How to Make Easy Jewel Christmas Tree Canvas DIY Art

Looking for a fun, sparkly craft that doubles as pretty home decor? This DIY jewelry tree canvas is the perfect project! Paint a canvas, sketch a simple tree, fill it with glitter paint, and decorate the branches with rhinestones, plastic jewels, and colorful sequins. 

The finished artwork is a beautiful, dimensional piece that catches the light and adds a little sparkle wherever you display it.

This is one of those unique DIY projects that looks impressive without requiring advanced artistic skills. You don't need to be an experienced painter, and you certainly don't need to draw a perfect tree. The glitter, jewels, and sequins do most of the decorating for you!

Make one for your bedroom, craft room, or living room, or change the colors to create a festive Christmas tree craft for the holiday season. Let's get crafting!

What Is a Jewelry Tree Canvas?

A jewelry tree canvas is a decorative painting featuring a tree made from glitter paint and embellished with shiny, colorful decorations. The branches become the perfect place to arrange rhinestones, plastic jewels, and sequins, creating the look of a magical tree covered in sparkling gems.

Unlike a traditional painting, this project combines paint and three-dimensional embellishments. The result is a mixed-media artwork with plenty of texture and shine. Experiment with background colors and shapes--you can make one for every month of the year!

You can make your tree elegant with silver and clear rhinestones, bright and colorful with rainbow jewels, or festive with red, green, and gold embellishments. It's a fun technique for experimenting with color, texture, and sparkle.

Supplies Needed to Make a Jewelry Tree Canvas

One of the best things about this project is that you can find many of the best materials at your local craft store or even Dollar Tree. You may already have some of these essential tools and supplies in your craft stash!

affiliate links

• 5 x 7 inch stretched canvas (Arteza)
• Martha Stewart Acrylic Craft Paint (Various Pinks and Reds)
• Color Shift acrylic paint (any pink, gold, or iridescent tone)
• Plaid Crafts Glitterific Paint
• General Chalk pencil
• Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue
• Wax pencil (for picking up gems)
• Diamond dots
• Rhinestones
• Flat-back gems
• Paint brushes (flat and round)
• Paper towel
• Palette or scrap paper

Optional supplies: Metallic paint, pearl embellishments, iridescent sequins, and extra-fine glitter can give your finished tree even more dimension.

You don't need expensive supplies to make beautiful art. Crafts are a great way to use up leftover materials, and this project is especially forgiving because the embellishments cover small imperfections in your drawing.

If you enjoy browsing crafts and looking for inspiration, you'll find that a simple canvas can become the starting point for all kinds of creative ways to decorate your home.

Step 1: Paint the Canvas Background

Start with a blank canvas and choose a background color.

A black or deep navy background makes the jewels and glitter stand out dramatically. White, cream, pale pink, or aqua creates a lighter, whimsical look. You could even paint a sunset-inspired background using pink, orange, and purple.

Use a paintbrush to cover the entire front of the canvas with acrylic paint. Work in smooth strokes, making sure to cover the edges if you want a finished, gallery-style appearance.

Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on to the next step. Depending on the paint and how thickly you apply it, drying time will vary.

If you want a little more visual interest, add a second coat or lightly blend two colors together while the paint is wet.

Keep the background relatively simple so the glitter and gems will be the stars of the show.

Step 2: Sketch a Simple Tree

Once the background is dry, use a pencil to sketch a tree onto the canvas.

Start by drawing a vertical line for the main trunk. Then add several branches extending outward and upward from the trunk. Make the branches slightly irregular rather than perfectly symmetrical. Real trees have personality, and your glitter tree can, too!

You can create a traditional tree with a rounded canopy, a tall and slender tree, or a whimsical tree with curling branches.

For the tree trunks, sketch a shape that gradually narrows as it reaches the top. Add smaller branches that split off from the larger ones.

If you want a colorful tree, consider sketching a simple outline of the foliage as well. This will help you decide where to apply the glitter paint.

Don't worry about making every line perfect. The pencil sketch is simply a guide, and the glitter paint will cover most of it.

Helpful tip: Keep the branches thick enough to accommodate your embellishments. If the branches are too narrow, there won't be much room for the rhinestones and sequins.

Step 3: Paint the Tree With Paint

Begin by painting in the tree with acrylic craft paint in green, teals and browns--for a brown tree trunk. Let it dry completely.

Now for the sparkly part!

