DIY Geometric Christmas Trees
The holiday season is around the corner and one of the best parts for me is the tree!! But not everyone has space for a real thing or the time to pack away all those decorations when January rolls around. Ermmmm, that would be me 😉 These unusual, geometric Christmas trees are quick and easy to make and you can personalize them to fit your unique style. It doesn’t matter if it’s rustic and natural or modern glam, the trees look lovely and they’re budget-friendly too.
What You Need to Make Geometric Christmas Trees
To make these super easy trees you only need a few basic things:
- Plaster of Paris
- Flexible chopping mat
- Twigs or small branches
You’ll also need sticky tape, a pair of scissors, a pen, paper, a small mixing container, and a tall glass.
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Making The Mold For The Geometric Christmas Trees
Start by drawing an isosceles triangle to use as a template. The size of the triangle will determine how high and wide your geometric trees will be. Our trees are roughly 14 cm (5.5″) high and 7 cm (2.75″) wide at the base. Use the template to cut 4 triangles from the flexible chopping mat. If you can’t find one of those mats, you can cut the template from cardboard too. Just make sure to cover it with sticky tape so it’s waterproof.
Lay the pieces side by side in the shape of a fan and tape them together along the sides. Fold the fan shape to form a triangular pyramid, aka tetrahedron. Try saying that one out loud, it’s such a cool word.
Tet Ra He Dron
Tetra Hed Ron
Te TRA Hed Ron
Okay, I’ll stop now 😀 Tape the overlapping triangles down.
Now, grab that glass and place the triangular pyramid mold thingy inside, with the point facing down and the opening at the top. If the mold wobbles around inside the glass you can add some soil or dry beans to stabilize it.
Cut a square from the cutting mat and make a hole in the middle. We’ll be using that little square in a minute to keep the “trunk” of the Christmas tree in place 😉
Making the Geometric Christmas Trees
Mix up equal quantities of plaster of Paris and water to form a smooth, runny paste. Pour or spoon the mixture into the mold. Give it a shake to get rid of any air bubbles. Push a small branch or twig into the hole you made earlier and place it on top of the mold. Just make sure that there’s a long enough piece of the branch inside the plaster of Paris mix.
Let the plaster of Paris dry completely, about 10 minutes, before removing the mold.
For the base of the tree, you can either make a simple little bucket mold using this template or you buy a small galvanized bucket online. Just fill the bucket with plaster of Paris and plant your geometric tree 😉
Life without geometric shapes would be pointless
Once the base has set your Christmas trees are ready to be decorated.
2 Ways to Decorate The Geometric Christmas Trees
For this post, I wanted to show you two possible ways to decorate the little trees. They’re both really easy to do, but feel free to experiment and do your own thing.
Option 1 – Rustic Goodness
First up, a little rustic goodness that fits right in with the whole farmhouse look.
Tie a few pretty beads onto a piece of twine and simply drape them on the Christmas trees. If you want to use the trees as part of your table decor you could make name tags for each of your guests and tie them on instead. Combining the beads and tags would look lovely too.
Don’t forget to pin it for later if you like the rustic look.
Option 2 – Modern Glam
If modern and glamorous is more your style then the unique shape of the geometric Christmas trees is the perfect starting point to create something that’s both chic and classy.
All you need for this look is some tacky glue, a paintbrush, and copper leaf. I love this stuff. A little goes a long way. This booklet of 10 sheets has been used to upcycle old, unusable paintbrushes and I even used some of the leaves to “paint” the most beautiful wings for the angel portrait in our small metallic bathroom
Paint the tacky glue onto the tip of the trees and around the base and then gently brush on the copper leaf.
Place the Christmas trees on a pretty plate, add a few fairy lights and enjoy.
If you like the modern glam look don’t forget to pin this version.
These geometric trees can be used wherever you want to add a little budget-friendly Christmas magic. Put them in your window sill or on the mantle. Or use them as part of your table decor. The possibilities are endless. So tell me where would you put them?
Want some more interesting and unique Christmas tree ideas? Then you’ll love these tutorials:
- Easy Drop Cloth Tree that doubles up as a pillow
- Tulle and Lace Pom-Pom Trees
- Boho Macrame Trees with a twisted star
- Whoville Inspired Feathered Christmas Tree
- Gorgeous, budget-friendly Wine Glass Christmas Trees
Oh, and by the way, if you’re struggling to find some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered. Disclosure: If you click on the links below, we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry it won’t come out of your pocket, and it helps us come up with more unique DIY and craft ideas for you 😉
And if you prefer to buy rather than DIY then perhaps these beauties will appeal.
Until next time, wishing you a beautiful, love-filled week. Thank you so much for popping in for a visit.
Very cute Michelle, this is more my style. Way too much work after Christmas ??
I know right!! No-one’s got time for that 😀
These trees are exactly what I would expect to see at your home. So very different, kind of boho. Anyways I think they are wonderful and the metallic colour is spot on.
? Thanks so much Leanna. I enjoyed making and decorating these
So pretty in white and gold!
Thanks so much Mel, glad you like them
Oh, I love, love, love these, Michelle! I would absolutely use a few (or a lot…) to decorate my home for the holidays. I like both versions, but I think I’m partial to the more glamorous ones with the copper leaf. Stunning!
