Looking for a cozy, creative holiday project? This DIY fabric Christmas tree is the perfect way to bring festive charm to your home. The best part? You can often find the supplies for projects like this at the weekly Shipshewana Antique & Miscellaneous Auction or Seasonal Shipshewana Flea Market—from flannel shirts and scrap fabric to wooden bases and beads. Shopping the auction and flea market not only gives you one-of-a-kind materials, it also supports local sellers and keeps treasures out of storage or the local dump.
Supplies:
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Craft Foam #9 Cone
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Fabric of Choice (here, a recycled flannel shirt)
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Pointed tool to insert fabric into the cone (screwdriver, paint brush handle, skewer, etc.)
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Optional décor: beads, figurines, wood block stand, paint, transfers
Steps to Create:
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Cut Your Fabric to 2″ X 2″ Squares
Flannel shirts work beautifully because the material looks good on both sides. Check your closet—or even better, grab an old shirt or fabric scraps from the flea market! -
Insert the Fabric
Using a sharp tool, push each square into the foam cone. Continue until the entire cone is covered with fluffy fabric layers. -
Double Check Coverage
Fill in any gaps with more fabric squares to give your tree a full, festive look.Optional: Add a Base and Décor
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Paint a wood block and attach your tree for stability.
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Add rub-on transfers, beads, or glitter.
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Finish with a topper (like this gold reindeer) for extra holiday sparkle or any other auction or flea market find.
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Where to Find Your Supplies
The Shipshewana Antique & Miscellaneous Auction and seasonal Shipshewana Flea Market are both a treasure hunter’s dream. Instead of buying new, you can discover:
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Old flannel shirts perfect for crafting.
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Scrap wood, beads, and trims for décor.
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Unique add-ons like figurines, ornaments, or vintage buttons.
Not only will you save money and get unique materials, but you’ll also be supporting local sellers and giving new life to forgotten items.
Don’t Want to DIY?
If you’d rather skip the crafting and head straight to decorating, don’t miss our Ship-Chic Crafts, Gifts & Goodies Market this holiday season. You’ll find handmade holiday décor, gifts, and goodies created by talented local makers—including trees like this and so much more!
✨ Whether you’re a maker or a shopper, Shipshewana has something special for you this holiday season.