DIY Jewelry Tree

When I first made this for my home, I didn't expect to share the DIY steps because I just didn't know how well it would turn out. But it was so simple and easy (as long as you have the right twigs / branches) that I decided it was well worth sharing with you all...

Over the years, jewelry has been collected, made, been given, and passed down to me - so much so that I have several jewelry boxes that house the many sentimental pieces that I own. But I inspire to be a minimalist when it comes to *things* and clutter - so this poses a challenge! As much as I want the ease of displaying my jewelry - I also don't want it to clutter up my tiny vintage vanity...

Recently, while browsing images of this fabulous shop called HUNT & GATHER in San Diego - I saw this image of one of their displays and fell in LOOOVE!

I love the rustic, earthy feel of it - and I love that the jewelry would not be sitting on my vanity counter top! So I searched around my home for the items I would need to replicate something like this on a smaller level to fit my area.

Items I needed:

• Old /dried branches (various sizes) - I used 2 branches that measure roughly 12" in length each. (I happened to have a stack of old twigs from borrego springs that sat in a vase as decor for many, many years - they were perfect!) Look around your yard - under old trees in parks and recreational parks, etc.

• Hot glue gun

• Hammer and 1 or 2 nails

How I made it:

While I let the hot glue gun heat up, I played around with the two branches to see how well they fit visually and I kept in mind where the jewelry would sit, etc. Since the twigs I had were rather small in comparison to the inspirational piece from Hunt & Gather (above image) I needed them to fit together (to look as if it were one larger piece) and look natural. 

Once I decided how I wanted the branch to look, I hot glued the two pieces together, and held it in my hands while I let it cool and set into place. I broke off a couple small pieces of the ends of the branches where it was protruding a bit too far (I was afraid I might poke my eyeballs out while standing infront of my vanity) - and I used the hot glue to stick them on the branches to give it a couple added hanging options (while keeping it looking natural). 

Once the glue cooled down, I positioned it on the wall where I wanted it to go. I even put a little bit of hot glue on the wall to connect with some corners of the branches to help hold it there. I hammered one small nail to attach it to the wall. I had a small gap between the two pieces I put together, so I nailed it right between that space. (if you don't end up with this gap - you may need to screw a small hole thru the branch or possibly risk splitting the branch and nailing it directly to the wall (I would use the screwdriver...).

Keep in mind - if the natural wood look isn't something you like - taking the finished branch and lightly sanding it and painting it a nice color - white / black / powder blue / lime green / orange / teal / etc... will give it a more clean and updated modern look. (I happen to love the natural wood look) :)

Here is how my jewelry tree turned out:

Here is how it looks together with my vanity...

Did my instructions make sense? Feel free to comment or contact me if you have any questions... It was much easier than I first expected it to be. When I first started this blog - I made it strictly as a supplemental site for my etsy shop - but I think I like incorporating some DIY crafts and projects; so I will take pictures of the DIY process next time :)

 Thanks for stopping by...

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“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned

so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”

—Joseph Campbell