Decoupage Christmas Tree Tutorial

[@danabartley2706]

Just found you on KZbin! Your videos are the best!! Thank you for sharing

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Oh my goodness thanks for the kind words!

[@matildabarrett4738]

I cannot stop looking at your trees. They make me so happy. You are a great instructor.

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Wow, thank you 😊

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Wow, thank you

[@kathleenhall6346]

I hope you create more videos. It appears that these are 1 or 2 years old. You have a gift for explaining and demonstrating, while keeping the results classic and un-fussy. No stress but beautiful results.

[@craftingwithgretchen]

😊 Thank you. I just did one a week or so ago for flower pots my newest since the Champagne bottle.

[@debsass]

Thanks so much Gretchen! This was a really fun video. You're a great teacher! I'm definitely going to give this a try.

[@craftingwithgretchen]

So kind of you to say, thanks so much.

[@christinemoskau5309]

Thank you! How sweet of you to help all of us learn how to do this! I can’t wait to try my hand at this!

[@craftingwithgretchen]

you are most welcome

[@dianekulback2430]

You've made decoupaging a real art!

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Thanks so much

[@blancafuentes9009]

Oh my goodness ❣️ I love the Blue and White pattern that's one of my favorites 😍❤️😍

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Mine too, I've used it on everything. 🤍

[@donnamorrison4837]

Very nice Gretchen...l love decoupage and the way brings life to items that would otherwise not stand out !!

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Couldn't agree more ❤️

[@ellenhutchinson2889]

We use a wet line making paint brush dipped in water to paint around the image then tear on the skinny wet line. We do this in junk journaling. Beautiful video!

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Thank you, I do that now using a watercolor brush but hadn't yet learned it! Thanks so much for making sure I knew 😊

[@richardmarcis2545]

These are just beautiful! ❤the blue and white 1! I ❤ Santa & Deers [very hard to find] so i've done paper & gift wrap! But I love the napkins to!

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Thanks so much 😊

[@angelabascue4539]

Omg I’m in love with these! ❤

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Thanks so much 😊

[@angelabascue4539]

Gretchen, are these napkins 2 ply that you have to separate? I find it so difficult to use a separated napkin. It’s so thin and always rips. I also use Mod Podge. You make the application look so easy.

[@craftingwithgretchen]

@@angelabascue4539 These were three ply. That is one of the reasons I use Caspari napkins most, the color doesn't seem to run and the napkin quality is easier to work with.

[@lisawarner1556]

Your trees are beautiful! I decoupage shells all the time, but wooden trees are awesome!

[@craftingwithgretchen]

thanks so much

[@blupoppy608]

what a great idea, thank you for sharing, have liked and subscribed, nice job!

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Thanks for subscribing, happy you enjoyed the video!

[@hockey3boys]

Thanks for all the details. I'm going to try and make these this weekend. Yours are beautiful

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Thanks so much.

[@annwhite5700]

I love love all of your Christmas trees. Just beautiful... You do such amazing work. I very much enjoyed this video. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful work.

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Thank you so much for your very kind words. They are truly appreciated!

[@pattyisspoiled7852]

Very pretty!

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Thank you! 😊

[@ACoastalMagnolia]

These are adorable!

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Thanks so much, such fun to make!

[@susangooden1055]

I’d love to see Christmas ornaments!

[@craftingwithgretchen]

I did a tutorial on flat and round ornaments (just super basic) if you check my page 😊

[@andreanorris103]

Love your work! Thank you for these terrific videos.

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Glad you like them! Thanks so much 🙂

[@Lisalovescrafting]

I just discovered you on KZbin, and my scrolling stopped! I love these Christmas trees and will try to find the wooden blanks! Thanks for sharing!🤗

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Awesome! Thank you so much for the kind words!!

[@Lisalovescrafting]

@@craftingwithgretchen 🤗Where do you sell your pumpkins and trees? They are charming!

