This Clever Thrift Store Flip Turns An Old Canvas Into Whimsical DIY Christmas Decor

When trying to buy art for your home at a thrift store we've all come across pieces that are, let's say, questionable; but don't count that Live Laugh Love canvas out too quickly. You can transform just about any unframed thrift store canvas into whimsical Christmas decor with just a few old branches and twigs from your backyard.

By strategically gluing branches, greenery, and Christmas tree ornaments onto the canvas you can create a stunning 3D tree that you can hang on your wall for the holidays. This craft is a great way to repurpose dead trees in your backyard. Additionally, it's a smart alternative to a traditional Christmas tree for those with tree-loving cats or not enough space in their home. When looking for a suitable canvas, you'll ideally want something abstract or relatively plain. However, you can paint over the existing art if you need to, so just look for the most affordable option. The size doesn't matter, but remember to consider your available wall space to make sure your new decor will fit.

Start by arranging your branches and sticks on the canvas in a triangle, tree-shaped pattern. The simple way to do this is to start with your smallest stick at the top and work your way down so that the largest stick ends up on the bottom. Alternatively, you can lay the sticks out diagonally, overlapping each one to more closely resemble a real tree. Once you've found a layout you like, use hot glue to attach the sticks to your canvas. Now the fun part begins — decorating the tree.

For decoration, start with the natural elements: Pine needles, moss, and pine cones are all great options. Then you can go in with decorative balls, tinsel, twinkle lights, and homemade ornaments to really bring the Christmas cheer. For a personal touch, add some cute DIY holiday ornaments made from old jar lids. You can make full-size canvas versions of these trees or find some tiny sticks and a mini canvas to create something smaller and more manageable. For the smaller version, ditch the normal decorations and use things like yarn, buttons, mini bows, and pom poms to make the project easier.