DIY Projects & Crafts with Fasteners
DIY Fastener Christmas Tree Ornament
Watch How It's Made
Printable Instructions
Safety First!
- Adult supervision required for using glue and adhesives
- Keep small parts away from children under 3
- Work in a well-ventilated area
- Wear gloves when handling glue
Materials Needed
Hardware:
- 1 - 1/4-20 x 2-1/2" Hex Bolt Fully Threaded Aluminum (ACF SKU 1000-114-0072)
- 7 - 1/4-20 Zinc Hex Jam Nuts (ACF SKU 1102-126-0002)
- Fender Washers:
- 1 - 1/4" x 1-1/2" Zinc (ACF SKU 1102-002-0122)
- 1 - 1/4" x 1-3/8" Zinc (ACF SKU 1102-002-0112)
- 1 - 1/4" x 1-1/4" Zinc (ACF SKU 1102-002-0102)
- 1 - 1/4" x 1" Zinc (ACF SKU 1102-002-0092)
- 1 - 5/16" Stainless Steel Flat Washer (ACF SKU 1000-105152)
- 1 - 1/4" Stainless Steel Flat Washer (ACF SKU 1000-105142)
- For Topper (choose one):
- 2 - 1/4"-20 Wing Nuts Zinc (ACF SKU 1102-088-0042)
- OR 1 - 1/4"-20 Cap Acorn Nut Brass (ACF SKU 200002)
Paint & Supplies:
- Green acrylic paint
- Gold acrylic paint
- Brown acrylic paint
- Green ribbon
- E6000 glue
- Paint brush
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Paint Preparation
- Paint wing nuts/acorn nut gold
- Paint hex jam nuts brown or green (your choice)
- Paint all washers green
- Paint bolt head and bottom 1" brown
- Let all parts dry completely
Pro Tip: Do not paint the threaded portion of the bolt where parts will be assembled.
Step 2: Base Assembly
With bolt head at bottom, thread first jam nut approximately 1" from head
Step 3: Build the Tree
Working from bottom up, alternate washers and nuts:
- 1-1/2" fender washer followed by jam nut
- 1-3/8" fender washer followed by jam nut
- 1-1/4" fender washer followed by jam nut
- 1" fender washer followed by jam nut
- 5/16" flat washer followed by jam nut
- 1/4" flat washer followed by final jam nut
Step 4: Add the Topper
- Thread one wing nut facing down
- Add ribbon through center hole
- Thread second wing nut facing up
- Secure with glue
Step 5: Final Touches
- Touch up any paint if needed
- Let dry completely
- Add hanging ribbon if desired
Creative Variations
- Color Options:
- Traditional: Green tree with brown trunk
- Modern: All silver with gold topper
- Festive: White tree with red topper
- Metallic: Gold tree with silver accents
- Topper Variations:
- Double wing nuts for angel effect
- Brass acorn nut for classic look
- Add small gems for sparkle
- Ribbon Options:
- Traditional red and green
- Metallic for extra shine
- Plaid for rustic look
- Multiple thin ribbons twisted together
Pro Tips:
- Use painter's tape to protect threads while painting
- Tighten nuts firmly but don't over-tighten
- Create sets using different sizes of hardware
- Add clear coat for extra protection and shine