How to Make a Fake Tree That Looks Real

Are you yearning for a touch of nature's beauty in your home decor but lack a green thumb or don't want to break the bank on a $600 fake tree from Crate & Barrel? Fear not! With a little creativity and ingenuity, you can bring the enchantment of the outdoors inside by crafting your very own faux tree. In 5 easy steps, we'll show you how to transform an old artificial tree and a real tree branch into a stunning piece that will breathe life into any room.

Materials Needed:

Faux leaves

Real tree branch

Saw

Wire cutters or pruning shears

Floral tape

Hot glue gun

Quick setting concrete mix

Bucket for tree base

Vase or pot for tree

Optional: moss, stones, fairy lights

Step 1: Gather Your Materials - You'll need faux leaves from an old artificial tree. You might already have one collecting dust somewhere, if not you can usually find one on Facebook Market or Goodwill for less than $20. Next you'll need a real tree branch (preferably one with interesting twists and turns). We're currently renting a townhome and I didn't feel comfortable cutting branches down from the trees in our community, but I was able to find several that had already broken off that were perfect for this project. You'll also need a bucket and quick-setting concrete mix, wire cutters, a hot glue gun, and optional decorations like moss, stones, or fairy lights.

Step 2: Prepare Your Branch - Trim your real tree branch to the desired height, making sure it fits comfortably in your pot or vase. Remove any excess branches or leaves, leaving behind a clean and sturdy trunk. Remember that your tree branch will be brittle compared to a fake tree, so you won't be able to bend the branches to make adjustments. Add and attach any additional branches to create the overall desired tree shape. Depending on the size of the branch you're attaching, hot glue may be enough to secure it. If not, you can use floral tape or a screw to add additional support. I used two larger branches and attached them together using a small screw and hot glue. I then peeled a small piece of bark off a spare branch and glued it over the seam to make it appear more seamless.

Step 3: Secure Your Branch - I'll be completely honest, somehow the branch I chose magically fit into the plaster base of the faux tree I was sacrificing for leaves. So, I was able to use this and skip this step entirely. Check your faux tree to see if you're able to do the same, this will save you time and money! If it's not a perfect match, don't sweat it just mix the quick-setting concrete according to the package instructions and pour it into the bottom of your bucket. Insert the branch into the concrete, ensuring it stands upright and stable. Use clamps if necessary to keep the branch in place until the concrete sets.

Step 4: Attach Faux Leaves - Using wire cutters, detach individual faux leaves from your old artificial tree. Arrange the leaves along the branches of your real tree, starting from the bottom and working your way up. Secure the leaves in place using a hot glue gun, making sure to vary the placement and angle for a natural look.

Step 5: Finishing Touches - Once I was happy with the overall shape, I moved the tree inside to my office where it was going. I did lose a couple leaves during the journey up two flights of stairs. After getting it set up in the vase, I did make a couple adjustments. I didn't like how one branch curved and some of the leaves sat, but I simply snapped them off and glued them in the desired location. Lastly, I topped off the planter with some black stones to give it a clean feeling finish. To enhance the natural feel of your DIY fake tree, consider adding decorative elements like moss around the base of the trunk or for a touch of whimsy, weave fairy lights through the branches to create a magical glow.

Overall, I am very happy with the end result. I like the unique shape and that it looks real. If I had to do it all over again, I would maybe pick a branch that had a few more branches. That being said, it works for the space, it literally cost me nothing but time, and I had fun making it! For me DIY isn't always about saving money (it certainly doesn't hurt), it's also about doing it for yourself. With each project I learn a new skill set, get my body moving, keep my overactive adhd brain engaged, and get to make something with my hands that when I'm finished I can look back and say "I did that!"

With just a few simple materials and a dash of creativity, you can transform ordinary faux leaves and a humble tree branch into a stunning DIY fake tree that won't break the bank. Sit back, relax, and bask in the beauty of your creation, knowing that you've brought a little piece of nature's wonder into your home with your own two hands. So roll up your sleeves, unleash your inner artist, and let the magic unfold as you craft your very own piece of arboreal artistry!