[@craftingwithgretchen]

@@Lisalovescrafting I sell some in a local small shop, but don't sell online. That's why I try to teach people 😊

[@Lisalovescrafting]

@@craftingwithgretchen Thanks for your reply! I will make some as soon as I can find the trees. They seem to be available in the small sizes but not the larger ones. Ah well, it will be a good excuse to look at HomeGoods!🤗

[@blancafuentes9009]

And gorgeous all year around ❤

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Absolutely! I want to make some for fall!

[@joanvolkman7326]

I'm a new subscriber from Wisconsin. I love your decoupaged Christmas Trees.

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Welcome!! Thanks for subscribing and the kind words!

[@Martbez1]

Love it! Nice tip you gave to pick up the small pieces with the brush. I will definitely use that tip when I decoupage again. I smiled when you mentioned the size checking. I got the same (not so nice) surprise when I received my Temu order. It was tiny, TINY, little birds. I was at work and my co-worker and I had a good laugh. No idea what I'm going to do with them, but ja, definitely pay attention to the size when you order.

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Oh so glad when little tips make a difference and you must laugh on the sizing or you'll cry 🤦🏻‍♀️🤣.

[@EvaZasimovich]

Thank you. You are a good teacher!

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@BrigetteFranklin]

Awesome trees!

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@ellenl5626]

Found you on Facebook! My favorite is the nutcracker one 😍😍😍

[@craftingwithgretchen]

ahhh...one of mine too, I kept that one for myself, I couldn't believe that the tiers of the tree were the perfect size for my little nutcrackers!

[@anneshaheen3188]

Fantastic idea and great visual instruction❤

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Thanks so much for the kind words!

[@southernsass2937]

These are Gorgeous!

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Thanks so much 😊

[@susangooden1055]

Great video. I learned a lot!

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Glad to hear it!

[@coastaldiva]

Great video! Definitely an art!!

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Thanks so much. I really enjoy it

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Thanks 😊

[@lynmason3979]

So nice I will have to try this.

[@craftingwithgretchen]

It's a fun project 😊

[@megarver11]

I absolutely lOVE these....and will be looking for the trees ASAP. The only thing i am confused about is how the top is finished so neatly. I wish that had been included in the video. Thank-you!

[@craftingwithgretchen]

So sorry, thought I had talked about how I folded over the first section so that it covered the tip and was the only layer on top. (vs. having all the pieces meet at the top and causing some overlap) Then the rest I just filled in around. I may have edited that part a bit.

[@megarver11]

@@craftingwithgretchen ....i think you did mention it...but I am very visual and need to actually see it to understand it. I may just have to give it a go and maybe it will become apparent as I am working on it. Thank-you for responding...these truly are beautiful and if i can get it right, I'd like to make a couple as gifts!

[@terriallshouse7605]

Gretchen, have you tried using a smaller wet paintbrush to pull and tear so to speak? Try it, let the piece dry before you use it. Thanks for this great tutorial fun fun!

[@craftingwithgretchen]

I will try this for sure. Thanks so much for the tip!

[@craftingwithgretchen]

I just used your helpful trick in my Easter egg video! Thanks again for teaching me 🙂

[@CarolinaCattClear]

Just found you on KZbin! Great video and ideas! New subscriber now too btw!

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Thanks so much 😊

[@jackandjill9065]

I use a fan brush to decoupage with. It seems to work best for me!

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Good to know! I've never tried one but will for sure!

[@CarmenTorres-gf3sg]

You can get the flat tree's too🎉🎉🎉

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Yes I did a tall flat tree and it was super fun! Thanks for mentioning!

[@malillis608]

Please share the information about your “new” soft brush. Brand, type, size, etc. Thank you!😊

[@craftingwithgretchen]

amzn.to/3T0rGWR Here you go 😊

[@suziemiller8256]

What color gold, in the Gold Leaf paint, do you use, and what was the third gold paint that you use? I didn’t catch the name when you said it in the video. LOVE the trees, especially the blue and white pagoda and the nutcrackers!!

