I love a project that takes two “what on earth do I do with this?” leftovers and turns them into something that looks festive and generous on a front porch. If you’ve got an old artificial tree with plenty of usable branches and a bare lampshade frame that has seen better days, this is exactly the kind of weekend DIY that gives both of them a second life without much fuss.
This one is especially nice if you want a holiday porch piece with real impact but don’t want to spend wreath-shop prices. The wiring is simple, the supplies are easy to find, and the finished piece has that full, layered look that makes an entry feel dressed up in a big way.
Materials
Instructions
1. Remove any fabric, trim, and center hardware from the old lampshade so you’re left with only the bare metal frame, then bend it gently back into an even bell-like shape if needed.
2. Sort the fake tree branches by length and fullness, setting the longest and fullest pieces aside for the bottom edge and the slightly shorter ones for the upper half.
3. Cut 30 pieces of floral wire about 8 inches long each so you can work quickly once you start attaching branches.
4. Place the lampshade upside down with the wide ring on the floor or work surface, because that wider edge becomes the flared bottom of the finished piece.
5. Wire the first row of 12 branches around the bottom ring, overlapping each branch by 2 to 3 inches and angling the tips downward so the frame starts to disappear under the greenery.
6. Add a second row of 10 branches midway up the frame, wiring each one to the vertical supports and staggering them between the lower branches to fill gaps and build a thick, layered surface.
7. Attach a final row of 8 branches near the top ring, aiming the tips downward and slightly outward so the whole form keeps a rounded bell silhouette instead of narrowing too sharply.
8. Fluff and bend every wired branch, covering exposed metal and shaping the greenery until the surface looks dense all the way around with a softly flared bottom edge.
9. Wrap the string lights around the greenery from top to bottom, tucking the wire deep into the branches and spacing the bulbs evenly so the glow reaches every side.
10. Secure the light cord and battery pack or plug end near the back top of the frame with floral wire or a small zip tie, keeping it hidden but still reachable.
11. Twist the 18-inch hanging wire securely around the top ring of the lampshade frame to make a sturdy loop, centering it so the piece hangs straight.
12. Tie or wire the large red bow at the top front of the frame where the bell narrows, then fluff the loops and tails so they sit proudly without covering too much greenery.
13. Give the whole piece one last shaping, pulling a few branch tips lower at the bottom edge and turning others outward to create a fuller, more dramatic bell form.
14. Hang it on a covered porch, front door hook, or sturdy bracket, plug in or switch on the lights, and adjust the branches once more after it’s in place so it looks balanced from the curb.
Variations & Tips
Make it fuller: If your branches are on the skinny side, use 36 to 40 pieces instead of 30 and keep the shortest ones near the top where extra fullness helps most.
For a snowy look: Tuck in a few frosted faux picks or lightly spray the branch tips with artificial snow finish after assembly for a softer winter style.
Bow choices: I love a classic red bow, but plaid, velvet, or burlap ribbon also works beautifully if you’re matching the rest of your porch decor.
Lighting tip: Battery-operated lights are easiest if you’re hanging this away from an outlet, but I prefer plug-in lights for a brighter, longer-lasting glow during the season.
Keep it family-friendly: If little ones help fluff branches, I handle the wire cutting and final securing myself, just to keep the sharp ends under control.
For picky decorators: In my house, everyone seems to have an opinion about holiday colors, so this project is easy to customize with gold ribbon, berry picks, pinecones, or even a more simple bow if bold red isn’t your thing.
Outdoor durability: This holds up best on a covered porch or protected entry where the bow and lights stay a little more sheltered from heavy weather.
Storage: At the end of the season, slip a large trash bag or tree storage bag over it and store it upright so you don’t crush all that nice fullness you worked into the branches.