Ombre Tabletop Christmas Trees

Transform foam tree forms into colorful holiday decorations with just felt and hot glue. Layer shades of the same color to create a modern ombre effect or use a solid color for a more traditional look.

Holiday decorations on buffet

Ombre Tabletop Trees

Layer shades of same-colored felt to create a modern ombre effect, or use a solid color for a more traditional look. Either way, these eye-catching trees will add a handmade touch to this year's Christmas table.

Materials Needed:

  • paper mache or foam cones in various sizes
  • 4 wool felt quarters in four different shades of one color
  • scissors
  • hot glue gun and glue sticks

Cut Felt

Using sharp scissors, cut darkest piece of felt in a strip that is 1 inch wide and long enough to wrap around the base of each tree form. For each topiary, cut 15-20 feather or leaf shapes out of all colors of felt — except the lightest shade — that measure 2-3 inches long and 1 inch wide. From the lightest shade, cut 6 feather or leaf shapes that measure 1-2 inches long and 1 inch wide. The shapes don't have to be exactly uniform; the first piece cut can serve as a template for the rest. Tip: A sharp pair of sewing scissors will cut through three layers of felt at a time to make this process go faster.

Attach Felt

Apply hot glue in small sections around the base of each tree form and immediately press strip of darkest felt in place. Just above felt strip, apply a bead of hot glue vertically and immediately press the darkest felt feather into glue. Hold in place for few seconds until glue cools. Repeat with other dark felt feathers, placing them side by side so they slightly overlap, concealing the cone. Once the entire bottom row is finished, start a second row of dark felt feathers just above first row. Continue to glue feathers on, graduating from dark to light in rows of two. Tip: Use a moderate amount of hot glue. You don't want glue to squeeze out when felt feathers are pressed down.

Finish Top of Tree

Once final row of lightest felt feathers is glued in place, glue one last row of smaller felt feathers to treetop. Fold points over and glue down. Tip: Store trees in a cool, dark place so felt will stay colorful through many holiday seasons.

Ombre Tabletop Christmas Tree

Finishing the Top of the Tree

Once final row of lightest felt feathers is glued in place, glue one last row of smaller felt feathers to treetop. Fold points over and glue down. Tip: Store trees in a cool, dark place so felt will stay colorful through many holiday seasons.

Next Up

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.

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.

Two Ways to Wrap Gorgeous Gifts With Plain Brown Paper

Plain brown craft paper doesn't have to be boring. Check out these two fresh and inexpensive ideas for wrapping pretty holiday presents.

Yarn and Button Holiday Topiaries

Get a little help from the kids to create these cheery Christmas topiaries. Great as a centerpiece or mantel or foyer decoration, these yarn-covered trees will add a colorful pop to any room.

How to Make Rustic Nail-Head Christmas Trees

To add rustic charm and curb appeal during the holidays designer Dan Faires makes tree silhouettes with plywood and nail heads.

How-to: Wallpaper-Lined Trays

Follow the directions below to complete this DIY wallpaper craft from HGTV Magazine.

How to Make a Life-Sized Wreath Snowman

To amp up your holiday curb appeal designer Dan Faires makes a larger-than-life outdoor snowman from evergreen wreaths and basic lumber.

How to Make a Boxwood Christmas Wreath

Why settle for plastic evergreen wreaths or natural greens that will dry out in a few weeks? Make a preserved boxwood wreath that will keep its good looks throughout the holidays and beyond.

Create a North Star Wall Hanging With Yardsticks

To add graphic impact to a home for the holidays, designer Dan Faires turns wooden yardsticks into North Star wall hangings.

Turn Clothespins Into Christmas Tree Ornaments

In just a few steps, turn wooden clothespins into beautiful snowflake tree ornaments. This is a great project for older children to tackle on their own or for small kids with help from a crafty adult.

More from:

Handmade Holidays

What's New in Handmade

On TV

Hawaii Life

6am | 5c

Hawaii Life

6:30am | 5:30c

Hawaii Life

7am | 6c

Hawaii Life

7:30am | 6:30c

Hawaii Life

8am | 7c

Hawaii Life

8:30am | 7:30c

House Hunters

5:30pm | 4:30c

House Hunters

6:30pm | 5:30c

House Hunters

7:30pm | 6:30c
On Tonight
On Tonight
8pm | 7c
8:31pm | 7:31c

House Hunters

11pm | 10c

House Hunters

11:31pm | 10:31c

Down Home Fab

12am | 11c

House Hunters

2:31am | 1:31c
3am | 2c
3:31am | 2:31c

House Hunters

4:30am | 3:30c

House Hunters

5:30am | 4:30c

Follow Us Everywhere

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