Skip to main content
Bunnings

Sign in or sign up

No Bunnings account? Sign up
PowerPass customer?
Visit the dedicated trade website
Lowest Price Policy^
+40,000 Products

How to make a D.I.Y. star tree

Six-point wooden star wrapped in fairy lights and leant against a wall amongst other various christmas decorations

Overview

Forget the traditional wreath, this year we’re all about a star tree! This easy D.I.Y. project is the perfect way to bring some festive cheer to your home and can be hung on a stair rail, on the front door, on your mantle or even act as a sustainable alternative to a Christmas tree.

With the addition of fairy lights, it can become a sparkling centrepiece, or simply brighten up any room for the month of December.

All you’ll need to build this star tree is some balsa wood, a few D.I.Y. tools and fairy lights.

Steps

1

Gather your tools and materials

Below you'll find all the tools and materials you'll need to complete this project.

2

Measure your dowel

The first thing to do is measure the dowel with the tape measure and mark halfway with a pencil.

3

Cut the wood

Using the handsaw, cut the lengths of dowel in half, keeping five pieces and discarding one. You could also use sticks from your garden if you can find them!

4

Create the star

The next step is to arrange your star into your desired position. Arrange the pieces on a flat surface, positioning and layering them into a five-pointed star shape.

5

Tie each join

Once you've created the frame, cut a length of twine using the scissors and tie it around one join of the star. Repeat this until all the outer joins are tied. Once a knot is tied on each join, snip any excess twine off the end.

In the middle of the star, there will a number of sticks crossed over. Secure them in place with a piece of twine and a knot at each point. Once you've tied the knot, snip the ends of the twine to keep it neat.

6

Wrap the fairy lights

You should now have a star frame secured with twine at all the joins, so it's time to get decorating! Start by wrapping the fairy lights tightly against the sticks, covering every part of the frame. You can either stop there, or continue with other decorations, such as ribbon, tinsel or greenery. This will also make it easier to cover the battery pack from the fairy lights.

7

Put in place

If you're using your new star as a tree, place it in your desired spot and then get decorating! Surround with presents, tinsel or other ornaments to create a truly festive feel.

At the end of the season, you can re-purpose your star as a wall hanging – it's a great option for the kids' walls as the fairy lights can also act as a night light.

8

Make your own

Take a look at our range of dowel and fairy lights to make your own star tree. 

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.