Want to add a touch of coastal-inspired beauty to your holiday decor? These sparkling sea glass Christmas Trees are easy to make in just a few simple steps. This tutorial will teach you how to make a standing sea glass Christmas tree and a unique sea glass Christmas tree ornament. Even if you don’t have a coastal home, you can create the illusion of a shimmering ocean view as you decorate with these shades of blue and green ornaments.
While at our beach cottage for Thanksgiving, I decided to decorate with a few Christmas touches. One project I had been planning was to make a Sea Glass Christmas Tree, and now was the perfect time.
On our last visit, I made an oyster shell decoupage garland and needed a few more touches to complete the tiny cottage Christmas decorations.
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What Is Sea Glass
If you are fortunate, Sea Glass can be found while looking for shells along the coastline. It is broken bottles and other discarded glass that have been worn smooth by tumbling around in the ocean for decades. The sand and saltwater leave the glass smooth without any sharp edges. Many refer to sea glass as a reverse gemstone. The colors are soft and frosted, with shades of blue, green, and white being the most common.
Because of its popularity for coastal decorating, you can purchase manufactured Sea Glass cheaply. Today’s project uses faux sea glass, as I’ve not been lucky enough to find but a few pieces of the real thing. However, I’m always looking.
How To Make A Sea Glass Christmas Tree
Making a sea glass Christmas tree is easy if you like puzzles.
First, you want to gather your supplies.
Supplies
- Sea Glass
- 6 Inch Styrofoam Cone
- Hot Glue Gun
- Finger Protectors
- Metal Stars
- Metallic Gold Craft Paint
Caution: When working with hot glue, I recommend using finger protectors. These small pieces are difficult to attach without burning your fingers.
Assemble the Christmas Tree
First, I had green styrofoam cones and, at the last minute, decided I wanted a white background. The sea glass is translucent; you can see some color through it.
I decided to wrap the styrofoam with a white paper towel. Because I wasn’t home, I had no craft paper, and the paper towel worked great. Add hot glue to the cone and tightly wrap the paper towel around.
Begin at the bottom of the cone and attach larger pieces of sea glass, reducing the size as you move up the cone. Look for pieces that will fit together as snuggly as possible to cover the cone completely. Think of the process as working together puzzle pieces.
If you have any gaps, add a small drop of hot glue and attach small chips to complete your Sea Glass Christmas Tree.
Star Tree Topper
Finally, if you’d like to add a tree topper, you can add a craft star or any items you desire, such as a starfish or other seashell.
I had these tiny metal stars and used two of them for the Sea Glass Christmas Tree Topper. Add a drop of glue to the inside of the stars and place a toothpick in between. Hold them together until the glue dries.
Use the toothpick to slide into the top of the cone.
Elevate your cone on a shelf, table, or pillar candle holder.
How To Make A Christmas Tree Ornament
I also had several smaller pieces of sea glass left over and decided to make a Christmas Tree ornament.
I cut a piece of medium-weight cardboard shaped like a tree or triangle for this project.
Once again, begin at the bottom of the triangle and add the sea glass with hot glue.
Once the triangle is covered on the front side, you can add a hanger or star. The sea glass ornament would look best if both sides were covered.
First, add the star to the top of the ornament if you plan to use one. Then, repeat the process by applying the sea glass to the ornament from the bottom up.
The sea glass ornament can be made in various shapes, such as boats, stars, etc.
Finally, add a hanger and the Sparkling Sea Glass Christmas Tree Ornament to your tree.
Sea Glass Christmas Tree and Ornament
This quick and easy DIY Sea Glass Christmas Tree and Ornament project only took a few minutes to complete.
Insider Tip
Be aware that the sea glass is heavy; the larger you make your Christmas Tree or Sea Glass Ornament, the heavier it will be.
If you plan to put your tree on a pedestal, you will need something strong enough to support the weight of the sea glass.
I hope you enjoyed today’s Sparkling Coastal Christmas Decoration ideas. I look forward to sharing my next adventure with you.
Coastal DIY Projects
Here are a few other coastal DIY projects that you may enjoy.
- DIY Decoupage Oyster Shell Garland
- Easy Oyster Shell Wreath For Christmas and Beyond
- Oyster Shell and Faux Cork Garland Coastal Craft
- DIY Nautical Mirror with Rope
Resources
Click the image below for my favorite Christmas Craft supplies.
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Cheryl Atkinson
Monday 2nd of December 2024
Hi Rachel! I live in a coastal city and i love sea glass. I havent been lucky enough to find many pieces so Im so glad you can buy them. I love these trees and again, thank you for all the inspiration you share.
Rachel
Tuesday 3rd of December 2024
Cheryl, Yes, I have a friend with a huge bowl that her mother found years ago but I've never been that lucky. Good luck with your trees. Thank you for stopping by.
CoCo
Friday 15th of December 2023
You make the best ornaments, Rachel! These would be such a fun gift for people who love the beach, have a new beach house, or just want to remember their vacation memories too. I love it! Hugs, CoCo
Rachel
Friday 15th of December 2023
CoCo, I'm so glad you like them. Thanks for stopping by.
Darlene
Wednesday 13th of December 2023
Love sea glass and your tree is inspirational. I definitely want to try it. It is so pretty.
Rachel
Friday 15th of December 2023
Darlene, Thank you and let me know how your project goes.
Jennifer Howard
Thursday 7th of December 2023
I love this project!! Perfectly coastal.
Rachel
Friday 8th of December 2023
Jennifer, Thanks friend.
Renae
Wednesday 6th of December 2023
So pretty, my friend. Such a clever idea. HUgs to you.
Rachel
Wednesday 6th of December 2023
Renae, Thanks you