Tutorial: Wooden Slat Tree Ornament

This tutorial will show how to make this mini "plank" tree ornament!!  This was so much fun to make and there are sooo many ways you can decorate this little tree!!

I actually attempted the Elmer's Glue crackle technique multiple times on this poor tree, but didn't have any success. I hope to figure it out and include it in a future tutorial though!! 

Inspiration

My inspiration for this project was this Planked, Rustic Christmas Tree over at Every Creative Endeavor.  I loved the rough  appearance of this tree and wanted to make an ornament version of it!!

Step 1: Gather Supplies

- Bass wood slats in various widths and thicknesses

- Wooden star

- Glue

- Acrylic craft paint

- 1/8" Satin ribbon

- Craft knife

Step 2: MAKE TREE BASE

Using your craft knife, cut a 4"-5" piece of bass wood for the trunk of the tree.

Cut a 1"-2" section of wood for the base.

Glue the star to the top and the base to the bottom of your "trunk".

Step 3: MAKE TREE

Plan Tree

Lay out various sizes of bass wood slats on top of your "trunk" as shown above.

Mark where you want to cut each piece using a pencil.

Cut Slats

Using your craft knife, cut each slat where you had marked.

Add "Branches"

Glue your wooden slats in place in order to make the branches of the tree.

Step 4: PAINT TREE

Paint Base Coat

Paint dark shades of the colors you eventually want your tree to be.

Paint Top Coat

Add a thin layer of lighter paint so the base coat peeks through.

Distress Paint

Using your preferred method, distress your tree.

Note: I just rubbed some Java Walnut Ink on mine.

Step 5: ADD RIBBON HANGER

Make a loop with your ribbon.

Glue ends to the back of your star.

FINISHED!!

Thanks for reading!!  Until next time...