DIY Flocked Tree (easier than it seems, all the details!)
Don’t you guys just love beautiful, snow-covered trees, branches, and such? It evokes a feeling of magic….beauty….and serenity to me. Today I’m sharing how I made this “snowy” DIY Flocked Tree (so simple!).
I’ve always loved a flocked Christmas tree, but gosh, they can be expensive.
I did find a few that weren’t too pricey this year but they weren’t very big, full, or really as nice as I’d hoped.
I wanted to get one to put in the study as a second tree but I had given up hope for this year.
But then I wondered about flocking my own. Because, you know, that’s what I do.
DIY girl all the way, ever since as long as I can remember. (even as a child, my poor parents, I was always into something ;) )
So…this holiday season I looked on Amazon (Prime, my first “go-to” for just about everything!) for the flocking material.
Sadly they didn’t offer tons of options in the way of flocking BUT they did have a few.
The one I chose was not part of Prime but still came quickly and had free shipping, yay!
But I didn’t have an artificial Christmas tree to flock since we always buy real.
No worries, I went right on up to the thrift store and found this big beautiful tree…..
Well, it’s looking a little traumatized from the ride home in the bed of the truck AND the removal of about 1000 colored lights!
UGH…I had no idea they wrapped those things so intricately on pre-lit trees. (I’ve never had one)
It took (I would say “ME” but I had to hand the job over to my sweet husband) forever and was one of those…” oh my, we should have just left those lights on but we are too far in now to turn back” … moments. Oy.
I had to have white lights….sigh.
This tree was $75 at the thrift store. (which is a great deal for the size, quality, and pre-lit…well, anyway)
The flocking is listed for $21 – link below. (and I’ve flocked just about everything and still have at least half of the bag leftover)
(and I now have about 1000 colored lights too! haha)
DIY Flocked Tree
I’ve included affiliate links below for your convenience. Full disclosure info is here.
MATERIALS LIST: (click the links below to purchase the items)
Sno-Flock (premium artificial decorative self-adhesive snow flock powder with ice flakes)
Elmer’s Glue-All
Sifter
Spray Bottle
This is a photo of the flocking I used (listed above).
And here’s my DIY y’all….follow those instructions above that come in the box!!
No, really, do.
I’ll share photos (and tips) here but everything you need to know, they send with the snow.
Even though the snow is already adhesive I did decide to use some ELMERS Glue-All in the spray water to help the snow stay more permanent.
(it’s in the directions they send)
So here’s how to make your “snowy” DIY flocked tree…
I took the top section off the tree and did it separately. I stood on a chair to get the rest of this top part.
Be sure to wear a mask and protective eyewear of some sort.
As you can see above and below, I am spraying as I am sifting.
The directions say to sift and then spray the snow as it’s falling. (to make it more realistic)
I can chew gum and walk at the same time but I’m telling ya, haha, it’s not as easy as it sounds.
I did my best and it all worked out just fine. You do get in sort of rhythm as you go.
I bought the sifter to use with the snow (and only the snow).
First, lightly spray the tree where you are working then start sifting the “snow” over it while spritzing.
Once you have it as you like it (the amount of “snow” you want) then just go back over it with a light spray to seal it on.
Here’s a tip….take the tree apart.
I didn’t think I’d need to because the snow just falls and it will work out just fine, right?
NO, don’t do it. It would have been so much easier had I taken the time to remove each branch.
Then I could have laid them all out and sprayed them all evenly.
This tree was so thick with branches I had to keep going back and over and under, in and around to get it all.
I wanted it really flocky.
Here’s another tip…. just do it in the grass. (oh and wear old clothes and shoe as it can make a mess)
I used a drop cloth but it’s pretty much worthless now. In the trash, it’s going.
The product is safe to use on real trees, etc, so once the grass is cut the “snow” is gone.
Instead, I’m throwing my drop cloth away.
Also, there are little “shimmery pieces” in the “snow”.
They were bigger than my sifter (and probably most other sifters too).
So after I sifted all of the fine particles out, I just scooped those out and sprinkled them throughout the tree by hand.
You can see some of them in the close-ups of the pine cones below.
It was all worth it. I do LOVE my “new” tree.
And I saved a bunch by doing it myself.
Want to see some of these projects in “live” time? Hop on over and follow along with me on INSTAGRAM. I’m always sharing in my stories as I’m doing projects, finding new furniture, fun finds….just all the day-to-day behind the scenes.
Lights off with Christmas decorations on…
Lights on… I used all white, silver, and aqua bulbs on this tree.
