There’s something extra special about creating holiday décor from pieces that already have history — and this thrifted glass Christmas tree is the perfect mix of vintage charm, sparkle, and DIY fun! Whether you’re going for elegant, eclectic, or just plain magical, this upcycled holiday tree is an easy and beautiful way to bring Christmas cheer to any corner of your home. And all you need are some thrifted glass bowls, dishes, bells, etc. I spent under $15 for each of these glass Christmas trees, so they make great, affordable gift options as well!
✨ DIY Glass Christmas Tree – Materials You’ll Need:
- Assorted thrifted glass bowls, dishes, and bells in various sizes
- A sturdy candle holder (this will be the base)
- Rub ‘n Buff in Gold Leaf (or your preferred metallic)
- E6000 glue (clear)
- Level
- Optional: battery-operated twinkle lights
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🛠 DIY Glass Christmas Tree – Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Thrift + Gather Your Glassware
Look for a variety of clear or textured glass bowls, mini bells, candy dishes, or dessert cups. You’ll want pieces that gradually get smaller so you can stack them in a tiered tree shape. Bonus points if you find vintage glass with interesting patterns or scalloped edges!
Step 2: Prep the Base
Take your candle holder and apply Rub ‘n Buff to give it a rich, golden finish. Use a soft cloth to gently buff it on, working in thin layers. Let it dry completely.
Tip: Make sure your candle holder is wide and heavy enough to support the stacked weight of the glass pieces.
Step 3: Plan Your Stack
Before gluing anything down, dry stack your glass pieces to test out the arrangement. Start with the largest dish at the bottom and work your way up, saving the smallest piece or a decorative bell for the top.
This is also a great time to play with shapes — don’t be afraid to turn bowls upside down, use bells right-side up, or add an ornament on top for flair.
Step 4: Glue It Together
Working from the bottom up:
- Add a small ring of E6000 glue around the top of the candle holder and center your largest bowl or dish on top.
- Wait a few minutes for it to set slightly (I waited about 15 minutes), then repeat the process with each next piece — a little glue, careful placement, and slight pressure. Be sure to use your level to ensure each piece is straight before your glue fully sets! I leveled first across, and then forward/backwards to double check!
- Continue until your tree is fully stacked. Let the entire piece cure undisturbed for at least 24 hours to ensure a strong bond.
Step 5: Add Twinkle Lights (Optional)
Once everything is dry, gently weave battery-operated fairy lights throughout the layers. I used some Velcro to secure the battery-operated remote portion of the fairy lights under the lip of the largest bowl to help hide it. The glow through the glass adds a dreamy, vintage sparkle, but shockingly, I think I prefer the tree without the lights!
Step 6: Style + Display
Place your tree on a console table, dining centerpiece, or cozy corner. It pairs beautifully with vintage brass, bottle brush trees, or candles for a collected, layered holiday look! I can’t wait to make a few more of these and style them with my other glass trees this year!
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🌟 Final Thoughts
This DIY is proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to create something beautiful and festive. With a little glue and a lot of imagination, you can turn thrifted glassware into a one-of-a-kind Christmas tree that will sparkle year after year.
Happy thrifting & merry making, friends!! 🎄✨
Until next time!
XO, Ana
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