Bottle Brush Trees
Are All Bottle Brush Trees Created Equal?
So, the traditional bottle brush trees are made out of sisal. This is a natural fiber from the leaves of an Agave plant. Well, last year, I bought a few bottle brush dark green trees and tried to bleach them, unbeknownst to me they were made of some synthetic material and the dye was set into the fibers. After a couple of bottles of bleach, I gave up and now I own a ton of green trees. Sisal trees, on the other hand, are dye a color that can be stripped out by bleach. And underneath the top layer of color is a gorgeous natural light tan color tree.
Can You Make Your Own Bottle Brush Trees?
Yes, you can make your own bottle brush trees and I hope to publish a post in the near future. I have the trees made and they came out a bit more earthy than the store bought ones. I made them from sisal rope and wire and I’m super surprised how easy of a project it is. So stay tuned for that post.
How Long Do You Bleach The Trees For?
What is the Best Way To Color the Trees?
So, I can be a bit obsessive when it comes to crafts and I have colored my bottle brush trees in many ways. So, I have spray painted them as well, as painted them with acrylic paint. I found the prettiest and most vibrant colors are derived from Tom Holtz Ink Dye. There is nothing comparable to his dyes.
How to Make Bottle Brush Holiday Trees
Bottle Brush Holiday Trees Supplies:
Bottle Brush Holiday Trees Directions:
Next, you’ll want Tim Holtz distress ink spray, here is the Amazon link: sprays. I bought 3 colors and only used 2 of them.
The colors can be pretty intense, and if you are looking for a lighter look, dunk your sprayed tree in a bowl of water until you achieve the shade you want.
Here is a Helpful Video Tutorial for Spraying Bottle Brush Trees
Next, you’ll want Tim Holtz distress ink spray. Once they are bleached, rinse well with water. Then allow them to dry thoroughly.
Then you can paint a layer of Elmers or tacky glue on the outside. Sprinkle or roll it in the glitter of your choice. I had bought the colored glitter but ultimately I loved the white glitter
Other Techniques to Color Bottle Brush Trees
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So, if you choose not to color your bottle brush trees with the Tim Holtz inks then the above trees are the results of the alternatives.
The first one is craft paint that is painted on with a watercolor brush. I found it is a more opaque look and not very vibrant in color. Also, it was a very labor intense job, but the colors available are pretty incredible.
The second tree is colored by a spray can. And this is somewhat vibrant and super easy to spray in just a couple minutes the job was done.
And finally, the last tree is a bleached natural tree. It is a very beautiful tree and I love the light color.
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Lisa @ Texas Decor
I love your trees! I had no idea you could bleach them! What a fun project! Oh, and too funny about your husband dressing up as Santa! Lol!
Janine Waite
Hi Lisa ~ Yes, my husband is quite the comedian! He always has me and the kids laughing! Thanks so much for taking the time to visit!!! ~ Janine xoxo
Christie
What a great idea! I love that you can color them to match your Christmas decor. Thanks for the tutorial!
Janine Waite
Thanks Christie, for visiting!! I'm glad you liked the tutorial. It is a fun project that isn't that difficult!
Good luck in tomorrow's drawing!
Janine
amcmurry
Can't wait to DIY these!! Great ideas here!
Janine Waite
You're so sweet! Thanks for hopping on over here!! I really appreciate the visit! Good luck with tomorrow's giveaway!
Janine
Stickhorsecowgirls
These are amazing!!! I am going to have to try this!
Janine Waite
Hi Stickhorsecowgirls,
Oh that would be awesome! It is an easy project and has such fun results. The tough part is choosing the color you want the trees.
Hey, good luck with tomorrow's giveaway!
Janine
caught#in#the#middle
That's simply cute! 🙂
Janine Waite
Hiya Caught in the Middle,
Thanks for your second comment, you're so kind! I wish you double luck for the drawing!
Janine
Claire Armstrong
Love bottle Christmas trees and love colourful decorations. These look great.
happyhappynester
Thanks so much, Claire! You’re so sweet to visit my blog! Have a great weekend.
Maggie
I just thought I would tell you if you dip your trees in water and a capful of vinegar after rising it stops the bleaching process completely. As you know bleach doesn’t completely rinse off with water and can continue to degrade the surface even after its been rinsed so using vinegar neutralizes the bleach completly. I actually rinse all my white laundry with vinegar by using vinegar instead of softener. It rinses them clean and makes my towels and clothes last longer. 🙂
happyhappynester
Maggie,
Oh, that’s great to know. I’ll add this info to my blog post!
Allison
Hello! So I can just buy the green trees (linked above) from amazon and then bleach them and it takes the color out? And then I can dye them? Just wanted to double check before buying.
happyhappynester
Yes, you have to buy Sisal trees for this to work.
Jela
So beautiful
happyhappynester
Thank you!
Jane McCannell
I love your coloured trees. I think I bought the kind that have the dye in them already. I was wondering if I could just spray paint them so they aren’t all green. Have you ever tried this?
happyhappynester
Hi Jane,
I would think spray paint would work. I should try it one of these days. The holidays were so busy for me, so sorry I’m late getting back to you.