Money does grow on trees!

How to make a money tree that won’t break the bank! 

Give other gifts a run for their money this year with our guide on how to make a money tree. We’ve got a way to present cold hard cash that’s simple, thoughtful and will leave you feeling like a million bucks. Here’s what you need, and how to do it.

Money tree DIY for any occasion

Money trees are a fun and creative way to give money to a special person in your life. Whether it’s a graduation, new baby, birthday or the holiday season, money tree crafts add a sentimental touch to giving money.

Add a special touch to your money tree by adding themed accents. Here are some ideas for personalizing your money tree for different occasions.

  • Graduation – gift cards, handwritten inspirational quotes, old report cards, notes from teachers
  • Birthdays – ribbons, balloon, family pictures hanging from strings
  • Baby shower – pacifiers, rolled up diapers, small toys or stuffed animals
  • Holidays – ornaments or other festive accents that fit the season

What you need to make a money tree

Money tree DIY projects are simple to pull off. All you need are some basic items found around the house and a little imagination. When choosing your materials, keep in mind: the bigger the tree, the more money you need to cover it! Make sure the tree size fits the budget. Here’s how to get started.

Money tree DIY supplies:

  • A bundle of branches from your garden or local craft store
  • A small vase to hold the branches
  • Stones or dirt to stabilize the vase
  • Twine or rubber band to bind the branches together
  • Small clothes pins for attaching money (you can also use ribbon or twine)
  • Glue
  • Optional decorations: holiday or other themed ornaments
  • Money (of course!)

How to make your own money tree: Step by step

After collecting your materials, you’re ready to go! Here’s how to make a money tree…

  1. Gather the branches, bind them together at the base using a rubber band or twine.
  2. Put the base of the tree into the vase, and fill the vase with stones or dirt to stabilize it. 
  3. Apply a thin layer of Loctite Extreme Glue to the back of a clothes pin and a spot on a tree branch. 
  4. Attach the clothes pin firmly and hold in place with sticky tape while the glue is hardening
  5. Proceed in the same manner with the rest of the clothes pins. Work in smaller batches so the glue doesn’t have the chance to harden before being attached to the branch.
  6. Glue or hang optional decorations to the branches. Use twine to tie and hang items that could be damaged from glue. 
  7. Allow at least 2 hours for full cure time before using the clothes pins, for best results wait 24 hours.

Have extra time on your hands? Fold the money into pretty fans or other shapes for an added effect.

Ready to make your own money tree?

Here’s where you get the best craft glues for any project.
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