Sparkly Glitter Branches for Holiday Decorating
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How to turn tree branches from your yard into sparkly glitter branches to decorate your home for the holidays. It is very easy with a few basic craft supplies.
How to Make Sparkly Glitter Branches
supplies needed:
- Silver spray paint
- Spray glue
- White glue
- Glitter
- Clear Colorfill decorative accents (floral aisle at crafts store)
- Silver glitter
- Tree branches from your yard
Step 1: Find a tree branch from your yard.
Step 2: Head outside or to your garage and spray paint branches silver, let dry.
Step 3: When the silver spray paint is dry, spray the branch with spray glue adhesive. Make sure you cover it completely.
Step 4: Lay newspaper or a cookie sheet on your worktable and sprinkle the glitter onto your branch so the excess glitter falls onto the cookie sheet and not on your work surface. This way you can re-use it.
Step 5: To create an icy look – spread some white glue in a few places along the branch.
Step 6: Add clear Colorfill accents over the glue. These little cubes stick on easily.
Step 7: Use a paint brush to apply white glue along branch joints or where snow and ice would build up. Press the clear Colorfill decorative accents into the glue. Collect the excess that falls onto the newspaper or cookie sheet to re-use. (You can also use Epsom salts to do this – they will give the branches a whiter look.) Let dry.
All done!
See more DIY Holiday Projects where you will find more fast and easy Holiday DIY Decorating ideas that you can make just like these sparkly glitter branches.
Check out more painting projects in my How to Paint Anything Gallery.
Great ideas for hanging Christmas ornaments!
diane, i saved this post, but am confused. Did I understand correctly the adhesive BEFORE the silver spray paint?
Seems like it should be after….
Hi Laura – You are correct. I cut and pasted this tutorial from a previous blog post I did and I guess I didn’t check it enough. So spray paint first, let dry and then spray on the adhesive. Thanks for taking the time to tell me about the order.
Silver spray paint is first. Then, after the paint has finished drying, spray on the adhesive. Hope that helps.
How far in advance can these branches be made? Will they last more than one season? Store at a certain temp?
Hi Sara – I had the branches for about 5 years. When we moved to a new home, I gave them to a neighbor who liked them. They still looked good. I used them during the holidays and stored them in a big basket in my basement the rest of the year. The basement got cold in the winter and stayed cool in the summer, so they did fine with these temps. If you store them where it gets really hot, they may not last as long.
Love it. Very pretty. I will try the branches for next year.
Tried it before but didn’t do the right thing. Thanks for the tips.
Hi Diane!
Your website is beautiful! I just did a post called “10 Fantastic Frugal DIY Christmas Decor Ideas” and I featured your beautiful sparkly branches. Thought you might be interested in seeing it! If you enjoy, feel free to share
Thank you!
Mary Harp
simplynatureplusnurture.com
Hi Mary – Thanks for the feature. I made the branches a few years ago and store them in bags so I can bring them out every Christmas and they are ready to go. I have used them in different ways every year.
What a beautiful transformation and display! I’m a little concerned for the piano itself though. It looks like it’s between 2 windows or a door and a window which would mean it’s on an outside wall. Ideally, pianos should be against an inside wall to protect the soundboard from damage caused by temperature fluctuations that occur with outside walls (that darn sun!). Putting it against an inside wall will also reduce the frequency of tuning needed and extend the life of your instrument. :)
Wow you are quite a decorator young lady. I’m so envious of that mirror and your gorgeous tablescape. So simple but sophisticated. Think I’m going to be spending alot more time on your blog, already been on for hour or so. So much to see and think about. I’ll be out digging in our shed tomorrow. Sure wish we had a basement but shed will just have to do.
So glad I found your blog.
How does this Kilz Easy Start compare with Chalk paint? I have several pieces of wood furniture to redo – and was leaning toward chalk paint because of the ease of use without prepping, sanding etc. I love your mirror it is stunning. Sorry I got so busy I got to this post late and didn’t get a chance to enter the giveaway! :(
Diane – Thank you so much for sharing so many wonderful ideas on your website, but a special thank you goes out for this one. Your idea to use a piano in lieu of a mantel is simply brilliant. I was about to re-donate my $70 thrift-store-find piano because I couldn’t figure out a way to decorate around it. This is such an elegant, high-end look and I just LOVE it. Thank you!
