Are you ready to elevate your Christmas tree from festive to absolutely show-stopping? For many, the traditional garland and ornaments are a beloved staple, but there’s a secret weapon in the arsenal of holiday decorators that can transform a good tree into a breathtaking masterpiece: deco mesh.
If you’ve admired those incredibly full, luxurious-looking Christmas trees with ribbons cascading and a vibrant texture, chances are deco mesh was involved. It’s not as intimidating as it might seem! This guide is here to demystify the process of how to put deco mesh on your Christmas tree, ensuring you achieve that professional, Pinterest-worthy look with ease.
Mastering the Art: How to Put Deco Mesh on Christmas Tree
Deco mesh, also known as poly mesh or burlap mesh, is a versatile and durable material that adds incredible fullness, texture, and color to your Christmas tree. Unlike traditional ribbon, its open weave allows it to hold its shape beautifully, creating dramatic bows, elegant curls, and a lush foundation for your ornaments. This guide will walk you through every step, from choosing the right mesh to securing it for a stunning display.
Choosing Your Deco Mesh
The first step to a fabulous deco mesh tree is selecting the perfect mesh. Consider these factors:
- Type of Mesh:
- Poly Mesh (Polypropylene): This is the most common and recommended type for Christmas trees. It’s waterproof, durable, and comes in a vast array of colors, patterns, and finishes (like metallic or glittered). It holds its shape well, making it ideal for creating loops and bows.
- Burlap Mesh: Offers a more rustic, natural look. It can be a bit more prone to fraying than poly mesh but provides a beautiful texture.
- Width: Deco mesh typically comes in 10-inch or 21-inch widths. For most Christmas trees, 10-inch mesh is ideal for creating loops and weaving through branches. 21-inch mesh is fantastic for creating larger, more dramatic bows or for wrapping the base of the tree.
- Color and Pattern: Think about your overall tree theme. Classic red and green, elegant metallics, snowy whites and silvers, or bold jewel tones – the possibilities are endless. Striped, glittered, or patterned meshes can add extra visual interest.
- Wire Edges: Mesh with wire edges is highly recommended. The wires allow you to easily shape and secure your mesh creations, whether you’re making bows, curls, or bundles.
Gathering Your Supplies
Before you start, ensure you have everything you need: (See Also: How Many Pages Are In The Giving Tree )
- Deco Mesh: Enough rolls to adequately cover your tree. The amount needed will vary based on tree size and how densely you want to apply the mesh. A general guideline is 1-2 rolls of 10-inch mesh per foot of tree height, but it’s always better to have a little extra.
- Floral Wire or Pipe Cleaners: To secure your mesh in place. Floral wire is discreet, while pipe cleaners can add a festive touch if left visible.
- Wire Cutters or Scissors: For cutting your mesh and floral wire.
- Measuring Tape: To measure your mesh pieces.
- Optional: Ribbon, Ornaments, Tree Topper, Lights.
Preparation: The Foundation of Success
Proper preparation ensures a smooth and efficient decorating process.
- Fluff Your Tree: If you have an artificial tree, take time to fluff out all the branches. This creates a full, dense base that will support the deco mesh and prevent bare spots.
- Install Lights (If Not Already Done): It’s generally easier to install lights before adding the deco mesh.
- Cut Your Mesh: The most common method for applying deco mesh is by creating “ruffles” or “poofs.” For a 10-inch wide mesh, cut pieces approximately 10-12 inches long. If using 21-inch mesh for larger bows, you’ll need longer pieces. The exact length can be adjusted based on your preference for fullness and the size of your tree branches.
Method 1: The Ruffle/poof Technique (most Popular)
This is the go-to method for creating a full, layered look. It involves creating small, gathered bundles of mesh that are then attached to the tree branches.
Step-by-Step Application:
- Gather Your Mesh Piece: Take one of your pre-cut mesh pieces (e.g., 10-12 inches long). Gently scrunch it together lengthwise, starting from one end and gathering it into a ruffled or accordion-like fold. You want it to look like a little bundled puff.
- Secure the Center: Once gathered, find the center of your ruffled mesh piece. Twist a piece of floral wire or a pipe cleaner tightly around this center point to hold the ruffle shape.
- Attach to the Tree: Take the secured mesh ruffle and insert the floral wire/pipe cleaner ends into the branches of your Christmas tree. Twist the wire/pipe cleaner around a sturdy branch to secure the ruffle in place. Aim to distribute these ruffles evenly throughout the tree.
- Vary Placement and Depth: Don’t be afraid to tuck some ruffles deeper into the branches and let others pop out. This creates dimension and fullness. You can also slightly alter the length of your mesh cuts to create varying sizes of ruffles.
- Work in Sections: Start at the top of the tree and work your way down, or tackle one section at a time. This helps ensure consistent coverage.
- Layering for Fullness: As you move around the tree, overlap your ruffles slightly. This is key to achieving that abundant, luxurious look and covering any gaps.
