Watch a child draw a Christmas tree and you are likely to see a shape something like an upright triangle in a bright shade of green. Keep that in mind as you sit down to do Christmas crafts since almost anything stacked in an inverted cone shape and painted green will bring a Christmas tree to mind.
Got an endless supply of pots? Here's a thought to consider. Why not make a Christmas tree from flowerpots? Most of us gardeners have more than a few terra cotta pots sitting around empty, especially in winter. Read on for tips on how to make a clay pot Christmas tree.
Terra Cotta Christmas Tree
Clay flowerpots come in lots of sizes starting from tiny and ranging through enormous. If you have a stack outside the back door or on the patio, you aren’t the only one. Why not use a few of them to create a terra cotta Christmas tree as a fun craft project?
This won’t necessarily replace the real Christmas tree unless you want it to, but a flowerpot Christmas tree is a whimsical decoration that the whole family can enjoy.
Making a Clay Pot Christmas Tree
When you are making a Christmas tree from flowerpots, your first step is to come up with a design. Many crafters will prefer to paint the pots a lively shade of green, but white or gold can also look stunning. Some of us may even prefer the look of unpainted terra cotta pots. In fact, whatever color strikes your fancy is likely to please you most, so go for it.
Rinse off and dry your terra cotta pots, then paint them in your chosen color. You can use spray paint or apply paint with brushes but be sure to allow the first coat to dry thoroughly before you apply a second.
Completing the Flowerpot Christmas Tree
To construct your Christmas tree from flowerpots, stack those painted pots up, one on top of the other. (Note: it may be helpful to slide these onto a sturdy pole or other support to prevent them from getting knocked off.).
Put the biggest one on the bottom, upside down, then stack them in descending order so that the smallest one is on top. At that stage, you can add patterns of metallic-paint dots if that appeals to you.
Alternatively, you can decorate the tree with tiny Christmas ornaments. The shiny red and green globes look particularly nice. Top the tree with a Christmas star and stand your terra cotta Christmas tree in a place of honor.