The Christmas holidays are one of the most special times of the year. Christmas means Winter which means early nights! Why not take advantage of this darkness and shine some light on the Christmas spirit with a DIY Christmas decoration. We've created a great Christmas tradition and expanded on the look and size to really make an impact this year! We hope it lights up your holiday season (and home!) like it does ours.
Tools used
18V ONE+™ Cordless Brushless Drill Driver
18V ONE+™ Cordless Random Orbit Sander
18V ONE+™ Cordless Multi Tool
18V ONE+™ Cordless 190mm Compound Sliding Mitre Saw
Materials used
61cm x 61cm Plywood board
Dowels
Chicken wire
Paint (Colour of your choice)
Lights
Branches
STEP 1
Construct a compass. From one of the 61cm x 61cm plywood boards cut a 40.6cm section. Drill one hole big enough for a screw 2.5cm from one end. This will be your center axis. Then drill holes 10.20cm, 12.7cm, 22.9cm and 30.5cm from the center axis hole large enough to insert a pencil.
STEP 2
Find the exact center of the 61cm x 61cm piece of plywood. Attach the compass to the center of the plywood by driving a screw through the center axis hole. Leave the screw loose enough so your compass swivels. Insert a pencil into the 30.50cm hole and draw your outside circle. Then do the same in the 10.2cm hole to draw your inner circle. Remove the compass and attach it to the center of the 61cm x 61cm plywood and use the other two holes to mark your outside and inside circles.
STEP 3
Using a jigsaw cut out the two rings, then sand rough edges.
STEP 4
Using a drill create the decorative hole pattern in the 6.4mm plywood ring. We used 12.7mm, 4.8mm drill bits. You will need to use a sacrificial piece of scrap wood underneath the ring to prevent extensive splintering on the back. This will also protect your benchtop surface. Sand rough edges.
STEP 5
Using a miter saw cut the 1/2” dowels into 16 two inch pieces. Place the dowels evenly and 1/2” from the edge of the inner circle. Attach the dowels to the 1/4” plywood circle. This can be done with a stapler or a drill and screws. If using screws, drill pilot holes before driving screws.
STEP 6
Place the 6.4mm plywood ring onto the 12.7mm plywood ring. Be sure the two rings are centered with each other. Using a pencil, trace around each dowel. Place reference marks on one of the dowels and the 12.7mm ring to make it easier to replace the 1/4” ring later. Remove the 6.4mm ring, then mark the center of each circle. Using a 4.8mm bit, drill through each mark to create pilot holes. Prime and paint each ring to your preference. Remember to transfer the dowel reference marks between coats.
STEP 7
Using a miter saw, cut the 1x2 boards into 25.4cm lengths. Place them evenly onto the back of the 1/2 plywood avoiding the pilot holes drilled earlier. Attach using a stapler using 2.5cm staples.
STEP 8
Place the 6.4mm plywood ring onto the 12.7mm ply- wood ring. Use the reference marks to place in the same position as before. With a helper, flip the rings over keeping the 6.4mm ring in place.
STEP 9
Using a 3.2mm bit, drill pilot holes into the dowels through the pilot holes in the 12.7mm ring. Using 3.8cm screws, attach the 12.7mm ring to the 6.4mm ring.
STEP 10
Cut chicken wire to a slightly smaller dimen- sion as the 12.7mm plywood. Using a stapler, attach chicken wire, leaving outside edge open to insert branches.
STEP 11
Wind light strands around dowels.
STEP 12
Insert, secure branches.
STEP 13
Hang wreath, plug in, and get merry this Christmas!
Don't forget to tag us in your DIY projects on @ryobitoolsuk