Screw Christmas Tree Frame with Colorful Ornament Stamps

DIY Screw Christmas Tree Frame

Transform simple screws into a festive Christmas tree frame! This creative piece brings hardware store charm to your holiday decor in a unique way. Versatile enough to hang on your tree as an oversized ornament, display on a shelf, or mount on your wall.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Time Required: 1 hour (plus drying time)
Cost: Under $20
Age: 12+ with adult supervision
Watch How It's Made

Materials Needed

Hardware:

  • 40 - #8 x 1" Phillips flat head sheet metal screws (ACF SKU 3360032)
  • 1 - #10 External Tooth Lock Washer
  • 5" x 5" Wooden frame
  • Screw gun or screwdriver

Paint & Supplies:

  • Acrylic Paint:
    • White
    • Green
    • Red
    • Gold
    • Blue
    • Brown
  • Paint Brushes
  • E6000 Glue

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Frame
  • Place frame on flat surface
  • Find and mark center points:
    • Top of tree
    • Bottom center
    • Two bottom widest points
Step 2: Create Tree Pattern
  • Use green paint on screw head to stamp tree outline
  • Work top to bottom
  • Use brown paint to stamp trunk area
  • Pattern guide:
    • 3 screws for trunk
    • 7 screws for tree base
    • Decrease each row working up
    • Single screw at top
Pro Tip: Practice your stamping technique on scrap wood first.
Step 3: Install Screws

Working from top down, install screws into stamped pattern. Drive slowly for precise placement and angle.

Step 4: Create Star
  • Add lock washer to final screw
  • Secure with glue
  • Install at tree top
Step 5: Paint Details
  • Paint all screwheads white first
  • Paint tree green
  • Paint trunk brown
  • Paint star gold
  • Add ornament details with white highlights
Step 6: Create Background
  • Use screw heads to stamp ornament patterns around tree
  • Alternate colors: red, green, white, blue, and gold
  • Paint frame edges green
Pro Tip: Let each color dry completely before adding adjacent stamps.
Step 7: Add Details

Decorate frame corners with painted ornaments, holly leaves, or gold swirls

Display Options & Tips

  • Tree Ornament:
    • Add strong ribbon or twine for hanging
    • Position near lights for sparkle
    • Consider weight distribution on branch
  • Shelf Display:
    • Use small easel for angled display
    • Group with other holiday decor
    • Add battery-operated mini lights around frame
  • Wall Mounting:
    • Add sawtooth hanger or picture wire
    • Create gallery wall with other holiday art
    • Consider seasonal display options
Creative Tips:
  • Mix metallic paint for extra sparkle
  • Try different screw head styles for varied stamp patterns
  • Add glitter to wet paint for shimmer
  • Create multiple frames in different color schemes

Ready to Create Your Screw Christmas Tree Frame?

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