For various reasons I didn’t want a large tree this year. I mulled it over and came up with a few ideas, some of which were not actual trees at all. But Roy really wanted it to be some form of a regular tree. I’d always loved the idea of doing a “Charlie Brown” type tree so that’s what I settled on.
I wanted to do this project without spending any money as not everyone can afford to buy a big tree each year. This idea was perfect for that. My tree wasn’t quite as sparse as Charlie’s was but still needed some help. Roy designed a stand for it and I made a star to go on top as it was too small to hold up a normal tree topper.
Ends up Linus was right… all any tree needs is a little love.
The Tree
As we live in a more rural town we had access to some “free” foliage we could use for our tree. Roy found a sapling that was only about 3′ tall. It was perfect for my project. Just make sure when you find whatever you will use for your tree that you are allowed to do so! Don’t take it off of land that belongs to someone else without their permission. Ü
Tree Stand
The tree had a 1″ diameter base so it was way too small for a normal tree stand. Roy came up with a quick wood one that he put together in about 15 minutes. It was a 16″ 1×4 and a 16″ 2×4 cut as shown. A square 2×4 piece was nailed on top with a 1″ hole drilled into the center which was the diameter our tree base. The hole needs to be a snug fit or the tree won’t stand up.
Supplies
- A 16″ 2×4
- A 16″ 1×4
- 3.5″ x 3.5″ 2×4
- Hand saw
- Nails
- Hammer
- Drill- make hole the size of tree stem base
DOWNLOAD
Free Tree Stand Downloadable Instructions
Our tiny sapling in its stand.
The Star
The tree was so small that the top was not strong enough to hold up the regular tree star that I had. So I made my own star. Supplies
- Free pattern download
- Cereal Box
- Paint
- Glitter if desired
- String for tying to tree
- Ruler
- Bone folder or Butter knife or anything to make creases with.
DOWNLOAD
Free Star Pattern Download pdf
Our little tree all done up with decorations I already had and my homemade star.
I bought a Christmas Fairy a couple years back to hide in our tree. She fit perfect on this small one.
Your tree is beautiful!!! I love the tree stand, I want my hubby to make one for me next year! Small trees have become so vogue!!! XO, Aimee
Thanks for the kind words Aimee. Ü
Aww I want a Charlie Brown tree! Thanks for posting. Hello from Frugal Friday.
Thanks for stopping by Melissa!
Love the star! We’re planning to make one. Thanks for the pattern and inspiration!
Your so welcome Julia. Thank you for stopping by!