My son (who insists on having a real tree every year) LOVES this tree. I think he’s told me ten times since this weekend how much he likes it.
I said, “oh good, no more live trees then”.
He said, “oh no, we still have to have a real one too”. Okay…yes, we do.
Some up close shots of the branches (and pine cones I got out of my backyard and flocked too!)
It looks just like freshly fallen snow to me.
Oh…and I should mention that it seems to be stuck really well to the tree branches.
I’ve had very minimal flake when moving it back inside, putting lights on and adding ornaments, etc.
Lights, by the way…..twinkle lights from Michael’s…..I am in love!
What a difference this flocking makes. It’s like that magical white Christmas come to life.
So what do you think?
Do you think you’d like to flock a tree…or maybe just start with a wreath or two or even some garland.
You can buy smaller portions of the Sno Flock but I bought the big ole box knowing I’d “need” it.
Let me know if you decide to create a DIY flocked tree too!
PIN THIS for later so you can make a DIY Flocked Tree yourself!!
I’d love to see it if you do.
Want to see even more snow-flocked goodies? (or how about how this stuff looks on real, live branches, too??)
Click here to see what I did to this wreath and more.
UPDATE! Click here to see how our tree looks (and how it held up) 2 years later!
I hope you have a great weekend!
xo
Do you know they did this to real live Christmas trees? I was thinking of getting it but they sold out of them before we could get one. Nice to know, I’m sure this flock is coming back next year for sure. I love your Christmas decor.
When I was growing up, my dad always flocked our real trees.
That’s so neat Cindy! I had never really heard of this before a few years ago. :)
Nancy
Hey Vanessa!
Thank you and yes, I sure do! It says you can on the packaging so I did do most of my branches (not the tree, just the extras) to decorate around the house with! :)
xo
Nancy
Is it Straight glue in the spray bottle or is it diluted with water?
Can you buy am sno flock at Wal-Mart?
how much flock do you need for a 7 ft tree?
The 2 lb size in the link I shared should be plenty. :)
Sorry, I don’t know. I’ve never seen it there.
No, it’s diluted with water. The directions are included with the Sno Flock.
I will try it this weekend, as I received my order of 5 pounds of Sno-Flocks yesterday! Thanks for the tips! :)
Oh yay! Have fun!! :)
xo
Nancy
Where do you buy the snow flock?
Hi Reba, sorry for the confusion! I have edited the post to be more clear but you can purchase the items at the links below where it says “Materials List”. :) Have fun snow flocking everything! It makes everything so magical looking!! xoxo
I love, love, LOVE it! I already have decorated my trees or else I’d be ordering the snow right now! You did a fabulous job and it is truly a stunning tree! Keep those great ideas coming!
Thanks so much Gabi! There’s always next year!! ;)
xo
Nancy
Well done Nancy! Your tree is gorgeous!
Thank you Brook! :)
xo
Nancy
This is a really gorgeous effect, but would it be okay with animals? I’ve got cats and they love to climb/fall through the tree
Hi Paul,
I’m not sure but I’d think so! It’s safe to use on real trees and then dispose of them, so I’d think it’d be okay!
That’s flocking impressive, Nancy! I thought for sure it was going to messy with a capital “M” bringing that tree back into the house and decorating it. While reading that you painstakingly removed each multi-colored light strand, I thought to myself, “why didn’t she just replace the bulbs with white ones”? Then I saw the twinkling lights! That ain’t no thrift store looking tree my friend – just gorgeous!
Thank you Marie! I am just so in love with it! :) And you and I thought the same. It wasn’t messy at all coming back in.
Not even through the tight doorway. I was shocked! We’ll see how it holds up though!
xo
Nancy
That a beautiful tree! My family has flocked our trees for years. The important thing to do is make sure the tree if very wet before flocking. You used to be able to purchase a small machine and use a cannister vaccum cleaner to administer the flocking. Not sure if you still can. But, again, wet the tree down with a water hose before flocking. The flocking will dry very hard.
Thanks so much Debra! :)
Very good tips! Thanks!!
Nancy
Very well done Nancy¡¡ and you styled it really beautiful in your very personal style
The video is a great contribution , thank you for share…I have to learn from you starting with MAKING PICS¡¡ your photos a are so clear, bright …. I always goes very fast … …, anyway BRAVA YOU¡¡
Thanks Victoria! :) And aw, yes, thank you, you should look at my early posts and photos on the blog!! lol
xo
Nancy
Wow! Your flocked tree looks so pretty!! I had no idea how to flock anything and pictured you spraying the branches with that stuff in a can that people used to spray on their windows to make them look covered with snow. Your flocking is way beyond that and looks so realistic. Your hubby deserves an extra Christmas present for patiently taking all of the lights off of your pre-lit tree. That must have taken forever!