[@craftingwithgretchen]

On these I used a Krylon gold leaf paint pen. I really love the tone of the gold and it goes on beautifully. Thanks for the kind words 😊

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Sorry misunderstood part of your question. Also love Testors gold enamel. I use that on shells all the time. Plaid Liquid Leaf classic gold paint.

[@lisadrury850]

Gorgeous work! 🤩 Can you tell me where do you get your trees? Thank you!

[@craftingwithgretchen]

These are all from Homegoods 😊

[@cathyrobi3891]

Very pretty- where do you get your napkins?

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Thanks 😊 Most of these are Caspari and I purchased them online.

[@tammyharris11]

​@@craftingwithgretchenyou can sometimes find them at home goods or t.j Maxx or Marshalls as well

[@pamelasheldon1055]

Love your. I will do some!!@

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Have fun!! 🎄

[@rosemeritomio3575]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Love this!

[@terriallshouse7605]

beautiful. Can you post the spelling of those napkins? Conspari?

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Caspari! Thanks so very much, I’m curious about your small wet paintbrush technique, would love to know more 😊

[@angelabascue4539]

Gretchen do you keep your napkins in 2 ply? Instead of separating the napkin? I find my napkins when you separate them is SO thing it’s hard to work with. I also have been using Mod Podge.

[@craftingwithgretchen]

No, I take it down to only one of the three, otherwise they bubble and wrinkle too much. (I have gotten away with it on shells and smaller items). I do work most with Caspari napkins because of the quality. I would find something you have that you don't mind throwing away, to practice on. If you use a fairly thin layer and let it dry before doing a top coat, you might have better luck. But truly, practice is the best teacher on that part.

[@terriallshouse7605]

@@craftingwithgretchen sorry, I am behind on replies. Christmas crafting. So, wet paintbrush…it is just taking a paintbrush, dipping in water and drawing a rough line where you want to tear then gently pulling it away at that line. It pulls more like a fibrous sort of edge if that makes sense, rather than a hard tear. Play with it a little and let me know if that works for the Caspari napkins.

[@craftingwithgretchen]

If you watch my Easter Egg tutorial I use your amazing technique! I have told several women in a Facebook group that I wasn’t a genius, just following the great advice of a very nice women who commented on a video 😊

[@carolteves4026]

Can we do it on styrofoam trees

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Absolutely depending on the foam. If it is extremely rough, I think it would be tough but if smooth they would work very well. The thing to look out for is how much varnish you need for the initial "glue" coat, based on how much it does or does not absorb. If it is not porous at all lots sits on the surface and can cause wrinkles and tearing. Hope they turn out beautifully!!

[@ThePrfrank]

Can you share the brand of brush you use? Thanks!

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Yes I can, www.michaels.com/soft-grip-one-stroke-brush/D258631S.html Here is the link

[@organizersrus]

Awesome!! Curious what cost of trees were? I’d love to see one decoupage with the trunk portion, left wood and unpainted.

[@craftingwithgretchen]

They ranged from $12 up (I think most expensive was $35 and that one was very large. I can't figure out how to get KZbin to let me attach a photo but I did do several with wood base left natural.

[@craftingwithgretchen]

The one on the far right of the cover photo was natural wood but hard to see.

[@margaretmcintyre2447]

Where do you get your trees?

[@craftingwithgretchen]

These I purchased at HomeGoods. I've worked with wood, resin, paper and ceramic, just picking them up here and there.

[@EE-mn2lu]

I love this❤❤❤ where do you get the trees?

[@craftingwithgretchen]

I found these wood trees at HomeGoods. I've also found smaller wood or paper mache' at Target, Michaels and JoAnn fabrics. Hope you have luck!

[@EE-mn2lu]

Oh! Nevermind. I misssed it where she said she got them at Home Goods.

[@EE-mn2lu]

@@craftingwithgretchen thank you so much

[@blancafuentes9009]

Where can I buy that style of Christmas tree 🎄?

