Steampunk Christmas Tree

Steampunk Christmas Tree

I don’t think this project will be a big surprise to people who follow my blog.  Because I have been steampunk mad all this year, a steampunk Christmas tree was inevitable.   The idea came from a comment on one of my other steampunk projects.  A lady said it would be interesting to see what I come up with for Christmas and she was hoping it was a Christmas tree. I saw that as a challenge and after some thought this was what I came up with.

Mixed media Christmas tree

Steampunk is an acquired taste and you have to be a true fan to appreciate this Steampunk Christmas tree.  Keeping with the theme of my website, it was made from mainly recycled materials.  Once I had made the structure, I gave the whole Christmas tree a Steampunk themed mixed media makeover.

IBC Challenge

It also happens to be time for our next International Blogger Club (IBC) challenge.  And as luck would have it “Christmas” is this months theme. lol More about IBC at the end of this post.

Mixed media Christmas tree

How to make a Steampunk Christmas Tree

**This post may contain affiliate links. Which means I earn a small commission on links used at no extra cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.**

Making the Steampunk gears

To make the gears, I used a regular cardboard box and used a homemade compass to draw different size circles. The biggest circle was 25 cm and I reduced each circle by 5 cm as they went up.

Mixed media Christmas tree

Using a craft knife you can cut out all the circles.

Mixed media Christmas tree

Next, find images of gears you want for your tree.  It is a good idea to try and keep the design simple. Print them off the size that you want and glue them to the surface of the cardboard. Again using a craft knife you can cut out the cardboard using the printed gear as a template.

Mixed media Christmas tree

Adding some texture

To try and disguise the fact that we are using cardboard I wanted to add some texture to the gears.  To do this I used some texture paste and various stencils.  Any design stencil will be suitable because this is only the basecoat.  Place your stencil over the cardboard and add some texture paste using a spatula.

Mixed media Christmas tree

You will get a better effect if you use a few different stencils on each gear.  Remove the stencil straight away and wash off any residue texture paste. Repeat this step for all your gears.

Mixed media Christmas tree

I was not paying attention when I cut out this gear and cut away the centre by mistake.  This will prevent the gear from attaching to the pole properly, so I had to add a base plate to fill the hole. The texture on this gear was created by covering the surface with texture paste, then pushing it down into some sand.

Mixed media Christmas tree

Adding the embellishments

Many of the items you need for this project can be found in your home.  A second-hand shop is a great place to find cheap beads and jewellery. You will also need a hot glue gun to attach all the heavy embellishments and craft glue for the rest.  My personal choice for craft glue is turbo tacky glue and The ultimate by crafters pick.

Mixed media Christmas tree

I have added some close up of the gears so you can see what I added.  There are too many items to name, but all very common and mostly junk.  If you see an item that you like and can’t work out what it is, leave me a message and I will get back to you.

Mixed media Christmas tree

If you are new to mixed media the idea is to layer the embellishments over the gears.  It is not important to be neat and tidy because the paint and wax will cover it all or make a feature of it.

Mixed media Christmas tree


Mixed media Christmas tree

The idea is to randomly cover the surface with different charms, textures and layers.

Mixed media Christmas tree

Paint the gears

Next, you use black gesso and paint everything black, make sure to cover under all the embellishments. To highlight the embellishments I used a metallic copper wax paste.

Mixed media Christmas tree

Dip the tip of your finger into the wax and rub the wax across all the raised surfaces first. The idea is not to paint all the black, you still want to see the two colours.

Mixed media Christmas tree

This image will show you how the texture made with the stencil add to the effect.  The photos do not do them justice.

Mixed media Christmas tree

Once you have coated all the raised surfaces you want to add a very light colour to the black on the base.  To do this I always use a soft makeup brush.  Very softly dip the tip in the wax and gently add a light colour as in the image below. You are still not trying to cover all the black.

Mixed media Christmas tree

You can see how all the messy hot glue around the studs add more character to the gears.

Mixed media Christmas tree

It is once you add the wax that you see the benefit of adding all the layers.

Mixed media Christmas tree

Mixed media Christmas tree

Mixed media Christmas tree

Building the stand

For the base, I used a thick scrap of wood from my workshop.  I found this plate also, but I have no idea what it is called or even what it is used for. But it fit the threaded pole I had at home. To attach it to the wood I drilled some holes in the metal for my bolts to go through.

Mixed media Christmas tree

Using your drill and a larger drill bit, turn the block upside down and drill into the hole to make it larger.  This is to countersink the nut so the stand will sit flat.

Mixed media Christmas tree

Next, make a hole in the centre of each gear for the threaded pole to go through.  You can use nuts to secure the gears at the top and bottom to keep them in place.

