For a country-style centerpiece, try your hand at these jute string and raffia Christmas trees. Tuck in a few branches from your evergreen, then add a little garland or some ornaments for a tabletop "forest" in a flash!

Supplies Needed

  • Styrofoam cones in assorted sizes
  • Parchment paper
  • Three-ply natural jute string
  • Green raffia
  • Commercial stiffener
  • Large, medium and small
  • 1/8-inch-thick natural wooden star cutouts
  • Gold metallic acrylic craft paint
  • Small flat paintbrush
  • Craft glue

Steps

  1. Wrap each cone shape with parchment paper, using straight pins to secure paper to cone.
  2. Soak jute string and raffia in stiffener as directed by manufacturer.
  3. Wrap jute string around cone shape in a spiral pattern. Add raffia in the same way.
  4. Continue to add jute and raffia alternate
  5. y until desired look is achieved, making sure the bottom of the cone is level. Secure any loose ends with straight pins. Let dry.
  6. Carefully insert a table knife between the cone and parchment paper; move the cone around to loosen.
  7. Carefully remove parchment paper from the jute and raffia. Paint all sides of each star gold; let dry.
Glue a star to the top of each tree.


Tabletop TreesStep 1

Wrap each cone with parchment paper, using straight pins to secure.

Tabletop TreesStep 2

Wrap jute string and raffia around cone in a spiral pattern until desired look is achieved. Let dry.



Tabletop TreesStep 3

With a table knife, remove parchment paper from the cone. Carefully separate the parchment paper from the jute and raffia.
http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Holiday---Celebration-Recipes/Centerpieces/Tabletop-String-Trees