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Decor Projects Pg. 1 - How to Make a Crystal Tree

Simulated Manzanita Branches Crystal Tree Project #1A




Simulated Branches Crystal Tree Project #1A (shown above) - Tree Centerpieces Don't Get any Easier than This. Click on the gold or silver centerpiece tree photos above to go to product page. Both the Gold Tree and the Silver Centerpieces shown were made using our unique, big 58" (nearly 5' foot) tall Gold or Silver Gilded Simulated Manzanita Branches. They look a lot like real branches gilded (not painted) silver or gold, but ship at a fraction of the cost of real branches of the same big size. Both examples of this type of crystal centerpiece tree are easily made using two or three of our unique Gilded branches. The first picture uses 3 gold branches and Swarovski crystal ropes with Swarovski teardrops on the ends and adds gorgeous pink live (not artificial) cymbidium orchids wired to the branches. For shorter trees, these fantastic branches can be cut down to 4' (or whatever meets your needs) using heavy metal bolt cutters.

The second photo above left is of one of our 4' Simulated Finished Trees in Natural Brown (not available online; email us for pricing) and is hung with our own Ethereal Brand Crystal Ropes which is a lovely 2nd choice to our even finer quality, Swarovski Lead Free. The third picture at above right shows two of our 58" silver branches hung with our Swarovski Crystal Ropes. As you can see from the gold branches centerpiece tree and the silver centerpiece tree, both 1' and 2' lengths are long enough on a big 5' tall tree centerpiece. In the picture on the right, the Silver branches are actually standing in a small glass container which was removed from the picture so that you can visualize your own base of either a planter, pot or tall glass stand or cylinder. The tree is not really "hovering" with no source of support. Our unique, nearly 5' simulated manzanita branches can hold 2 - 3 times more crystal than you see in our silver branches picture at top left.

Our Unique Simulated Manzanita Branches Sold in Gold, Silver & Natural Brown

See our simulated branches page for details and use ideas.

As you can see from the pictures above, the same branches can be designed or arranged together differently for a different look and shape. If designing a Focal Point Tree, Guest Book Table Tree, Buffet Table or Champagne Bar Trees, etc., we recommend 2 - 4 branches put together and using larger mm sizes and more high grade crystal ropes for a stunning look.

Faux can look absolutely dreamy (when done right) and when finished with real orchids or flowers or finest silks (no craft-store silks) or fine Swarovski crystal. These fabulous simulated branches are currently available in Gilded Silver and Gilded Gold or you can spray paint them neutral, natural colors for hanging flowers or decor leaves. By planting in a planter or by raising them in a suitably tall cylinder, glass stand, tall planter, etc, you can extend this type tree to a full 5' - 6' feet tall. Click on the picture for a new page where you can click to see this branch tree close-up as well as our other simulated manzanita and other fine branches and real trees.

Easy set up, just secure two of these big 58" branches (or our 3.5' branches) in a tall 2' - 3' tall glass stand, cylinder vase planter or pot and decorate. We do not sell the glass vases/cylinders, but show them as an example only. Add silver or gold pebbles, rocks, decor sand or crushed decor glass can be added to the cylinder for weight if you plan to hang lots of crystal.

In addition to using a planter, pot, stand or cylinder to hold up your tree, we suggest placing shorter cylinders of votives or floating candles around the base of the tree. This is safer than hanging candles in the tree itself. Floating candles are great because the water raises the height of the candle, bringing it closer to the hanging crystals.

No matter which type of tree you use, lighting from around the tree (an uplight or downlight) is far more sparkle inducing than hanging candles in the tree. This is why the famous crystal tree (Project #1 below) does not have candles hanging in the tree. Candles add a nice touch, but in some cases, can clutter up the look of the crystals and in reality, DO NOT make enough light to illuminate your crystals properly. If you use them, use them for the look, but not the light. High powered battery uplights or a plug in, placed out of sight does a far better job than candles. In addition, many venues don'e even allow real flame (not even candelabras) anymore, due to fires.