Mixed media Christmas tree

The threaded pole looked a bit boring so I used some plastic pipe to cover the pole.  I used a sharp knife to cut the pipe open and slipped it around the pole. It was painted and highlighted in the same way as the gears.

Mixed media Christmas tree

The wax will need at least 12 hours to cure then you can seal the tree with 2 coats of clear acrylic spray.  This will protect the wax from fading over time. This still looked a bit plain to me, so I made some Steampunk Christmas decorations.

Mixed media Christmas tree

Completed Steampunk Christmas Tree

Mixed media Christmas tree

Mixed media Christmas tree

Mixed media Christmas tree

Steampunk Christmas tree

Steampunk Christmas tree

More unique Christmas tree ideas

This wooden Christmas tree shelf can be used at Christmas to display all your Christmas decorations.  And after Christmas, it can be used as a normal shelf until the next special holiday.

Wooden Christmas tree shelf

If you are short on space this Christmas tree shelf could be your answer.  It can be put on a table or hung on the wall.

Wall hanging christmas tree

About IBC (International Bloggers Club)

If you follow my blog you will know I am part of IBC (International Bloggers Club) which is a group of talented bloggers from around the world. We have members from Spain, South Africa, Australia, the United States, and Canada. Each month we come together and create a project in a common theme.

If you missed last month’s “Halloween ” theme here is the link to my Halloween Flower arrangement. The contributions from my fellow bloggers for this months challenge are listed below, please feel free to jump over and give them some love.

Projects

  1. Me Unique Creations By Anita
  2. A Crafty Mix| Bottle light swappable art insert
  3. Birdz of a feather|Christmas sleigh decor
  4. Interior Frugalista|Scandinavian village scrap wood houses
  5. Raggedy bits |Easy wooden farmhouse Christmas ornaments
  6. Meegan Makes| Vintage style Christmas wreath

Christmas DIY Challenge

Pinterest pin

DIY Cardboard steampunk Christmas tree made from recycled materials and given a mixed media makeover This unique Steampunk Christmas tree will thrill and steampunk fan. You may not be able to but a steampunk tree but this tutorial will show you how to make one.

If you are looking for any of the items used in this project, please consider using our links. By clicking on the links we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Which helps us come up with new and exciting ideas to share with you. Please feel free to share or leave a comment we would love to hear your thoughts.

 

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61 Comments

  • Reply
    Sara
    November 23, 2020 at 11:11 pm

    Don’t you just love when readers give you a challenge? They’re always full of great ideas and this turned out absolutely awesome Anita!!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      November 25, 2020 at 8:50 am

      Yes Sara, I take on any challenge. Some work and some don’t but that is the nature of the game. lol

  • Reply
    Maureen
    November 24, 2020 at 12:47 am

    Oh my gosh!! You really rose to the challenge! That is brilliant 🙂 I never ever would have guessed it all started with cardboard! Truly awesome!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      November 25, 2020 at 8:51 am

      Thank you so much Maureen. I did try hard to disguise that fact. No one wants a cardboard Christmas tree. lol

  • Reply
    Michelle Leslie
    November 24, 2020 at 1:19 am

    STUNNING!!!! You know how much I love your steampunk creations Anita and this one takes the cake. Never in a million years would I have thought you could make a gear-filled, nut-encrusted, pipe-draped Christmas tree and that it would look so amazing.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      November 25, 2020 at 8:52 am

      Thank you, Michelle, I had no idea if it would work either. I get these mad ideas and this one paid off junk and all. lol

  • Reply
    Marie-Interior Frugalista
    November 24, 2020 at 4:27 am

    I was so excited to see you did a steampunk creation for our Christmas challenge, Anita. How amazing is this tree!!! Seriously, you’d never guess the gears started from cardboard. I could stand there over a pot of coffee deciphering each bit and bob for hours!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      November 25, 2020 at 8:53 am

      Thank Marie, I think you were all kind of expecting something steampunk after the year I have had. So a Christmas tree was the most logical.

  • Reply
    Lydia C. Lee
    November 24, 2020 at 6:45 am

    I can’t beleive it’s just cardboard. So clever! Feel free to add to #Xmaslinky (https://pandoraandmax.blogspot.com/2020/11/countdown-to-christmas-advent-calendars.html)

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      November 25, 2020 at 8:55 am

      Thank you so much for the invite, but I got there too late. My PC was playing up.

  • Reply
    Maria
    November 24, 2020 at 8:28 am

    Its just amazing how real it looks! You are a true artist.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      November 25, 2020 at 8:56 am

      Thank you, Maria, that is truly a lovely comment.

  • Reply
    Michelle
    November 24, 2020 at 1:22 pm

    This is sooooo cool! I really had no idea how steampunk things were made. This fascinates me!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      November 25, 2020 at 8:57 am

      Thank you so much Michelle. I have no idea if this is how they are made, it was just what I came up with. I agree steampunk is very fascinating.

