Upcyled Chair Spindle Christmas Trees {craft fail?}
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Making an upcycled chair spindle Christmas tree seems like a great idea, right?
Upcycled Chair Spindle Christmas Tree Display
They say imitation is the best form of flattery. My good friend, Holly from Full Circle Creations, makes these great trees-not this one, that one is mine. I’m sure Holly would not want to claim it. It all sounded good when I started. I put a call out on Facebook for an unwanted Christmas tree. My cousin Lois had one she wanted to get rid of. She’s always good about tossing stuff my way. Do you remember the sewing cabinet and the crib into an easel/sandwich board?
Repurposed Christmas Tree
The tree was in great shape and probably worked just fine. Dismantling a perfect tree was difficult, but I got busy removing the lights.
Here are some of the branches with their lights removed.
Bucket of Chair Spindles
I gathered some readily available upcycled chair spindles.
Cut the Pieces to Size
I cut some of the chair spindle parts.
Then, I cut some bases out of some leftover lumber.
Add Base to Upcycled Chair Spindle
These were much like I made the pedestal stands a few months ago. I drilled a pilot hole in the base and the bottom of the spindle. By screwing the screw slightly through the base, and using some Gorilla Wood Glue, then attaching the spindle, I got a tight fit.
Spindles and Bases
I made four different ones and went looking for some taller spindles.
I found these hanging out in my shed. You can see some more bases lying on the table.
I was testing out a branch from the tree. Looks pretty good, eh?
Spindle Christmas Trees
I spray-painted the upcycled chair spindles and their bases black.
Then it goes wrong. First, let’s take a look at my inspiration photo from Holly:
Holly from Full Circle Creations does beautiful work, and her trees look great!
Mine? Not so much! I mean, the trees look okay. The plan was to take a few decorated trees to show what can be done…
Maybe I should use them to show how NOT to decorate a cute spindle Christmas tree. Craft fail? You tell me, what should I do?
gail
Check out this collection of Wooden Spindle Projects
I think they are adorable!!
I think they are super cute, Gail!! Yours have a slightly more Charlie Brown-ish quality (and I swear I mean that in a good way!) than Holly’s, but she looks like she used miniature trees or something. I think yours are adorable!! I would definitely use them in my Christmas decor. ๐
I like them! I agree with above – my first thought was….too many decorations – but then I realized – you need the decorations for miniature trees – they are much smaller and would not overwhelm the trees. They ARE cute though!
Martha
Your trees are very cute. I also took a look at Holly’s site and I agree with others about size, scale and decorations. It appears that she used a different kind of tree, as well. Great idea and you did a great job, as always.
I like the shorter spindles and I agree with everyone to use miniature decorations.. but they’re really fun!
I think they are precious. I went over and looked at all of Holly’s, and I think the other posters are right, the only real difference I see is the scale of your ornaments is off a bit. Kinda overpowers the tree itself, especially the garland. But they are really cute. And it is not a competition, right? Holly’s are done her way, yours are your way, as it should be!
I agree with Hopemore Studio–I think the size and shape are the problem. I would say that I think the red ones are better than the other colors. But I do like the idea and I think that with slightly different decorations they’d be very cute.
Gail I think it may be the shape and size. Your inspiration trees are more cone shaped and have miniature decorations. Is there a way to make your trees more shapely?
I’ll take the one on the right as well, it’s adorable. But Goedele is right, Holly’s are less decorated. Maybe just take the garland of the 3 big ones and replace it with tiny wooden ornaments?
What are you talking about??? I think they look great. I’d love to have that little bitty red one on the right! I say take em with yoiu…I think they will sell for sure!
I think they look fine Gail! It’s a nice project to do with the kids: a tree for each room! The only difference with Holly’s trees is the decoration: hers are less heavily decorated? Is that it?
Goedele
Not a fail They are really cute….Just think te garland over powers them…maybe downsize the ornaments
Stephanie