Building your own wooden Christmas tree decor is not just about being crafty—it's a clever move too. First off, it's budget-friendly. You can whip up some amazing stuff with simple materials and tools without breaking the bank. Plus, you're in control! You get to tailor your decorations to match your style and vibe, which beats the mass-produced stuff any day. And hey, it's eco-friendly too! Upcycling wood, using up some scraps adds an extra dose of goodness to your holiday cheer. We went out searching for the best plans the internet has to offer and here are some of our favorites. So grab your tools and make the holiday season extra special this year!
FUN FACT: For many, the Christmas tree represents Jesus Christ's birth and resurrection. The tree branches and bushes are regarded as a sign of immortality and are thought to represent Christ's crown of thorns on the crucifixion.
1. Christmas Tree Hanging Shelf
Image Credit: Ana White
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses, Stud Finder |
| Materials: | 1x material, plywood and hooks |
I made this Christmas Tree Shelf with just 1x3s and cuphooks. It turned out amazing! I love that is can be decorated so many different ways. Don't want to hang it on the wall, no problem, just leave off the bottom shelf and it can be set on a tabletop surface!
2. Christmas Tree Cupcake Stand
Image Credit: Ana White
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x material |
Here's a great way to save space and create a dessert display. This easy to make tiered Christmas cupcake tray holds about three dozen cupcakes.
3. Christmas Tree Card Holder
Image Credit: Jaime Costiglio
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x material |
Here's a gorgeous way to display Christmas Cards - and it can even double as your Christmas tree for small spaces! Freestanding - so just set out and display your cards! Build your own Christmas Tree Card Holder with our free DIY plans.
4. DIY Modern Tree with Ornaments
Image Credit: Jaime Costiglio
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x material and wood dowel |
Want to put some ornaments on display? This modern tree is a great way to add a festive feel if you don't have a real tree, or just want some extra Christmas tree decor on a tabletop, mantle or by the fireplace! It can be painted or stained to customize it further.
5. Minimalist Scrap Wood Trees
Image Credit: Garrison Street Design Studio
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Table Saw, Sander, Nailer Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | Scrap lumber ripped to any dimension |
Very similar to the last tree, this one takes on a more minimalistic style. Here's a great way to rip down some scrap lumber and put it to good use!
6. Freestanding 2x4 Trees
Image Credit: Wood Craft Blueprints
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 2x material |
These freestanding trees will look great on the front porch or inside the house. Wrap them with lights or add a cute wreath as seen here!
7. Christmas Tree Forest
Image Credit: Pine and Poplar
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x material |
Using just scrap wood and glue, create a unique and attractive forestscape for the holidays!
8. Tiered Candy Stand
Image Credit: Woodshop Diaries
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Jig Saw, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x material and plywood |
This tree shaped candy goody stand is a great way to display holiday treats!
9. Wood Dowel Tree
Image Credit: Homey Oh My
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | wood dowels, birch log |
When one tree isn't enough for all the ornaments, build another charming tree out of dowels to display them!
10. DY Christmas Countdown
Image Credit: Pine and Poplar
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x material, stencils, decorative nails |
Have a little fun with this project. Build the tree and get creative with the countdown options!
11. Shadow Box Trees
Image Credit: Organize Your Stuff Now
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x material and a wood tray |
This charming shadow box forest is sure to add a festive touch for the holidays. Dress it up with some lights and glitter. The trees look great painted, but you could also stain them for a more rustic feel.
12. 3-D Plywood Trees
Image Credit: Pneumatic Addict
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Sander, Router, Jig Saw, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | mdf |
Add some dimesnsion to your holiday decor. Create these darling 3-D trees to complete your tablescape or mantle!
13. LED Christmas Tree Wall Decor
Image Credit: Anika's DIY Life
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Jig Saw, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x material, mdf, led lights, nails |
There's just something about adding lights, that gives a Christmasy feel. This is a great way to add some wall decor or set it up on the mantle to add to the soft glow of Christmas!
14. Marquee Trees
Image Credit: The DIY Dreamer
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Jig Saw, Stapler, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x material, wood base, fairy lights |
More lights but a different look! This is a darling way to add lights right into your cut out trees. I love that this method would work for many designs. Easy to modify for size and style!
15. Rustic LED Tree Sign
Image Credit: Lolly Jane
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | plywood, painters tape, lights |
To make it even easier, just paint a tree on a piece of scrap plywood, punch some holes in it and add lights, BRILLIANT! Make it as big as you like, hang on the wall or set on the mantle.
16. Christmas Tree Mason Jar Sconce
Image Credit: Angela Marie Made
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x material |
Elevate the glow of the season with this charming mason jar sconce! I love that you can change out the mason jar for a vase with some greenery or another decor item.
17. Open Style Tree Candle Holder
Image Credit: 100 Things 2 Do
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x material, battery operated candles |
We're going to recommend battery operated candles on this one. Such a cute holiday decor item that can be added just about anywhere! Better yet, I bet you have the wood in your scrap pile right now!
18. Scrap Wood Christmas Tree Ornaments
Image Credit: Her Toolbelt
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x material, string |
These little Christmas tree ornaments are so cute and make a fun addition to the family tree!
19. Light-up Christmas Tree Art
Image Credit: Woodshop Diaries
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Kreg Jig, Jig Saw, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x material, plywood, and lights |
Get fancy with some holiday wall art, or give this beautiful holiday artwork as a gift!
20. Scrap Wood Tree Village
Image Credit: Funky Junk Interiors
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | reclaimed scrap wood |
There are no rules here, so gather up your scraps and get creative! Absolutley love this tree village placed in a vintage display cabinet, so much rustic charm in one piece.
21. Large Wooden Outdoor Tree
Image Credit: Angela Marie Made
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Nailer, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x and 2x material |
Set the holiday tone before you even walk into your house. These outdoor trees are heavy duty so they won't blow away and are perfect for the front porch. Add a lantern. lights or a wreath to give it a more festive look!
22. Chistmas Tree Advent Calendar
Image Credit: Chantelle Lourens
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x and 2x material, decoratve bags |
YES, you can make your own advent calendar to count down the days to Christmas with this adorable set up!
You have time to pick one or a few of these as the holidays approach, enjoy the process and have a very Merry Christmas!