Crystal Tree Project #1




A Stunning Focal Point for the room as shown in Bride's magazine - Brilliant idea: Simple centerpieces succeed with a single eye-catching installation, such as this crystal-festooned tree, as the party's focal point. The main attraction: tree branches—gilded (not painted) silver, and dripping with crystal ropes—sit atop a special champagne bar (or escort card station). centerpieces. Perfect for Showers, Receptions, Engagement Parties, Brunches and more. Crystal candle holders with taper candles serve as simple guest table decorations, while Swarovski crystal leafs adorne the backs of the chairs (double as guest favors). Because the tree is the room's focus, you can spend some of the usual fresh floral centerpiece $$$ on the tree instead ... much more stunning and memorable.

©Copyright 2007 Ethereal Manufacturing & Sales.  Written permission required to copy or post our editorial copy elsewhere whether in whole or in part.   

The tree is mounted with a square, white, heavily weighted base. The top of the base(around the foot of the tree) is translucent with sparkling crystals. The base is lighted from the inside in order to cast light up from beneath and through the crystals strewn on the top of the base (for a most awesome sparkle). These long ropes were actually doubled over the branches (not hung straight down) because meter lengths ropes are too long even for this 6' tree. Remember, not all of the branches are in the top of the tree, the branches are at different heights, which means too long ropes would be touching and overlapping onto the table if not shortened or actually doubled over the branches to make it appear to be two ropes. With shorter ropes, no doubling is needed. Shorter ropes also stretch your crystals budget by spreading them out, covering more space with crystals.

More information on this tree, (including how much crystal was used) can be found further down this page. Bride's magazine is full of stunning decor ideas like this.  You can subscribe to Bride's by visiting their website at Brides.com.

Unlike anyone else, we sell the Swarovski Lead Free crystal ropes, the Swarovski crystal leafs (shown on the chairbacks) and manufacture and sell the actual trees like this, right here on this website, however, because it has so much crystal on it and a lighted base, we recommend making a cheaper version yourself, using the same Swarovski fine crystal, but less of it, and buying our finished tree in 4' or 5' heights or purchase our , big 4.75' foot tall Silver Gilded Simulated Manzanita Branches to make a tree or centerpieces yourself.

The following info is not from Brides, but direct to us from the designer: according to the tree's designer, this stunning tree is a full 6 feet tall and was made using 16mm and 26mm size Swarovski Lead Free Crystal octagons linked with gold (brass) with subtle connectors (not the typical "bow tie" connectors) made into long ropes. According to the designer, he used mostly Swarovski Lead Free Crystal Octagons (the same brand we sell below on this page) on most of the branches and a added a few Swarovski Strass 32% lead crystals mixed in on some of the outer branches. Swarovski Lead Free Crystal and Swarovski Strass lead crystal are the absolute finest precision cut chandelier crystal available anywhere. Swarovski Strass (in decent sizes above 14mm) costs 2 times as much as Swarovski Lead Free crystal but when hung together, it is virtually impossible to tell the two apart without examing the cut pattern. The sparkle of both is indistinguishable since they are cut and polished to the same high level by the same Swarovski.

The fabricator of this specific, exact tree states that this tree was made almost entirely with Swarovski Lead Free crystal octagon ropes. This is because he wanted it to be jaw-droppingly stunning in person (pictures really can't capture it) so he used Swarovski which refracts the most light and consequently making the most brilliant rainbows due primarly to it's patented fine precision cutting instead of relying on lots of lead.

