DIY Network

Treasure Trees Trim a 'non-holiday' tree with Michele Beschen. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-130

Colorful bottles are some of Michele Beschen's favorite tree trimmings.

Who says decorated trees are only for the holidays? Not Michele Beschen. The B. Original host loves finding new ideas for everyday items, and that includes turning used Christmas trees into treasure trees to brighten the yard or garden. They're a great way to express yourself in the great outdoors.

The process is simple: Strip down a natural Christmas tree, "plant" it in plaster and then decorate with whatever strikes your fancy. You can always change out the decorations as the mood takes you; after a few Christmases worth of trees, you could have an entire outdoor gallery. Scroll down for Michele Beschen's easy how-to, and get started on your own treasure trees today.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Treasure Trees

Materials:

old Christmas tree (natural, not artificial)
saw, pruning shears
plastic bucket or nursery pot
large stones
plaster of Paris
assorted "treasures" for trimming tree

• Choose a Christmas tree with an overall shape you like. Michele Beschen prefers to use a Douglas Fir.

• Prune back the tree so that all of the branches stick out about a foot from the trunk (figure A).

• Place some large stones in the bottom of a plastic bucket or nursery pot (figure B), then place the tree in the bucket. The stones will weight the bottom of the bucket for added stability.

• Mix the plaster of Paris in another container according to the package instructions.

• Pour the plaster in around the tree and let cure completely (figure C).

• Plant your tree and bucket. Michele Beschen digs a hole and plants hers directly in the ground. However, you can plant the tree inside a large flowerpot to make it easy to move around.

• Decorate the tree with your favorite treasures. Here are some of Michele Beschen's favorites:
  

  A collection of her favorite odds and ends...

  Or a theme tree of nautical items and original artwork.

  
  

  
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Treasure Trees
  	Fan Blade Sconces
  	Handmade Guitars