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If you remember my Fall Bucket List, one of my To Do’s was to make a Tree of Thanks. To be honest, 2017 hasn’t been the easiest year. But, as I’ve experienced so many times in my life, there is so much to be grateful for in trying times.

Times of grief, struggle, doubt, and hardship are often the times when we realize what we’re made of. Sometimes it’s even when we discover what we’re made for. Even though I’ve experienced all of the above this year, I know that I’m a stronger person for it. And I am so incredibly thankful. 

I have been meaning to make a Tree of Thanks for several years, but the swiftness of the holiday season always overcame me. I wanted this year to be different.

A Tree of Thanks is where you display branches with written notes of what you are thankful for. It’s a really great way to get your family into the spirit of Thanksgiving, and also a really beautiful fall decoration. The best part is that you can save your notes and display them the following year, adding on your new gratitudes. 

This is another easy, affordable project, that you can completely customize to your personal decor style. You can do one of two things with your leaves – either add them throughout the fall or add leaves along with your guests at Thanksgiving. It would be an awesome way to share what everyone is thankful for. Let’s get to it!

Supplies needed:

• Tree branches (get these from your backyard or purchase from the craft store)
• Spray paint color of choice for branches (optional – but a gold metallic would be beautiful – this is my favorite gold spray paint)
• Chalkboard spray paint (I used this one)
• Vessel of choice – I used a wine bottle, but a glass jar or vase would work equally as well! Choose what best fits your aesthetic
• Chalk
• Bistro chalk marker (I used this one)
• Cardstock or stationary paper
• Hole Punch
• Twine, string, etc to hang leaves

Instructions:

1. Gather branches (OR take the easy route like me, and purchase a super cheap tree with a broken stand from the craft store at 95% off after Halloween!). Spray paint branches if desired.
2. Spray paint your vessel with chalkboard paint. It’s important to do multiple thin coats, following the instructions on your paint can for dry times. I didn’t spray paint the top neck of my wine bottle because I liked the imperfect look. Allow to dry.
3. Before you write anything on your newly chalked surface, make sure that you prime it. Simply take chalk (yes, I used blue, haha. It doesn’t really matter what color, you are just “filling” in the chalk surface so that when you write on it, it doesn’t scar the surface, and permanently leave an imprint). Buff off the chalk dust with a paper towel. 
4. Write whatever phrase you prefer on your container. I chose “Give Thanks.” If you’re using a bistro chalk marker, make sure to prime it first. 
5. Arrange your branches in your container. You already have a beautiful fall decoration!
6. Cut your paper into strips that are the width that you’d like your leaves to be. Fold the strips in half, and then cut the shape of half a leaf. If freehand is difficult, draw the shape with a pencil first. Cut as many leaves as you want.
   

   

   
7. Use a hole punch to make holes for the string (or you can puncture the paper, whatever is easier!).
8. Write what you’re grateful for on the leaves, then tie the string through the holes and onto the branches (I used these Sharpie metallic paint markers- I absolutely love them for crafting!). 
9. Display and remember all of the things you have to be thankful for!

Have you ever made a Tree of Thanks? I think it is such a great way to include your whole family, especially kids, in thinking about their blessings, and a lot less awkward than going around the table (I hate being put on the spot!).

Lastly, I’m so thankful to have found such an amazing group of women. The people I’ve met through blogging inspire me daily! Make sure to leave me a comment below and let me know one thing you are thankful for this year!

Stay Dairing.