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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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December 12, 2013

A Christmas Tree Made from Cabinet Knobs?

I think most people would be surprised that I have a little rebellious side. I know, I know…shocking!

Oh sure, most of the time I fall into the ‘play-it-safe’ category but sometimes I just want to try something new. Break free a bit.

Breaking free looks different for everyone doesn’t it? It could be as wild and crazy as jumping off cliffs into huge pools of water when you were in high school and young and stupid (sorry mom!).

DIY Re-purposed cabinet knobs Christmas tree from atthepicketfence.com

Or it could be as simple changing your hairstyle or the color of your lipstick. Or maybe admitting that if I’m signed up to bring you a meal you’re going to be getting a pizza.

Or maybe it’s attempting a project that’s a little out-of-the-box and definitely not your usual style!

I always see cabinet knobs at thrift stores and wonder how they could be used as something other than…well…cabinet knobs.  I tend to play it safe when it comes to decorating and I’m just a traditionalist at heart.

But, like I said above, every once in awhile you’ve just got to try something new!

When I was contacted about being apart of the 3MDIY.com Program I was so excited to try out some of their fabulous products. And after one particular trip to the thrift store I knew exactly what I wanted to make!

re-purposed cabinet knobs Christmas tree from atthepicketfence.com

HOW TO MAKE A CABINET KNOBS CHRISTMAS TREE

Start with a piece of plywood.

plywood and jigsaw supplies

Measure and using a jigsaw cut to the size you prefer. I kept mine long and narrow. If you aren’t comfortable cutting the wood yourself, take your measurements to the hardware store where they will cut it for you.

measuring

Make sure you protect your ears from the noise of the saw! I got to try out these awesome 3M Tekk Worktunes headphones which are part of the line of 3M™ Safety Products.

3M worktunes headset

Nothing like listening to a little bit of Christmas music while you work! And, bonus….they also do a great job of blocking out the sound coming from whiny children…just sayin. 😉

Vanessa using jigsaw with 3M headset atthepicketfence.com

Once you’ve cut the wood down to size, use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.

3M Sandblaster sand paper

I used the 3M Advanced Abrasives Sandblaster paper and it worked like a charm!

I also decided to paint the wood white and used the sand paper again to distress the paint just slightly.

3M sand paper

Next, gather together an assortment of old cabinet knobs. I found mine at my local Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

You can leave them all mis-matching or…

cabinet knobs

…you can spray paint them all one color. In this case I used some bronze spray paint I already had on hand.

spray painted cabinet knobs

Once you’ve painted them (or not!), lay them onto your board creating the tree pattern you want. I tried to create interest by being sure to mix up the plain knobs and the ones with more detail.

cabinet knobs in shape of Christmas tree from atthepicketfence.com

Using a pencil, trace around each knob and then remove them, being sure to keep them in the order of placement to make things easier when you go to attach them.

traced knobs

Drill a hole into the center of each traced circle.

holes drilled into board

Because the wood is so thin you might notice it splitting just slightly in some spots. Simply take your sandpaper and smooth out any rough spots.

3M sandpaper

Next, you’re going to need to attach the knobs to the board using shorter screws than what comes with them. This is due to the fact that the board is so thin compared to the thickness of a cabinet door. I scrounged around in our collection until I found ones that would work.

screws

Now all that’s left is simply putting a screw through each hole in the wood and attaching the knob.

cabinet knobs on board

Of course, no tree would be complete without a ‘star’ at the top. This crystal knob does the trick!

crystal knob as the star

And that’s all there is to it!

Now you have a unique, one-of-a-kind Christmas tree that will definitely be a conversation starter!

Isn’t it so cute and fun?

re-purposed cabinet knobs Christmas tree from atthepicketfence.com

I loved getting to take something intended for one purpose and transform it into something entirely different! Isn’t that what re-purposing is all about after all?

Now, just for kicks, I made a video tutorial for you! I will let you watch it while I cringe at the sound of my voice! 😉

https://www.atthepicketfence.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Cabinet-Knob-Christmas-Tree_0001.wmv

It’s fun to try something different now and then, isn’t it?

Even if your kids come home from school and say, “um, hey mom, why are there knobs stuck to that piece of wood?”

Thanks so much for joining me today At the Picket Fence!

Vanessa signature

If you liked this project you might also enjoy these unique Christmas Trees:

Fabric Scrap Christmas Trees

Fabric-scrap-Christmas-trees atthepicketfence.com

Pine Cone Christmas Trees

 

 

This post is a collaboration with 3M DIY. To keep up-to-date on projects, products and sampling visit 3MDIY.com. I was compensated and received product but all opinions are 100% my own. 

17 Comments Filed Under: Christmas, Crafts, Decorating, DIY, Good Ideas, Holidays, Reviews Tagged With: Christmas, Christmas craft, Christmas decor, Christmas trees

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Comments

  1. Nicole Sam says

    December 12, 2013 at 4:32 AM

    I really REALLY like this idea. You can also decorate it beautifully

    Reply
  2. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    December 12, 2013 at 4:48 AM

    How so very cute Vanessa…and you look cute too maneuvering that saw!!!…Great idea…it is no wonder that 3M chose you two for their 3MDIY.com…

    Reply
  3. Claire @ A Little Claireification says

    December 12, 2013 at 6:01 AM

    This is SO much fun Vanessa!! I love the idea and pinning now! xo

    Reply
  4. Thistle says

    December 12, 2013 at 6:05 AM

    Vanessa! What a cute idea! I think I’m going to make one from these old vintage handles that I have! Thank you so much for the inspiration!

    Happy day to you sweet friend!
    karianne

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 12, 2013 at 9:16 AM

      You’ll have to let me know if you make one!! Thanks so much for coming by sweet friend!

      Reply
  5. jp says

    December 12, 2013 at 8:15 AM

    Cute, cute, cute! What a great way to use those old unwanted knobs….I have a bag full just waiting to be put to use.
    Happy Holidays, your home is looking incredible!
    HUGS,
    jp

    Reply
  6. jessica @fourgenerationsoneroof says

    December 12, 2013 at 8:42 AM

    What a great idea! Looks adorable 🙂

    Reply
  7. Bonnie @ Uncommon Designs says

    December 12, 2013 at 9:08 AM

    What a clever idea!! Looking good sportin the headphones!

    Reply
    • Vanessa says

      December 12, 2013 at 8:36 PM

      LOL! Thanks friend! It was freezing cold so they also gave me some added warmth. 🙂

      Reply
  8. Brittany aka Pretty Handy Girl says

    December 12, 2013 at 9:11 AM

    Nice job Vanessa! Love your “form” while using the jigsaw. You’re a natural.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 12, 2013 at 9:14 AM

      LOL!! Thanks Brittany! This post is dedicated to you my friend. 😉

      Reply
  9. LUCY says

    December 12, 2013 at 10:04 AM

    Your creativity blows me away…it looks great ! and what a great video! xo

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 12, 2013 at 1:33 PM

      Thanks girlie! And for your video advice! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Randi - Dukes and Duchesses says

    December 12, 2013 at 11:14 AM

    That’s such a fun project and totally outside the box … LOVE it!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 12, 2013 at 1:33 PM

      Thanks so much Randi!

      Reply
  11. Gwen says

    December 12, 2013 at 5:32 PM

    So cute! I say is more than fun to do something different, baby!

    Reply
  12. Rebecca says

    December 13, 2013 at 5:52 AM

    What a great idea! It never crossed my mind something so original may come out of board and a few knobs. Really, really wonderful!

    Reply

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