[@craftingwithgretchen]

I purchased these at HomeGoods, they were wood. I've also seen them made out of resin.

[@CarolinaCattClear]

Do you happen to have a link for the napkins? Doesnt hsve to be the same ones but I'm not sure where to find them.

[@craftingwithgretchen]

amzn.to/3YespFV Amazon carries them, here's a link 😊

[@CarolinaCattClear]

@@craftingwithgretchen appreciate it! Thank you so much!

[@lorenecollier2631]

Hobby Lobby has wood trees similar to these.

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Good to know, they did not when I went earlier in the season

[@JanePate-j2m]

Have you ever used Rice Paper or Decoupage paper it’s a game changer look at Jamie Rae vintage at her product. Sonnets Garden Blooms is a fantastic resource. I have really enjoyed your videos and the way you do this. Thanks for sharing your talent.

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Thanks for the kind words and the suggestions, I'll look for sure! I've used a little rice paper but I have found that so many of my projects are curved or round and it is a little thicker than I like...wonder if I've just had the wrong rice paper. I do like it on flat surfaces.

[@margaretstorey8267]

Where do you get the trees?

[@craftingwithgretchen]

These I got at HomeGoods. I know others have found online or smaller at Target or Michaels.

[@debralynn6641]

👍👍👍👍👍✅

[@craftingwithgretchen]

🤣 thanks so much!

[@janehenderson7560]

Can you tell us where you get your trees please?

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Sure, mentioned in the video but may not have seen that part. They are from HomeGoods 😊

[@barbaramazzatenta9228]

I l😅ke your videos. Quick tip ,its easier to take a wet paint brush,lightly wet around each image you want to tear. It will tear easily and no ripped image,no.taking a long time ripping

[@craftingwithgretchen]

Thanks so much! Yes since then I have learned that fabulous tip but I sincerely appreciate you giving me the tip. I now use a watercolor pen filled with water and love that as well 😊

[@annewollstein3511]

Really lovely but actually finding the trees might be a problem 😏

[@craftingwithgretchen]

These exact trees, yes, but I've found lots of others that do work and look great. It's the shape of the tree that matters, lots of resin trees that work well too. Hope you have luck 🍀

[@ghostylicious1]

Where can you get these trees?

[@craftingwithgretchen]

I got all of mine from Homegoods.

[@doesilky]

I just saw this 9.24.2024 and I don't know if anyone suggested to you. Have you tried to use a water brush (it is a tube where you fill water, with a bristle tip), then pulling your napkin apart? PS you are to hard on yourself.

[@craftingwithgretchen]

You are so kind to ask, I do use a water pen now, this was before I learned that fabulous tip 😊. I always appreciate the tips, I love learning new things!

[@craftingwithgretchen]

PS I am a perfectionist, I'm getting better with that too!

[@jannacopeland8696]

Where do you get the trees?

[@craftingwithgretchen]

I got them at HomeGoods. I've also found some that are papier-mâché at hobby lobby! Hope that helps 😊

[@ot9228]

Hello, just found you. I have a couple questions. I assume you sell the trees and pumpkins and other items you may make. If you buy the tress at home goods how do you make any profit? I just love the trees. If it’s not to bold can you tell me how much the large trees and pumpkins are? If you don’t want to share here I understand. Do you have a place we could go buy them? Thank you, loved the videos. ❤

[@craftingwithgretchen]

@@ot9228 sorry, this wasn't showing up until now. On the trees, the HomeGoods pricing was between $8.99 for the small (8 inches tall) and $24 (24 inches tall) for the extra large. I don't mind sharing, but I will say I don't sell at craft fairs or online, I only sell locally in a small shop that carries gorgeous faux floral arrangements and seasonal home decor, so these are a good fit. The largest trees and pumpkins sell for anywhere from $80-$100 depending on how intricate they are and how large. Hope that helps.

[@kaymccormick2279]

Where do you get the trees??

[@craftingwithgretchen]

These I got from HomeGoods but they can sometimes also be found in shops like Target.