Make a Burlap Tree

Materials needed:

Cardboard cone

Burlap ribbon (or regular burlap)

Hot glue gun (or your glue of choice)

I’m a little obsessed with burlap decorations and crafts, so when I saw a roll of olive drab colored burlap ribbon at Michael’s for sale after Halloween, I snagged it up confident that I could find something to do with it.  When I saw these cardboard cones at my local craft store with an example of a tree made with layered scrapbook paper, it clicked!  I realized that I HAD to make a burlap tree by layering the burlap ribbon on top of the cardboard cone. 

I took the burlap ribbon and cut it into about 1.5” – 2” lengths to allow for the ribbon to overlap.  I then cut the ribbon in half again width-wise because when I started gluing the ribbon onto the cardboard cone, I felt the tree needed to have more texture.  I like burlap having a rugged edge, so I frayed the ends of the burlap that would be facing the bottom so there are a few strings and the crossing is inconsistent.  What I like about using the ribbon instead of regular burlap is that the edges curl up a little and will give the tree more volume.

Before using the hot glue, do a “dry fit” of the burlap to make sure you have enough to fully wrap around the cone in the thickness you want.  It’s so frustrating when you’re crafting and just about finished with your project and realizing you’re completely out of material (not that I've ever done that before…).

Start at the bottom of the cone and using your glue gun (I prefer hot glue since it dries quick and is easy to work with, but any crafting glue should work), add a bit of glue to the top part of the burlap and adhere to the cone.  Continue around the base and then when you’re finished with the first layer, start on the next row up and overlap the seams.  Continue to move around and up the cone until you reach the top.  At the top, you may need to cut some of the burlap in a triangle pattern to make the top point look nice.

If you’re like me and love clean likes and abide by the saying “less is more”, then you’re done!  However, if you like to add embellishment then decorate however your holiday mood desires.  One idea is to add some string lights or mini-ornaments.  If you end up making your own, please post a comment here with the link so I can see your work!  

If you love this tree so much that you just HAVE to have your own but don't have the time or materials to make one yourself, I'm selling this one in my Etsy shop!