If you are looking for a way to create a non-traditional Christmas tree, I’ve got just the thing for you.  I love decorating for Christmas, but I am allergic to Pine trees so I’ve always gone the artificial tree route … however with three curious kitties living in my house, I have had the occasional kitty mishap. They love to play in the branches, and have even knocked my tree over in the past. Well, that’s not going to happen this year kitties! I’m rocking the above-mantle PVC Christmas tree this year!

Here is what you need to get started …

You Will Need:

• Plywood cut to 4’ x 3’ (at your local hardware store)
• PVC Pipes ranging in size in diameter from small to large
• Painter’s tape
• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Spray paint in the color of your choosing. I will be using a metallic silver.
• Brown acrylic paint (or house paint – this can be a color you have around the house)
• Paint brush or roller
• Hot glue gun with glue sticks
• Sand paper (any grit is fine) I will be using 80 grit.
• Picture hanging hardware – the best to use is a French cleat or gallery wall hanger
• Drop cloth or butcher’s paper
• Christmas ornaments…any shape and size you desire!

How-To:

1. Paint the large piece of plywood your desired color. I am painting mine a neutral brown.
2. Once the plywood piece is dry, turn it over to attach the picture-hanging hardware.
3. Sand the pieces of PVC lightly. This will assure that the spray paint will adhere to the PVC.
4. Take your spray paint and spray both inside and outside the pipe.
5. Set aside to dry. Depending on climate, you may need to set aside for up to 24 hours to dry completely.
6. Take your pencil and tape measure on your dried plywood. Mark the top and bottom centers with your pencil.
7. Mark with a pencil where you want the top of the tree, bottom of the tree, and sides of the tree. If you would like a tree trunk, leave ample space below the tree for that.  Same applies for a star at the top of the tree!
8. Follow these pencil guides with painter’s tape and tape the outline of your tree.
9. Take your PVC pieces and start arranging them within the painter’s tape outline.
10. Use hot glue on the bottom of each PVC piece and secure into place. Continue this step until all of your tree is complete.
11. Remove painter’s tape.
12. Add any home-made or store-bought ornaments.
13. Hang and enjoy!