This simple thankful tree is an easy basic to add to your home decor. It can easily be switched out for other holidays too, besides fall.

You need a few basic supplies to create your own thankful tree. The best part about this project is how customizable it can be! You will be using branches from your own yard (or neighborhood) so the texture and size of your finished project will depend on your preference!

Supplies needed to make your own fall thankful tree:

• Branches (I tried to choose branches with character- knobs and “v” shapes.)
• Casting Plaster
• Paper Mache Box
• Masking Tape
• Green Moss
• Burlap (or other neutral) Ribbon
• Silk Fall Leaves
• Mini Wooden Clothespins
• David Tutera Celebrate Card Tags & Embellishments (optional)

Select branches for your project. They can be any size, color, or texture you desire. Bundle the branches, and trim if necessary.

Keep adding branches as desired. I added in stages, and wrapped the branches I added onto the main (center) branch using tape.

The tape will not show in the finished product.

Once the branches are secure – trim the bottom of the bundle so it is even. Then mix up your casting plaster (sometimes called plaster of Paris) as directed by the manufacturer. We are using plaster for this project, because once it hardens, it is fairly heavy, and will prevent the tree from tipping over once decorated.

Mix the plaster well.

When the plaster has a smooth consistency, carefully add the plaster to the paper mache box.

Now you will add your branch bundle.

When you have your branch bundle centered, you will need to secure it so it will stay in position while the plaster cures.

I used a photo easel, and a clip:

Pretty professional, eh?

Get creative with what you have on hand! Just make sure the branches stay put until the plaster is completely hardened.

Now you will want to cover up the base of the thankful tree.

Using a hot glue gun, add green moss to the base.

Figure out where you would like the “front” of the thankful tree to be.

Then add a neutral bow to the base of the tree where the front is.

Now your basic home decor tree is essentially finished, and should look something like this:

A blank canvas ready for you to “cute” up.

I am thinking decorated eggs for Easter, some fun flowers and butterflies for Spring and Summer, maybe some snowflakes for Winter?

Today, we are going to decorate for fall, and make our tree into a Thankful tree. Plus, I will show you the secret to simply and easily switching out the tree decor using mini clothespins.

That’s right.

No gluing anything. Mini clothespins add charm, and seasonal accents are easily removable.

I added silk fall leaves and photos of my kids.

I also had each of my kids fill out a tag with things they were thankful for- those got added to the tree too. With mini clothespins!

To finish my thankful tree- I added a label and sticker to the front of the paper mache box.

This will  be switched out for different themes as well.

When the fall season is over, the tree will be stripped clean, and ready for another theme.

A fun (and thrifty!) addition to my home decor.

Shaunte

Shaunte is a 30-something, chocolate-loving, SAHM from Utah. She has been scrapbooking since 1997, the dreaded era of photos cropped with deco scissors. Since then, her work has evolved into a clean, linear, photo-focused style. Her favorite subjects to scrap are her husband and five kids (never a lack for subject material there).