Looking to add a unique and oh-so-pretty Christmas tree to your decor? Then I’ve got just the thing for you. The whimsical, feathered, Whoville Christmas tree doesn’t just look adorable; it’s really easy to make too.
And who doesn’t want to bring a little WhoVille into their lives? I sure do. It would be awesome if the Lorax popped in for a visit so we can talk to the trees together. And maybe the sweet-natured Horton will discover another colony of Whos on a speck of dust in our house. There’s enough of that :D Even the Grinch is welcome as long as he brings Max with him.
Anywhos ;-) we always try to make our own festive décor. It works out cheaper, and it’s waaaaay more fun than standing in those awful queues at the mall.
'Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas ... perhaps ... means a little bit more.' Dr. Seuss.
So when I went through my craft stash and found a whole bunch of feathers and another polystyrene cone, it felt as if Christmas had come early. I had everything I need to make a Whoville Christmas tree. And I could dig into my collection of jewelry wire and beads to make the decorations too ;-)
Okay, before we get to the tutorial, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram. And don’t forget to subscribe so you’ll never miss a post!
What you Need
Besides the polystyrene, or Styrofoam cone and some feathers (cruelty-free, please), you’ll also need the following:
- Craft wire. Look for a 16 – 18 gauge wire
- Pretty beads or other decorative bits
- Double-sided tape or craft glue
- A small bucket
- Gauzy material (optional)
How to Make a Feather Whoville Christmas Tree
To protect the cone so it can be reused again, I wrapped a piece of gauzy material around the cone first. But this step is totally optional.
Starting at the bottom of the cone, wrap the double-sided tape all the way around. Remove a portion of the top protective layer on the double-sided tape and stick the feathers down. If you remove the entire protective strip, I found that it loses some of its tackiness, and the feathers don’t stick as well. Or maybe it was just the tape I used?
Work your way around and up the cone, making sure to overlap the previous layer of feathers.
When you reach the top, use feathers that are an equal length and place them in such a way that their shafts all line up. You can trim the shafts a little afterward, too.
Making a Whoville Tree Topping
To make the tree topping, I used Jewelry wire. Just wrap it around the feathers, starting about 2 inches down from the top of the cone.
When you reach the top, remove the wire and continue wrapping it around a skewer or pencil to create an elongated wire spring shape. Make a small loop at the end for hanging decorations.
Trim up the tree with Christmas stuff. Like bingle balls and Who floo-fluff.
For the decorations, I simply used a whole bunch of gorgeous rhinestone crystal bead charms and added small feathers.
And made a few curly, wurly shapes from the jewelry wire. Hang the decorations from the Whoville topping with fishing line.
Jewelry wire comes in so many different colors, and it’s quite soft, which makes it really easy to work with. But it has its downsides too. Since it’s so pliable, the decorations can’t be too heavy, else the topping will droop down, and your WhoVille tree will look really sad.
To finish off, glue the Whoville Christmas tree onto a small bucket. I painted it to match the color of the wire, but you can leave yours as is if you prefer. In fact, you can place the little tree on anything that will let the feathers drape down nicely.
I would love to know what you think of the feathered WhoVille Christmas tree. Do you think Cindy Lou and the Grinch would approve?
If you like the idea of making a WhoVille inspired tabletop Christmas tree, don’t forget to pin it for later.
Want some more interesting and unique Christmas tree ideas? Then you’ll love these tutorials:
- Geometric Trees to suit any decor style,
- Easy Drop Cloth Tree that doubles up as a pillow,
- Tulle and Lace Pom-Pom Trees,
- Boho Macrame Trees with a twisted star,
- Another polystyrene tree, but this one has fairies living inside,
- Gorgeous, budget-friendly Wine glass Christmas trees
Oh, and if you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered Disclosure: Clicking on the links below, means 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 amazing craft ideas to share with you ;-)
Until next time, I hope you have a beautiful, creative week. Thank you for popping in for a visit.
29 comments
I am intrigued with the way this comes together. I am looking forward to doing one with my sister.
It is beautiful and so whimsical it is perfect for Whoville!
So happy to hear that, Sherrie. I hope you and your sister have loads of fun making yours and remember to tag us in if you share pics on social media.
This is so sad. I’m very disappointed that you posted something with real animal feathers. An animal died in order to get these feathers. Someone made money on the killing of an animal. Google it for yourself
Oh dear Cheryl, then you’ll be glad to know we used feathers from a company based in Brackenfell, Cape Town. They’re part of the IDBF who believe in harvesting feathers in an ethical, non-harmful way. We love all animals as much as what you do.
I made mine out of feathers from my Guinea hens. I did not kill them!!! I went around and picked them up off the ground!
I love that Annie. Many years ago, I never gave a thought to what birds went through to give us craft feathers until someone told me. Now we only buy our feathers from a company down in Cape Town that collects them in a loving and caring way. They’re a bit more expensive but worth it.
What a beautiful and whimsical tree Michelle! I love how you did your wire topper! Very clever!
Congratulations on your nomination! I hopped over to give you my vote and Good Lucky!
? Thank you so much for that Linda. Really appreciate it
Beautiful and feminine. I love the style of this Michelle with the soft feathers, the shine and of course the bling. Beautiful craft project.
Thank you Leanna, that means a lot coming from you since you always do things in such a soft, lady-like way ?
That’s so pretty. Love the sign in the background too. Where did you get it?
Hi there Moinee, the sign is one of my favorite quotes from Mark Twain and I found it in a little decorating shop here in South Africa. They do sell something similar on Amazon
The tree is fabulous! Very Grinchy. I am sure he approves. Congrats on the nomination.
Thank you Debra ?
Oh my Goodness, this Whoville inspired tree is the cutest thing ever! Going to see the Grinch with my girls next weekend in Canada, I’ll be thinking of this!
Ooooo you’re all going to love it Katrin. There are so many parts in the movie that made me laugh and I know I’m supposed to be a grown woman but I just want a real little Grinch to love and hold? Hope you all have a lovely Christmas in Canada. I know you’ve been looking forward to it. Enjoy the snow ?
Gosh, you always come up with the coolest ideas, Michelle. This tree is gorgeous as a white feather tree and absolutely ADORABLE with the wire topper and hanging feather ornaments. Talk about attention to detail!
Thanks Marie ? I had so much fun playing around with this one.
Oh wow I love this! It’s so femme and perfect for the holidays!
Thanks so much Carolann
This is adorable, Michelle! I might have to make one for my daughter. She’s totally into the Grinch. She went to see the new Grinch movie recently with my parents, and is a bit Grinch obsessed now. :) Thanks so much for the inspiration!
I loved the new Grinch movie and little Cindy Lou is such a cool role model for a little girl too. I hope she likes the Whoville inspired Christmas tree
What a beautiful tree…so elegant and whimsical. And I love the detailed directions. I would never guess that how it’s assembled. I could totally do this! And congratulations on your nomination! I voted…good luck!!
Thanks so very much for the vote Kim ? That means a lot to me and I’m really glad you liked the tree too
I think the Grinch will love this tree. I sure do ?
I’m really happy to hear that Raynette, thank you
Michelle this has to be the most adorable tree I have ever seen. The Grinch would surely approve of it. I love love love the topper! And the way you stuck the feathers on is very clever!
LOL Mary, when I went to visit your blog today I saw you’d also done something Dr Seuss-y? Great
mindsfriends think alike :D;)