DIY Mod Light-Up Trees

Christmas is just days away but I still have a bunch of crafts projects on my to-do list! In hopes that you're still feeling the crafty spirit, here's one more diy for you to try, and my last of the year!

You know those tabletop ceramic trees that practically all of our grandmothers had? They were green or white and had little multi-colored plastic beads that would light up when you turned them on? These mod light-up trees were inspired by those ceramic trees. I made them in hopes that they would be just as pretty, and turns out they are! They're sleek and simple, a modern take on the classic original. They'd look great in a mid-century home, on a minimalist tablescape, or a modern mantel.

Here's what you'll need:

• Paper mache cones
• Gold spray paint
• Permanent marker
• E6000 glue
• X-acto knife with new blades, Z Series are my favorites
• Clear marbles, I used two sizes
• Battery operated lights, I used these

Spray paint the cones with a few coats of gold spray paint and let dry. Mark out randomly placed dots on the cones for each marble. I tried a couple different methods for cutting the openings in the cones and this way worked the best: carefully cut into the cone around the dot marking in a rough circle. Slowly widen the circle with the knife, cutting back and forth, testing the size with the marble. Cut the opening big enough for the marble to rest halfway through. Cut the top off of the cone.



Add some E6000 to the edges of the openings and push the marbles into place. Glue a marble to the top, too.



Put a battery light underneath and enjoy your new light-up creation!



Try mixing up the marble sizes and adding variation to the depth of the openings for different looks.


Now that's my cue to sign off for a few days and enjoy the season! I still have to wrap all of my gifts and sew a Christmas stocking for my puppy. I also have lots of cookies I need to eat and movies I need to watch. Serious business! Have a wonderful holiday!

*P.S.: Little Farm Media interviewed me last week about how I use social media for my business. Check it out and learn about my favorite hashtags and best practices!