Note: Lead Crystal Warning (does not apply to lead free)

California Government Proposition 65 (you can Google it) states that any lead in crystal products including prisms, figurines, vases, etc. can cause reproductive and other harm from handling or ingestion of microscopic particles from handling. Some retailers will tell you this only applies to dishware, etc., however ALL retailers of crystal, including prisms are supposed to post the warning according to proposition 65. If you put metal parts like pins or bow-ties through a crystal hole, small microscopic bits come off and form a fine dust that may not be seen. This dust is unknowingly inhaled and is also deposited on the fingers. The risks of lead exposure do apply to crystal prisms. Don't believe it? Maybe you will believe your own eyes. If you're a risk taker, do the test and see for yourself.

Insert connecting pins (bow ties or a more subtle connector pin) through the holes of some lead crystals over a dark cloth. Soon you will see some sparkles happening on the cloth. These are crystal particles that can be seen with the naked eye. Others that can't be seen (too small) are now in the air around you, on the crystals and on the rug. Sometimes it looks like a fine dust when you are pinning crystals. This can be easily inhaled and can cause serious neurological and reproductive problems among others. It's why lead paint is not recommended in any house with small children who may end up with some peeling paint chips in their mouths.

Why tell you about the risks of lead crystal instead of keeping our mouths shut and selling it to whoever wants to take the risk? We sold Lead Crystal previously and can sell other Lead Crystal for linking into ropes. We no longer do, simply because it's not worth the sale to us. If interested, click here for details of an actual experiene with lead.

Plastic and Acrylic ... look like Plastic

Unnecessary loose Lead exposure is dangerous, therefore, Lead Free crystal is the way to go. For these reasons (among others) we no longer sell any loose pieces of lead crystals, but sell Swarovski LEAD FREE which was used in both project #1 and #2 on this page and a couple of others, including our own brand of Lead Free crystal. The best alternative to Swarovski Strass is Swarovski Lead Free. There is no other lead free or glass crystal that can even remotely compare. They simply are not on the same level. The difference is undeniable in the sparkle and the resulting rainbows created by the sparkle. If it's not going to knock your guest's socks off with rainbows and sparkle, what's the point of a crystal tree, right?

Swarovski Lead Free is a Great Value, Worthy of the Extra Cost

Why spend the extra money on Swarovski Lead Free Crystal insted acrylic plastic "crystals"? For the same reason Preston Bailey and the Famous Crystal Wedding Tree seen in Brides used Swarovski Lead Free; for the gorgeous sparkle. Film cannot really capture the real sparkle of fine Swarovski lead free crystal. Hold acrylic (plastic) or any other lead free crystal up to the light (or take it out in the sun) next to Swarovski lead free and you will see why for yourself.

There is a distinct difference in quality and sparkle between acrylic (plastic) or low quality glass with AB coating and Swarovski Lead Free crystal which is best seen when viewed in ambient spot room lighting (shining down on the crystal tree in these pictures and up from the base) or daylight. Swarovski makes UNBELIEVABLE rainbows in sunlight and proper room lighting. The others quite simply don't. Why buy tons of cheap crystal (more of it won't make it sparkle; you'll just have, simply MORE; it's the difference between savoring a conservative serving of gourmet cuisine and gorging on mounds of low quality, cheap food). Better to get quality crystal and less of it, than heaps and mounds of acrylic with no fire and "dead" glass with no life.

Size Matters

Crystals are sold in mm (millimeter sizes) not inches. Note: 20mm is the size of a U.S. nickle and 28mm is the size of a U.S. quarter. 16mm is about the size of a dime. 14mm is significantly smaller than a dime and is not recommended for any centerpiece project. You will find it simply too small to make an impact for the trees, but 14mm chains are great linked together into ropes for chandeliers and other decorations.

If the stunning finished tree made like the one in Project #1 which we expertly fabricate is out of your buget, consider our awesome faux , big 4.75' foot tall Silver Gilded Simulated Manzanita Branches which will help you to make a crystal tree of your own. You can use them to create a similar look, but with less crystal ropes and make your own tree. Our , big 4.75' foot tall Silver Gilded Simulated Manzanita Branches can be purchased on the Manzanita Trees and Branches page of our site. WE also custom make real wood trunk trees like the one shown at the bottom of this page. Just choose your branches and crystal and add them to your shopping cart. If you need a real wood tree that is larger than the ones that are UPS shippable and sold on our website, email us the size tree (width and height) and your shipping address and we will email you a quote.

