How to Make Vintage Yardstick Christmas Trees (Day #7)
Hi there! I hope you’ve been enjoying my 12 Days of Christmas extravaganza 🙂 Welcome to Day #7 where I’m going to teach you how to make some farmhouse-style, vintage yardstick, Christmas tree ornaments. {Now that’s a mouthful.) They look terrific on the tree or hanging in little nooks and crannies around the house.
To catch up with the us and enjoy Days #1-6, click here. Other yardstick ornaments you might be interested in include: yardstick & scrabble tile ornaments and yardstick “pallet” ornaments.
I love that each ornament has a different “look,” depending upon the age and coloration of the individual yardstick that you decide to use.
Materials for Vintage Yardstick Ruler Christmas Tree Ornaments
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Many of you, I know, have secret stashes of old yardsticks [as do I], so go ahead and raid it. Find one or two that you’d like to use for this project. Keep in mind that one yardstick will make 2 trees.
For those of you who have not developed your secret stash yet [oh yes, you will have a secret stash soon enough because you will become addicted to them once you start buying them], you can typically find them at yard and estate sales for 25¢ to a dollar.
If you insist on making this project right away, you can always buy a new (unfinished) one at a hardware store and stain it to give it an aged appearance. Or use it as is; this is your project after all!
I used my new favorite glue, Weldbond glue, for this project because [true story], as I checked new merchandise into my craft booth recently, three out of seven of the trees I brought FELL APART. So embarrassing. Every crafter’s nightmare: a project crumbling before their eyes.
I had originally used wood glue, which is logical given that I was gluing wood to wood, but I guess I expected too much. Anyway, I sand papered the surfaces and re-glued them all with Weldbond and they are doing great.
I used D-hooks for hanging and on my “prototype” trees, I added “NOEL” to the bottom layer of the tree using scrabble letters. Star embellishments of some kind make a nice addition to the top, as well.
How to Make Vintage Yardstick Christmas Tree Ornaments
Step 1: For each tree you will need yardstick pieces in the following sizes: 6″ (trunk), 4″, 3″, 2″, and 1″ (branches).
I cut mine on a miter saw, which sometimes causes the wood to split a bit on one side. I put this side to the back, but sand it down a bit so it’s not quite so unappealing to look at.
Step 2: Sand about four inches down the “trunk” (where the “branches” will go) to ensure better adhesion when gluing.
Step 3: Apply glue approximately four inches down the “trunk” and lay down your branches.
I like to put a little weight on them and let them dry overnight.
Step 4: Since the yardsticks tend to be too thin to nail into, I simply glued the D-rings onto the back using Weldbond.
Variations on Vintage Yardstick Christmas Trees
The first batch I went a little crazy with, adding scrabble words (with sandpaper and hot glue) to the bottom “branches” and nailing a rusty star to the top.
All but one sold right away for $8, but this one has not, I fear it’s because once the price tag is removed, the word “K-Mart” will stand right out. Not something most people want their ornaments to say, LOL.
With my second batch of trees, I decided that simple is better, so no stars, no words. I nonetheless priced them at $8, but and only time will tell how well they do at that price point.
Which do you prefer? Embellished or plain?
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printable project tutorial for today’s Christmas tree ornament:
Bye for now,
I’d love it if you’d pin me 🙂
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Love these! I was just thinking of making some; you beat me to it! I would like a star, no scrabble tiles. The yardstick graphics are too perfect by themselves! Great project;going viral;)
Glad you liked it, Lora! And I’ll take your good “viral” vibes 🙂
These are cute, but I must say my husband would be hyperventilating right now as he collects yard sticks that are farming related or hardware related….LOL.
