DIY Bottle Brush Tree Jar

I was at one of my favorite antique resellers last weekend and I saw the cutest thing.  It was this big ol' mason jar with a bottle brush tree and snow in it.  It was a super simple presentation but it was so cute.  I picked it up then put it back down after I saw it was retailing for $28.  I knew I could make it cheaper but how was I going to find one of those small bottle brush trees?  Little did I know those are apparently all the rage this year because Walmart had a huge box of them for $2 and World Market has several versions in their ad.  You can bet I picked one up then went on my hunt for a proper jar the next day so I could bring you this...

Here's what you'll need:

Antique Mason Jar ($6.  Prices will vary depending on size, vendor, condition)
Fake Snow ($2.50 at Walmart but I used $.20 worth, if that)
Snowflake beads ($1.00 at Joann's and I used $.30 worth)
Red and Green bakers twine (free- I had it on hand but you'll probably pay $2 for a couple of yards per color)
Bottle Brush Tree ($2 at Walmart)
Tape (I had it on hand)
Scissors
Christmas Scrapbooking Paper (if you have a clear lid on your jar.  $.60 at craft stores)

I had to "alter" my tree because it was too tall for my jar.  I cut it in half with a pair of pruners then re-glued it into the base.  You could forego that step by actually taking the tree with you as you shop for your jar.  (D'oh)

Add the snow to the bottom on the jar.

I wanted to add "falling snow" to my version for a little color, so let's get to working on our snow.

Take a crystal snowflake (there should be a hole in the center), thread it through and double knot it then clip off the excess.

Measure where you want your longest piece to hit and cut it about 1/4" higher to be able to tape it to the lid.

Repeat the process with each color and cut the strings in varying lengths.

I couldn't find the jar I wanted with a metal lid so the one I have is clear.  Well, tape doesn't look pretty on top of the jar so I needed a solution.  I had some Christmas scrapbooking paper I'm making into tags for the holidays so I cut out a section with my 3" punch and cut it to fit.  I didn't need anything to secure it to the top, it just popped in under the lip of the lid and looked super cute.  Problem solved!

With a chopstick or scissors, make a little well in the snow and put the tree in the jar.

Tape the strings to the inside of the lid of the mason jar toward the edges of the lid so they won't get hung up on the tree.  You can do a short string in the middle so one falls toward the top of the tree.

Time to cap off the jar!   The 'snow' is falling!

This project has a simple retro look to it and since I'm a fan of vintage, I busted out some old school ribbon I  picked up from the 70's/80's at a store that was going out of business.

I doubled up red and green ribbon and tied it around the neck of the jar for a little interest.  You could use anything you want though...bakers twine, raffia, jute twine, fabric or whatever your little heart desires.

Now give it a place of honor in your home and show off your new creation!

The Mr said he didn't know how it was going to turn out but said he loved my version more because the snowflakes were really cool and gave it more interest than the original.  He liked the lid on it as well so score!  Man pretending to be jazzed about crafts!

Obviously your imagination can take this project all kinds of places but here's the cost breakdown if you want to give it a whirl.

Retail cost: $28
My version: $8.50
Your version if you had to buy it all: $13.10+

I'll take that $19.50 savings thankyouverymuch!

This project was linked up to The Shabby Creek Cottage and Lil Luna.
====================
Like this post? Don't miss another one...subscribe via email or RSS feed. Prefer social media? I'm also on Facebook and Twitter