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Roundup: 12 Unconventional Christmas Trees That Will Have You Re-Thinking The Fir

by on Dec 1, 2010

As a tradition, my husband and I usually go on the day after Thanksgiving to pick out a tree with his family.  There’s a special lot that has our preferred species (Balsam Firs – I love how skinny and open they are, which is great for showcasing ornaments.  Take a peek at our tree from last year to see what I mean).  This year, though, we were out of town and to this day are still treeless, which is nearly blasphemous.  I am dying to get a tree up and can sense that my ornaments are silently weeping in their boxes (poor little glittery globes).

As I was prepping this roundup though, I got to thinking about all the amazing alternatives to fresh-cut trees and I just might be reconsidering our tradition (more blasphemy).  Take a look at these twelve unique options – maybe you’ll be inspired to start a new Christmas tree tradition of your own!  

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Dutch artist Ingrid Jansen creates these gorgeous recycled-wood trees from old boats, fence posts, barns, etc.  Purchase one here, or use these as a fabulous jumping-off point for creating your own!

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I love, love, love these plywood trees from Australian company Büro North.  The BuroTree collection consists of three styles: RINDD, GRYDER, and FRIGG.  While these trees are laser-cut, I imagine the middle tree (GRYDER) would be pretty easy to re-create on your own.  Anyone up for the challenge?

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Ahh, this tree makes the best of two trends: wall decals and geometrics.  Admittedly, I’m quite smitten with it!  The TriNorth Christmas Tree is available in 32 colors from Etsy shop LeoLittleLion and goes to the tune of $51.  Definitely tempting…

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This incredibly creative Christmas Tree alternative comes from another Dutch artist (so talented, the Dutch!), Jane Schouten of All The Luck In The World.  She’s taken a collection of meaningful objects, memorabilia, trinkets, and artwork and turned it into something truly special.  I love this idea!  [via Apartment Therapy]

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This one’s for the true DIYers, the craftsmen and crafters of the world.  Except… it’s not real!  Yep, this bad boy is a photo-realistic wall decal created by artist Phoebe Washburn for Artware Editions.  I’d love to see someone actually create a tree like this, though!  But, if you’d rather stick (heh) with a decal, you can pick one up for $125 right here.

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More wall stickers, but this time they’re super cute and made of fabric (and only $70)!  Check out Etsy Shop MAE for more variations of this sweet, re-usable Christmas Tree alternative.  [via Creature Comforts]

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Show off your handiness and your DIY spirit with a wooden ladder tree!  Clever, easy, affordable, and slightly humorous – all good things in my book.  The image on the left is from CB2 (check out their How-To: Save a Tree post for more on this idea).  The image on the right is from Curbly’s own roundup of recession-proof tree ideas!

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Alright, we’ve got two ideas-in-one here, but they’re simple, so stick with me.  For bookworms (but definitely not people with OCD): slanted, stacked, and arranged just-so, books and magazines can take on a festive new look!  It can’t get easier – or more affordable – than that.  If you’re itchin’ to use up the rest of that chalkboard paint you’ve been storing, try painting a swath of canvas or burlap.  Draw a tree, hang, and you’re done! [via emmas designblogg and Poppytalk] [Images: IJM | Canadian House & Home]

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This tree is so clever and modern and minimal and, and… I love it.  It’s also completely DIYable – check out Tara and Thyme for a photo essay of its creation!  [via Apartment Therapy]

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This idea is so Scandinavian, it’s killing me!  I swear, in another life I’d be Swedish.  If you’re as obsessed with Scandinavian Modern as I am (Scandi-Modern cabins anyone?), this would be a great way of incorporating the style into your holiday decor this year.  It’s as simple as trimming your trees or taking a walk around the neighborhood (or local park) and finding the right branch.  You could even do a good turn and offer to trim your neighbor’s tree if they’ve got a branch that speaks to you.  [via emmas designblogg]

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Last, and certainly not least, we have the super-classic aluminum tree.  If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on one (and don’t want to sell it to me), here are two variations to inspire you.  Dripping with oraments and tinsel is the Holly Golightly tree from Visual Vamp.  I LOVE THIS TREE.  First, it incorporates my favorite color scheme of all time, and secondly, the sparkle factor is out of this world.  For me, Christmas decorations are all about the sparkle and glitter.  (This is the one and only time of year you will ever hear me say that.)  The second tree, from Boomerang Thang, I love for its very retro-mod feel.  If you’re lucky enough to a) have an aluminum tree and b) live in a ranch-style home (and don’t want to sell it to me), this is your ticket to Atomic heaven.  As an aside, you must check out the rest of this home – it’s gorgeous!

There you have it folks.  Are you convinced?  I’m seriously considering a few of these options myself, to be honest!  Which one is your favorite of the bunch?

Of course, I’d love more inspiration (always).  So if you’ve got a fabulous tree, please post it in the comments.  Let’s keep this inspiration train going!

Looking for more seasonal DIY projects and ideas?Christmas tree hack decirs which will help you to have a beautiful outcome.

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