P.S. I’m a HUGE Nate Berkus fan. Have I seen you on his show?
Hello! I just found your blog on Southern Hospitality mantel party! Wow there are so many inspiring blogs out there. Glad I landed on your blog. Love what you did with the mirror! What a difference with the before and after. I’ll be stopping by more often to visit there is so much to see.
I’m a real novice compared to most of the bloggers out there. I have so much to learn. I love your style and I can really relate to everything on your blog.
~Sandy
Very pretty! The silver branches are gorgeous. So festive and fun! Thanks for linking up.
So excited to feature this tomorrow!
Diane,
While your mirror is a beautiful transformation, my heart started to pitter-pat when I saw your glittery branches. Did you spray your own or did you find them somewhere? I’m having a branch obsession this year, but living in AZ it’s hard to find bare branches this time of year.
Linda
I know what you mean about having a branch obsession this year. I think it is the fact that they are from nature, you can glitz them up , and they make a big impact! My branches have a bittersweet story behind them. The bitter part – in the freak October snowstorm we had here on the east coast – all of the burning bushes in my yard took a beating and we lost a big one :(. Sweet part – lots of nice straight branches to decorate with. I sprayed them with silver spray paint and let it dry. The sprayed them with spray glue and adding silver glitter. I created a post about them that will be posted this Friday on Momtastic.com
Kilz makes the best one coat paint-I have painted my entire house a few times over with this stuff and it even went over a pumpkin orange with an off white in one coat-I always use this paint. I also have a mirror identical to the one used here…will have to try this.
Gorgeous! And love the Christmas decor.
Your mirror is gorgeous now! Kilz is the only brand of primer that I will use. It is great to paint over stained wood.
I would like to makeover or transform using Kilz Clean Start Primer
Ohh, just “liked” them on FB. Headed back over now to check out the $2500 contest!
thanks!
ps LOVE your mirror and your beautiful reflections! You did a super job taking the pictures.
Diane–I don’t have a particular item right now, but I am ALWAYS needing a great primer! ohh a gallon of this paint would really make my life a LOT easier!
Please put my name in the hat!
thanks!
gail
I “like” Kilz on FB too!
Your “new” mirror is stunning. You really scored a great find.
If I had a gallon of Kilz Clean Start, I’d paint the stained wood trim in our new-to-us home. Some areas are in rough shape and definitely need to be Kilzed!
Thanks!
I have a long list of projects that Kilz Clean Start would be perfect for but the first one I’d do is an old sewing cabinet I was given. It’s in sad need of a makeover and Kilz Clean Start would definitely help bring it back to life! =)
I liked Kilz on FB!
I really like you simple decorations for Christmas. That mirror is great, just the right touch. I will be hanging mirrors to enlarge and lighten our living room at the new house. Speaking of new house, that is what I would use the Kilz for! All that painting…….
Beautiful! I have a very similar mirror I am going to start on today!
I have thrifty finds that would also benefit from the Kilz! I think the last can that I had was oil-based (needed paint thinner to clean brushes) and I liked the way it worked but not working with it. So happy to hear that this one is water clean-up.
I also “LIKED” KILZ facebook page!
I have a little dark wood sofa table that I would love to make over I want to do it in a lighter color
I LIKED Kilz on FB had fun too!!!
I am in the midst of redoing the four kiddos rooms for xmas, many painting projects!!
LOVE LOVE the fab mirror– I have a mirror as well from my husbands younger days and would love to paint it white as well just have been waiting for the right inspirational place to put it!!! great job thanks for sharing!
Diane – This is gorgeous!!! And I can’t believe you got such a good deal on that mirror…. Great find!!
I just recently put your blog on my feed…you have such wonderful ideas! As for this recent mirror makeover; gorgeous. Love the holiday grouping you have there too, the silvered branches, the candles, the greenery… simply elegant. And I love the way it reflects so many other lovely parts of your house.