  • Reply
    Meegan
    November 24, 2020 at 5:19 pm

    You blow my mind with your creative ideas. The steam punk tree is fascinating and beautiful. Your attention to detail is over the top amazing!
    Thanks for sharing.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      November 25, 2020 at 8:58 am

      Thanks Meegan. I love making steampunk I find it so relaxing and fun to do.

  • Reply
    Deana Landers
    November 25, 2020 at 4:59 am

    Anita, I love all your steam punk creations, but this my favorite! You are so talented 💙

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      November 25, 2020 at 8:59 am

      Thank you Deana, I would say this is by far my most unusual one.

  • Reply
    Janet
    November 25, 2020 at 7:42 am

    I always love your steampunk creations…so original Anita!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      November 25, 2020 at 8:59 am

      Thank you so much, Janet. I find it more fun to try and create something different.

  • Reply
    Michele Michael
    November 25, 2020 at 6:35 pm

    A great addition to the Christmas Decor. A keepsake.

  • Reply
    Dee | Grammy's Grid
    November 27, 2020 at 7:57 pm

    Oh, WOW! You’re really into steampunk creations, huh? I love it!! Thanks so much for linking up with me at my party #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 19, open until December 26 at 12:05 am. Shared on social media.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      November 28, 2020 at 11:27 am

      thank you so much, Yes I am steampunk mad at the moment.

  • Reply
    Patti @ Pandora's Box
    November 29, 2020 at 12:20 am

    Wow, what a project! Very clever and unique!

  • Reply
    Rhonda Steelman
    November 29, 2020 at 12:29 am

    Thank you for capturing the step by step instructions! I normally skim read blog posts, this one held my attention til the end! ( and I don’t even do steampunk)

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      November 29, 2020 at 9:31 am

      Thank you so much, Rhonda, I will take that as a compliment. I am fairly new to steampunk, I got hook a year ago I find it so interesting.

  • Reply
    Chas Greener
    November 29, 2020 at 2:11 am

    What a fun and great upcycle! Love how it turned out and it’s so unique. Thanks for sharing and wonderful crafting with you.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      November 29, 2020 at 9:32 am

      Thank you so much Chas, that is very kind of you to say. I look forward to being part of the group.

  • Reply
    Kim
    November 29, 2020 at 2:30 am

    Well that’s amazing and perfect for the season! I’ve been loving your steampunk creations this year.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      November 29, 2020 at 9:33 am

      Thank you so much Kim, I have gone a bit mad this year with steampunk. And doing a Christmas tree just seemed fitting.

  • Reply
    Our Hopeful Home
    November 29, 2020 at 5:06 am

    Wow I’ve never seen how something like this was actually made. Your final product is gorgeous! I have a ton of jewelry bits and bobs (I design vintage jewelry) so this is one other way to use the stash! xo Kathleen

  • Reply
    Marilyn Lesniak
    November 29, 2020 at 10:32 am

    ********************************************************
    Thank you for sharing at #OverTheMoon. Pinned and shared. Have a lovely week. I hope to see you at next week’s party too! Please stay safe and healthy. Come party with us at Over The Moon! Catapult your content Over The Moon! @marilyn_lesniak @EclecticRedBarn
    ********************************************************

  • Reply
    Ann
    November 30, 2020 at 2:42 pm

    Absolutely perfect for Christmas and how fun to be part of an international club! Thank you for sharing at Party In Your PJ’s.

  • Reply
    Julie Briones
    November 30, 2020 at 3:15 pm

    Okay… so I have to disagree with you on one point. I don’t think you need to be a steampunk fan to appreciate this unique Christmas tree! I love this creation, Anita… I’m amazed by the process, too! I hope you plan on sharing some of your ornaments in a future post, too! I’m happy to be featuring you at Tuesday Turn About this week! Pinned!

    • Reply
      Julie Briones
      November 30, 2020 at 3:17 pm

      Oh, and the disagreeing was supposed to be a joke. Hehe!

  • Reply
    kristie
    November 30, 2020 at 10:03 pm

    This tree is amazing. The corner shelf tree is awesome as well. You’re being featured on the Little Cottage Link Party today!

  • Reply
    Naush Samama
    December 1, 2020 at 9:57 am

    Anita, I am completely blown away by your Christmas Tree !! Could not have IMAGINED a stempunk Christmas tree, let alone actually see the tutorial. Its absolutely brilliant. Your attention to detail and where to place what and how to layer the paints, is all too brilliant !
    Thank you so much for sharing it with us at Meraki Link Party
    Naush

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      December 2, 2020 at 3:23 pm

      Thank you so much Naush, It was a learning curve because I had nothing to use as inspiration. That is why I used cardboard because I had no idea how it would turn out. I really appreciate your awesome comment.

