DIY Himmeli Tabletop Christmas Tree: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re looking to infuse your Christmas decor with a touch of Scandinavian elegance, the Himmeli craft is a perfect choice. I’ve always been drawn to the classic simplicity of Scandinavian design, and the Finnish Himmeli, with its intricate ornaments, stars, and wreaths, perfectly embodies this aesthetic. This year, I decided to create my own Himmeli tabletop Christmas tree to adorn my home and elevate my Christmas tablescapes.

Himmeli projects can sometimes seem daunting and overly complicated. I know this firsthand from several failed attempts! That’s why I designed these Himmeli trees to be easy to create, modern in style, and adaptable, allowing for a variety of tree designs. The key to achieving this look lies in mastering the construction of one simple Himmeli triangle.

Materials You’ll Need

• Coffee Stirrers: Easily found at any grocery store. These form the structural base of your Himmeli tree.
• Jewelry Wire or Lightweight Floral Wire: This will hold your triangles together. Ensure it’s flexible enough to manipulate but strong enough to maintain the structure.
• Scissors: For precisely cutting the coffee stirrers. Accuracy is important for consistent triangle sizes.
• Jewelry Wire Cutters: To cleanly cut the wire. Heavy-duty wire cutters will also work if that’s what you have.
• Spray Paint: To add color and a polished finish to your Himmeli trees. Choose colors that complement your existing decor.
• Ruler: Essential for measuring the coffee stirrers and ensuring uniformity in your triangle construction.

The foundation of all these trees is the Himmeli triangle. The Himmeli triangle is the starting point for countless other Himmeli projects, making it a fundamental technique to learn. Below, I’ll guide you through the process of creating a simple triangle. Each triangle requires six coffee stirrers.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Himmeli Christmas Tree

Step 1: Forming the Base Triangle

Begin by cutting a generous length of wire. Thread three coffee stirrers onto the wire. Bend the wired stirrers into a triangle shape, ensuring the ends meet neatly. Secure the triangle’s shape by tightly tying a knot in the wire or bending the wire around itself several times for added stability.

Step 2: Adding the Vertical Supports

Thread one coffee stirrer onto both wires extending from the initial triangle. Next, thread a coffee stirrer onto each of the wires that now protrude from the single, newly added coffee stirrer. This will create the upward-pointing structure of the triangle.

Step 3: Connecting the Sides

Gently fold the newly added straws inward. Each straw will connect with one corner of the base triangle. As you manipulate the straws, you’ll start to visualize the complete three-dimensional triangle taking shape.

Step 4: Completing the Triangle

Connect the left and right sides of the structure to the corresponding corners of the base triangle by twisting or tightly tying the wire. Once secured, carefully cut off any excess wire using your wire cutters. To conceal the wire ends and create a cleaner look, tuck the cut ends into the straws.

Step 5: Creating Different Tree Heights

To craft taller, skinnier trees, adjust the length of the coffee stirrers used. For the base of the triangle (as described in Step 1), the straws should be shorter than those used for the 3D portion of the triangle (Steps 2-4). In my experience, making the base straws approximately 1 3/4 inches shorter than the others creates a noticeable difference in the tree’s overall proportions.

When creating multiple triangles to nest or stack, start by making the largest triangle first. Note the measurements used for this first triangle. Then, for each subsequent triangle, reduce the length of the coffee stirrers by approximately 1/4 inch. This applies even if you’re using different sized straws for different parts of the same triangle; reduce each size by 1/4 inch. Repeat this process for the third and fourth triangles to ensure they progressively decrease in size while maintaining a consistent shape.

Step 6: Adding Color with Spray Paint

Once your triangles are assembled, it’s time to add color and personality with spray paint. Choose a color palette that complements your existing Christmas decor or opt for a classic metallic finish for an elegant touch. Apply the spray paint in light, even coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area and protect your work surface.

Styling Your Himmeli Christmas Trees: Creative Ideas

Now that your Himmeli trees are complete, the real fun begins! There are countless ways to style and display these unique decorations. Here are a few of my favorite approaches:

The Stacking Tree

This is a simple yet elegant way to display your Himmeli triangles. Simply stack the triangles on top of each other, starting with the largest at the bottom and gradually decreasing in size. This creates a classic Christmas tree shape with a modern, geometric twist. You can secure the triangles together with a small amount of glue or leave them unattached for a more minimalist look.

The Nesting Tree

For a more intricate and eye-catching display, try nesting the Himmeli triangles inside each other. Carefully insert the smaller triangles into the larger ones, creating a layered effect. This method showcases the geometric beauty of the Himmeli design and adds depth to your Christmas decor. You can play around with different arrangements and orientations to create a unique and personalized look.

The Nesting Tree with a Turn

Add a touch of whimsy to your nesting tree by slightly rotating each triangle as you insert it. This creates a dynamic and visually interesting effect, adding movement and dimension to your Himmeli creation. The subtle turn of each triangle catches the light in different ways, creating a captivating display that is sure to impress.

For a simpler aesthetic, consider stacking just two triangles together. This works well with both same-sized and different-sized triangles, offering versatility in design.

Whether displayed as standalone pieces or nested within each other, these Himmeli triangles bring a touch of artistic flair to your holiday decor. The styling possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to express your creativity and personal style.

What’s your favorite Himmeli Christmas decoration? Share your ideas and inspiration in the comments below!

Crafting these Himmeli Christmas trees is not only a fun and rewarding DIY project but also a fantastic way to add a unique and personal touch to your holiday decorations. The blend of Scandinavian simplicity and geometric design makes these trees a captivating addition to any home.