🎄 Upcycled Christmas Tree Art: How I Turned Thrifted Finds Into Heirloom Holiday Decor

Handmade • Upcycled • Farmhouse Vintage Charm

There’s something magical about creating holiday décor from pieces that already have a story. This year, I wanted to try something different — a Christmas craft that felt vintage, elegant, and meaningful. I ended up making these gorgeous Upcycled Christmas Tree Art Frames, and they’ve quickly become one of my favorite projects of the season.

Every single piece is handcrafted from secondhand, thrifted, or reclaimed materials — from the frame to the buttons to the brooches. Not only is this project beautiful, but it’s also sustainable and perfectly aligned with my Discover. Renew. Repeat. philosophy.

Here’s exactly how I made them so you can create your own or simply enjoy the behind-the-scenes of this upcycled artwork.

✨ Step 1: Distressing & Painting the Frame

I started with secondhand frames — the more character they had, the better.

How I finished them:

• Lightly sanded the wood to distress it and soften any harsh lines

• Brushed on a mix of metallic paint + pearlizing agent to add a subtle shimmer

• Let the natural texture of the frame peek through

• Added ornate corner embellishments for a vintage, heirloom feel

The result is a soft, antique metallic finish that looks high-end but still rustic enough for a farmhouse or vintage-inspired space.

❄️ Step 2: Creating the Background

I lined the inside of the frame with embossed wallpaper.

The raised pattern gives the trees dimension while keeping the design airy and elegant. It also provides just enough texture to complement the beads and buttons without competing with them. I added snowflake cut outs for additional texture and design.

🌲 Step 3: Forming the Tree Shape

To get a perfectly balanced tree silhouette, I cut a small triangle from a burlap garden flag and used it as my base.

This does two things:

1. Gives you a guide so your tree doesn’t drift sideways as you layer

2. Provides a natural fabric texture that blends into the greenery and buttons

You won’t see much burlap in the final piece, but it helps hold everything together and keeps the shape clean.

💎 Step 4: Layering Secondhand Buttons, Brooches & Jewelry

This is the most rewarding part!

I used a mix of:

• Vintage buttons

• Costume jewelry

• Rhinestone brooches

• Beads

• Foam colored balls

• Sprigs of greenery

Everything was attached with clear Gorilla Glue, which dries strong and invisible.

My layering tips:

• Start with your largest pieces to establish the outline

• Fill gaps with smaller beads and pieces

• Mix matte + shiny finishes for dimension

• Don’t be afraid to let pieces overlap — that’s what gives the tree richness

Each tree ends up one-of-a-kind. No two will ever be the same.

🎁 Step 5: Creating the Tree Base

For the trunk, I upcycled a small wooden block that was part of a child’s play set from a thrift store.

Process:

• Painted it to match the frame

• Added jewelry beads

• Glued it in place so the tree looks grounded and artful

This tiny detail makes the whole piece feel finished.

✨ Step 6: Sealing & Adding Snow

To protect the piece (and give it a little holiday magic), I finished with:

• A light spray of Mod Podge acrylic sealer

• A sprinkling of tiny decorative snowflakes

The sealer locks in the shine and ensures your heirloom piece will last for years.

🎄 The Finished Pieces

Each tree has its own personality — some gold and pearl-toned, some bright with reds and vintage buttons.

💡 Want One of Your Own?

Give it a try by making one of your own or browse our selection at onemoretimefinds.com where these upcycled trees will be available in limited quantities.

✔ Sustainably crafted

✔ One-of-a-kind

✔ Made from reclaimed materials

✔ Perfect for gifting or decorating

✔ Adds instant heirloom charm to your holiday home

Keep an eye on the shop — once they’re gone, they’re gone!