The Best DIY and Eco-Friendly Xmas Trees 2011

Written by  Rachael Ranney Thu Nov 24 2011 Last modified on Tue Jul 10 2012
The Best DIY and Eco-Friendly Xmas Trees 2011 Image credit to The Library of Congress

As the holiday season approaches, Rachael, the host of {Re}habitat, has been focusing on eco-friendly alternatives for some of the traditional elements of Christmas.

Living in a small, busy, crazy, constantly evolving, pet-filled apartment has kept me from having the 12’ Douglas Fir of my dreams twinkling in the window. I fear the mess, the drying tree lying out on the curb… and, perhaps most of all, our cats taking it all down in one loud SMASH! In hindsight I feel like I’ve cheated myself out of the full holiday experience by not having a proper Christmas tree.

I love the striking appearance and nostalgic smell of a traditional Christmas tree but (surprise, surprise) I want to make my own alternative tree this year!

Here is a collection of some of my favorite examples of DIY and eco-friendly Christmas trees from around the Web.

Pallet Christmas Tree. I’m planning a scaled-down version of this magnificent pallet tree for my apartment! Drill small holes in the “branches” to hang ornaments.

9 Best DIY and Eco-Friendly Xmas Trees 2011

Costume Jewelry Christmas Tree. This tree is truly a small space solution! Spray paint a vintage frame in metallic paints and let this chic design shine on your walls.

Tomato Cage Christmas Tree. Try adding a natural garland to this project before stringing lights. Watch the tutorial available at New England Construction and Design.

Rosemary Topiary Tree. Still looking for that real tree experience? Rosemary topiaries smell amazing, are perfect for apartments, and can pull double duty after the holidays by accenting dishes in your kitchen. Plant it outside in your herb garden come springtime.

Magazine Christmas Tree. Make this quick and easy Christmas tree from old magazines, a touch of glitter, and spray paint. If you missed the project on The Martha Stewart Show on the Hallmark Channel, you can watch the tutorial at marthastewart.com.

9 Best DIY and Eco-Friendly Xmas Trees 2011

Scrap Metal Christmas Tree. This tree makes creative reuse of vintage funnels. I have a few of these lying around the garage somewhere…

Christmas Tree Ornament Mobile. If you prefer the ornaments to the tree, you will appreciate this unique and witty take on tradition. Also, you can watch the tutorial available at notmartha.org.

9 Best DIY and Eco-Friendly Xmas Trees 2011

Modern Cardboard Christmas Tree. With enough patience, you can create a modern holiday beauty like this from any cardboard lying around your house.

Antler Christmas Tree. Let me admit that I have a soft spot for vintage taxidermy. This project may be a little too intense for anything short of a hunting lodge but I love the creative use of material!

9 Best DIY and Eco-Friendly Xmas Trees 2011

Rachael Ranney

Rachael Ranney

Rachael Ranney is the host and one of the creative forces behind the sustainable design and home décor series {Re}habitat on Buildipedia.com. This environmentally friendly how-to series focuses on repurposing salvaged, vintage, and recycled furniture and house wares in your home and garden.

As a lifetime treasure hunter, Rachael grew up scouring Midwest flea markets and thrift shops for unique and beautiful pieces. Raised among tinkerers and artists to value sustainable design, she is constantly pushing herself to see the beauty and possibilities within forgotten things.

Constantly inspired by the online green design and DIY communities, Rachael never stops searching for new projects and materials, discovering how to apply green practices everyday to her home and life.

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