Learn how to make a grapevine tree from wild vines in your yard and use them as decorative elements in your Christmas decor.
Another grapevine project. Why, yes. I still have large amounts of grapevines growing on our property so I continue to look for ways to use it. Why not a grapevine Christmas tree?
Other Grapevine Projects
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How to Make a Grapevine Tree
Step 1. Cut the grapevines and let them sit overnight so that the leaves will die back and be easier to remove.
Step 2. Remove the leaves and wind the vines into a large bucket with water for a few hours. This will help make the grapevines more pliable and help remove any insects or pests.
Step 3. In the meantime, cut some chicken wire.
Create a cone shape with the wire to make a basic frame. I'm making a couple of tabletop trees. However, if you want to make a full size tree you could use something like a tomato cage as your frame.
Step 4. Spray paint or use a brush to paint the cone black.
Note: I did not do this early in the process which was a mistake. The silver from the wire will show through the vines. However, if you paint them black they will blend in and look like a shadow.
Step 5. Start wrapping the vines around the bottom of the cone. Use larger vines when you start and work up to small vines towards the top. You may find it helpful to stick some of the vines through the wire to help hold them in place.
Don't worry if you have ends sticking out. You can trim these after the tree has dried.
Here you can see the completed trees after they have dried overnight. As you can see the silver does show through. That's why I suggest painting the wire frame black first.
However, I was able to take a small paintbrush and paint the silver wire to hide it but it would have been so much nicer and easier if I had painted it before wrapping the grapevines.
They look pretty sweet on my holiday mantel. You could add lights, mini ornaments, or bows for an extra festive look. However, I love the look of this rustic grapevine tree as is and might consider leaving it up all year long.
More DIY Christmas Trees
DIY Grapevine Christmas Tree
Equipment
- Pruners
- Garden Gloves
- Large Bucket
- Wire Cutters
Materials
- Grapevines
- Chicken Wire
- Black Spray Paint or craft paint
Instructions
- Cut down grapevines and allow the leaves to dry up overnight.
- Strip the leaves then place the vines in a bucket of water.
- Allow them to soak for a few hours.
- Meanwhile, cut the chicken wire and shape it into two cones.
- Spray paint the cones with black spray paint or use a brush and brush on black craft paint on all sides.
- Start with thicker vines at the bottom of one of the cones and wrap the vines around the base, tucking them into the wire and wrapping them under each other.
- Continue to wrap vines using smaller vines near the top of the cones.
- Allow the cones to dry out then snip any ends that are sticking out.
- Set them anywhere you want and enjoy.
Deb Kane
Patti, these are beautiful! As I don't have actual grape vine, I am going to try this with a huge amount of nuisance ivy weed which grows quite thick. I also have a large corkscrew willow which I plan to make willow balls with, so I'll give the tree's ago with that. I may have to colour the willow as I'm not sure what colour it will dry to. Thank you for the inspiration, I also love your green bottle with the white candle
Patti Estep
Deb, I'm so glad you like the trees and am anxious to hear how the vines and willow work. I've never done it before but think it's definitely worth a shot.