Repurposed Copper Plumbing Caps into DIY Christmas Tree
DIY Christmas Tree from Copper Plumbing Caps
When I shared my 12 Christmas Tree projects post last week it got me to thinking about how much I enjoy creating trees from repurposed things, like the DIY Christmas tree that I’m sharing today.
I like to think of ways to use things that I already have, and one of those things is a whole bunch of copper plumbing caps.
Why do I have a whole bunch of copper plumbing caps?
I found a bulk bag at a garage sale a few years ago, and I can’t resist a bulk deal.
It was one of those, “I think I’ll be able to use these for something some day moments.” lol.
Don’t we all have those?
Well for these guys someday is finally here, for some of them anyway.
I have just a few (haha) silver trays in my stash as well, so I pulled one that I thought would work and started to create my tree shape with the caps.
And I just continued my way up the tray in a way that I thought looked good.
Until my tree shape was done.
I’m using GOOP Adhesive for this project, but E6000 glue would work too.
A little glue on the bottom of each cap does the trick.
Another thing I have in my stashes is marbles, and lots of them.
I chose these iridescent green blue marbles because they’re bright and sparkly.
And who doesn’t like a little sprakle?
I filled the copper caps with the marbles, and luckily I had a few copper colored ones for the tree stem.
After I filled them I thought the tray looked a little boring so I decided to do some decoupage.
You could, of course, skip this step.
So I used some 2″ quilt squares to add a fun background for the tree.
Once the fabric squares were dry, after two coats of the decoupage medium, I trimmed them with an xacto knife.
TIP: When decoupaging fabric make sure the overhanging edges are also covered with the decoupage medium. Once the medium has dried, the fabric becomes hard and is much easier to trim.
You could also leave the copper caps empty as well, if that’s what you love.
Or maybe you have something else that could go inside them, like mini ornaments, or those crafty puff ball, or beads, etc.
Anything that will fit will work if you love the look of it.
You could also glue some kind of trim around the inside of the tray, but I kinda like the rustic ragged look.
It has an imperfect, hand created quality that I love.
Supplies needed for this project
- silver tray
- half inch copper plumbing caps
- marbles
- Marine Goop Adhesive of E6000 Glue
- Decoupage Medium
- foam brush
- xacto knife
See what I mean about those sparkly marbles?
They’re so pretty, and they sit in the caps very nicely.
I didn’t even have to glue them in, which is awesome because I can change the look of the tree any time I like.
Please pin to your favorite board.
Thanks so much for reading and until next time,
keep on keepin’ on!
XOX
Love the copper and marbles! I like the “layered design.” I’d leave the fabric off, or perhaps use just one pattern/color. You have given me inspiration for “junk” and odds and ends that we crafters keep – knowing we’ll find a place for them someday. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks Barbara! Certainly this could be changed up in any way you like. 🙂 I’m so glad my project has inspired you.
That’s so cute!
Thanks Mary!
I like that rustic handmade look as well. I find that nowadays companies make so many products for you to buy that what’s the point of crafting anymore! I live in Europe and we don’t have all the products you have in America and sometimes that is frustrating. But generally, I like the challenge of finding substitutes in my area and finding free things to replace store-bought items.
Thanks Lisa! Yes, you can certainly buy a lot of stuff already made these days, but I still prefer to create things myself most of the time or buy from other creators. Like you say, I like the challenge.
Fun project! Anything in bulk inspires my projects, too;)
Thanks so much Lora! I have to justify thrifting bulk items somehow. lol.
Oh my word! I love this! I don’t have anything like these in my stash, but it’s so cute I’m temped to go buy new! (blasphemy!) It wouldn’t be Christmas without a stash tree from you!!! I’m gonna go dig around and see if I can come up with something………
Thanks Dona! I’m not sure how much copper plumbing caps cost new, but plastic caps could be used too I think. 🙂