How to Make a Crushed Glass Christmas Tree - No Resin Needed!

I've been seeing crushed glass art at various craft shows. I've seen flowers, birds, and seahorses, but most of the time they are Christmas trees.  

Maybe because they're at holiday craft shows???  

Anyway, after speaking with the artists, I learned they are made with resin and if you know anything about working with resin, you know it's a process.  It needs to be measured/mixed and protective gear (gloves and a respirator mask) is a must. 

I wanted an easier and less toxic way to get the same result so I started experimenting and found it, resulting in the two above.  

Let me make one more and share what I learned with you.....

First, let's talk about what you'll need:

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• an old picture frame - with glass
• glass cleaner
• clear silicone - I used this and it worked great!
• crushed glass  I actually found some at the dollar store but they no longer carry it.  
• wooden stars  I was out of stars, so I cut mine on my Cricut Maker using chipboard.
• gold craft paint
• piece of wood for tree trunk - I used a piece of a paint stirrer
• rhinestone gems
• gloss Mod Podge

Prep your picture frame - paint it, stain it, whatever you want to do to it.  Then turn it over and put in the glass.  Run a bead of clear silicone all the way around sealing the gap between the glass and the frame.

Once the silicone is dry, clean the glass on both sides with glass cleaner.  On the right side of the glass (frame) center your painted star.  

Drop some crushed glass pieces on the glass and start forming the shape of a tree.

Continue adding glass and place the trunk of the tree at the bottom.  As the tree became 'full' I started using tweezers to place my pieces of glass.

Keep playing with it until you have the look you want.  

Time to add some sparkle!  Keep in mind, ever thing is loose and the glass pieces will move easily!

Time to mix - no gloves or respirator needed!  Mix equal amounts of Mod Podge and water gently to avoid bubbles.  I used 1/8 cup of each and had more than enough for this 4x6 frame.

With a spoon, gently pour the Mod Podge mixture over the tree.

Coax the mixture to spread on the glass with a toothpick.  

Remember:  Everything is loose so you may need to nudge some pieces back in place.

It was late afternoon when I finished so I left it to dry overnight.

In the morning, I could see it still was not completely dry.  See the edges?

Here's a close-up:

Do you see all that wet Mod Podge?  Do not tip the frame.  It will run!

I also noticed some spots that looked a little bare.

I added a few more pieces of glass with a drop or two of the Mod Podge mixture while it continued to dry.  One more day should do the trick.

The next day, this is what it looked like:

Although the back was still quite wet.

You may have noticed the clear area is a bit 'wavy'.  This may not happen if you use resin.  So if you don't like the look, give resin a try. I like the wavy look because it reminds me of antique window glass. I also like the fact the Mod Podge method is less toxic.

Before you go, let me mention the tree done on a canvas.  The method is the same.  Just be sure to raise the canvas off the surface you work on or it may end up stuck to it.  I always use old caps from bottles. I also use a brush to add Mod Podge the edges.  Easy peasy!

I'm off to try a crushed glass wreath since I have some of the Mod Podge mixture left over.

I hope you'll give it a try!  

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