Remember this huge basket I found at the thrift store a few months ago?
I had you try to guess what I was going to do with it.
Well – it is finally time to show you.
I transformed it into a basket Christmas tree skirt or as some call it a Christmas tree collar.
I have always wanted a basket skirt, but they can be pricey and it was not a necessity, so I did without.
Until I saw the big basket at the thrift store for a whopping $6.90, I was beyond excited.
I could not use it as is – it needed a few tweaks, but nothing a hack saw, wire cutters, and some stain couldn’t take care of.
How to Transform a Big Basket into a Christmas Tree Skirt
supplies needed:
- large basket – with or without a handle. The measurements of mine: 12″ high. Diameter: 20″ wide at the top, 24″ at the bottom.
- hack saw
- wire cutters
Optional: Rustoleum Weathered Grey stain and a paint brush
1. Use a hack saw to remove the handle. After handle is removed, remove any small reeds that were used to hold the handle in. They will slip right out.
2. My tree stand is wide, so I needed to flip the basket upside down so the wider section of the basket was at the bottom.
3. To remove the bottom of the basket, look for the area where the smaller weave ends. This is where you want to cut. Use wire cutters to cut the reeds that connect to the basket’s side. Make sure you are not cutting the side horizontal reeds – you only want to cut the vertical reeds.
4. Carefully remove the bottom. It will look like this.
5. Use the wire cutters to trim any rough reeds that may be sticking out along the top edge.
6. You could leave your basket the color it is, but I wanted my basket to look a bit weathered. I used Rustoleum Weathered Gray stain. I applied it with a brush and then quickly wiped it away to expose some of the original color. Let dry. Here are some more tips for painting baskets.
7. Place on floor around tree stand, then place your tree in the stand. I always place plastic under my stand just to make sure no water gets on the floor. I bring the ends of it up and around the stand. You don’t see it when it is in the basket.
Now I have to get the tree decorated this week. Will show you that soon.
For more ideas on Christmas skirts from my blog archives, click on the links below —>
Christmas Tree Stand Cover Using Frames
Lainie says
Thank you so much for the instruction! I have been looking online for a collar to fit our stand but haven’t had much luck, so your tutorial is very helpful. Like Harmony, I’d love to know how hard it was to adjust the tree once it was placed on the stand. Thanks again.
Diane Henkler says
Hi Lainie – I found my basket in the summer when I wasn’t even looking for it. You may find one when you least expect it. It is not hard to adjust the tree after the stand is in the basket. I do have to get down on my hands and knees and put my hand over the basket and feel for the knobs that turn the screws into the tree to hold it up. I had to do the same thing with a previous tree stand cover I had. There is one thing I do have to do though. I have to place the stand on the floor and then the basket over it. If I place the basket on the floor first, the bottom diameter of the stand doesn’t fit over the top dimension of the basket. I hope you find one that fits your stand. Happy Holidays.
Harmony says
Was it difficult to screw the tree into the tree stand with the basket around the tree stand? I would imagine it doesn’t make it easy?
Diane Henkler says
Hi Harmony –
It is not hard to adjust the tree after the stand is in the basket. I do have to get down on my hands and knees and put my hand over the basket and feel for the knobs that turn the screws into the tree to hold it up. I had to do the same thing with a previous tree stand cover I had. There is one thing I do have to do though. I have to place the stand on the floor first and then the basket over it. If I place the basket on the floor first, the bottom diameter of the stand doesn’t fit over the top dimension of the basket. Happy Holidays.
Jenn says
What kind of a tree is that?
Diane Henkler says
Hi Jenn – It is a Douglas Fir. If you can’t find one of them, Fraser Firs have nice shapes, also.
Jenn says
Thanks so much!
Tracey Hewison says
Brilliant idea and if I can find the right basket, I’ll save myself about $50!! Could you tell me, what is the diameter and height of your finished collar?? Thanks so much!
Diane Henkler says
Hi Tracey – The basket collar is 12″ high. Diameter: 20″ wide at the top, 24″ at the bottom.
What is most important though is getting exact measurements of your tree stand so that the widest part of the basket (top or bottom) fits over your tree stand. For the height, you want to make sure it hides your stand.
Tracey Hewison says
Thank you for the tips, Diane, it’s funny because right after I had the very same thought….measure our base! I will be going to a cabin this weekend with my sister and I will be on the hunt in the thrift/antique stores for the perfect basket! :-) I also noted that I had a pretty good basket that’s currently holding a bunch of stuffies but I don’t think it’s tall enough. Darn!
Emy says
Good idea!! IT’S class and rustic! I love thanks
Lisa McWilliams says
GREAT idea!! I wanted to use a basket but worried how to water a real tree…this solves the problem!!?
Desiree @ Christmas Trees London says
Such a simple, yet brilliant idea! Why didn’t I ever think of this. Each year we are stuck with the ugly tree skirt and I cringe every time I look at it. Thanks for sharing this wonderful idea, definitely will try it out this Christmas!
Ruth says
Can you please advise the circumference and height of the basket that you used. Thanks
Diane Henkler says
Hi Ruth – I am in the process of moving. The basket is on a moving truck so I can’t get the measurements. It is approx 10″ high and diameter at bottom 24″.
