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.
Tools and materials
Batteries for lights (check the packet)
2.5mm Blue Dowell Balsa Wood x4
3m / 10ft Tape Measure
Carpenters Pencil
500mm Hand Saw
75m Jute Twine
Warm White Battery Operated Bud Lights - 100 Pack
Heavy Duty Stubby Scissors
1. Measure your dowel
The first thing to do is measure the dowel with the tape measure and mark halfway with a pencil.
2. 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!
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
Make your own
Take a look at our range of dowel and fairy lights to make your own star tree.
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