STEP 1: Using a mitre saw, cut all of your 4x4s to size at 45-degree angles on each end. Since your tree can be as big or as small as you’d like, the number of pieces required will vary. In this case, we’ve made six total pieces cut at 3.75”, 8”, 12”, 15.5”, 18.5”, and 20.5”.

STEP 2: Sand all of your 4x4 tree parts with a random orbital sander.

STEP 3: Lay your tree parts out flat and, using wood glue, join them together. Be sure to clamp them together while the glue sets to ensure a strong bond.

STEP 4: Using a jigsaw or scroll saw, cut out your star from 1/4" plywood. Be sure to soften all sharp edges with sandpaper.

STEP 5: Using a jigsaw or scroll saw, cut out your garland from 1/4” plywood. Be sure to soften all sharp edges with sandpaper.

STEP 6: Cut out your ornaments. For this you have two different options. For perfect circles, use a mitre saw to cut slices from wooden dowels (in this case, we used 1-1/4” dowels). Or, for more creative shapes, use a jigsaw or scroll saw to cut your ornaments from 1/4" plywood. Be sure to soften all sharp edges with sandpaper.

STEP 7: Apply two even coats of Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Paint & Primer to your tree and ornaments (I recommend Gloss Spring Green for the tree, Gloss Apple Red for the ornaments and Gloss Sun Yellow for the garlands and star).

STEP 8: Once the paint has dried, decorate your tree by using CA glue to attach your star, ornaments and garland.

STEP 9: (Optional) To use your tree as a decorative outdoor piece, apply two coats of Tremclad Clear Protective Top Coat. Allow the first coat to dry and sand lightly with 220 grit sandpaper before applying the second coat.

STEP 10: Enjoy the holidays!

Visit Rust-Oleum Canada and MInspiredLiving on Instagram for more tips and inspiration!

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Prepared by M Inspired Living