Dead Christmas Tree

Okay, it's October.   Start to think about pumpkins, candy and SPOOOOOKY things, right?

Wrong.   I went grocery shopping the other night at the Wegman's supermarket chain and saw a giant display of artificial Christmas trees for sale at the entrance.     Why oh why?

But if stores are thinking Christmas, that means some of you are beginning to think Christmas.   How do I know?  Because I'm getting a BUNCH of emails asking me about last year's red painted Christmas tree I did for Country Home magazine.  In case you missed it, here's a scan of the page.

Basically, you can save last year's Christmas tree (leave it in the backyard) and let it dry out.   Shake off the needles.    Use a paint sprayer (not SPRAY paint in an aerosol can), but one of those machines you fill with latex paint and it sprays the paint.    I chose a glossy red OOPS paint from Lowe's here.

Then you decorate it with swags of crystal, tin can lids, some stray chandelier crystals.   No lights needed.   

It really looks like a giant, beautiful piece of coral, doesn't it?   

So, for the few dozen of you who saved your tree and are beginning to bug me how to make it... here ya go.    Enjoy!  And take pictures and send them my way.   But not before Halloween.    Please.

Comments

[Felicia]

Yep, Christmas is right around the corner!

[Michael]

Interesting idea and beautiful. I'm hoping you will give us more eco christmas tree ideas as the season moves forward. I, for one, didn't save my tree! ;o)

[Kelly]

Danny - cool & clever reuse idea. Being from San Francisco I'm accustomed to composting. If you paint the tree can it still be mulched or chipped and composted?

[Lila]

I see that Kelly has already asked my question :-)

I would assume that it is not safe to compost. Do you just stick it away and keep reusing it?

[And Miles To Go....]

what a very clever idea!

[Tammy]

Hi, I am hoping you can answer my question :) Is it safe to spray paint a fake Christmas tree and use lights on it? I have a green tree, and want to paint it black and add pink lights, but my husbands worried about fire with the paint and lights. Please if you know the answer email me. Thanks so much :)