? Thanks so much Amy. I still can’t decide which one I like more, but I suppose that’s what makes them so cool. You can dress them up or down depending on the mood
I am amazed with your ability to make such effective projects! Love these – so unique!
Thanks so much Maya ? That means a lot coming from you
These are such cute ideas for Christmas. A great variation from the traditional green tree.
? Thanks so much Puja
OMG these are gorgeous.
? Thank you Naza
This unique geometric Christmas tree looks really awesome. You really did a great job hun.
Thanks so much Angela ?
These are super cute Michelle, although I have that word stuck in my head now. lol It’s great how basic the actual tree is giving you all kinds of opportunity to make them your own.
? I know that feeling. When I first heard it I couldn’t stop saying it. Glad you like the geometric Christmas trees too Leanna and they are very easy to make and decorate
I love these Michelle, they are so unique! I especially love the copper leaf tops, really beautiful!!
Thanks so much Katrin ?
I had to come over and see what that gorgeous metallic stuff was. I think… I know… that would make our concrete planters just perfect for Christmas gifts. Thank you!
? Those concrete planters of yours are going to be perfect and the kids are going to love experimenting with you Dorothy. I’m so looking forward to your next post when you share the results ?
Love these Christmas trees, they are very stylish, especially with the gold touches.
I’m partial to the coppery gold ones too ?
Your trees are fabulous Michelle and I’m especially fond of the copper leaf modern ones. Pinned 🙂
I happy you like them Marie and thanks so much for the pin too
These are so awesome! Thanks for sharing the step by step process! I feel like I could actually pull this off at home!
It’s a huge pleasure Jess, I’m real happy you liked the geometric trees
You’ve done such a beautiful job with these! I love making my own Christmas decor…you’ve definitely inspired me to make some new ornaments this year.
Thanks so much Catherine, I’m really glad you liked them. Happy making
Oh my, Michelle! These are the cutest trees ever! What a terrific ideas to use plaster paris! This is one of those out of the box ideas with unlimited possibilities! And to think you made them using an isosceles triangle to form a tetrahedron! Your teachers would be proud! Lol!
? I’ll have to tell my maths teacher. I think I’m still friends with her daughter on facebook ?
Oh I love these. So simple but absolutely perfect.
Thanks so much Tash
What a fun and a cute idea. I love how creative you are. I would love to try making this.
Thanks so much Preet and I hope you do get to try them ?
LOve your beautiful Geometric Christmas Trees Michelle!!! They would fit right into our apartment and I’m sure my girls will have loads of ideas on how to decorate them
I bet your girls will enjoy makings some of these Elizabeth. If you remember please share a picture of their version
this is a great idea! I don’t have space for a real tree, we have a false tree (every year the same, lol) standing on a small table. These would look so lovely and modern!
Thanks so much Nati ?
What a neat idea for Christmas crafts. I bet kids would get very excited for doing this.
Thanks so much Kita and yes I think kids would love making these. THey’re real easy to do and they can decorate them anyway them choose
Michelle these are so adorable even I can make it. I actually have some plaster of paris in my cart! I love that you can do them two ways and I’m actually hard pressed to choose which one I like better!
I’m so happy t hear that Mary. I bet you’ll come up with other wonderful ways to decorate yours too. Maybe something involving books or even that milk paint you love so much ?
Wow, I love this idea, it so pretty and the instructions look so simple to follow. I’m going to try to make them for my sister and I am sure she will love it.
Glad you like them Catherine and I’m sure your sis will love them too, especially if they’re handmade just for her
These are so cool and they look pretty easy to make too! I just love how you styled them especially the copper version ?
Thanks so much Katie. I haven’t decided which one I like more. The rustic version fits with our decor style but the copper dipped ones look so pretty with the lights
Just beautiful. I pinned this idea. And I think you’re right, not everyone has room for a tree…or like me…the older I get the less thrilled I am about lugging out a few huge trees each year. I’ve found that I prefer one big tree and several small, creative accents trees peppered about instead. These definitely fit the bill!!
Thanks so much Kim. Big trees always look lovely but I just hate taking them down after Christmas and packing everything away. It’s such a mess and it makes me sad when that space looks so bare after it’s down. Small trees are the way to go.
Those are really great! I love this project because it has that wonderful old school crafty vibe.
Yes, I like old school vibe ? Thanks so much Stacie
These are absolutely stunning 🙂 What a beautiful idea. I love the cool effect of the gold. Have to try this!
Thanks so much Alexandra, I’m glad you like them
oh my gosh! these trees are simply stunning! I love the gold leaf elements you added. What a perfect idea for the holidays!
Thanks so much Carolann. They’re loads of fun to decorate
That’s another fantastic project, Michelle! Your trees are so beautiful! I love the idea to make a template out of a chopping mat. I haven’t seen them here yet but I’ll keep my eyes open.
Thanks so much Julia ? I hope you do find some of those flexible chopping mats. They’re so easy to store and come in so handy. I always buy them in packs of 5 and use them for all kinds of things. They’re slighty see through so you can put a pattern behind them and cut material or use them to protect a surface from gluing, mod podge stuff since they’re so easy to wipe clean. And they make great molds ?
Oh Michelle! You started early! Your trees are gorgeous as it is everything you make. I love the gold details too. You know how much I love this metallic color!
You and me both Christina. There’s just something about warm coppery tones that make me happy ?