What is most important then getting exact measurements is that the widest part of the basket (top or bottom) fits over your tree stand. For the height, you want to make sure it hides your stand.
Brenda Dumont says
That is so fantastic!!! Thank you! I am totally following you everywhere!!
Anita says
I absolutely love this idea.
Beautiful job!!
Melissa says
What’s the diameter of your tree stand? Just want to make sure I get a big enough basket…
Chris says
I love this idea! I even have a willow basket almost exactly like yours that keeps floating around the house. Now it will get a special purpose! Also, I love your decorating and tutorials! You have an incredible talent for decorating!
Victoria Ross says
Great work! Wouldn’t have guessed the basket would be used for that haha! I’m going to look into doing this next year cause the tree skirt we have right now just seems to take up so much room but the basket makes it look roomier!
Thanks for sharing
Victoria
Marianne Songbird says
I love this idea. Now I have got to go out hunting for a basket like that, because I love how it looks as a tree stand.
Thanks for linking up to my 12 days linky party.
Athena at Minerva's Garden says
What a pretty use of the basket for the holidays, Diane–this is great!
Desiree @ The36thAvenue says
This is brilliant! I am pinning :)
Carla says
Well that was cleaver and cute. Thanks for sharing that nifty idea.
Denise says
Love this! I love how your creative mind works! You should write a book on how to tap into your inner creativity. Our consumer culture tells us that we have to go out and buy, brand new, whatever the stores are pushing this season. So many people have never been taught or challenged to be creative. Thanks you for ALL of your awesome ideas over the years Diane. You are simply the absolute QUEEN of Creativity!!!
Diane Henkler says
Hi Denise – Thanks XO I would like to write a book or produce some sort of magazine about creating. That is my goal for 2014. I am still swirling ideas for it around in my mind. I do enjoy transforming and giving old things new life. Buying new is fun, but does not give me the same pleasure as making something unique or completely making it mine. :) Best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and holiday season.
Katie @ Upcycled Treasures says
This is such a great idea! I featured it in my Friday Favorites post today :)
Sheryll & Critters. says
Are you a total genius or what? You ARE a total genius!!! I would have never thought of taking the bottom off, much less had the nerve or know how. I might have taken the handle off, but the bottom….. how very smart you are.
Amazing!!! And ever so gorgeous!
Faye says
I love this! The wicker suggests a woodland theme to me, but it is a cleaner
finish than the “fussier” skirts I’ve used before. Now to find a large basket…
Ruth Anne says
I’ve never seen a basket tree skirt before and just love this one! Thanks for all your very creative ideas and thanks for the great pictures showing how you made it.
Marm says
Pretty awesome. I’ll keep my eyes out for such a basket.
Jennifer says
That’s a great idea! We normally use a tree skirt but this year we used a basket I bought from Target over the summer.
Judy M. says
Diane you are very creative and clever. I just love this one!
Ellen says
Looks fantastic! Wonderful & decorative idea. How do you get water in the pan without making a mess though? You can’t see where you are pouring.
Diane Henkler says
Hi Ellen – For years I have found the easiest method for getting water into the tree stand is to use a squirt bottle that dish detergent comes in. It keeps the water in a contained stream and does not get all over the place. Every year I find the least dense section of tree and put the bottle through that and then squirt the water into the water well of the stand. If it is drinking up a lot of water, I do need to refill the bottle a few times.
Runt says
What a great idea! That looks really cool.
Jann from Newton Custom Interiors says
Very clever idea! I’ve never seen a basket tree skirt before. Love it!
Barbara @ DIY Home Staging Tips says
You are so clever. Lovely pics, too. This is so much better than the pathetic cloth wrap I usually throw together. Thank you.
Patti says
What a great idea. I have never seen this before. That’s why I keep coming back to your blog. Thanks for sharing!
Jodie @JBMaryn says
This is a really great use for old baskets from gifts or from the thrift store. Looks great! Thanks for the decorating inspiration.
Anne Boykin says
That is so cool! Love your tree and your new skirt.
[email protected] says
Funny, I was thinking to use my laudry basket as my tree skirt this year…
Laura Ontiveros says
Lovely!!…You always gets great ideas. The weathered stain makes it perfect. I has been waiting to see what was going to happen to that basket now I can”t wait to see the the Christmas tree all decorated.
Best regards.
Stephanie Hobson says
This really is genius. I love the natural look of the basket, and yes, your tree is perfect!
Barbara Freitas says
you never cease to amaze me with your cleverness and unique ideas!
Diane Henkler says
Thanks Barbara – I love to create. Having worked in retail display for years with no budget and super creative types helped hone my skills to be resourceful and look at everything with new eyes.
Debbie says
That is very good!!!! I have never seen anything like it before. Beautiful tree, also. Perfect shape!
Diane Henkler says
Hi Debbie – Thanks XO Both my daughters were home over the weekend and we went to pick out the tree on Friday. It usually takes us awhile since we all like different trees, but we saw this one right away and brought it home. It is one of the best shaped trees we have ever gotten. It is from Corkum Tree Farm in Creamery, PA