This project is a great way to reuse an old tree if you want a new look but don't want to get a new tree, or if you can't afford one of those fancy flocked trees. It would be great to freshen up a used tree as well!
Before I begin, I'd like to thank my fiance's family for kindly offering this tree to us since they were no longer using it. They knew we were low on money, and this will be our first Christmas together in our own house so it's very exciting!
I get ideas in my head that I like to call visions, and when I get those visions it's hard for me to do or think of anything else. I really had my heart set on a beautiful white flocked Christmas tree, but alas it was not at an affordable price. With bills and Christmas gifts, it simply wasn't in the budget.
As I was speaking with my mom about reaching into my savings to splurge for the tree, we discussed trying to make our own snowy tree instead. So, I headed to Walmart and tried it out! I'm going to share this so that other people who may be struggling and would like to save $100+ to use for Christmas gifts can try it as well--or if you'd just like a fun Christmas project to do while spicing up the classic Christmas tree! We did this for under $20
You'll need some white spray paint, depending on the size of your tree and how much paint you want to use you'll need between 2 - 6 cans. I bought 4 and ended up using 3 on this 7ft tree. At Walmart these were only about $1 each!
Spray in circular motions, one branch at a time. If your tree has branches that come off individually, you should be able to do this inside easily, by laying them out on some newspaper, plastic, or an old sheet/drop cloth. This tree comes off into three big sections, so it was a bit trickier. I started with the bottom, pulling each branch away from the others so I could spray them separately. The paint doesn't have to be even, you can play around with how much white you want to show up, it could be just a dusting of 'snow' or you can add even more, that's up to you! :) I added a lighter layer underneath the branches, but you don't have to do this.
This is the first branch with just one layer of white spray paint and it's already starting to look snowy!
The next thing you'll need is snow!
This is the brand we used, also picked up from Walmart, and it was only $1.50! Keep in mind that this stuff isn't made to coat your entire tree thickly like flocking, but it adds a soft snowy and textured effect that looks beautiful on top of the already spray painted branches--and it's easy on the wallet!
Just one layer of spray paint and one layer of 'snow' and the contrast is striking!
You can play around with it and add more layers, you can make it even or you can make it random, a little thicker here, a little less there, it's all up to you! If you do choose to do this inside (both the white spray paint and the snow), make sure you open a lot of doors and windows and cover your floors if you don't want them getting covered in a layer of powder, haha!
Here's a close up look of the 'snow' on the branches
The snow will flake off here and there, but more can easily be added if you desire, especially since it's so inexpensive! You can also use spray glue and sprinkle pieces of fake snow onto the branches if you'd like a thicker snow effect. Another idea that I had found, but was a more expensive option, was using textured popcorn ceiling patch paint as the 'snow'. And I may add some glitter to mine later!
I bought this but have not tested it yet, I'll post updates later if/when I do!
Once the tree was put back together, I added more 'snow' all over!
Here you can see some of the powder on the floor (spray outside if you want to minimize clean up!)
Gave my kitty white paws haha!
I'd like to mention that this paint is non-toxic when dry, but use at your own risk and be careful around children and animals.
This tree has multicolored lights built in, I just sprayed over those and when lit up they look more pastel than they did originally. Since I'm not a fan of multicolored lights, I liked the pastel look more, but went ahead and added clear lights. I took pictures of both.
Multicolored lights with pastel effect from spray paint
Adding clear lights, I definitely prefer this look!
Now to add ornaments and finish the look!
If you try this, we'd love to see your pictures! If you've already done something like this before, feel free to share those as well! If you have any other ideas that aren't suggested here, we'd love to hear them! :)
I hope you liked this blog, good luck and Happy Holidays!
*Disclaimer, these are just my experiments, feel free to use different brands or products. I know some paint can be flammable so be careful and do not add lights until it is fully dry. There are some heat resistant paints I believe if you would rather choose to use those. We don't plan to leave our Christmas tree lights turned on while we aren't home. Have fun and be safe! :)