Choose a glitter paint color that contrasts with your background. Green glitter paint is a natural choice for a Christmas-inspired tree, but silver, gold, purple, pink, and turquoise can all look beautiful.

Use a small paintbrush to carefully fill in the tree shape. Follow the main trunk and extend the glitter paint along each branch.

Work in small sections so you can control the paint and keep the branches looking intentional. If you're using several colors, let one color dry as needed before adding another.

You can make the tree trunk brown and the branches green, or use one glitter color for the entire design. A metallic gold tree against a black background is especially striking.

Continue painting until the main trunk and all the branches are covered.

Check the top of the tree and the bottom of the tree to make sure the design feels balanced. You can leave a little extra space above the tree for a star-shaped embellishment or add a few gems at the base.

Allow the glitter paint to dry according to the manufacturer's directions before gluing on the decorations.

Step 4: Add Rhinestones to the Branches

Once the background paint and glitter paint is completely dry, it's time to decorate the tree with rhinestones.

Arrange the rhinestones along the branches, placing larger stones near the trunk and smaller stones toward the tips. This creates a natural-looking flow and helps the tree feel balanced.

You can use clear rhinestones for a classic look, or choose bright colors for a playful, jewel-covered tree.

Before gluing anything down, try laying out the rhinestones on the canvas. Moving them around first helps you see how the colors and sizes work together.

When you're happy with the arrangement, apply a small amount of craft glue to the back of each rhinestone and press it gently into place.

Follow the glue manufacturer's directions for drying and curing. Make sure the adhesive is appropriate for both the canvas surface and the embellishments you're using.

Helpful tip: Don't feel like you have to cover every inch of the tree. Leaving a little glitter paint visible between the gems helps the design sparkle without becoming too crowded.

Step 5: Fill in With Plastic Jewels

Next, add plastic jewels and acrylic gems to the branches.

These embellishments come in so many shapes and colors, making them perfect for adding personality to your jewelry tree. Look for round gems, teardrops, ovals, hearts, and faceted jewel shapes.

Mix different sizes to create a varied, dimensional appearance. Place some jewels close together and leave other areas more open.

You can coordinate the colors for a polished look or mix everything together for a whimsical, jewel-encrusted tree.

For a Christmas-inspired design, try red, green, gold, and clear gems. For everyday home decor, a combination of aqua, pink, purple, and silver creates a cheerful, colorful look.

Use craft glue to attach each jewel securely. If a gem is heavy, hold it in place briefly or follow the adhesive instructions to prevent it from sliding while drying.

Continue adding jewels until the tree looks full and sparkly.

Step 6: Let Everything Dry

Before displaying your jewelry tree canvas, allow all the glue and paint to dry completely.

The exact drying time will depend on the products you use, the thickness of the paint, and the weight of the embellishments. Follow the instructions on your adhesive packaging.

Once everything is secure, gently inspect the canvas for any loose jewels or sequins. Add a little more adhesive where needed and allow those spots to dry again.

Because this artwork includes raised embellishments, it's best to display it somewhere it won't be bumped or handled frequently.

If you plan to transport the finished canvas as a gift, protect the decorated surface so the gems don't catch on wrapping materials.

Jewelry Tree Canvas Variations

One of my favorite things about this project is how easy it is to customize. Once you know the basic technique, you can make several different versions using the same supplies.

Colorful Gem Tree

Use a dark background with rainbow rhinestones, plastic jewels, and sequins. Paint the tree with silver glitter paint to make the bright colors stand out.

This version is perfect for a craft room, bedroom, or any space that could use a little extra color.

Elegant Gold and Silver Tree

Paint the canvas black or navy, then create the tree with gold glitter paint. Decorate it with gold, silver, and clear rhinestones for a sophisticated, sparkling finish.

Christmas Jewelry Tree

Turn the project into a Christmas tree craft by painting a tall evergreen shape with green paint and green glitter paint. Add red, gold, and silver gems as ornaments.

You could even add a large star at the top of the tree and a few gift-shaped embellishments at the base.

This makes a fun seasonal decoration that can be displayed throughout the holiday season.

Whimsical Spring Tree

Choose a pastel background and paint the branches in a soft brown or gold. Add pink, lavender, and pale blue jewels to create the look of a flowering tree.

This version is a cheerful way to bring a little handmade color into your home decor during spring.

Mini Jewelry Tree Canvases

Use smaller canvases to make a collection of coordinating trees. Paint each canvas in a different background color, but keep the glitter and jewel colors consistent.