I actually have a partially used can of Kilz now – I’ve used that stuff over and over on so many thrift items, I love it.
But in this fixer upper house I bought, the kitchen cabinets desperately need painting. They were cheap to begin with, and painted with something translucent in an attempt to make them look wood-patterned. And I’ve discovered that if I put a Post-It note up there, when I remove it, that tiny bit of sticky takes off some of that layer of ‘paint’. And the kitchen is tiny and dark. So it desperately needs to be lightened with white or very light paint! The new odorless Kilz sounds great to use indoors in the winter… and painting the cabinets white would sure help my winter blues!
The mirror looks great! I’d love to use the new Kilz on my Grandma’s antique dresser. It’s stained really dark and would look great in my redecorated bedroom in a cream with ceramic drawer pulls. Thanks for the chance to win!
Also, I “liked” Kilz on Facebook
I just picked up an old wooden door and a couple old porch post. The post will be made into coat racks and I am not sure what to do with the door yet. I would love to try this new Kilz out.
I have two found mirrors that require a paint job, but have avoided doing it as I live in an apartment with limited ventilation. Kilz sounds like it would do the work nicely.
I went to Facebook and “liked” Kilz! Thanks again!
I am planning a redo of my living room bookshelves (now stained a cherry color) to white after Christmas. This Kilz product would come in very handy!!!! Thanks for introducing us!
Kilz is an awsome cover paint. Your mirror has transformed your room, great views (and I mean absolutely beautiful views) from every angle. I am so glad I was able to find/read this post.
Joy
Hi Diane, Your mirror looks great. I have a bookcase I’d like to prime. Thanks for the giveaway!
Marilyn
I would love to do something similar and transform a really big, really old, really gross looking frame into something really pretty.
I have so many projects I want to work one. I think I’d start by using this on an old nightstand my husband got from him grandmother. It’s so beautiful but too dark!
I have a bunch of kitchen cabinets that are screaming at me to be primed! I love the area above your piano. The mirror is gorgeous now and I love the sparkly twigs.
This looks beautiful! I love the mirror painted white! Your home looks lovely for the holidays. I hope you’ll visit The Corson Cottage and link up for our {Home for the Holidays} link party :) Carrie
http://thecorsoncottage.blogspot.com/2011/12/home-for-holidays-link-party.html
Gorgeous! Your room looks fantastic!!!!
xoxo laurie
I’m a fan of Kilz on facebook :) PS They’re having a giveaway on the page too!
I would love to use it on an upcoming dresser project I have coming up! I haven’t used Kilz yet but I’ve only heard great things about it.
I’d really love to redo my kitchen cabinets. The Kilz would definitely help simplify the project!
Maybe my daughters dark bedroom…if she let’s me:)
Oh, I just love this. Everything about it. Love the height on the sides and the touch of glam. Especially love seeing the reflection of the wreath with pink bow in the mirror. Thanks for linking up!
HI Courtney-
Thanks – I love your white, gold and green scheme – it looks beautiful. I hope you are enjoying your trip to Pa.
I like Kilz on FB -plus entered their contest wouldn’t it be sweet to win
2,000 dollars to a home store. !
Diane, Your mirror make-over is stunning! I would love to win this primer to paint our china cabinet.
I would like to use this Kilz Primer to prime and paint a 4 post bed. Right now it is about the same color of your mirror and I have had this wonderful idea of painting it silver. I know it sound a little crazy but I think it would look awesome and more modern which is what I’m wanting.
Diane – Do you think I would be able to do this with the primer without having to strip it? I have never stripped something but my husband said it’s awful.
Hi Tricia-
Yes you can paint it without stripping .I have NEVER stripped any piece before painting – and I have painted quite a lot of furniture. I usually run a piece of fine sandpaper over the surface to rough it up a bit and provide some “tooth” for the paint to grip onto. Nothing major – just a quick going over the surface. The Clean Start worked great on my mirror where the finish was perfect. If you have an older piece that has a gummy finish that bleeds through the Clean Start -you may want to look into the Original formula. It is oil based and a bit thinner, but dries and can be re-coated in 30 minutes, also. It does have a smell to it until it dries and you will have to clean your brush with mineral spirits or throw it away after use. I know this formula works great on older pieces. I would go for it , if you don’t like it you can always paint it another color. :)
I, too, like Kilz and would love to try out the new one. My bathroom cabinets need painting.
