Project: Cut, paint, distress, and decorate an old door to create a Christmas tree decoration.
There was a joint effort to create this Christmas tree decoration out of old doors!
Supplies
- Old door
- Wood trim
- Almond - Heirloom Traditions Paint
- Iron Gate - Heirloom Traditions Paint
- Paint Brushes/Applicators
- Sandpaper
- Distressing Tools
- Hooks
- Wreath
- Knob
Step 1: Cut the Door/Trim
First, decide how big you want your tree. We made small, medium, and large trees.
Depending on the size you choose, your old door can make two Christmas tree decorations (the one in this post is a medium sized tree). The decoration above was cut from the middle of the door. A second tree can be made from the sides (see the next two pictures).
My dad cut the tree body and trim.
Step 2: Paint
Paint the wood before building the tree and base. This makes for a seamless finish. You’ll likely need to use some touch up paint on the nails and other parts that get nicked while the tree is being built. All in all, it is so much easier to paint all of the wood prior to building.
My mom painted the trees using Heirloom Traditions paint. This is a fan favorite for us! (Click on the pictures for info.) This paint is great because there is no need to sand before painting and once it is cured, it’s very difficult to chip! There are also certain tools the company recommends to use to apply. **Side note, this is now my favorite chalk paint brush! It can be used with other paints, as well!
Almond
Iron Gate
This is one of my favorite hacks! You can use this if you are painting spindles or double sided trim. Simply screw a small hook on the top of the spindle/trim, hang it, and paint the entire piece in one session! No waiting for drying between sides! Side note about trim: If you like rustic like me, your trim doesn’t need to be top notch! The wood we used had so much character!
Step 3: Build the Tree
My dad built the tree and attached the pieces using screws. Secure the tree with a sturdy base.
Step 4: Distress and Dress
I wanted light distressing, so I used a 220 grit sandpaper on the edges and corners of the tree. I did not touch the trim. The dark trim looks sharp as is. I also used a hammer and nail to do some nail distressing in an almond shape. Side note: Before painting, I lightly distressed the wood by creating some dents and slash marks using a hammer and wood file. You can control the amount of distressing you like!
And every door needs a knob and wreath…even if it’s a Christmas tree! Screw in a small hook for the wreath.
Can’t find a knob in the color you like? Paint the knob! The large Christmas tree had a dark knob, but we wanted to make the color pop. We used DecoArt paint, followed the baking directions to harden and set the acrylic paint, and voila! A beautiful red knob!
Step 5: Cricut the Message
And for a perfect finishing touch, my friend, Erin, created the beautiful messages for us using her cricut machine!
So there you have it! I hope you enjoy your Christmas tree decorations as much as I do! (And as much as our new puppy! My beautiful tree has to live behind a gate this year for its own safety!)
But look at the face!!! She is forgiven! 🙂