Method 2: The Garland Technique
This method involves creating a continuous ribbon of mesh that drapes around the tree, similar to traditional garland, but with more volume. (See Also: How Kill Tree Stump )
Step-by-Step Application:
- Cut Long Strips: Cut your deco mesh into much longer strips, perhaps 3-5 feet long, depending on the circumference of your tree at different levels.
- Gather and Twist: Gently gather each long strip lengthwise, just like you did with the shorter pieces for the ruffle technique. Twist a piece of floral wire around the center to secure.
- Drape and Secure: Drape the gathered mesh strip around the tree, tucking it into branches and securing it with the floral wire. You can drape it in a swirling pattern, working your way down the tree.
- Overlap for Fullness: Ensure each subsequent drape overlaps the previous one to create a cohesive and full appearance.
Method 3: Creating Large Bows
Deco mesh is perfect for crafting oversized, impactful bows that can be strategically placed on your tree.
Step-by-Step Application:
- Cut Mesh Strips: Cut several strips of mesh, 21-inch wide mesh works well for larger bows. The length will depend on how big you want your bow. For a substantial bow, try 2-3 foot lengths.
- Layer and Gather: Lay the strips on top of each other. Gather them together in the center.
- Secure the Center: Wrap floral wire tightly around the gathered center.
- Shape the Loops: Gently pull and shape the mesh strips to form large loops and tails. You can twist the wire to cinch the bow and create a more defined shape.
- Attach to Tree: Use the floral wire ends to attach the bow securely to your tree branches, often at the top or in prominent positions.
Tips for a Professional Finish
Achieving that high-end look involves a few extra considerations: (See Also: How To Graft A Mango Tree )
- Start from the Inside Out: Begin by tucking some mesh pieces deeper into the branches to create a base of fullness. Then, work outwards with more prominent ruffles.
- Vary Your Mesh Sizes: If you’re using different widths of mesh, strategically place the wider mesh for more impact and the narrower mesh for filling in.
- Mix Textures and Colors: Don’t be afraid to combine different types of deco mesh, or to use mesh with complementary ribbons for added depth and visual appeal.
- Don’t Overcrowd: While fullness is the goal, too much mesh can make the tree look messy. Step back frequently to assess the balance.
- Secure Everything Well: Ensure your mesh is firmly attached to the branches. Loose pieces can fall off and detract from the overall look.
- Consider the Tree Type: For artificial trees, focus on tucking the mesh into the branches. For real trees, you might have more flexibility with placement, but still aim for secure attachments.
- The “Wobble” Effect: When creating ruffles, give them a slight twist or bend once attached to the tree. This adds a natural, dynamic “wobble” that looks more organic and less uniform.
- Balance is Key: Distribute the mesh evenly around the entire tree. Turn the tree as you work to ensure you’re not missing any spots from different viewing angles.
- Placement of Ornaments: Once the mesh is in place, hang your ornaments. Allow them to nestle within the mesh for a layered effect. You can also use the mesh as a backdrop for larger ornaments.
- Final Touches: Add your tree topper and any additional embellishments. Step back and admire your work!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even experienced decorators can face challenges. Here are solutions to common problems:
- Gaps or Bare Spots: If you notice areas that look sparse, simply cut more mesh pieces and add more ruffles or garlands to those sections. Overlap them generously.
- Mesh Falling Off: Ensure you are securing the mesh tightly to sturdy branches using floral wire or pipe cleaners. If a branch is too thin, try anchoring the mesh to a thicker branch nearby or using a small zip tie discreetly.
- Mesh Too Loose: If your ruffles aren’t holding their shape, you might need to gather them more tightly when you initially scrunch them. Also, ensure the wire is twisted securely at the center.
- Uneven Distribution: Regularly step back and rotate the tree to check for balance. If one side seems heavier, adjust by adding more mesh to the lighter side.
- Fraying Mesh: Some types of mesh, especially burlap, can fray. While a little fraying can add to a rustic look, excessive fraying can be managed by cutting your mesh pieces slightly longer and gathering them more tightly. For severe fraying, consider using a sealant spray sparingly on the edges if it bothers you, or opt for a higher-quality poly mesh with sealed edges.
Beyond the Tree: Other Deco Mesh Uses
Once you’ve mastered how to put deco mesh on your Christmas tree, you’ll find its uses extend to other holiday decorating projects:
- Wreaths: Create full, textured wreaths by ruffling and attaching mesh to a wreath form.
- Garlands: Make your own unique garlands by linking together large mesh bows or long, gathered strips.
- Door Swags and Centerpieces: Deco mesh adds volume and a festive touch to smaller arrangements.
- Gift Toppers: Large, beautiful bows made from deco mesh can elevate any gift.
Conclusion
Transforming your Christmas tree with deco mesh is a rewarding decorating technique that delivers stunning, professional results. By understanding the different types of mesh, preparing your tree, and employing simple yet effective application methods like the ruffle technique, you can achieve incredible fullness and visual impact. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors, textures, and placement to create a tree that perfectly reflects your holiday style. With a little practice, your deco mesh Christmas tree will be the dazzling centerpiece of your festive celebrations.
