How to Make a Pennsylvania German Cotton Christmas Tree

Also called a ‌Grischtbawm‌ or ‌Grischtbaum‌, a wrapped Christmas tree or a cotton snow Christmas tree, these small trees were originally bundles of tree branches that were arranged in vases and weighed down with rocks. Grischtbawm were then covered with stretched-out wool and cotton to make the branches look snow-covered.

Christmas decorations for this Pennsylvania Cotton Christmas tree usually include cranberries and popcorn strings. Let's explore how you can make variations using yarn and other fabrics.

Secure branch pieces together with zip ties to resemble a tree. Place your creation in a large vase or tree stand where the outer branches can rest on the edges of the vase for support.

To create the snow, cut slim strips of pure white cotton bunting. Start at the bottom of the trunk and wrap the bunting around it, working your way up to the top. Wrap the branches beginning where they meet the trunk and work your way outward.

Since bunting is a fabric, you'll have to close up the edges at the ends of the branches. Use regular white glue or fabric glue. If you're only going to cover a small part of the tree with the snow, glue on cotton balls and stretch them over the surface of the branches. Finish off with white cotton quilting or burlap for a natural looking tree skirt.

The end goal with this mini Christmas tree is for it to become the centerpiece of your holiday decor and make your living room sparkle.

The Christmas tree is the highlight of the holiday season. That is what makes this rustic Christmas craft so useful. There are a number of classic German Christmas tree decorations that you can use for inspiration. Shiny glass ornaments and tinsel are German inventions, and blown glass tree ornaments come in a variety of bright colors. You can also decorate your own ornaments.

German Christmas tree lights aren't very popular; they tend to use electric candles and hanging wooden ornaments. Originally, many Germans used actual candles on their trees in the old days, but that is rarely done anymore due to the fire risk. Instead of putting a lot of lights on the tree, add color with brightly hued ornaments, ribbons and electric candles.

A yarn-wrapped tree is another alternative Christmas tree you can make at home. Note that these tend to be smaller decorations that are not meant to replace your Christmas tree. You can create one with twigs as you would with your Pennsylvania German cotton tree. Don't forget to grab your tote full of yarn, paper, scissors, a glue gun, ruler and cardboard. Make it a family craft event! Kids may also love to get in on this fun Christmas craft project.

For this DIY xmas tree project, begin by cutting out triangle shapes from plain paper and tracing them onto cardboard. To make this project more interesting, you can cut out several triangles in varying sizes. Cover the tree on both sides with a light coating of clear glue and start winding the yarn around in tight rows from bottom to top. Keep pushing the yarn together so that you are unable to see the cardboard. Once you get to the top, apply a second wrapping.

As you get close to the bottom on the way back down, place a twig on the bag and wrap it in tightly under the yarn. Apply glue and hold until secure. Then, cut off the end of the yarn and tuck it in the back where it won't be noticed.

This faux white tree will quickly become your favorite holiday home decor centerpiece, providing a festive, traditional decoration that you can use for years.