Christmas Tree Shaped Card Holder
This is a to build your own Christmas Tree shaped card holder using common wood boards and basic tools. Here's a gorgeous way to display Christmas Cards - and it can even double as your Christmas tree for small spaces! Freestanding - so just set out and display your cards! Build your own Christmas Tree Card Holder with. Built by Jaime Costiglio for Handbuilt Holiday 2021.
Specifications
| Project type | Home Decor |
|---|---|
| Room | living room |
| Difficulty | Beginner Projects |
Dimensions
Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.
Shopping List
Shorter Tree Shopping List (WON'T FIT PORTRAIT STYLE CARDS)
- 1 - 1x6 @ 30" long
- 1 - 1x2 @ 4 feet long
- 1 - 1x3 @ 3 feet long
- 1-1/4" brad nails and wood glue
Taller Tree Shopping List (WILL FIT PORTRAIT STYLE CARDS)
- 1 - 1x8 @ 36" long
- 1 - 1x2 @ 5 feet long
- 1 - 1x3 @ 3 feet long
- 1-1/4" brad nails and wood glue
Cut List
Shorter Tree - Ledge height up to 5-1/2" (WON'T fit cards in portrait format)
Tree branch parts
- 1 - 1x6 @ 6-3/8" - long point to long point measurement, both ends cut at 30 degrees off square
- 1 - 1x2 @ 6-3/8" - short point to short point measurement, both ends beveled at 30 degrees off square
- 1 - 1x6 @ 11" - long point to long point measurement, both ends cut at 30 degrees off square
- 1 - 1x2 @ 11" - short point to short point measurement, both ends beveled at 30 degrees off square
- 1 - 1x6 @ 15-3/4" - long point to long point measurement, both ends cut at 30 degrees off square
- 1 - 1x2 @ 15-3/4" - short point to short point measurement, both ends beveled at 30 degrees off square
Tree trunk/base
- 1 - 1x3 @ 22"
- 1 - 1x3 @ 4-1/2"
- 2 - 1x2 @ 4-1/2"
- 2 - 1x3 @ 4"
Taller Tree - Ledge height up to 7-1/4" (WILL fit cards in portrait format)
Tree branch parts
- 1 - 1x8 @ 8-3/8" - long point to long point measurement, both ends cut at 30 degrees off square
- 1 - 1x2 @ 8-3/8" - short point to short point measurement, both ends beveled at 30 degrees off square
- 1 - 1x8 @ 13-1/8" - long point to long point measurement, both ends cut at 30 degrees off square
- 1 - 1x2 @ 13-1/8" - short point to short point measurement, both ends beveled at 30 degrees off square
- 1 - 1x8 @ 17-3/4" - long point to long point measurement, both ends cut at 30 degrees off square
- 1 - 1x2 @ 17-3/4" - short point to short point measurement, both ends beveled at 30 degrees off square
Tree trunk/base
- 1 - 1x3 @ 26-3/4"
- 1 - 1x3 @ 6-1/2"
- 2 - 1x2 @ 6-1/2"
- 2 - 1x3 @ 4"
Tools
- measuring tape
- pencil
- safety glasses
- compound miter saw
- nailer
- sander
Step-by-step Instructions
Follow same steps for larger and shorter trees.
Make cuts with compound miter saw, for the 1x6 or 1x8, cut miters (where the saw blade is rotated). For the 1x2 cuts, tilt the saw blade to make the cuts. Attach the corresponding 1x2 to the 1x6/8 boards to make all the ledges using glue and 1-1/4" brad nails.
Lay the pieces flat (use scrap 1x pieces to elevate up the upper part of the shelves).
Glue and nail the trunk to the back.
Step 3
Build the Christmas tree crate as shown.
Step 4
Attach the crate to the trunk from the back with glue and nails.
Step 5
Here is the cuts for the 1x8 tree in a one sheet format for your convenience.
Finishing
Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.
Source (temporary): https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/christmas-tree-shaped-card-holder