DIY Holiday Burlap Tree created with a Tomato Cage

Simple supplies combine to create a precious holiday decoration- a lime green Burlap Christmas Tree! A standard wire tomato cage, craft wire and 9" wide burlap ribbon are all you need to make this pretty ruffled Christmas tree. Spurred by the popularity of our previous post on using a tomato cage and deco mesh ribbon to make a Christmas tree decoration (click here to see it), we created another version with a great new natural burlap texture in a lime green color.  Festive, fun and fresh!  Keep reading to see how simple it is to make your own burlap Christmas Tree for the holidays.

SUPPLIES

To purchase these products from www.mardigrasoutlet.com, click on the individual product link below or click HERE for a complete supply list.

(1) roll 9" Burlap in Apple Green

(1) roll Aluminum Craft Wire 2MM in Apple Green

Scissors and/or Wire Cutters

Wire tomato cage 

Optional Accents:

White Christmas Lights 100-light strand
4" Red/White Striped Ribbon for a bow

Candy Striped Christmas Balls Spray
 

Cost/Time

Our 4' tree took approximately half a roll of 9" burlap ribbon. The total cost of the basic supplies is approximately $14 with materials left over. This does not include accents such as the ribbon and floral sprays or the cost of the tomato cage.  This burlap Christmas Tree takes about 20 minutes to make.

Step 1

Cut short lengths of the aluminum craft wire, approximately 6 inches long.

Step 2

Weave the aluminum wire in and out of the ribbon about 1inch apart just below the top edge of the burlap. This is similar to how you gather or pleat fabric with thread.

Step 3

Push to fabric together into the center of the piece of wire. Tightly twist the wire ends together, this will cause the burlap to bunch, creating a pleated effect. We start with the tomato cage wrapped in white lights. To see our previous tutorial for how to wrap the lights on the cage, click HERE. With the light wrapped tomato cage set upside down, begin to layer on the burlap ribbon. Start about 9" up on the cage so the burlap ribbon brushes the ground. Use the wire tie to attach the ribbon onto the form around first ring.  

Step 4

Move down the roll of ribbon about 6-8 inches and repeat Step 1. Weave in and out another piece of craft wire that will become a tie for the ribbon. Continue around the first level of the cage, attaching the gathered ribbon. 

Step 5

Once you have reached the beginning of your first tier, allow for a few inches of overlap and trim the burlap. Add this cut edge back into your first tie for finished look

Step 6

Begin the second tier about 8" up on the tomato cage, just enough length to hide the top wires of the previous layer. Repeat steps 1-5 for this layer.

 

Note: With the size tomato cage we used this layer fell at next ring. This may or may not be the case for you, depending on the size of the tomato cage you use. Tomato cages vary widely with height and width.

Step 7

Continue moving upwards on the tomato cage filling in layers. 

Once you've reached the top of the tomato cage you'll need to add a final layer of burlap to cover the remaining wire legs of the tomato cage.

Step 8

Cut a piece of the burlap ribbon about 12 inches wide.  Bunching from each side, gather the burlap in your hands. Hold it at the center, and wrap it around the top of the tree.  It should look gathered to match the other layers of burlap. Tie this piece onto the top of the form as shown with the aluminum craft wire or matching rope.

The finished tree! 

Precious burlap tree with a basic red and white striped ribbon bow added to the top.

 Red and white peppermint glitter balls from a Christmas floral spray make the burlap tree even more fun and festive.

With or without lights, this Burlap Christmas Tree is adorable!  

Happy Holidays!