree" by Simply Prim 2010
"How to make an Artificial Prim Tree" by Simply Prim 2010
It's that time of year when after the Christmas tree and pine greens are taken down, that I miss the look of greenery in my home. And since I tend to have a brown thumb, I resort to using artificial greens. I love the look of white lights in trees, but I don't care for the artificial trees that you see in the stores - to me, they look too fake! Although, I have to admit, I've had a couple of them before I decided to make my own.
Craft supply stores carry a wide variety of greenery to choose from that look very real. I'm fortunate to have a craft store chain in my area that has very reasonable prices on their craft supplies. I usually don't have to pay more than $2.50 per stem. Depending on the cost of the stem you use, making your own tree can cost you considerably less than buying one already made, plus you can design it however you like!
I used approximately 22-23 stems to make the cherry tree and approximately 11-12 stems for the willow tree. The tree that I made to stand behind my bed is about 7 ft. tall and I used a combination of olive green stems and artificial "bare" tree limbs.
Here is what you will need:
SUPPLIES:
- Stick - as straight as possible and whatever height you want
- Plaster of Paris - 1 or 2 pkgs. (depending on container size)
- Container for base - coffee can, paint can, popcorn tin, terra cotta clay pot
- Artificial silk stems
- Hot glue gun/sticks
- Drill
- Wire cutters
"How to make an Artificial Prim Tree" by Simply Prim 2010
STEP 1:
Mix Plaster of Paris, according to directions on package, in your container. If you are using a terra cotta clay pot, place duct tape over the hole on the bottom to keep plaster from leaking out. Place your stick in the center of the plaster and let dry. (I prop mine up between the backs of two chairs to help brace it.)
STEP 2:
Starting at the top, drill a hole 1/2" deep. Using wire cutters, trim the artificial stems to desired length. Add hot glue to stem and insert into hole. Take another stem and hold up near the first stem. Using that position, drill your next hole. Glue and insert stem. Continue this process until you reach the desired size and fullness that you want.
"How to make an Artificial Prim Tree" by Simply Prim 2010
STEP 3:
Place your finished tree into a crock, basket, old metal bucket or firkin and top with sphagnum or Spanish moss.
"How to make an Artificial Prim Tree" by Simply Prim 2010
"How to make an Artificial Prim Tree" by Simply Prim 2010
February Crafting Tutorial
How to make an Artificial Prim Tree
by Kris Thomas (simplyprim)
I’ve been fortunate to be stay-at-home mom since my oldest daughter was born. Being the typical homemaker, I wanted my home to be warm and welcoming to family and friends. And with being a one-income family, we sometimes had to pinch pennies so we didn’t always have the luxury of buying what we wanted.
I grew up with “do-it-yourself” parents, so I guess their resourcefulness was instilled in me. I found ways to obtain the things that I could not afford by learning to make them myself. Over the years, I have learned many skills and techniques. I enjoy the challenge of creating new things and tend to meet each challenge with an “I can do that” approach.
I look forward to being the Prim Project Coordinator for A Primitive Place and am excited to share fun and exciting projects with you each month!
Until next time,
~Kris~
