Beaded 3D Christmas Tree Sculpture

Create a festive 3D Christmas tree sculpture using a decorative wooden dowel as the trunk, threaded rods as branches, and colorful beads for decoration. This project combines simple woodworking and crafting techniques to produce a charming holiday centerpiece.

Intermediate 3 hours $30
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the wooden dowel by sanding it smooth. Optionally, paint or stain it green for a festive look and let dry.
2. Drill holes evenly spaced around the dowel at different heights for inserting the threaded rods. Start with longer rods at the bottom and shorter rods near the top to create a tapered tree shape.
3. Cut the threaded rods to desired lengths if necessary and sand ends to remove burrs.
4. Thread green and red beads onto each rod in alternating patterns, leaving some space at each end for nuts and washers.
5. Secure beads in place on each rod using washers and nuts on both ends, tightening gently with a wrench or pliers.
6. Insert each threaded rod through the drilled holes in the dowel, securing them inside the dowel with nuts on the backside or with wood glue if desired.
7. Attach the fancy cabinet drawer pull to the top of the dowel using screw or adhesive as a decorative tree topper.
8. Secure the dowel to the center of the circular wooden base using wood glue and/or screws (pre-drill holes in the base for stability).
9. Allow all glue and adhesives to dry completely before moving the sculpture.
10. Optionally, add extra decorations or a light dusting of faux snow for a festive finish.
Materials
1 decorative turned furniture dowel (about 18-24 inches long)
8/32 threaded rods in varying lengths (e.g., 6, 5, 4, 3 inches) - approx. 10 rods
Green and red plastic or glass beads (enough to string onto rods)
1 fancy cabinet drawer pull for the tree topper
1 circular wooden base platform (approx. 6-8 inches diameter)
Wood glue or strong adhesive
Threaded rod nuts and washers (8/32 size) to secure beads
Drill with 8/32 drill bit
Screwdriver or wrench for tightening nuts
Sandpaper
Optional: green spray paint or wood stain for dowel and base
Protective gloves and safety glasses
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