Dress Up Windows With Tree Cuttings and Ornaments

Designer Dan Faires dresses up exterior windows for the holidays with bundled tree cuttings and all-natural, easy-to-make ornaments.
Rustic Outdoor Window Mobiles
Loading Video...

Materials Needed:

  • tree cuttings
  • floral wire
  • floral shears
  • fishing line
  • sheets of birch bark
  • yarn
  • hot glue gun
  • hot glue sticks
  • picture nails
  • hammer
  • foam spheres
  • jute twine
  • scissors
  • cardboard
  • utility knife
  • pencil

Gather Cuttings

Search yard for fallen tree branches or pick up bundled tree cuttings from a local Christmas tree lot or florist. Trim cuttings to desired width for window.

Gathered Fallen Tree Branches

Tree Branches for a Holiday Window Decoration

For easy holiday decor, search yard for fallen tree branches or pick up bundled tree cuttings from a local Christmas tree lot or florist. Trim cuttings to desired width for window decoration.

Photo by: Brian Patrick Flynn

Brian Patrick Flynn

Create Hanger

Unfurl jute twine to proper length needed to suspend window dressing in center of window. Cut with scissors, then tie to each of the two ends of the gathered cuttings.

Creating a Twine Hanger for a Winter Window Decoration

Jute Hanger for Window Decoration

Unfurl jute twine to proper length needed to suspend window dressing in center of window. Cut with scissors, then tie to each of the two ends of the gathered cuttings.

Photo by: Brian Patrick Flynn

Brian Patrick Flynn

Cut and Assemble Twig Stars

Grab a bunch of thin twigs and cut into five 3-inch long pieces. Use hot glue gun to assemble twigs into a star formation. Once dry, tie fishing line to the top of the star, then suspend from tree cuttings by tying opposite end of fishing line around branches and greenery. Note: While jute twine can also be used for this project, the clearness of the fishing wire completely disappears for a clean look.

Twig Star Ornaments Being Glued

Twig Star Ornaments

Grab a bunch of thin twigs and cut into five 3-inch-long pieces. Use hot glue gun to assemble twigs into a star formation. Once dry, tie fishing line to the top of the star, then suspend from tree cuttings by tying opposite end of fishing line around branches and greenery. Note: While jute twine can also be used for this project, the clearness of the fishing wire completely disappears for a clean look.

Photo by: Brian Patrick Flynn

Brian Patrick Flynn

Cut and Assemble Birch Bark Tree Silhouettes

Separate birch bark sheets. Once sheets have been separated, make a stack on a flat, level surface. Next, create a stencil by drawing a simple tree silhouette directly onto cardboard. Cut shape out using a utility knife. (Tip: For proper sizing, create a 4x3-inch tree silhouette for a 36-inch window. For windows larger in size, increase the dimensions until the proper scale and proportion are achieved.) Use drill to add a small hole along the top of the tree silhouette, then add fishing line to attach tree silhouette to tree cuttings.

Cut and Assemble Birch Bark Tree Silhouettes

Cut and Assemble Birch Bark Tree Silhouettes

Separate birch bark sheets. Once sheets have been separated, make a stack on a flat, level surface. Next, create a stencil by drawing a simple tree silhouette directly onto cardboard. Cut shape out using a utility knife. (Tip: For proper sizing, create a 4x3-inch tree silhouette for a 36-inch window. For windows larger in size, increase the dimensions until the proper scale and proportion are achieved.) Use a drill to add a small hole along the top of the tree silhouette, then add fishing line to attach tree silhouette to tree cuttings.

Photo by: Brian Patrick Flynn

Brian Patrick Flynn

Create Yarn Spheres

Gather small and medium foam spheres, then wrap each sphere with bold-colored yarn, creating as many layers as necessary until the white foam is completely covered. Cut fishing line to size and place between a few strands of yarn, then attach fishing line to tree-cutting bunch.

Making Red Yarn Ball Ornaments

Yarn Ball Ornaments

Gather small and medium foam spheres, then wrap each sphere with bold-colored yarn, creating as many layers as necessary until the white foam is completely covered. Cut fishing line to size and place between a few strands of yarn, then attach fishing line to tree-cutting bunch.

Photo by: Brian Patrick Flynn

Brian Patrick Flynn

Add Nail and Hang

After all ornaments are securely fastened to tree-hanging bunch, use hammer to add a small nail above the window. Place twine hanger on nail. Stand back to adjust hanging until it's perfectly straight.

Next Up

Give Your Mailbox a Festive Holiday Makeover

To make a playful curbside statement during the holidays designer Dan Faires transforms a mailbox into a rustic rope-covered reindeer.

Festive Seashell Beach Party Decorations

Use seashell souvenirs from previous beach vacations to decorate candles, glasses and appetizers at your next dinner party.

How to Install Gutters

Protect against water damage to your foundation, basement and driveway with these instructions.

The Best Outdoor Christmas Lights to Make Your House Merry and Bright

After you've decked your halls and your tree, it's time to take the holiday glow outside. We've rounded up the best sparkle and shine for your home's exterior.

Transform Potted Evergreens Into Front Porch Holiday Gnomes

Festive up your front porch by turning potted evergreen trees into a pair of holiday gnomes that are as cute as they are Christmassy.

Easily Monogram Christmas Stockings With This No-Sew Cross Stitch Trick

Whether creating holiday heirlooms for your family or giving as a handmade gift, these personalized stockings look just like the hand-stitched version but come together much quicker and without needle and thread.

How to Makeover Your Porch Just in Time for Holiday Guests

Whether they're coming for dinner or staying for the holiday season, greet guests with a festive front porch that blends beauty and practicality brilliantly. Sponsor Content Courtesy of Level Home

How to Make a Christmas Cat Spinner Wand

In all of the gifting during the holidays, don't forget about your furry friends. This holly-themed cat toy is easy to make and will encourage hours of playful interaction.

Brighten Your Yard With the Best Christmas Inflatables

Deck out your lawn this holiday season with the most fun and sure-to-delight Christmas inflatables.

How to Make a Christmas Catnip Toy

Don't forget your furry best friend when making handmade gifts for the holidays. With just basic sewing skills, you can whip up a catnip-filled stocking-shaped toy as a surprise for your favorite kitty.

What's New in Handmade

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.