Arrange the finished pieces together on a shelf or gallery wall for a colorful collection of handmade art.

Tips for Making a Beautiful Jewelry Tree Canvas

A few simple tips can make the project easier and help you get the look you want.

• Choose a simple design. A basic tree shape is easier to paint and gives you plenty of room for embellishments.

• Let each layer dry. Applying glue over wet glitter paint can make the surface messy and harder to work with.

• Mix embellishment sizes. Larger gems create focal points, while smaller rhinestones and sequins fill the gaps.

• Use contrasting colors. Dark backgrounds make bright jewels pop, while pale backgrounds create a softer look.

• Plan before gluing. Lay out the embellishments first so you can experiment with the arrangement.

• Don't overthink it. The beauty of this project is its playful, handmade appearance.

If you're new to mixed-media art, this is an excellent place to start. You don't need advanced painting skills or experience with beginner sewing projects, complicated paper chains, or other multi-step crafts. Just paint, embellish, and enjoy the process!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can beginners make a jewelry tree canvas?

Absolutely! This is a beginner-friendly craft because the tree design is simple, and the glitter paint and embellishments add most of the visual detail. Even if your drawing isn't perfect, the finished artwork can still look beautiful.

Can I buy the supplies at Dollar Tree?

Yes! Dollar Tree is a good place to look for budget-friendly craft supplies such as canvases, acrylic paint, sequins, plastic jewels, and basic paintbrushes. Availability varies by store, so check your local selection. This can make a very classy and inexpensive gift!

What glue should I use for rhinestones and sequins?

Choose a craft adhesive that's compatible with your canvas surface and the embellishments. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and curing. Test the glue on a small area first if you're unsure how it will perform.

Can I use this technique for other projects?

Definitely! The same technique works on wooden plaques, picture frames, decorative boxes, and other sturdy surfaces. A wooden Christmas tree would be another fun project to decorate with glitter paint and gems.

You could also use the technique to embellish ornaments, signs, or small decorative pieces for handmade gifts.

How do I keep the embellishments from falling off?

Use an appropriate adhesive, apply it according to the manufacturer's directions, and allow everything to cure fully before moving the canvas. Avoid placing the finished artwork where it will be bumped or handled frequently.

A Sparkly DIY Project to Enjoy

This jewelry tree canvas is a fun reminder that beautiful art doesn't have to be complicated! With a little paint, glitter, and a handful of colorful embellishments, you can turn a plain canvas into a sparkling piece of handmade home decor.

It's also a fun project to customize with your favorite colors and gemstones. Make one for your craft room, create a colorful gift for a friend, or switch to green glitter paint and festive jewels for a Christmas-inspired version.

If you love finding new ways to get creative, be sure to explore more DIY projects and craft tutorials on Doodlecraftblog.com. There's always something fun to make!

How to Make Rhinestone Art Canvas DIY Heart Painting

If you love over-the-top sparkle, vintage costume jewelry, and maximalist Valentine decor, this jeweled heart canvas project is about to steal your heart. 

A Vintage-Inspired Valentine Craft DIY with Glitter, Gems, and ALL the Sparkle!

Rhinestone Encrusted Star Ornament

Turn a metal star from the dollar store into a gorgeous rhinestone encrusted ornament!

This sparkly ornament encrusted with bling is the perfect addition to the tree, an ornament on the table or a opulent handmade gift for a friend!

Let me show you how easy and fun it is to make this rhinestone encrusted star ornament!

You could make this with just the outline, using cookie cutters!

How to Make Geode Glass Art (Plaid Fragment Effects)

Learn how to make a gorgeous geode glass wall hanging using Plaid's newest product, Fragment Effects.

This stained glass comes crushed and is great for various center stage uses in wall art, canvases, stained glass effects and resin.

Let me teach you all about how to use Plaid Fragment Effects, and walk you through a beautiful geode craft that can be completed by any skill level.

How to Make a Wire Crown (DIY Elven Tiara Tutorial)

Learn how to make a wire wrapped crown or Elven tiara, perfect for dressing up, costumes, cosplay or every day wear.

These gorgeous wire crowns are my favorite accessory and I ended up making nearly 20 of them!

Let me walk you through one crown style and then you can get creative and make all the crowns your heart desires.

FYI: I am not a model, just an enthusiastic crafter that no longer has kids to force to model.