DIY Christmas Tree Barrel Stand

This is my take charge week.  Teachers in my school district have the week off and for the first time in a long time, we aren’t traveling or going to Disney.  Although the kiddos may be disappointed, I look at this as an opportunity to be ahead of things this holiday season.  To kick things off, I created a DIY Christmas Tree Barrel stand.

In fact,  I’ve started all my Christmas decorating.  First up, the tree.  I’ve had the same tree skirt for ions and to be honest, I just don’t love it anymore.  Rather than go on the hunt for a new one, I decided to take a different approach.

 

I love a good elevated tree.  As I age, it seems like I’m trying to lift everything…so why not a Christmas tree?

Some people have a husband who will bring home a stray puppy, a huge TV or maybe an unfortunate reclining chair their buddy gave them because his wife was making him get rid of it.  Not mine.  He brings home Christmas trees.  It’s true.  This year he brought home 3 Christmas trees others no longer wanted.

This is one of them.  Unfortunately the previous owner decided to use tinsel on the artificial tree (don’t ever do this).  Tinsel is for real trees…just sayin’.  How do you de-tinsel an artificial Christmas tree?

You brush it.  You dog brush it in fact.

It won’t take care of every little tiny bit, but you will at least keep your sanity.  Dixie, the dog, didn’t seem too upset I was using her brush for my little project.  I guess even dogs are happy it is vacation.

So how did I make this perfectly weathered wood Christmas barrel?  I cheated.  I picked up a plastic planter at Home Depot for $20 and used paint magic on it.

Here’s how you can do it too.

1.  Paint the whole thing grey.  I used grey spray paint to speed things up.
2. Use a chalk paint to get in all the grooves.  I used Martha Stewart’s paint in the linen color.  Brush it on and with a paper towel immediately scrub it off to reveal the grey, leaving the white in the “wood”.
3. Use Folk Art Metallic Chocolate finish acrylic paint to make the “metal”.  I gave it two coats to give it the metallic finish.
4. After the metallic finish is dry, brush on black acrylic paint and wipe most of it off.  The black will go in the pits leaving  a more authentic finish.

Now, on to the fun part.  Decorating it!  This is one of two trees this year.  I DIY “flocked” another one I’ll share with you later.

Also, be sure to check back on Wednesday for my Black Friday gift guide.  I’ll show you how to buy something great for everyone on your list for less than $30.  You’ll be the gift giving winner in the family this year!

Have a fantastic day!

Nancy

My awesome friend Lucy from Patina Paradise put together this incredible party list.  Lucy and I, we like to party at the same places.  You should come to the party…it’s a blast:

 

MONDAYS
Something to Talk About @ Spain Hill Farm 5AM CST
*Show and Share @ Coastal Charm 8AM or 8:30AM

Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on The Porch
Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life 3PM
Inspire Me Monday @ Sand and Sisal 4 or 5PM

TUESDAYS
Moonlight and Mason Jars @ Cherished Bliss 10 or 11AM
* Wow Us Wednesdays @ Savvy Southern Style 6pm
* Vintage Inspiration Party @ My Salvaged Treasures evenings at 7 PM
* Dream Create Inspire @ Refresh Living evenings at 7PM
* Swing into Spring @ DIY by Design at 10PM
What’s It Wednesdays @ Ivy And Elephants

WEDNESDAYS
Creative Spark @ Two Purple Couches 9AM
Share Your Cup Thursday @ Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson 2PM or 3PM

Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch to Yours 6PM CST

THURSDAYS
Brag Worthy Thursday @ Bless’er House + 4 more blogs 5AM
Think and Make Thursdays @ Little Red Brick House + 7 more blogs!!! 5AM
*The Creative Circle @ Up to Date Interiors 8AM
Vintage Charm @ Charm Bracelet Diva 9AM
* Shabbilicous Fridays @ The Shabby Art Boutique 1:00PM
*Feathered Nest Fridays @ French Country Cottage 3PM
Simple and Sweet Fridays @ Rooted In Thyme 6PM

AKA Design-Weekend Retreat party 7 pm

Creativity Unleashed @ Practically Functional 6pm
*Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home 6PM
the weekend retreat @ AKA Design 6pm
Inspiration Friday @ The Painted Drawer 9PM

* A morning Cup of Joe @ The Cottage Market 6AM

SATURDAYS

SUNDAYS
* Silver Pennies Sundays @ Finding Silver Pennies 6 or 7 AM
Inspiration Monday @ Our Southern Home  + 6 more blogs! 1 PM
**Amaze Me Mondays @ Dwellings 4PM