How to make Vintage Style White Bottle Brush Trees

Last year when the bottle brush trees were bursting the internet, I had trouble finding them! Get a head start this year with bottle brush tree projects with our lovely Contributing Editor Elizabeth Holcombe.

You see them in craft stores, those pretty deep green bottle brush trees. Nice color but you may want to change them up to suit your winter holiday décor. It’s super simple. Here’s how:

 

 

 

You’ll need water, bleach, and a large (gallon or larger) container.

 

 

 

Mix one cup of bleach to one gallon of water. Stir.

 

 

 

Wet the bottle brush trees first. Carefully place the wet bottle brush trees into the beach water solution. Depending on the shade of green or white you desire, leave the trees in the solution until they turn the color you like best. After you remove the trees, rinse in clear water and set aside to dry. Experiment with different shades which look very nice in a group like a miniature forest!

 

 

 

If you desire trees in other colors, bleach them first, then use Rit dye (follow instructions on package) to dye your trees to your favorite colors!

 

Elizabeth Holcombe Fedorko, aka Bethsbagz, began her checkered crafting career when at four she realized using paste on paper was better than eating it. Inspired by vintage dime store treasures, vintage fabric, and a no-fear attitude toward color, Beth crafts totes, pin cushions, wreaths, and corsages into her Dime Store Chic creations. Beth would love you to take a peek into her whimsical world at her blog.

 

Comments

[Donna C]

So funny...i just did this last night! Bought a couple packs of trees in my local Target dollar section. I just put them in a glass bowl of straight bleach (guess I should have diluted it!) and they came out nice and creamy white colored. They were a large and small for $1.00!! (about 5 inches and 3 inches tall) Super duper easy!