How to Make a Crystal Tree?

Decorate some of our big 58" tall Silver Gilded Simulated Manzanita Branches or make your own crystal tree or orchids tree. If using real branches, you will need two large, 4.5' to 6' foot branches. For more information on how to making a tree yourself, see or FAQ questions and answers further down this page and the "How to Stand and Secure Trees Upright" info at the bottom of this page for basic info at the very bottom of this page.



26mm and 16mm Swarovski Crystal Octagon Ropes shown.

You can buy our Swarovski Lead Free Crystal loose octagon prisms (link together yourself), or you can purchase our octagon prism ropes already linked together (click on links to see crystal). You can also make your own crystal tree using a suitable locally obtained tree or branches.

The tree in project #1 with the long ropes of Swarovski Lead Free crystal is actually nearly 6 feet tall (according to the tree's maker). You can make a smaller version however. The tree in the picture above was made with predominately 16mm and 26mm size Swarovski Lead Free octagon prism ropes. 14mm crystals simply do not make the same impact.

Crystal Tree Project #2



A Stunning Focal Point for event, wedding reception or home decorations, this Stunning crystal wedding tree from Sandals Caribbean Resorts is breathtaking. It uses far less Swarovski crystal than Crystal Tree Project #1 shown on this page (making it less expensive). Consider planning a Carribean wedding and having this identical tree decorated at Sandals as included in their Crystal Wedding Decor Package found at Sandals.com. If you will not be planning a Carribean resort wedding or event, you can make a similar tree, with or without the orchids or votive cups with the same crystal found here on our site. This tree works for daytime or evening events. Daylight (unlike candle-light) causes unbelievable rainbows of light in the Swarovski crystals used, bringing out a sparkle that cannot be captured on film or with indoor lighting. It is just unbelievable for an outdoor ceremony and can be moved indoors for an indoor reception.

According to Sandals Wedding Department, this tree is a special native tree found in the Carribean which is hung with Swarovski fine crystal (they are not round balls, but octagons which are narrow from the side and reflect more light), orchids and pot shaped glass votive cups. They stated that it is Swarovski (which is precision cut, lead free) not, "Strass' (Swarovskis fine lead crystal). This fine Lead Free crystal has excellent light refraction and sparkle. According to the experts, Swarovski crystals are finer than any 30% lead crystal due to the finest precision cutting known to man. Swarovski Strass lead crystal (in decent sizes over 14mm) costs 2 times as much as it's healthier sister crystal, Swarovski lead free.

We estimate this tree used around 300 - 400 large Swarovski Lead Free crystal octagon prisms (24mm - 28mm are large enough to create this look). 14mm is smaller than a dime and simply does not create enough size impact for a similar effect. 14mm size crystals are great linked together into ropes for decorating candelabras, candle sticks, chandeliers and other event decorations though.

Instructions to Make a Crystal Tree Like This

You can make a crystal tree of your own using less or more pieces of crystal than were used on this tree, but 24 - 28mm will be better than using 16mm. Keep in mind that much of this tree is out of view in the picture, which means much of the crystal actually on the tree is not seen in the picture.

For more information on making a wedding or event tree yourself, see the FAQ section of questions and answers on this page for basic info or see the bottom of this page information on how to get your tree standing. Instructions for hanging pot votive cups can also be found at the bottom of this page.

