Adding Flair to Generic Bottle Brush Trees

Adding Flair to Generic Bottle Brush Trees

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    When I first started my village I thought that I should stick to a specific style of bottle brush tree.     Buying a couple of bottle brush trees here and there over the years eventually results in owning a ton of different styles of bottle brush trees, and to my surprise, they look great when mixed together. 

Benefits of mixing and matching bottle brush tree styles:

1. Differentiates the various areas of the village
2. Defines property lines
3. Add depth to the landscape

So, if you're just starting a village or you find that you don't own many variations of trees, the good news is that with just a little time and creativity you can add a unique flair to even the most generic bottle brush trees. 

Glistening Glittered Fir Trees

One easy option for upgrading trees is to add a layer of glitter... So many things look so pretty when draped in glitter and the light catches the shimmer. 

There are multiple ways to add glitter to your bottle brush trees. Purchasing trees already covered in glitter is the most obvious. But, if you already have bottle brush trees on-hand and don't plan to purchase more trees then my preferred method is a great way to upgrade what you already own. 

1. Create a thin glue mixture by mixing a small amount of water with craft glue (Elmer's school glue, tacky glue, etc.) on a plate.

2. Without applying pressure, roll each tree thru this mixture a few times, so that the tips of each branch has a small amount of glue.

3. Sprinkle your glitter over the tips of the branches then let dry.

4. Shake off the excess glitter then spray the trees with a thin layer of acrylic protective spray. (you can also use hairspray or starch spray in a pinch). 

 Upgrading Cheap Bottle Brush Trees

If you don't want to purchase expensive furring, meant for model dioramas, there are lots of cheap and creative alternatives.

1. Using a cheese grater, finely grate an entire sponge of any color into a  large bowl. Dab acrylic paint (any color) onto the grated sponge. I use a fan brush to do this, but you can use whatever tool that you think will help you keep a light touch. It is better to apply multiple light coats of paint than to apply it too thinly.

 2. Rinse the excess paint from your paintbrush. Once the brush is clean, run it under water again and do not squeeze out the leftover water. Using the water on your brush spread the acrylic paint into the bare nooks and crannies of the sponge. (It is ok if these areas are a lighter color from the paint being thin) 

3. Place a piece of wax paper on a cookie sheet

4. Spread the sponge across the cookie sheet in a single layer and allow to dry completely.

5.  Apply a small amount of craft glue to your bottle brush tree working one section at a time as it is easy to overdo the decorating, so proceed slowly. Sprinkle the painted sponge pieces over the glue and arrange the pieces as needed. 

6. When you like how the tree looks, carefully press the pieces deeper into the glue and allow to dry overnight. 

7. Add any other embellishments you want to the trees at this point. Finish the trees by lightly coating them with a spray-on acrylic spray or a light coat of a protectant like Modge Podge.

Frills and Adornments

A few additional decorations that can be added to each tree to give it a sense of uniqueness and character are: 

• Mini Pom-poms as ornaments
• Wood Beads as pinecones
• Glitter 
• Fake snow
• Pipe cleaner garland swag
• Beads can be used as Christmas tree ornaments or
• small beads on a string can be used as a garland
• A Twine birds nest