Thank you Paula! :) Yes, this stuff looks so very realistic. Love it!
And, yes, forever …and not very smart!! ;)
xo
Nancy
I too have went through cutting off all the lights from a prelit tree! After many scrapes, cuts and hours later, I’ll never buy a prelit one again lol! I’m gonna try the flocking this year! Very excited! Marilyn KY
Hi Marilyn! Yes, it’s not fun, for sure! I don’t think I’ll ever do it again either, lol! Good luck and have fun with the flocking! It’s one of the best things I’ve done with my tree, I still love it to this day! :) xo
The tree is gorgeous! I just love it. We have an artificial tree – I should do this! So, I could leave the “pre-lit lights that are already on it” there and then add others to plug in? How would that work? Can you flock the tree and the lights already on there would work??? Maybe not with all that spraying!
Thank you Barbara! Yep, I think it would be fine to leave the lights on. I wish I’d have had white on this prelit. I’d have gone right over with them there.:)
Nancy
ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!!!!! I’m ready to go to the thrift store and see what I can find!!!!!
Thanks Lee! :) Hope you found one!!
xo
Nancy
Nancy!! I LOVE it!! Truly, it is a beautiful tree now!! Oh my, if I had just a touch of your vision!
I adore the colors you used on the tree. Of course, I always love a tree with traditional Christmas colors, or with “family” ornaments, which is how our tree was every year as our kids grew up. But you know how I love neutral and that is one gorgeous neutral tree! With just enough color from the aqua ornaments. But the flocking! So pretty! And the twinkling lights…. probably never would have even thought I would love them without seeing how beautiful they are first!
Now I want a tree just exactly like that! You’re killing me, girl! And my husband is not gonna be happy with you! :) xo
Thanks Karen!! It is truly magical! I just love it. :)
And you are so sweet!! Our other tree is our more “family” tree, colored lights, real tree, etc.
It’s nice to have a tree just how I like it!! Great compromise. :)
And haha, my sister in law said the same thing, my brother in law will not be happy with me because she wants to do one too!!
xo
Nancy
It looks AMAZING!! I want some now ha ha…it really looks so good…bravo! XOXO
Thanks Christy!! I am in LOVE!! I want everything flocked and to live in a snowy wonderland!! (at least inside my house ;) )
xo
Nancy
Look so very sweet…You did a Lovely Job.. Thanks so much for sharing.. I would love to find out how well it stays on the tree… or on the floor..
Thank you Janis! :)
So far so good on the staying power of the product. I’ll keep the post updated with how well it holds up!
xo
Nancy
I used this same product on an old tree we had a few weeks ago. I LOVE it. It was so sad looking before, and now it’s gorgeous. And like you…I have the urge to flock everything in the house!! It was much easier than I thought it would be.
Just a heads up though – I did notice that as it has more time to dry it gets harder and flakes off more. :( It will be interesting to see what will happen when I go to store this thing for next year. I may just put a cheap plastic drop cloth over it put together and store it in the extra space in our basement.
Hi Shelby!
Oh, yes, I’m wondering how well it will hold up. It will be interesting to see! I wish I could leave it together but I’ll have to take mine apart and store it. I’m sure that won’t be a good thing but we’ll see!
Thanks for the update!
Nancy
HE ELMER’S GLUE ALL CAN BE SPRAYED FROM A BOTTLE? OR IS IT THE ELMERS CRAFT SPRAY BOTTLE? HARD TO BELIEVE THE ELMER’S PRODUCT WOULD WORK FROM A SPRAY BOTTLE JUST BOUGHT THE FLOCKING POWDER SO ANXIOUS TO BEGIN
Hi Cathy,
Yep, mixed with water, it sure can! It’s in the directions they send. You have to mix it with water.
Good luck! :)
How does the flocking hold up after the tree has been taken apart and stored?
I’m getting ready to find out! ;) It’s the first year of having it and I’m getting ready to put the tree up this week. I took a peek and it’s looking good though! :)
Keep an eye out on Instagram, I’m sure I’ll post over there once it’s up. http://www.instagram.com/artsychicksrule
Nancy
Hi! Id like to do this on a real tree. . . What size box of flock should I order?
Hi Katie,
I’d say you’d probably be safe with the 2 lbs. I bought the 5 lbs and have a bunch leftover. You can always save leftovers for next year! :)
How lovely! You did such a beautiful job!
