BRONZE BUDGET BRIDE

This photo is from Charity and Frank $1.4 Million Dollar Wedding.
The centerpieces are crystal trees made with Manzanita trees and hanging Swarovski crystals! What that translates to is that they paid a pretty penny for each of those centerpieces but you can create an almost identical crystal tree for under $30 maybe even less!



I was in the process of posting an article on how to create an affordable crystal tree when I came across this article on Project Wedding. I was most impressed with the fab idea of using crystal strands from a beaded crystal curtain which brings each strand/garland to less than $1 each. That in itself is amazing since it is so hard to find a crystal garland anywhere for under $7.00. So now every small budget bride can afford to create these amazing crystal trees as centerpieces for their wedding or just about any event since they are so affordable to make them.

What you'll need:

Crystal Curtain
Manzanita Branches
Urn or Dark Vase
Spray Foams
Acrylic Diamonds

Crystal Curtain with 34 Stands - $22



Simply cut the strands from the curtain rail and cut them smaller if necessary to hang on the branches of the Manzanita I posted below.


SilverWood Manzanita Natural Branch 18" - 24" tall - $8.75




18-26” Natural Sierra Manzanita Sandblasted Branch - $9.99




Spray Foam Insulation - $10.97

"It is usually used to fill cracks and crevices and can be found at hardware stores.  Be careful when using...whatever the foam gets on it's there forever...seriously.

The urn or vase you can find at a local craft store such as Hobby Lobby or Micheal's.

Directions:

Used spray foam insulation to hold the branches in place. It works really well. You can use painter's tape to wrap around the base of each branch and secured to the vase/urn just the way you want it to set. 

*Note: The tape is temporary and used only to hold the branch upright and centered in base/urn while filling with spray foam insulation (see pictures below).* 

Once the tape is secure, spray the foam according to the directions.  Remember to allow for the expansion. Most foam insulation doubles in size.

 

*TIP: Between use of the spray foam, leave the straw on the can and leave it filled with the foam.  It will expand within the "straw" by oozing out a little. Let it dry like that...it will keep from the entire can from drying out. When you go to use it again, gently press the "trigger" and the dried foam in the straw will push right out. Use wax paper on your work surface to keep the foam from sticking to your table/work surface.

To ensure it dried thoroughly, spray one layer at a time. It will take about an hour to dry to the touch.

Once completely filled and dried, remove the painter's tape.

I suggest using plastic diamonds like the ones I've posted below to cover the foam.

Acrylic clear diamonds (measure 3/16") 2000 - $2.89

However as you can see in the photo above, the tree is set in a glass vase, so that is certainly an option. I would suggest a weighted vase like the ones below. Be sure to add floral foam, not the spray foam,  to keep the tree anchored, then add the acrylic or plastic diamonds around the foam and at the top to hide it completely.

Clear Glass 13" Tapered Rectangle Vase Weighted - $10.49




Contemporary 8" tall Weighted Glass  Rectangle Vase - $6.99




 Brick Dry Floral Foam For Silk Flowers - 3x4x8- $2.99

 

You can find it cheaper at a dollar store or a craft store. Just cut to fit.


crystal tree photo courtesy of queencitybride.blogspot.com