Have you ever wondered what to do with those leftover wood blocks from past projects? Donna at Do Dodson Designs has the perfect holiday solution! In this blog, she’s sharing her creative idea for turning scrap wood into charming DIY Christmas trees. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to decorate or a fun weekend project, these wooden trees are a delightful way to bring holiday cheer to your home. Grab your Dixie Belle Paint products, and let’s get started on crafting something truly magical!
(The following is an excerpt from Do Dodson Designs. Read the full article here.)
Christmas and wood scraps are the perfect combination for me. I lay awake at night, dreaming up ways to use them to decorate our home. Call it a blessing or a curse, but I get great satisfaction from coming up with these wood block Christmas craft ideas.
So, if you have leftover wood blocks waiting for the perfect DIY project, get out your woodworking tools, and let’s make some charming farmhouse Christmas tree decor.
SUPPLY LIST:
- scraps of wood blocks (2×4, 2×6, 2×10)
- framing square (or anything to make a straight line)
- carpenters pencil
- tape measure
- clamps for woodworking
- circular saw
- wood sander (SurfPrep Sanding System) is my preferred sander
- hacksaw blade
- Everglades SILK All-In-One Mineral Paint
- Synthetic Chip Brush (paintbrush)
- Best Dang Wax (white)
- Dixie Dirt (earth brown)
STEP 1: Cutting The Scrap Wood Tips
Before starting your wood block DIY Christmas tree, you must decide its height. I’ll make three trees today—one from a 2×10, one from a 2X6, and one from a 2X4.
I’m using a 2X10 for the first tree and will use the whole board width. Since this tree will be 13 inches tall from tip to base, I marked the board 13 inches.
It was so exciting to see my wood block Christmas trees taking shape.
STEP 2: Sanding The Wood Blocks
Next, to smooth the wood and prepare it for paint, I sanded and smoothed the surface using a pretty abrasive sandpaper. I started with 180 grit and finished with 220.
STEP 3: Designs In The DIY Christmas Tree
Of course, I could have skipped this step and just painted the wooden Christmas trees, which would still be super cute. But things were dancing around in my creative mind, and I wanted more for my rustic trees.
Using a hacksaw blade, I sawed across the surface of the wood blocks to create grooves, lines, and squares. The straight blade limited my designs, but I liked where this led.
Then, my head kicked into overdrive when I noticed my drill bits. Ha! Grabbing the drill and a small wood bit, I drilled shallow holes in a pattern back and forth that took on the shape of Christmas tree lights. NICE!
Next, lightly sand any rough edges with 220-grit sandpaper to prepare the wood for the next step. Wipe away any remaining saw dust with a soft cloth.
STEP 4: Painting The Wood Block Christmas Trees
Using SILK All-In-One Mineral Paint in the color Everglades, paint two coats, allowing ample dry time between coats. I LOVE this color!
This is an all-in-one paint, perfect for wood crafts like this one.
STEP 5: Depth And Dimension
Here’s where the Christmas party starts!
To add depth and dimension to the designs, I used Dixie Belle’s Best Dang Wax in white. I brushed it into the grooves of the wood design with a stiff stencil brush, allowing some to overlap on the painted wood surface. I then rubbed the extra into the wood using a soft cotton cloth to create a soft highlight over the paint.
Add Some Dirt!
And then I did the dirty unthinkable!
Using Dixie Belle’s Dixie Dirt in the color earth (rich brown), I dusted the powdery substance over the waxed area while the wax was still wet.
Dixie Dirt will adhere to the wax and dry on the surface, creating depth and dimension in your craft projects.
After applying, I waited a few minutes and gently brushed away the remaining dirt with a clean, soft brush.
Using a clean, soft cotton cloth, gently rub the darker areas into the paint for a beautiful, dirty, aged look.
They turned out so good. These fun Christmas crafts would make cute shelf sitters on a Christmas mantel and could even be used as the perfect gift for a crafty friend or family member this holiday season.
Donna’s wooden Christmas trees prove that a little creativity can go a long way! With just a few leftover wood blocks and your favorite Dixie Belle Paint colors, you can create unique holiday decor that’s both affordable and beautiful. We hope you’re inspired to look at your scrap wood pile in a whole new way this season. For another creative wooden Christmas tree idea, be sure to visit Do Dodson Designs’ blog, Rustic Wooden Christmas Trees!