I’ve never heard of flocking before, but will definitely
attempt a small tree for the front porch thanks to your tips!
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! :) Good luck and have fun!
Amazing job!!
Thank you! :)
Gorgeous Nancy, and looks so easy ! Wish i would have seen this last week, i just ordered “another” tree only flocked (just had to have one this year ! We have 2, but green, of course. The least expensive and nicest one i could find was $149.00 at Walmart for a 7 1/2′ flocked. I would gladly do my own had i known it would turn out so beautifully. Thank you for sharing your beautiful “new” tree, Happy Holidays to you <3 I also love r pale blue ornaments, could you share where you got those ??
Thanks Diena! :)
Oh, that’s a great price! Yep, I got most of the ornaments on the tree from Michael’s and the At Home store. (last year)
Happy Holidays to you too! xo
Nancy
I never knew flocking was a product to buy for DIY. I love your tree and your wreaths and the lights and the great savings. Oh yea, I am flocking next Christmas. Thanks so much for sharing.
Hi Sandy!
Yep and it’s not as hard as it seems. :) Plus, I have tons of flocking leftover so if I purchase a real tree next year, I can flock it too! xo
That looks so fab Nancy! I love it! I hear ya regarding pulling off all those lights….I did that last year when I was given a beautiful tree full of lights that didn’t work. Oh. my. goodness. We had the same thought as you – thankfully I don’t have to worry about those dern lights anymore!!! lol :) Hugs
Thank you Jayne! :) Oh my, it’s a job, isn’t it?! xoxo
This is such a great idea! Can I ask how the flock feels after applying? Does it go crumbly if touched or is it rather firm and won’t fall off?
Hi Ella!
It feels somewhat hard but not quite as hard as the flocking I have felt on commercially made trees. When I pulled it out and put it up this year, it did lose some of the flocking. Not enough that I had to redo though. I can imagine I may want to touch up here or there in a few years but so far, so good! :)
Hope that helps!
Loved the flocked tree. I am addicted to thrifting. Getting so many ideas from you.
I love thrifting! So many great things to be had out there! :)
I am trying to make centerpieces for my daughter’s wedding Dec9 2017. Do you think the flocking snow would stay on regular tree branches? Not pine tree branches?
Yes, I think it should have similar adhesion to the branches as well. I sprayed it on pine cones and have packed them away and reused them for several years now. :)
I love this idea. I totally get it once you start you can’t stop. I love e details on the ornaments and berries. Soooo cool. Thanks for the info.
Oh yep, I wanted to snow flock everything in sight! It’s just so pretty. :) xo
Is this material used for flocking flame retardant? We do an annual Christmas display for our local Metroparks system. Fire marshal’s regulation is that everything be made flame retardant.
Your tree with the the twinkling lights looks very beautiful!
Thanks Ed! :) Here’s what I found (as a response by the seller of the snow I have linked) ” Sno-Flock does not contain Talc; It contains the industry standard fire retardant mineral called Boron.”
I hope that helps! :)
This is stunning!!!! Lovely!!!!
Thanks Joanna!
Hi, your tree is gorgeous! My 12 year old 9 foot tree was just too big to fit in my small living room. Sooooo, I used the top and cut the middle section in half….. now I have a 4 1/2 foot tree! I, too, love a flocked tree and found the same stuff you’ve used at Amazon. Worked beautifully! And I found the same twinkle lights at Target last year. I’m so happy with how it turned out!
Happy happy holidays!
Well, that is just ingenious! Your tree sounds lovely!! Happy holidays will be here soon! :)
It turned out beautiful, To have the patience to take off the old lights was just alot of work. I tried just trying to replace the bulbs on my 4 foot trees and decided it would be easier to put a new strand of on. I didn’t even attempt to take the old ones off
Thank you so much Lou Ann! :) And oh my yes, truer words never spoken! It was so much work and why I handed it over to my husband! ;) Won’t ever do that again. lol
WOW!!! What a transformation. It is BEAUTIFUL!!!! ….as always ;)
May I ask? Where did you get that rug from under the tree? It also is a beauty. It looks to be softer than some other sisal types.
Aw, thanks, Addie! I got it here.
What a transformation! I love the idea of flocking a tree. I purchased a flocked one two years ago for my mom’s house and love it. I have another faux tree that we have had for over 8 years. I love white lights as well. While I have that tree up, next year, I think I will try flocking it to bring some new life to it! Thanks so much for sharing. Have a great week.
Thanks, Sue! Oh yes, give it a go! :) xoxo