I “liked” Kilz on FB.
The mirror really looks amazing! The holiday decor is perfect for it.
I have a hutch I have been wanting to “improve” for ages.
Simple elegance!! Love the sparkles, Merry Christmas,
Kathysue
Liked them on facebook! Thanks for the giveaway!
I actually have a mirror as well I would like to try it on. Thanks for the giveaway!
I would use this product on my “retro” bedroom furniture!
I would transform my old bookcase I’ve had since I was a child along with my twin bed in the guest room.
I want to redo my Mother’s french provincial bedroom suite for my daughter’s room.
I would love to win the Kilz- multi-purpose kit. I found a large dresser at the flea market for FREE and would like to refinish it for FREE! This would make a FREE Christmas gift!
I found Kilz when I first started painting things…personally, I prefer spray paint(I’m a little impatient..), but I have been looking into using “normal” paint. :)
My next project is a Korean console table…and I’m working on a gorgeous sweetheart table now.
Do you have any suggestions on how to add the finishing wax evenly? I’m just starting to use it.
Ps. I liked the Kilz FB page.
Hi Tristen – There is a very good waxing tute on Design Sponge that I think will help you with getting the wax on your piece evenly. http://www.designsponge.com/2010/08/before-and-after-basics-waxing-tips.html
Thanks so much, Diane! That will help me a LOT!
I also “LIKED” the KILZ facebook page!
I have an old dark stained arm chair I am wanting to paint prior to recovering the cushions. Although I have heard of KILZ I have never used it.
I liked Kilz on FB! Their FB contest page doesn’t seem to be working though…
What an amazing find! Our thrift stores NEVER have anything like that! And then what you did with it? Brilliant. The Christmas decor looks fantastic!!!
I am in the process of redoing our bathroom AND the kitchen and would use it in both places!
And I just ‘liked’ Kilz on facebook.
I have a console table that I have been meaning to redo and it is an UGLY orange pine color. I’m sure this would be great on covering that up so I’ll have a cleaner base to start with!
I LIKED them on FB.
Thanks for this great chance to win.
xo bj
That mirror looks so awesome, I am totally so envious. It is just BEAUTIFUL…perfect for your spot, as you said.
I would love to be a winner here. I am about to embark on a redo of a guest bedroom and have several pieces of furniture that I will be painting.
xo bj
Beautiful transformation Diane! I have a million projects to prime…maybe not all right now, but eventually!
I’d like to make over a piece of furniture I thrifted LAST YEAR! I need some help. :-)
Hi Tara –
What does the finish look like and what do you want it to look like when you are done? I always sand the piece lightly, clean off with a tack cloth and then 2 coats of primer letting each coat dry. Then two light coats of paint – letting each coat dry before adding the next. If it is a flat piece, I roll the paint on. If not I use a Purdy brush. Don’t buy a cheap brush – buy the best and you will get great results and can re use it for years. If you want to age the piece after you paint it – simply rough up the areas where the piece would wear normally with sandpaper. You can then add a glaze (Valspar makes them and sells them at Lowes) that it tinted to almost any color and apply that over the paint with a rag and wipe off.
Liked them on Facebook!
Just scored a huge old frame at a local thrift store. Would love to try Kilz to prime before I paint it.
Ok, this looks amazing, but what struck me the most about this post is that you have a Basenji in it!!! LOL. Is this the dog your daughter brought back?? We have a basenji and he is crazy and probably the most destructive dog ever. But we love him and he is also the most cuddly dog ever! LOL
She probably has Basenji in her, but she is a mutt. She doesn’t have the wrinkled head or the curly tail, but does have brindle coloring, the white feet and tail tip. She does bark. She is an angel and hasn’t done anything destructive yet. She is very cuddly. My daughter has trained her well and she has adjusted to domestic life here in the states very well even with the freezing temps and living in a house instead of a hut.
