I tied the copper wire around shorter branch to the length I wanted and there is my sign. The scrap wood is the back of a wooden chair, I just used markers to write "Welcome Friends" and put 3-4 coats of poly on it.
Source: Tired of everyone asking "What are you doing with those branches?"
By Sherry from Onset, MA
You don't have to spend a fortune at the craft stores to make a great natural wreath. If you have a willow tree that loves to drop its long branches all over the yard (the bane of my husband's existence :), then you have about all you need. If you don't have one, ask around, maybe a friend does. Or investigate other trees, vines, shrubs that might also be suitable.
If you've ever made a grapevine wreath, the process is the same for willow branches. Make your initial circle to the size desired by wrapping the pliable branch around itself. Slightly green branches work best. Then begin wrapping additional branches tucking the ends in between until you get the wreath thickness you desire.
If you have floral wire or any thin gauge wire (twisty ties with the paper coating peeled off), you can secure the finished wreath in a couple places. Hide the wire with whatever you decorate your wreath.
My photo shows a willow wreath in progress. Notice the ends that need to be trimmed or tucked in. But you may like to leave some for a more natural look. There's no right or wrong with this craft.
By gloria from western NY
Approximate Time: 1-2 hours
Approximate Time: 45 minutes
By Domestic Charm from AZ
Approximate Time: 1 hour
Trim branches to same length, lay across side by side. Intertwine ribbon then tie ends around jar. Glue each branch.
With the last 4 branches, make stems. Cut across tips. Measure the length desired then cut floral tips off pine cones, these will be the petals. Glue pine cone tips then with mini acorns, cut in half and placed in the middle of the petals. Arrange flowers in vase. Use twine to wrap around jars. I use wild moss for filling.
By Belen from Jacksoville, FL
By Kym from Madison, AL
Cut a branch that is dead from one of your trees and cut into 5 of the same length to make a star.
Approximate Time: 40 min.
By Louella from Billings, MT
Being a crafter, I couldn't resist them! I have several ideas for them: I'm weaving them through my chain-link gate in a vertical pattern. It not only adds privacy, it looks great! Another idea I had was to make a trellis by tying brown nylon rope around the thicker branches to form "squares".
I've also decided to make twig-covered vases with them. I will start with clear straight-sided drinking glasses from the dollar store then glue the twigs to the outside of the glass with clear E-6000 glue then wrap raffia around the top and bottom then tie a knot or bow. The neighbor who gave them to me says he uses the apple-wood branches for barbecuing with.
I've also thought these green branches would make wonderful doll furniture and if they are supple enough, maybe a wreath? They need to be stored in the shade or they will dry out. It's also a good idea to hose them down once in a while to keep them supple if you want to bend them. Any other ideas?
By Cyinda
I have some tree branches I cut down and want to know what I can make with them. I have Cub Scouts and want to make some boy related stuff.
By Tessa from Las Vegas, NV
By MooseMom
01/13/2011
If your branches are 1 inch diameter or larger, you can cut rounds or ovals for tie-slides. Cut the rounds/ovals, give the boys sand paper or sanding blocks to sand them smooth. Decorate with whatever your theme of the month is, and hot glue them to 3/4 inch pvc pipe sections.
I have a friend who is to retire soon and we are planning her a party and would like any ideals as how to make a money tree for her. This should not a very large tree since we will have to carry it to the party. Any ideals would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Janice
By Donna
By Tripleb
By Maryd
We had to get half of our 60 foot hackberry tree cut off and now we have mounds of branches and "logs". Any ideas on what to use these logs for besides saving it for firewood to sell {we don't have a fireplace}. We have lots and lots of branches also!
Gretta from Wayne, OK
You could wait & let the leaves die from the branches and use them as mulch around your plants or in your compost.
Offer the wood for sale or freecyle it. Or make an offer for someone to come clean up the tree branches in exchange for ? what have you.
I'm not familiar with hackberry wood, but perhaps you could whittle on some of the branches of appropriate size and length and make walking sticks to sell...maybe at a crafts fair. Or offer them up to someone else who could whittle them into walking sticks. (06/24/2008)
By bluealt
By teachpad
By Denise W
By kimhis
By Sue
We want to give my 85 year old mother money for her birthday, we want to make a money tree. Any suggestions on how to craft one? I know there are certain ways the dollars need to be folded, etc. Or money roses would be fine if anyone knows how to make them.
Madeline from York, PA
By michawnpita
By Di
By Laurie Stahl
Thanks for the ideas. Here's mine: I purchased from the 99 cents store a small lazy Susan (black) for the foundation of the tree (the tree can spin for the guests to add money or just to admire), 4 coiled plastic center pieces that are made up of green leaves meant for placing candles in the middle, and 2 more coils made to look like they have pears and peaches on them. I am going to strategically place the coils around a Styrofoam cone shaped piece, after I have painted the Styrofoam green. Then place little branches with clothes pins around the tree to hold the gold coins and paper two dollar bills for my granddaughter's birthday. (10/01/2008)
By MS. "K" ldyer
I need to make a money tree for our Pastor, for Pastor Appreciation Day. Can someone help me out?
By Terry J from Goshen, OH
By Fortunately
Step 1
Find a small branch between 18 and 36 inches tall depending on how big you want your money tree. The branch should have many smaller limbs to hang dollar bills.
Step 2
Purchase a metal or ceramic pot. If the pot has a hole at the bottom cover the hole with tape. Mix a thick plaster mixture. Put plaster in the pot with branch sticking straight out. Let the pot sit over night.
Step 3
Conceal the hardened plaster with silk moss, grass or leaves. Use a hot glue gun to glue the moss to the plaster. Cover all the plaster around the branch so your pot looks like it has a tree growing in the green foliage.
Step 4
Begin adding money to the tree. Use any denomination of bills to attach to the tree. Attach the bills to the tree using paper clips or mini clothes pins. You can fold the bills decoratively or just let them hang. It's up to you.
Step 5
Put small items on the tree branches that go with your gift theme. Use holiday decorations, religious charms, small toys or anything you want. Add little notes to the tree on decorative cards. They can be advice, poems, songs or IOU's. Anything you can think of that will enhance the tree.
Tips and Warnings
Overall Things You'll Need
By dbleoangel
I have made several money trees for our ministers and missionaries. Just get a branch off a tree the size you can use. For a base, my son got a six inch piece of firewood nice and round, drilled a hole in the center of it for a base, and put the branch in. Or you can fill a three pound can with sand and stick the branches in it. We always use one dollar bills and taped on the limbs. I usually used 100 bills, and it is easy to make and a lot of fun.
Source: I have made these for many years.
By Helen P. from Greensburg, IN
How do you make a money tree?
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Do you have a tip, recipe or craft to share?
Kid Crafts Made from Tree Branches