Just follow the step by step instructions below to add some DIY to your holiday decor in just a few hours!

MATERIALS LIST

(3) 8’ – 2 x 4 boards

(1) 2X wood piece large enough for a 6” circle

(1) 4’ long hardwood dowel rod

(1) Bar Soap

TOOLS NEEDED

Measuring Tape | Square | Straight Edge | Pencil | Pinner Nail Gun | 1/2″ Forstner Drill Bit and Drill or Drill Press | Jigsaw or Bandsaw | Tablesaw | Router with Round Over Bit or Sander | Long Clamp

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INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Rip (14) ¼” thick strips out of the 2x4s

Step 2: Cut (40) pieces at 16” and (40) more at 12”

Step 3: Mark the centerline of all the pieces

Step 4: With a drill press or drill and ½” forstener bit, drill the center of every slat of wood.  Using a fence guide will give the most consistent results.

Step 5: Coat the dowel rod with soap and slide all the wood slats on with all like pieces together.

Step 6: With the extra wood left in the 2×4 and small extra wood piece for the 6” circle, cut out the pieces at dimensions shown (rectangle 5″x3.5″, trapezoid 3″x4″, circle with 6″ diameter).

Step 7: Drill a ½” hole 1” deep in the large rectangle and circle.  Cut the hole all the way through the smallest piece shown.

Step 8: Using a router and round-over bit, relieve the top edge of the 6” round circle on the side of the drilled hole.

Step 9: Place the small rectangle on the large slat side of the tree and ensure 4” of dowel are hanging down below.  Cut the top of the dowel off ¾” above the small slats as shown.

Step 10: Place small rectangle piece on the top of the dowel and press all the slats together with a long clamp.  With a marker and straight edge, draw out the desired profile.

Step 11: Cut out the profile with a bandsaw or circular saw.

Step 12: Sand all pieces and finish as desired. Avoid putting any finish on the dowel, as that will affect the reinstall of the slats. We opted for a dark base and clear coat on the slats.

Step 13. Reassemble once finish is completely dry. Attach top triangle, lower stop and base with a micro pinner.

All done!

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PRINTABLE INSTRUCTIONS

Step	Instructions
1	Rip (14) ¼” thick strips out of the 2x4s.
2	Cut (40) pieces at 16” and (40) more at 12”.
3	Mark the centerline of all the pieces.
4	With a drill press or drill and ½” forstener bit, drill the center of every slat of wood.  Using a fence guide will give the most consistent results.
5	Coat the dowel rod with soap and slide all the wood slats on with all like pieces together.
6	With the extra wood left in the 2×4 and small extra wood piece for the 6” circle, cut out the pieces at dimensions shown (rectangle 5″x3.5″, trapezoid 3″x4″, circle with 6″ diameter).
7	Drill a ½” hole 1” deep in the large rectangle and circle.  Cut the hole all the way through the smallest piece.
8	Using a router and round-over bit, relieve the top edge of the 6” round circle on the side of the drilled hole.
9	Place the small rectangle on the large slat side of the tree and ensure 4” of dowel are hanging down below.  Cut the top of the dowel off ¾” above the small slats as shown.
10	Place small rectangle piece on the top of the dowel and press all the slats together with a long clamp.  With a marker and straight edge, draw out the desired profile.
11	Cut out the profile with a bandsaw or circular saw.
12	Sand all pieces and finish as desired. Avoid putting any finish on the dowel, as that will affect the reinstall of the slats. We opted for a dark base and clear coat on the slats.
13	Reassemble once finish is completely dry. Attach top triangle, lower stop and base with a micro pinner.