Ever wanted to make your own Christmas decor but worried it might look, well, homemade in the wrong way? Same here! This year, I decided to dive into concrete crafting and make these adorable mini concrete Christmas trees. They’re sleek, modern, and totally fit that Scandinavian and industrial vibe I’m obsessed with. Bonus: they’re ridiculously easy to make—even if you’re a crafting newbie.
Why Concrete Christmas Decor?
Okay, I’ll be honest—concrete sounds intimidating, right? But trust me, this stuff is a dream for DIY. It’s cheap, durable, and gives off such a cool minimalist look. Besides, there are always some leftovers from other house projects. Plus, I’m not really into super flashy holiday decor, so these trees hit that perfect balance of festive without being over-the-top.
I originally thought to use a silicone mold for this project but quickly forfeit that idea. Who wants to ruin a perfectly good baking mold for crafts? Not me. Instead, I went old-school and made my own molds out of cardboard. It’s easier than you’d think, and you probably already have everything you need lying around the house.
What You’ll Need
- Concrete mix or cement + sand (1:1 ratio works great if you’re mixing your own)
- Water (you’ve got this, right?)
- A bucket or old container
- A spatula or trowel
- Cardboard (any sturdy scrap will do)
- Tape (I used packing tape, but anything strong works)
- Vegetable oil (optional, but it helps with cleanup)
How To Make Concrete Christmas Trees
Take a piece of sturdy cardboard and roll it into a cone. I eyeballed the size because who needs perfection? Tape the seam securely so it doesn’t pop open when you pour in the concrete. Don’t forget to seal the bottom with tape too; trust me, you don’t want concrete dripping everywhere.
Concrete mixing can feel like a science experiment, but don’t stress—it’s pretty forgiving. Dump your concrete mix (or the cement and sand combo) into your bucket and add water a little at a time. Stir it up with a spatula until it’s about the consistency of thick pancake batter.
You want it to hold its shape but still be pourable. If it’s too runny, toss in more mix. If it’s too thick, splash in more water. I accidentally made mine too runny at first and had to play around to get it right—it happens!.
Now comes the satisfying part. Brush a little vegetable oil inside your cardboard mold so the concrete doesn’t stick (optional, but it makes life easier later). Pour the mix into the mold, filling it to your desired height.
Next, gently tap the mold on your work surface or give it a few flicks with your fingers. This helps release air bubbles. You’ll literally see them pop on the surface—it’s oddly satisfying.
Here’s where patience is key. Concrete needs time to set—usually 48 to 72 hours, depending on how humid your space is. I know, waiting is the worst, but don’t rush it! Once it’s fully cured, peel away the cardboard. The moment of truth! I made a batch of these, and while some had tiny imperfections, I actually think it adds to their charm. If yours turn out a little uneven, just display them strategically (aka, put the wonky side facing the wall).
Now the fun part—making your trees look festive! Pro Tip: Try making trees in different sizes. They look better in arrangements than identical ones.
How To Style These Cone Trees
- On a windowsill: Group a few trees of varying heights with some fairy lights for a cozy vibe.
- As a centerpiece: Add some greenery, candles, and pinecones for a minimalist tablescape.
- For gifting: Wrap one up with a ribbon and a handmade tag—it’s a thoughtful gift that people will actually want to keep.
- On a shelf: Let them stand alone as a chic accent piece.
Honestly, these concrete trees are such a win. They’re budget-friendly, fun to make, and look like something you’d buy at a fancy home decor store. Plus, they’re super versatile. Whether you’re into minimalism, rustic vibes, or traditional holiday decor, they fit right in.
So go ahead, give it a shot! Even if you’ve never worked with concrete before, this project is totally doable. And who knows? You might just find your new favorite crafting material.