These frosted branches are SO STUNNING — they really look like twigs coated in fresh winter ice! With just clear vase filler and a bit of glue, you can transform plain branches into sparkly decor that catches the light beautifully. It’s an easy, elegant DIY project that teens and adults will love making, and the finished pieces look unbelievably magical in person.
Whether you’re decorating for Christmas, creating centerpieces for a winter wedding, or adding a touch of icy charm to your home, these glittering branches make any space feel instantly more festive. Follow our step-by-step tutorial to create your own gorgeous frosted branches!
This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support our website and allows us to keep creating fun, free content.
How to Make Frosted Branches
Materials:
- Small tree branches
- Tacky glue
- Crushed glass vase filler
- Fine iridescent glitter
Equipment:
See the craft in action:
Instructions:
Step 1: Find what you need
- Gather your supplies and materials.
Step 2: Add “ice” to the branch
- Gather branches outdoors. They should be at least 1/4 inch thick, so they can stand on their own. Give the branches a wipe down to remove any dirt.
- Add tacky glue around the branch, leaving about 5 inches clear at the bottom.
- For frosting your branches you’ll need crushed glass (or plastic) vase filler.
- Use your hand or a spoon to pick up the glass bits and sprinkle them generously onto the branch.A lot of the “ice” won’t stick at first, which is fine. Allow it to pool on the tray.
- Flip the branch over and cover the other side as well.
- Press the vase filler down onto the branch so it sticks better, and then allow the branch to sit in the extra glass for 10 minutes or so.
Step 3: Add “frost” to the branch
- Pick up the branch and press the glass bits in even more. Remove any excess bits that are dangling or not sticking well.Sweep the rest of the glass to the side to use on another branch.
- Sprinkle fine iridescent glitter onto the branch, covering both sides.
- Allow to dry for several hours (or at least 1 hour).
- Your frosted branch is complete!
- Have fun making a whole bundle of icy branches and displaying them in a jar or vase.
Helpful Tips:
- Apply the “ice” first, glitter second: The glitter will stick to every bit of exposed glue, so you’ll get a much cleaner, icier look if you let the vase filler adhere first before adding the glitter frost.
- Start with clean branches: Make sure your branches are free of dirt and loose bark. A clean, dry surface gives the glue the best chance of sticking well and holding the crushed glass securely.
What glue is best for making frosted branches?
Tacky glue is the best choice because it’s thicker and dries in a way that helps the crushed glass grip firmly. Regular school glue tends to be too runny, drips everywhere, and doesn’t hold the “ice” as well.
What can I use to create an icy look on my snowy branches?
We used crushed glass decorative vase filler, which gives the most realistic ice-covered look. You can also use:
- Extra chunky clear glitter
- Rock salt or Epsom salts
- Fake snow
How can I add “ice” to branches that don’t lie flat?
When the branch doesn’t lie flat, it’s all about working in sections. Apply glue and crushed glass to one area at a time, then let it dry for 30 minutes to an hour before rotating the branch.
If a few small spots don’t get fully covered, that’s totally fine — once the branches are arranged together, you won’t even notice. But you can also cover the sparse areas with extra glitter to blend everything together.
These frosted branches add such a beautiful, icy touch to any space, and they’re surprisingly easy to make with just a few simple supplies!
Whether you’re decorating for the holidays or just love a bit of sparkle around your home, these branches create a magical, wintry look that feels cozy and elegant at the same time. Have fun creating your own shimmering branches and bringing a little winter wonder indoors!
Here’s even more winter craft ideas:
Now available
Low-Mess Crafts for Kids Book
72 cute and fun crafts that kids and parents alike can enjoy. All with as little mess as possible!
Where to buy:
You can purchase Low-Mess Crafts for Kids from Amazon, or wherever books are sold:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Amazon Canada
Leave a Reply