Yes, you’re in the right place if you’re looking for a DIY Christmas decor project that’s simple, stylish, and just a little industrial. These little concrete-and-wire Christmas trees are my latest obsession, and trust me, they’re ridiculously easy to make. Plus, they’re a great way to flex those crafting muscles without needing fancy tools or advanced skills. If I can do it, you can too.
Why Concrete Christmas Trees?
Okay, let me back up for a second. I’ve been on a bit of a concrete kick lately. Maybe it’s because I love how raw and sturdy it looks, or maybe it’s because I’ve always wanted my holiday decor to have that cool, modern vibe. Either way, this isn’t my first concrete rodeo. Last week I’ve made some basic concrete cone Christmas trees, but I wanted to step it up a notch with color and personality. That’s where the wire came in. Combining concrete’s industrial feel with bright, colorful wire felt like the perfect balance between modern and festive.
And you know what? It worked. These trees are small, chic, and surprisingly versatile. Stick them on your mantel, cluster them on a coffee table, or use them as centerpieces—they’ll look good anywhere. My wife placed them on the fridge, and they look like festive snowman horns.
What you’ll need
- White cement and sand: I went with white because, hey, it’s the holidays, and it looks so clean and polished. If you don’t have white cement, regular concrete works too, but the vibe will be a bit rougher.
- Wire (any color): I used bright red and green aluminum wire because it’s super flexible and adds that holiday pop.
- Plastic container for mixing: A small bucket works fine.
- Spatula or scraper: For mixing the concrete.
- Plastic molds: Think plastic food containers or anything that can hold the concrete while it sets. Bonus points if it’s something you’d otherwise toss out.
- Vegetable oil (optional): For greasing the molds so the concrete pops out easily.
- Christmas tree template: I printed a simple tree outline to shape the wire around. You can download it below.
How To Make These Minimalist Christmas Trees
This part’s fun but a little tricky. Print out my simple tree template Start shaping your wire by bending it along the edges of the template. Pro tip: It’s best to start at the base of the tree. This way, you won’t have to guess the length of the wire. But if you’re not afraid to waste a bit of wire, starting from the top can be easier — just be sure to cut a piece of wire long enough from the start. Don’t stress if the shape isn’t perfect—imperfections add character, right? Besides, you can fix it a later.
Concrete can be intimidating if you’ve never worked with it before, but I promise it’s not rocket science. Dump some cement and sand into your mixing container in a 1:1 ratio. Slowly add water while stirring until the mixture looks like thick pancake batter. If it’s too runny, add more cement; if it’s too thick, a splash of water will fix it.
You can even use the mix than is thicker than batter. It won't matter much.
Before pouring, grease your molds with a tiny bit of vegetable oil. Trust me, this step saves you so much frustration when it’s time to pop the concrete out.
Pour the concrete into the molds, then gently push the base of your wire tree into the mix.
Make sure it’s standing upright. If it’s a little wobbly, you can hold it in place for a minute or so until the concrete starts to firm up.
Here’s the deal: concrete takes time to set, usually 48 to 72 hours. I know, waiting is the worst, but it’s worth it. Once it’s dry, gently pull the tree out of the mold. If it’s being stubborn, give the mold a light tap or wiggle the wire base. If you notice small cracks or rough edges, don’t panic. Sandpaper can smooth those out in no time.
Styling Your Concrete Trees
Here’s where the real fun begins. These trees are gorgeous on their own, but you can dress them up if you’re feeling extra festive:
- Wrap a thin ribbon around the base for a pop of color.
- Add mini ornaments or tiny LED lights to the wire.
- Use some paint to give the concrete a geometric look.
- Apply metallic foil using a thin layer of adhesive. Peel it off carefully, and you’ll be left with a stunning metallic sheen.
Why You’ll Love This Project
This project ticks all the boxes: it’s budget-friendly, beginner-friendly, and completely customizable. Most of the materials are things you probably already have lying around. Plus, these little trees are built to last—no flimsy decorations here! They’ll stay with you for years, adding a modern, handmade touch to your holiday decor.
But my absolute favorite part? Each tree has its own personality. No two turn out exactly alike, and that’s what makes them so special. It’s like a little piece of your creativity frozen in time. And let’s be real—there’s something ridiculously satisfying about making something from scratch that looks like it came from a designer shop.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab some cement, pick out your favorite wire colors, and let the crafting begin!