I need your daughter to train mine! LOL She is a beautiful dog. :)
I went to Kilz on Facebook and liked them and so glad to be on the site there now, so thank you.
Diane,
What a spectacular job you did once again!!! I think it is just perfect now.
I don’t think I could ever do without the Kilz Original. I personally believe it should always be used before painting any wall. I used it to prime my mother’s kitchen cabinets, walls, ceiling and even the formica back splash just behind the kitchen sink and it came out great.
Of the oh so many projects I desperately need to do…. the most obvious is to finish sanding & paint my fake wood dinette chairs that little Shadow Poodle boy chewed up (all four of the chairs). grrrrrrr!!!!! The sanding of this so called wood is not going so well, but I have no choice, I must fix them, cause I have nothing else and no money. I really can not get mad at little boy, cause he is so adorable and sweet. Shadow’s nickname is Kissy Butt….. get the idea? lol
I can’t wait to hear about your branches that you made so sparkley.
Liked on Facebook!
I liked them on facebook.
I love KILZ,, i have a room to paint and several small projects that I could use this for. Thanks for the chance
I’ve got an old desk I’m using as a sewing table and would love to brighten it up with paint. Love your blog, wish my house bigger to do some of the things you do!
Wow! Your mirror wil beautiful. I’d have to say, I’d like to find a mirror like yours and give it a go. Guess I better start hitting the thrift stores.
I’ve been wanting to re-paint my childhood dresser for awhile now. It has a dark finish like your mirror, and I’d like to paint it a bright, out-of-my-comfort-zone color. Maybe a bright yellow or turquoise. Anyhow, thank you for the giveaway!
ps…Kindii is adorable! I hope she’s adapting well. I really admire your daughter’s endeavors.
Absolutely love this mirror project and your blog! Thank you for sharing
Just “liked” Kilz on Facebook…..love your blog Diane…
Diane….wow what a great project…looks very much like the holidays over your piano and throughout your house now…wonderful.
I have to say I am very excited about your new Kilz product find…it does look like its a new friend to an amateur painter like myself….easy…just my style and with great end result. Thanks for sharing the knowledge, I have a ugly brown dresser in my garage screaming “use Kilz Clean Start on me please”…. Haha
I liked Kilz on FB!
I love KILZ and use it all the time, but I do have a large armoir that I could sure use that gallon on… so pick me!
Love the mirror and your blog! I have a mirror from an old dresser yet never knew what to do with it. I think I’ll give it a coat of KILZ and then paint it a white color. It’s an old mirror from the 50’s, nicely made so the right wall will definitely make it a winner. Thanks!
I want to paint over old wood end tables that have marble tops. The tables house speakers and need updating. The new kilz sounds perfect!
Wow! I’d forgotten about Kilz paint. I used it ages ago to cover old “MiroLite” paneling in my mom’s kitchen. We couldn’t get the paneling off the wall without a complete remodel; we painted it white instead. I could sure use some to redo a bathroom in my house now! The vanity and medicine cabinets are really dark and the room is really small. I would like to lighten it up to make it feel more spacious.
Out of sight! Thanks for a chance to win.
Sue
I liked Kiltz on facebook!
First, your mirror turned out to be gorgeous. And all of your Christmas decor with it…wow!
If I won I would paint a table I have had that really needs some sprucing up. But I was afraid paint would not cover the dark wood. But this stuff would. I can tell!
I just bought a house and like you 90% of our furnishings are hand me down that I have been slowly trying to rehab into our style. One of the projects I am dying to work on is an old coat rack that my grandfather had in his store.
I have also liked them on Facebook
I bought some burgundy wooden plates at a great price and wanted to paint snowmen on them. After drying, the snowmen were pink. This is just what I need to start over, especially since I bought 12 of the plates.
Love Kilz. Always use it. Will use it to cover a dark color in the legs of a console table so I can paint it white.
I have a dark stained dresser that I’ve been wanting to paint. I am excited to try Kilz no-VOC primer. Thanks for the giveaway.
