Step 1: Tree Base

I started with a long piece of scrap board about 7' long. I needed stability so I screwed the board into a 5 gallon bucket and filled the bucket with sand.

Step 2: Tree Frame

I wanted the tree to be at least half round and I knew I wanted the ability to staple the fabric onto the tree form. So I needed to figure a way to frame out the tree shape with wood. I did this by putting a small cross beam at the top of the spine and a longer one at the base. I also added about 7 different sized 'feet' perpendicular to the bottom cross beam, thinking I could screw boards vertically from the base of the tree form to the pointed top.

Step 3: Covering the Tree

I covered the tree with brown burlap first. Without a solid base I could see the wood through the green burlap.

Step 4: Adding the Green Burlap

I was inspired by a video I watched on making a burlap wreath! I thought to just 'oversize' the wreath instructions and it just might work... IT DID! I cut the burlap into 2' x 6' sections. I used upholstery thread and stitched very loose stitches in a zig zag pattern from one end of the burlap to the otherand tied it off at the finishing stitch. Then at the starting point it gently started to 'scrunch' up the fabric and tied it to the section where I started to scrunch. So now I had a weird looking semi wrinkled hunk of fabric... Time to staple!

Step 5: Patience and Lots of Staples

Starting at the base ,staple one end of the pre-scrunched fabric to one side of the tree. Then pick up the unattached end and position it across the base of the tree and tack it down when you've stretched it enough so you don't lose your scrunches. At this point you need to start pushing , placing and stapling more 'scrunched' into your fabric until you are happy with the results. You will probably need to use needle and thread to create the desired result where you don't have wood present ! Leave extra thread hanging until you have completely finished the tree as those long threads may come in handy tying on lights , ornaments or garland!

Step 6: Lights

I started the light step at the top of the tree and I used a 200 count LED strand of clear warm white! My ornaments were from michaels! And my garland I cross stitched on plastic canvas! Next year I plan on making it a 'whole' tree! The actual dimensions are 7' tall and 3 1/2' wide. I hung the star at the top on the wall behind the tree.