Question: Do we sell the finished, decorated centerpiece trees or crystal decorated manzanita trees shown? Answer: We sell the silver or gold centerpiece trees seen in Project #1A and crystal trees made like the famous one shown in Project #1. We sell many of the necessary parts to make or decorate centerpiece trees yourself. To make an easy, silver crystal tree that can be done on multiple tables reminiscent of the famous "Crystal Tree" (Project #1 seen below) check out our new "Gilded" Manzanita Simulated Branches Trees shown below (Project #1A) and add far less Crystal Chains, separated into two and spread farther apart. Want to use real branches? Consider buying one of our already finished, weighted real trees and crystal ropes to make one yourself. Links to all crystal tree products to do it yourself and finished real manzanita trees that we sell are on this page of our site.

Question: How do I buy from you or make the tree I like? Answer: Please read through the details of at least the Project you are interested in (before contacting us) since most questions such as which products to buy from us or elsewhere to create it, how many and what size crystals etc., are answered within each project detail. We can help you decide what you will need, but your own budget should be determined first.

You can't do better than Swarovski for crystal tree crystal. Their chandelier crystal is so superior that Swarovski keeps it's precision cutting process as a patented and highly guarded secret. Literally GUARDED by guards at their plant in Austria. Both Swarovski Lead Free crystal and Swarovski Strass crystal are considered by experts to be superior to any glass or fully leaded crystal made by any other manufacturer. For this reason, Swarovski crystal is the crystal of choice for all top quality chandeliers costing tens of thousands of dollars and found in multi-million dollar homes. We sell Swarovski and several high quality, less expensive alternatives on the Crystals page of our site. There is a picture link to it at the top of this page.

Note: Lead Crystal Warning (does not apply to lead free)

California Government Proposition 65 (you can Google it) states that any lead in crystal products including prisms, figurines, vases, etc. can cause reproductive and other harm from handling or ingestion of microscopic particles from handling. For this reason, among others, we no longer sell any loose pieces of lead crystals, but only Swarovski LEAD FREE which was used in both project #1 and #2 on this page. There is no other lead free or glass crystal that can even remotely compare. If it's not going to sparkle, what's the point of a crystal tree, right?

They simply don't sparkle as well as Swarovski. This is one of the reasons we wholeheartedly promote Swarovski Lead Free crystal. We sell a lovely quality Diamante' diamond cut crystal and even our own brand of Ethereal crystal because we must offer options and because some budgets can't do all Swarovski. However, although we sell both, but won't bend the truth and say any other lead free, glass or acrylic can closely compete with Swarovski. They can't.

You can purchase crystal octagons by clicking here and also further down on this page. Use them to make a similar tree or you can purchase crystal octagons The tree used in the picture is a tree native to the Caribbean which you will not likely find to use and we do not sell it, but our Faux Reproduction Manzanitas can be decorated the same way. Click on the link above to see them.

The Island tree actually used at Sandals is estimated to be about 8 - 10 feet tall since the lowest branch is known to be about head level. We estimate it to have around 150 - 200 orchids. You can create a similar look with more or less, depending on your taste. You can also use a different variety of flowers to make your crystal tree, it certainly does not necessarily need to be orchids.

Need to Buy Manzanita Trees, Crystal or Other Parts?

All parts including Swarovski Lead Free Crystals or Ropes, custom made artificial or real manzanita trees are available by scrolling down this page and clicking on the appropriate pictures or links. Tree Project #1 can be fabricated (in it's entirety) by us for you and sold finished and complete with crystal ropes. Just click on the link in the navigation bar at left, for the Deluxe Crystal Tree.

©Copyright 2007 Ethereal Manufacturing & Sales.  Written permission required to copy or post our editorial copy elsewhere whether in whole or in part.   

More Stunning Decor Projects Pg. 2 Click Here


Crystal Trees for Event Decor

These fabulous crystal trees are perfect for wedding decoration, quinceanera decoration or for other spectacular and visually stunning events. Hang your centerpiece tree with our Swarovski Lead Free crystal octagon or teardrop crystal prisms, crystal ropes, glass dew drop vases filled with flowers, hanging votive candles, garlands of flowers, orchids, decor leaves, vines ... the possibilities are endless. Use our parts and tips to create the special event, wedding, shower or quinceanera decorations of your dreams. Make beautiful crystal festooned centerpieces for guest tables, buffet table or as a stunning crystal centerpiece decoration for your champagne or dessert bar. They also make fabulous home decor afterwards.