Ha ha! It’ll have to be our little secret 🙂 I don’t use what I consider “antique” yardsticks for projects (yet), but rather the newer ones that I don’t think most people are interested in, well, except for maybe your husband…
I think I love everything you do, lol, and these are no exception! I like them both plain and embellished. After seeing your adorable mini wreaths, I had to order some of those cute pine pipe cleaners. I got a decent deal on them ordering in bulk from Michaels. I will be up to my eyeballs in mini wreaths (I don’t sell, only create for me or my family/friends) I do have a stash of yardsticks – some good old wooden ones and a couple dozen bright yellow ones from a now defunct savings & loan in San Antonio (a little sentimental since it was my first bank). I’ll be watching your blog to see if you have any ideas for real bright yardsticks! Thanks for generously sharing your talent!
Aww, you’re so sweet, Patty–glad you have enjoyed the 12 days 🙂 I’m glad you bought a lot of the pipe cleaners because I think you’ll soon be addicted to making and decorating with the mini wreaths. Funnily, enough, I have a huge stash of bright yellow yardsticks, too. They must’ve been having a sale on them…I’ll have to think about how we can use them. Thanks so much for all of your kind thoughts–
super cute!
Thanks Melissa!
I can’t believe something wood glued fell apart! I have had stuff glued with Elmer’s that broke the wood, but not at the place where it was glued! I loved your trees; I would put one of your little wreathes over the K-Mart and see if it sells then. Personally, I prefer our small local K-Mart to the bigger box store (was that tactful?). Just got a bunch of 75% off Thanxgiving stuff there! It’s a short (< 1 block) walk from my garage and it sure beats sitting in the waiting room! I have never come across cheap yard sticks; I will not pay $8 for a vintage one, but I have found cheap rulers. Hmmm!
I know! And I even sanded both sides before gluing. Love the idea of covering K-Mart with a wreath. If it hasn’t sold by the time I pack up (tomorrow) then that’s just what I’ll do. Unfortunately all of our K-Mart’s are gone; I used to enjoy shopping their sales, too. Sorry yardsticks are so precious up in Maine, but rulers will absolutely work. Just keep in mind you’ll need 2 to make one tree (for a total of !6″). Happy holidays!!
I can’t choose which I like best! I’m leaning a little toward the embellished ones, I think. I have purchased a few yardsticks not too long ago and your post has me wondering where I put them ! I might make some of these if I can find them! (The story of my life!)
So glad you like my trees, Naomi. Would love to see yours, once you find your yardsticks of course 😉
Always generous with your ideas and pricing. No wonder God continues to bless you and your business. Thank you.
You are so welcome, Dorothy 🙂 I love helping others whenever I can, and I do feel very, very blessed!
I love them and you’ve motivated me to buy some yard sticks to rough up and stain! I like the non embellished! Hope your well! The 12 days has been awesome.
That blesses me to know, Cynthia!! Glad you’ve enjoyed the 12 days–would love to see pics of your trees if/when you end up making some 🙂
Your vintage yardstick trees are darling, Diana!
Thanks so much Marie!
Seeing your adorable yardstick ornaments again in 2019 and love them as much as I did the first time I saw them! Such a great idea 🙂
Hi Diana,
I think I like the embellished ones the best. I am longing to try some new crafts….actually any crafts. I have been hoarding so many finds, broken jewelry, scrabble tiles (over 1,000), vintage bingo cards, buttons, ribbon, and so so much more! Too late for this year but I will get into after the Christmas rush is over….. Keep inspiring us, we love your crafts and you! Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas!
You always put a smile on my face, Elaine 🙂 So glad to provide a little inspiration–I think it’s time to immerse yourself in your stash and start some makin’!! Hoping your holidays are blessed, too–
Diana, thanks for your kind words. Unfortunately I have to wait to do some crafts until after I recover from my current health issue. Seems it’s a yearly event now. At least they catch it early and I probably will be having surgery in January. Say a little prayer for me. I hope all is well with you. ~ Elaine
I’ve always loved old yardsticks, but I’m saving them to use as a tabletop when I find the right table. I like the ones with the metal star on them.
Great use for old yardsticks, Patty–I’d like to try that some day myself 🙂
I luv this creative project so much! I’d luv for your to share it with us at Wall to Wall DIY Wednesday at http://www.dabblinganddecorating.com Pinned. So fun!
Thanks Ann! Would love to join in your party–I’ll head over and check it out 🙂