Jewelry Tree (DIY)

Start this project with a long nature walk to search for the perfect branch!  Your branch should have lots of little branches and look like a miniature tree.  The stick I used is about 18 inches tall, but it can be what ever size you like.   A dead branch is best for this project since the wood is already dry and the tree it came from no longer needs it.

You will need:

A branch

A small tray or soap dish

Plaster of Paris

Paper wrapped wire (4-6 yards)

Wire Clippers

A wooden ring (the lid from a soda bottle would also work)

Gold acrylic paint and a brush OR spray paint

Hot glue gun

To remove any moisture from my branch (and any unseen critters living inside) I put it in my oven at 200 degrees for ten minutes.  Using your wire clippers, trim about ½ inch of bark from the base of your branch.  Glue the base into the wooden ring or soda cap.  Removing bark will allow the glue to form a strong bond.   The ring will give your jewelry tree extra support and prevent the plaster from crumbling around the base. 

Decide where the branch should be “rooted” in the tray.  If the branch leans to one side, consider having it rooted slightly to the left or right rather than in the center of the tray.  When you are happy with the placement, hot glue the base of your branch to the tray.  If your tray is made of plastic or has a shiny coating, use sandpaper to add texture to the surface. This will help the plaster and paint to stick.

Follow directions on the box to make the plaster.  For easy clean up, I made plaster in a plastic bag and mixed it by squishing the bag with my hands.  After pouring the plaster into the tray I tossed the bag in the trash.

While the plaster hardens, make your nest.  Cut the paper wrapped wire into sections (about twelve inches long) and twist into a bird nest shape. Start by bending and wrapping the wire into a 1 ½ inch flat circular shape for the bottom of the nest, adding sections as you need to.   No pattern is necessary: with irregular twisting and wrapping, the nest you create will look organic and natural.  Bend and weave the wire together around the bottom randomly to form a bowl shape with a 2 ½ inch diameter. 

When you are happy with the nest, find a home for it in your tree.  Pick a spot close to the center where the weight of a nest full of rings can be supported well.  Use hot glue to attach it.  Take the wire clippers and remove any broken or unwanted small twigs from the branch.

Spray paint is the fastest and most efficient way to add color, but you will most likely need several coats. If you use acrylic, I recommend starting at the middle of the tree and working your way out. This way, you can avoid paint covered branches catching your sleeves as you paint.  You could also add clear coat for extra shine.  Once the paint is dry, your tree is finished! 

Because the tree is made from delicate wood, avoid hanging very heavy objects from its branches.

This tutorial was featured on totallytutorials.blogspot.com!