Crystal Size Conversions Tips:

1 inch = 25.5mm Multiply mm by.0392 to get size in inches or fractions of an inch so that you can visualize the size by looking at a ruler. Note: 20mm is the size of a U.S. nickle and 28mm is the size of a U.S. quarter. 16mm is about the size of a dime. 14mm is significantly smaller than a dime and is not recommended for any crystal tree project. You will find it simply too small to make an impact for the trees, but they are great linked together into ropes for decorating candelabras, candle sticks, chandeliers and other event decorations.


Note: Lead Crystal Warning

California Government Proposition 65 (you can Google it) states that any lead in crystal products including prisms, figurines, vases, etc. can cause reproductive and other harm from handling or ingestion of microscopic particles from handling. For this reason, among others, we no longer sell any loose pieces of lead crystals, but only Swarovski LEAD FREE which was used in both project #1 and #2 on this page. There is no other lead free or glass crystal that can even remotely compare. They simply don't sparkle as well. If it's not going to sparkle, what's the point of a crystal tree, right?


How Big is Big Enough?

All the Tree projects on our site use 5' foot - 6' foot tall trees (projects #1 and #3) or approximately 8' - 10' foot trees (project #2). Be aware that using a tree significantly smaller than this will not achieve the stunning, focal point, awesome and stately appearance of the projects shown on our website. This is especially true since smaller trees do not allow enough room for "hanging". Guests should be looking "up" at the hanging orchids, crystals or votives, not "down" or directly at them.

Instructions for Hanging Pot Votives on Tree:

To hang the pot candle votive cups as seen in Project #2 & #3, you can follow these tips, but you may find a better way on your own:

1. Tie ribbon or chord securely around the diameter of the cup.

2. Make securing points (3 ideally, but with wire, 2 may work) by looping through the diameter cord at the points evenly spaced around the cup.

3. Tie a not to secure each one in place. If using wire, once you loop the wire through about 1/2 an inch, twist it together and trim off the excess.

4. Extend each securing chord or wire upward to the desired length.

5. Tie all chord ends together or if wire, twist them together into one knot at the top and hang them on the more sturdy branches of your crytal tree.

How to Stand & Secure Trees Upright

You can make the tree stand up by placing it in a planter with rocks around it, however, rocks can shift and move and it is not the best choice if you will be hanging a lot of heavier items on the branches. We don't recommend using plaster of paris, since it does not provide enough weight and stability, cracks and breaks easily and (far more importantly) plaster of paris causes cancer according to it's own packaging. For this reason, we refuse to even touch Plaster of Paris when potting our own trees which we manufacture. Decor is not worth risking your health.

If your tree is very big and tall or if you plan on hanging lots of votives or lots of crystal on the tree (like Crystal Tree Project #1), you will likely need more stability than rocks. If it is not a heavy wood trunk like Crystal Tree Project #1, but artificial branches or branches shorter than 5' tall, rocks tend to work better, especially if the container is narrow at the top, holding the branches closely so that they cannot slip back up and out of the vase when heavy items are hung. This is why we use our 2' tall, narrow, tapered glass tree stand with a wide stabilizing "foot" for our Complete Crystal Tree Sets.

For bigger trees or trees that you plan to mount in anything other than clear glassware, consider purchasing our tree mounting compound which works better than anything else you will try. Our compound is manufactured for us and we make it available to our Event Planners and Florists or Brides and party planners who will need to mount at least 6 trees (it is a bulk container which is too much if you just need to do one tree; you would have a lot left over). It is currently available by phone until we put it back on our website.

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