  • Reply
    Divya
    December 2, 2020 at 7:07 pm

    This is brilliant. I love steampunk and have been looking for ways to DIY some steampunk related items. I wouldn’t have even considered cardboard before this post. Thanks for sharing this fabulous tutorial. May I ask, how did you do the hearts? What is the base?

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      December 7, 2020 at 1:16 pm

      The base is a scrap of wood from my workshop and the hearts are styrofoam shapes you buy at the craft store that I painted and decorated.

  • Reply
    Carol
    December 4, 2020 at 1:29 am

    So when does your your book of Amazing Steampunk Creations come out? Because you totally need to write one. This is AMAZING! Featuring when my link party opens up tonight!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      December 4, 2020 at 10:04 am

      AWW Carol that is the best comment and compliment I have ever had. Thank you so much you have boosted my confidence no end. xx Thank you so much for the feature.

  • Reply
    Michelle
    December 8, 2020 at 1:19 pm

    I love this! Fabulous!

    Michelle
    https://mybijoulifeonline.com

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      December 11, 2020 at 4:16 pm

      Thank you so much Michelle. Have a great Christmas and new year.

  • Reply
    marta
    December 23, 2020 at 10:59 am

    Anita soy nueva en tu página…Realmente quedé fascinada con tu trabajo..Es un Árbol de Navidad.. lleno de preciosos adornos Muy Creativa,.. Sencillamente Espectacular –Gracias por compartir . y un gusto conocerte ..Feliz Navidad desde Argentina ..-

  • Reply
    Rick Thorpe
    December 24, 2020 at 5:43 am

    I am drawn to the steampunk motif and I am not sure why. Your creations are very appealing. I suspect that learning the light color dry brush technique is going to make all the difference. Perhaps a video addressing and demonstrating some of he techniques would be widely watched. Thank you for your effort.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      December 25, 2020 at 12:18 pm

      Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a great comment. I can see the appeal in steampunk, I have only been doing it a year and I am tottally addicted. I and trying to build up my confidence to make a video, because I have had so many requests. Keep popping in I have more steampunk comming.

  • Reply
    Dee | Grammy's Grid
    December 26, 2020 at 3:49 pm

    CONGRATS! Your post is FEATURED at my #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 20, open until January 26 at 12:05 am.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      December 26, 2020 at 11:16 pm

      Thank you so much for the awesome feature.

  • Reply
    Jeanne
    December 31, 2020 at 3:24 am

    This tree is beautiful! I love the ornaments as well. Thank you for sharing it in tutorial form – it inspires others to see what they can create as well.

    My son is a races bikes, (used to at least before he got his adult job), and I wanted to mention that an old gear bike, (or replaced parts at a bike shop) might be a cool source for gears of metal without sharp edges. I have parts here from old bikes that I think someday I would turn into something cool. Perhaps you might look into it… Once again, great project!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      December 31, 2020 at 10:48 am

      Thank you so much. I got a welder for Christmas and I am now teaching myself to weld so I can try more ambitious projects. I already have a few bike wheels ready to take apart to try this.

  • Reply
    Jeanne
    December 31, 2020 at 3:27 am

    P.S. great, I just realized I should have proofed the comment above. I meant to have it say “My son races bikes, (or used to…”

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      December 31, 2020 at 10:49 am

      That is all good, I knew what you meant.

  • Reply
    Debra
    January 14, 2021 at 11:24 pm

    Love this, Anita! I pinned it to my Steampunk Tendencies board!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      January 15, 2021 at 12:21 pm

      Thank you so much, Debra, I really do appreciate any shares.

  • Reply
    Lori J Gutenberg
    June 17, 2022 at 2:28 am

    OMG, this is truly amazing! I love steampunk! I am a beginner in every sense of the word and not really crafty, but I really want to try this!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      June 17, 2022 at 5:19 pm

      Thanks so much Lori, It is a very interesting genre.

  • Reply
    Cindy
    August 3, 2022 at 4:37 am

    Beautiful!!!! I have a question — actually a couple of questions. What kind of copper wax? And then, after the copper wax, do you coat with a clear adhesive spray coat of paint?? Love your work!!!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      August 7, 2022 at 2:04 pm

      Thanks Cindy, There are many brands on the market I will attach a link to the one I prefer. It does last years because you use such a small amount. I usually spray my project with clear polyurethane when it is finished. But I have since found that depending on the type of paint I use you don’t need to. I used to use gesso, but have since changed over to plain cheap black acrylic paint and I found I did not need to seal it.
      https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/1222570391/pentart-wax-paste-metallic-metal-copper

  • Reply
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