Condo Blues: How to Make Outdoor Christmas Tree Decorations

Monday, November 2, 2020

How to Make Outdoor Christmas Tree Decorations

For the last couple of Christmases, I’ve struggled to find something to go with two lighted Christmas dachshunds decorations we display outside because an odd number of decorations grouped together is more pleasing to the eye than an even number. Since I bought those dachunds to celebrate of all things Lacey, why not put our fake dogs where our real dog likes to be - snoozing under the Christmas tree. In fact, we usually keep a spot under the tree clear of presents so Lacey can lounge on the fancy blanket surrounding it (although you may call it a Christmas tree skirt.)

I went with a more modern Christmas tree design because I really wanted to show off what makes my DIY tree different – the ornament windows. Also I can’t draw a traditional Christmas tree shape for beans.

 

quick and easy diy outdoor Christmas tree decor with ornament windows
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Quick and Easy DIY Outdoor Christmas Tree with Ornament Windows

 You will need:

1 sheet of 1/2 in. x 2 ft. x 4 ft. Pine Pressure-Treated Plywood – or larger or smaller depending upon the size and amount of trees you want to make

4 x4 of pressure treated lumber

Yardstick

Carpenter’s pencil

Painter’s tape

Saw – a table saw makes this project easiest but since I don’t have one or my next choice of a circular saw, I’m using a jig saw.

Small Christmas ball ornaments like these

Hole saw – recommend this hole saw set because the one thing you should not cheap out on is saw blades!

Electric drill – I swear by my Dewalt electric drill (learn more about it here.) My previous drill just made me swear.

Orbital sander and sandpaper – you can get them here

A sanding sponge set for wood like this kind 

Green outdoor paint and paintbrush

Heavy duty staple gun – a manual staple gun like this kind is perfect for this project

Wood glue

Wood nails or screws

Hammer or screwdriver

 

Step by Step How to Make It Tutorial

 

1. Use the yard stick and ruler tape off a triangle Christmas tree shape on the sheet of plywood with painter’s tape. Why? Because the painter’s tape will discourage your saw blade from splintering the cut edge of the wood, that’s why. You can draw your cut lines on top of the painter’s tape if you need a guide.

 

2. Following the pencil lines, use the saw to cut the triangle from the plywood.

 

3. Using a hole saw that is larger than your ornaments, attach the hole saw to an electric drill and use it to drill random holes on the outside edges of the Christmas tree shape, avoiding the center section where we will attach the tree trunk stake.

 

how to make farmhouse modern outdoor Christmas yard decorations
I drilled my ornament holes randomly.

4. Cut the tree “trunk”/stake to your desired height from the 4 x 4 (I used pallet wood I had on hand.) I cut one end of the trunk to make a pointed stake because I planned to drive it into the ground. In hindsight I wish I cut my tree trunk a little shorter than what you see in the photo but not so much that I wanted to fix it after I had all of the outdoor Christmas decorations up. I’ll probably shorten it with a saw before I put it up next year.

 

5. Use the orbital sander and sandpaper to sand the tree and stake using course grit sandpaper first and moving onto medium and fine grit until the front of the Christmas tree and trunk are smooth to your liking.

 

how to make outdoor christmas tree decorations
Sanding time!

6. Use the wood sanding sponge kit to sand inside the round Christmas tree ornament windows you cut with the hole saw using a course grit sanding sponge and moving onto medium and fine grit until they are smooth to your liking.

 

7. Use the paint and paintbrush to paint the tree and trunk stake  green. I used two coats of outdoor paint.

 

8. After the paint has dried, attach the stake to the back side of the tree with wood glue and screws or nails. I used screws and a countersink drill bit similar to this set

 

9. Use the heavy duty staple gun to staple the ornaments to the back side of each ornament hole. 

 

quick and easy diy Christmas yard decorations
I replaced the thin gold hanging thread on my ornaments with jute twine for stability.

10. Plant your tree and celebrate!


If you'd rather buy than DIY, check out the following Christmas yard stake decorations - and more! - below!

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5 comments :

Marielle said...

Such a cute idea! I love the little windows for the ornaments. They add so much. Thanks for sharing this tutorial. I'm visiting today from the Inspire Me Monday link up. Have a great week Lisa!

Cindy Jamieson said...

I absolutely LOVE this idea. It seems simple enough, that I could even make it haha. Visiting from The Wednesday Link Party :)

Joanne said...

That is so cute! Thanks for sharing with us at Encouraging Hearts and Home. Pinned.

Reidland Family said...

What a simple but cute idea!

Food Daydreaming said...

These are so much fun! Thanks for joining the fiesta!

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