Rustic hanging Christmas tree

WHAT YOU NEED

Rope Tree branch Handsaw Fishing line

1 Decide what size you would like your hanging tree to be. Take two lengths of rope (at desired height) and tie these together. Leave enough length at the ends if you would like to give your rope frayed ends. 2 Lay the rope on the floor or a bench top (if your bench top is big enough to accommodate the complete tree). Apply a weight, such as a heavy book or stone, to the top of the tree to stop any movement when you tie the branches to each section of rope. 3 Decide how many branch steps you would like to apply to your tree – we applied five (see picture, right). 4 Angle both pieces of rope away from the other to create a tree triangle. Decide at which horizontal points you would like to apply your branch steps and measure the width of these points. Apply these point measurements to your branch and, using a handsaw, cut your branch to these lengths. Alternatively, find numerous branches that accommodate your desired lengths. 5 Place branches horizontally across your rope tree and use fishing line to tie branches to rope. Once all points have been affixed, your rope tree is ready to hang from any point in your home – flat to a wall or suspended in the middle of your entry hall or lounge area. Decorate as desired.