I remember that mirror, Diane! That was a great find. It looks gorgeous white and is perfect above your piano.
BTW – Kindii is so, cute, too! Hope he is adjusting to life in PA!
What a transformation! I would love to snag a mirror like that….its really beautiful in that crispy white form! What would I paint? We live in a brand new house…and I absolutely h-a-t-e the cabinet color. Won’t even bring up what our builder did…anyhow…I am terrified to take on the task of painting my cabinets white. I almost think Kilz Easy Start Primer could cure me of that. Definitely need some moral support on this one Ü
Just beautiful, Diane. Love the candles!
FABULOUS! I can’t believe the transformation, a great eye and a bucket of paint can produce..well done!
I would like to use Kilz on an old trundle table that belonged to my grandmother. It is currently stained a very dark color that I fear would bleed through by using some of the primers that are currently on the market. I have been a fan of the original Kilz formula for many years.
I’m always on the lookout for old frames in thrift shops, which I then use for my cork boards. Many times I paint the frames, and this would be a fabulous thing to use. It would certainly make my life easier!
I liked KILZ on Facebook, too!
Oh boy, Diane, that mirror really transformed the room! I’ve always been a Kilz girl myself and now that I’m in an apartment, the no odor feature would be very welcome! I have some frames that need a makeover, so I guess I would start there. Btw, Kindii is so cute!
I love KILZ! I would really like to KILZ my thrift store wardrobe-turned-entertainment-center that is currently, well, “thrift store brown.”
Your Christmas decor and mirror are simply gorgeous!
I like Kilz on Facebook (Michelle Hudak)
Your mirror turned out fabulous!
Our bathroom hasn’t seen a coat of paint in over 25 years. Both my husband and I are reformed smokers and even though I just got done washing the walls, I can see they’re badly stained and I am really concerned about painting over top of them with a plain primer. I can’t imagine how bad it’s going to look if we go with a powder blue paint (my current choice) and those smoke stains bleed through.
This looks fabulous! What a difference!!
I found you from Flaunt it Friday
Happy Holidays
~*Jessica
thevelveteenrabbitblog.blogspot.com
I also like the Kilz facebook page.
Your mirror and your whole room are awesome! I have a pine china cabinet that was whitewashed over a mildew stain on one end of it. I’d like to paint it white so I’m definitely going to need some Kilz. I like the low odor deal as it will have to be painted where it stands in the dining room.
I love how your mirror adds so much life to that little corner. I would love a chance to try out this new Kilz product. I have a bunch of projects that would be great to use it for- a dresser and sideboard top the list right now. Thanks for the tutorial!
What a great find that mirror was…it is huge! I love t painted white. It looks gorgeous with the sparkly stems, and candlelight. Great job!
I have an old bed rail that I plan to use on my mantle to hide all the cords ( thank you ms freckled laundry!) and I need to kilz it and it would be great to be able to do it inside. Thanks for the chance to win!
I have a piano that I want to paint. What better way to start that project than with a can of Kiltz!
I am following Kiltz on facebook…
I will pick out of my to do list: mom’s kitchen, master bath, grandsons room…to many to chose from.
I have a hand-me-down buffet/hutch that I would love to re-do. I was nervous about the dark stain coming through. I would love to try out this new Kilz product! I love your blog, thanks for sharing all of your money saving tips :-)
What a gorgeous addition to your room! Of course the Christmas sparkle makes it so pretty, but I can imagine that even during the rest of the year, that mirror will be just stunning! I’d spend $12.90 several times over to get that look!
Can’t believe you got that awesome mirror for so cheap! Love how it turned out!! I would definitely like to try out the new Kilz primer on an old desk that I got from my MiL. It’s a lovely desk with cute, ornate features, but too dark for what I need it for! Thanks for the giveaway!
What a difference paint made, it looks beautiful in white! I love KILZ!!!
Love that KILZ clean start primer. Nice job on the mirror Diane!
I love Kilz! I am about to repaint my master bath cabinets and would love to try this new Kilz- especially if it doesn’t have a strong smell!